As the global population ages, the incidence of heart failure is rapidly rising, largely driven by the excessive growth of fibrotic tissue within the heart, known as fibrosis. A groundbreaking study from the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan has identified a key player in this process—an enzyme called protein kinase N (PKN)—which could unlock new avenues for treating heart failure.

The researchers discovered that PKN regulates the conversion of heart fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, a process that threatens the structural integrity of the heart. The study, led by Drs. Satoya Yoshida, Mikito Takefuji, and Toyoaki Murohara, demonstrated that deleting this enzyme in mice models significantly reduced cardiac dysfunction, indicating the potential of anti-PKN therapies in protecting heart failure patients.

Fibroblasts are small cells responsible for maintaining the structure of the heart. After an injury, these cells often convert into myofibroblasts, which aid in wound healing by producing fibrous connective tissues such as collagen and elastin. In patients with heart failure, however, this process becomes excessive, leading to the accumulation of tissue, a condition referred to as fibrosis. Fibrosis causes the heart tissue to stiffen, impairing its ability to function properly, thus increasing the risk of heart attack.

The team from Nagoya University focused on the role of PKN in this process. Collaborating with researchers at the Max Planck Institute, they discovered that PKN is involved in the signaling cascade that leads to the activation of heart fibroblasts. There are three forms of PKN in mammal cells—PKN1, PKN2, and PKN3—but the study zeroed in on PKN1 and PKN2 due to their presence in heart fibroblasts.

Through experiments involving mice that were genetically modified to lack PKN1 and PKN2, the team found a marked decrease in the expression of actin and collagen, proteins essential for tissue buildup in fibrosis. Additionally, these mice did not exhibit the conversion of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, indicating that targeting PKN could prevent fibrosis-related cardiac dysfunction.

While the study was conducted on mouse models, the researchers believe their findings have direct implications for human heart health. Dr. Yoshida commented, "Although our study was done in a mouse model, PKN expression has been demonstrated in human heart fibroblasts, so similar results are expected in human trials. Almost all heart diseases are closely linked to heart fibrosis, so we hope our findings will contribute to improving the prognosis for many heart diseases, especially heart failure."

Currently, there are no treatments specifically targeting PKN, but the research team hopes that their discovery will lead to the development of PKN inhibitors. Such inhibitors could represent a new class of treatment, helping to protect patients from the devastating effects of heart failure by preventing fibrosis.

Tips for Keeping Your Heart Healthy Every Day

While exciting breakthroughs in heart failure treatment are on the horizon, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is crucial for reducing your risk of heart disease. Here are some daily practices to help protect your heart:

1. Engage in moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 30 minutes a day.

2. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limiting your intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats is essential for heart health.

3. Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing.

4. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Seek support if you need help quitting.

5. Keep an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels to detect any early signs of heart disease.

In a promising step towards tackling the global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), researchers from the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), India, and Inria Saclay, France, have developed a powerful artificial intelligence (AI) tool. This new system is designed to help clinicians identify effective treatments for drug-resistant bacterial infections by repurposing existing antibiotics, potentially transforming infection management worldwide.

Understanding the Threat of AMR

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, making once-effective drugs useless. This growing issue threatens to turn minor infections like urinary tract infections or pneumonia into life-threatening conditions. The problem is especially severe in low- and middle-income countries, where over 70% of hospital-acquired infections are resistant to at least one widely used antibiotic.

Adding to the challenge is the slow pace of antibiotic development. Creating a new drug often takes over ten years and involves substantial financial investment. As a result, scientists and clinicians are increasingly looking to drug repurposing—finding new uses for existing medications—as a faster, more cost-effective solution.

How the AI Tool Works

To support this strategy, a team led by Dr. Emilie Chouzenoux from Inria Saclay and Dr. Angshul Majumdar from IIIT-Delhi has developed a hybrid machine learning algorithm that can recommend treatment alternatives for resistant infections. Other key team members include research engineer Stuti Jain and graduate students Kriti Kumar and Sayantika Chatterjee.

What sets this tool apart is its unique blend of clinical and molecular data. Instead of relying solely on rigid databases or predefined rules, the AI model learns from real-world treatment guidelines provided by top Indian hospitals. It then integrates this information with bacterial genomic data and the chemical structures of antibiotics to identify effective, lesser-known alternatives.

Tested Against Deadly Pathogens

The AI system was tested on several challenging pathogens known for their resistance to treatment:

• Klebsiella pneumoniae, which causes hospital-acquired pneumonia and bloodstream infections
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae, responsible for gonorrhea, which is increasingly difficult to treat
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis

In each case, the AI tool successfully recommended antibiotics that had either proven effectiveness or strong potential for repurposing. These results were validated by resistance data and clinical experts.

A Global Solution for a Global Problem

“This is an excellent example of how AI and international collaboration can come together to solve real-world medical challenges,” said Dr. Majumdar. He added that this approach makes better use of existing medical knowledge and enables quicker, smarter responses to the AMR crisis.

Designed for scalability, the AI system can be integrated into hospital networks or public health programs, especially in settings with limited diagnostic tools. It not only aids in timely treatment decisions but also supports responsible antibiotic use.

By linking clinical expertise with molecular science, this innovation marks a significant leap in the global fight against AMR—showcasing how collaborative, data-driven technologies can pave the way for better healthcare solutions.

The new variant of COVID-19 has hit parts of Asia, cases have surged in Hong Kong and Singapore, and Thailand too has reported new cases. Amid all this, in India too, health authorities are monitoring the cases closely. While the numbers remain low, as compared to previous wave of COVID-19, certain Indian cities have reported low, but significant surge in infections.

Two mild cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Gurgaon— a 62-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, both recently returned from Mumbai. District health officials, including Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alka Singh, assured that there’s no reason for alarm as both are in home isolation and recovering well.

“This is now an endemic. Many with symptoms may test positive, but there’s no cause for panic,” Dr. Singh told reporters on Thursday.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old security guard from Faridabad tested positive at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital during treatment for similar symptoms. None of the three individuals have recent foreign travel history or contact with known Covid-positive persons. Variant identification is pending further lab testing.

Maharashtra

In May, Mumbai has reported 95 new cases of COVID-19. This has put the state's total number to 106 since January. The data is corroborated by the Maharashtra Health Department.

Currently, at least 16 people are hospitalized, and most have been shifted from KEM Hospital to Seven Hills Hospital to curb the transmission. Authorities have also increased testing all patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) or with severe cute respiratory infection (SARI). The same patients are now being tested for COVID-19.

Pune too is on high alert, though there are no active cases at the moment. The municipal officials have reserved 50 beds at Naidu Hospital as a precautionary measure. Dr Nina Borade, who is the health chief at Pune Municipal Corporation said, "We had only one patient in May - an 87-year-old from Manjari - who has since fully recovered," as reported by TOI.

Dr Borade also noted that tests are not being conducted at any civic hospitals, however, the guidelines will be updated, as and when it is required.

Tamil Nadu

There has been a surge in cases in Tamil Nadu, with 12 new COVID-19 cases being reported in Puducherry. In Chennai too, doctors have reported a shift where fevers which were previously linked with influenza are now being linked to COVID-19.

There is also a rise of COVID-19 cases among viral cases, and many of the patients who may have been diagnosed with influenza A or B, are now being checked for COVID-19 cases.

TOI reported that the public health director Dr TS Selvavinayagam has told the public to not panic, however, he has urged them to remain cautious when in crowded spaces.

Karnataka

At this moment, Karnataka has confirmed 16 active cases of COVID-19. The data is corroborated by the state health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

ALSO READ: Covid Cases Surge In Singapore: What Do We Know About The New Variant On The Loose?

Gujarat

Seven cases as of now are detected in Ahmedabad. All these cases were detected on a single day, which made the city to witness an unusual spike in just one day, that has averaged just one cases per month over the past year.

The 7 patients are kept in home isolation, and authorities have sent their samples for genomic testing.

The state health officials on Thursday confirmed that among the 15 active cases in Gujarat, all of them are milder Omicron JN.1 variant.

Singapore And Hong Kong

As per the Ministry of Health, Singapore, the spike in cases is attributed to the new variant which may be on the loose - LF.7 and NB.1.8. These two are descendants of the JN.1 variant.

The cases have also spiked in Hong Kong. Thus Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said that the rising COVID activity reached a 1-year high and have urged people to take precautions and receive an initial dose of COVID vaccine as soon as possible.

The Ministry of Health, Singapore, informed, ""LF.7 and NB.1.8 are the main Covid-19 variants circulating in Signapore." They are the descendants of the JN.1 variant that is used in COVID-19 vaccines.

What are The Symptoms Of This New Variant?

The symptoms which are associated with this current Covid wave are a bit different from what we have seen before. While cough and sore throat are there, the symptoms also include nausea, vomiting, brain fog, and conjunctivitis.

The symptoms however are mild. The experts have for now asked people to monitor their health and seek medical attention in case it is required.

A new, not binding legally, 69-page long document was released on Thursday by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), titled Make America Healthy Again. The report revealed the health priorities of Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and has stirred debate across medical and agricultural communities. The report is expected to guide health policies during the remaining term of President Trump's term. The report has, as expected questioned vaccine safety, and brought the spotlight to the dangers of ultra processed foods.

Vaccine Under The Microscope

The report has called for heightened scrutiny of childhood vaccine schedule. It has also raised concerns about mandatory school vaccinations and the lack of placebo-based trials. While vaccines has been credited for a long time for eliminating deadly diseases like measles and polio, Kennedy has remained a vaccine skeptic. He has further suggested an investigation. As the US News also reports, this report has been criticized by Dr Amesh Adalja of Johns Hopkins for presenting a report without any scientific evidence that links vaccine to rising conditions like autism or obesity.

“It’s not as if they’re positing any kind of causal link,” Adalja said. “Kennedy is trying to devalue vaccines in the minds of Americans.”

The report also notes to limit access to COVID-19 shots.

Chemical Safety In Food

Farming chemicals, particularly glyphosate—a widely used herbicide—are another focal point. The report cites World Health Organization findings that label glyphosate a probable carcinogen, although the EPA disputes this. Critics, including the National Corn Growers Association, condemned the report for spreading fear without solid evidence.

Yet, MAHA supporters like Dave Murphy, as US News reported, argue the report doesn’t go far enough in addressing pesticide-related health issues, warning of potential political consequences if the concerns are overlooked.

Ultra-processed Foods and Poor Nutrition

The strongest health key point that the report highlights is the industry of ultra-processed foods. This accounts for about two-thirds of American children and teens' diets. These foods are rich in sugar, refined grains, and additives. They are linked with chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and many more. As the US News reports, Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian of Tufts University called the report a “pretty accurate depiction” of America’s nutrition crisis.

The report urges the National Institutes of Health to conduct wide-scale studies on these products. However, the call comes amid proposed budget cuts of $18 billion to NIH, raising concerns about how this research will be funded.

Physical Inactivity And Over Medication

Kennedy’s report also flags concerns about overprescription in children, including common medications like antibiotics and ADHD treatments. It argues that children are “overmedicated and undernourished,” and that even the use of everyday painkillers should be reconsidered.

Additionally, the report laments the declining levels of physical activity among American youth, framing it as a contributor to the rise in chronic disease.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins acknowledged the challenges of satisfying both health advocates and industry stakeholders. The report attempts to balance these perspectives, though some in the administration remain wary of adopting stricter regulations.