Strand Life Sciences has introduced CancerSpot, a blood-based test designed for the early detection of multiple cancers. This innovative test uses genome sequencing—a technique used to map out DNA—for early detection of cancer. Interestingly, Cancerspot is developed with data from Indian cohorts and its applicability spans global ethnicities, offering a non-invasive solution for routine cancer screening.

Dr. Ramesh Hariharan, CEO and Co-Founder of Strand Life Sciences, explained, "CancerSpot employs advanced methylation profiling technology to identify tumor DNA fragments in a blood sample. This technique enables us to pinpoint the top two potential organs where cancer might be developing."

Cancer Spot Can Detect Cancer Before Symptoms Appear

According to Dr Hariharan, Cancerspot can detect cancer even before its symptoms appear. "If you wait for symptoms, there is a chance that it could be too late. Early warning is the key to winning the battle against cancer," he said. However, for that people need to be aware and be proactive in getting regular screenings. He explained that all medical guidelines say that women, in risk-prone age, should go through monthly regular mammograms, even if there are no symptoms. The success of Cancerspot depends upon the early detection, which is dependent on only two things—awareness and education.

"The average age for cancer diagnosis is now falling below 50, which highlights the need for individuals in high-risk brackets to begin routine screenings. However, there is often natural resistance to these tests—after all, who wants to undergo a potentially painful process?," said Dr Hariharan.

Aim To Make CancerSpot Accessible To EveryoneWith further research, we’ve already seen significant progress over the past few years, and much more is on the horizon. What was once unknown—requiring costly tests in the range of Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000—could soon be reduced to Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, making it more accessible. "Ultimately, the widespread adoption of these medicals advancements depends on younger generations. At the end, increased usage and demand will pave the way for the costs of CancerSpot coming down eventually, " Mr Nilesh Modi, Chairman's Office, Reliance Industries Limited said.

India ranks third after China and the United States in number of cancer cases. As per data by Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), one in nine people in India are likely to develop cancer in his/her lifetime. Lung and breast cancers were the leading sites of cancer in males and females, respectively. GLOBOCAN predicted that cancer cases in India would increase to 2.08 million, accounting for a rise of 57.5 per cent in 2040 from 2020. Isha Ambani Piramal, Member of the Board at Reliance Industries, said that cancer in India is a growing health crisis, creating a profound burden on patients and communities.

The announcement coincided with the inauguration of Strand Life Sciences' new Genomics Diagnostics & Research Centre in Bengaluru. This 33,000-square-foot facility features state-of-the-art genomics laboratories equipped with cutting-edge sequencing technologies to advance research and diagnostics. Dr Charles Cantor, a renowned genomics expert and former professor at Columbia University, UC Berkeley, and Boston University, inaugurated the center, which aims to drive the CancerSpot program further.

Northern Europe is grappling with an intense early summer heatwave this weekend, with authorities in the United Kingdom and France issuing health alerts as temperatures soar well above seasonal norms.

The UK Met Office has forecasted highs of 34°C (93°F) in parts of eastern England on Saturday, marking a dramatic 12°C (22°F) increase above average for this time of year. The heat is part of a broader pattern affecting much of northern and western Europe, where unseasonably hot weather has settled in following a week of rising temperatures.

In France, the heat is even more severe. Meteo France, the national weather service, has predicted temperatures will reach 38°C (100°F) in parts of the western and southern regions of the country — particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations.

Heat Health Alerts Issued Across England

Responding to the escalating heat, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have jointly issued an amber heat health alert for the whole of England, in place through Monday morning. The alert specifically targets increased risks for older adults, especially those aged 65 and above, as well as individuals with chronic heart and lung conditions.

“Heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions,” said Dr. Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme event health protection at the UKHSA. “It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbors who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.”

Authorities are urging people to stay hydrated, avoid physical exertion during peak sunlight hours, and remain indoors where possible. The UK has increasingly been experiencing heatwaves in recent years, a trend that scientists say is likely to intensify due to climate change.

France Warns: No One Is Immune to the Heat

Meteo France has echoed similar concerns in its alerts for western and central France. The agency has cautioned that the current heatwave can pose health risks not only for vulnerable populations but also for healthy individuals, especially those exposed to prolonged sun or engaged in physical activity.

“Everyone is at risk, even healthy people,” the agency warned, underlining the importance of recognizing the early signs of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and dehydration.

Real-Time Impact: Paris Air Show Attendees Seek Shade

The impact of the scorching temperatures was visible earlier this week at the Paris Air Show, held at Le Bourget airport north of the French capital. Aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals attending the event were seen clustering in the shade of aircraft wings — including that of a Boeing 777 — to escape the heat, as the mercury hovered in the low 30s°C (mid-80s°F).

The image has become symbolic of how Europe’s iconic summer events are being reshaped by climate extremes, with rising heat affecting not only public health but also tourism and outdoor activities.

Cooler Weather Expected Next Week

According to British forecasters, Saturday is expected to mark the peak of the heatwave. Temperatures are forecast to dip slightly on Sunday, followed by a gradual return to more typical early-summer levels by midweek.

While the immediate heat threat may ease in a few days, public health agencies are urging people not to drop their guard. “Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more intense,” Dr. Sousa warned, “and our response must adapt accordingly.”

Premade chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger have been recalled following a multi-state listeria outbreak that has led to 17 illnesses, three deaths, and one pregnancy loss, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

What’s Behind the Outbreak?

The affected products were made by FreshRealm, a Texas-based food company. FSIS reports that the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes linked to the outbreak was found during routine testing at a FreshRealm facility in March 2025. Investigators are still working to determine whether a specific ingredient in the Alfredo meals caused the contamination.

So far, cases have been reported across 13 states between August 2024 and May 2025.

Which Products Were Recalled?

The recall involves chicken Alfredo meals sold at Walmart under the Marketside brand and at Kroger under the Home Chef brand. Specific items include:

• 32.8-ounce trays of “Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine”

(Best-by date: June 27, 2025, or earlier)

• 12.3-ounce trays of “Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli”

(Best-by date: June 26, 2025, or earlier)

• 12.5-ounce trays of “Home Chef Heat & Eat Grilled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo”

(Best-by date: June 19, 2025, or earlier)

Consumers can check for establishment numbers Est. P-50784, Est. P-47770, or Est. P-47718 inside the USDA inspection mark on the packaging. Only these specific products are part of the recall. Other FreshRealm meals are not affected, CNN reported.

What You Should Do

FSIS warns that contaminated meals may still be in home refrigerators or freezers. If you purchased any of these recalled products, do not eat them. Instead, throw them away or return them to the store where they were bought.

To protect against illness, premade meals like these should always be heated to at least 165°F. Using a food thermometer is the only way to ensure the food reaches a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria, including listeria.

What Is Listeria?

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria are bacteria or germs that can contaminate many food and those who eat can get infected with the bacteria. CDC mentions that it is rare, however, could be serious, though there exists steps to prevent this infection.

It is a foodborne illness caused by the bacteria L. monocytogenes. Symptoms include fever, chills, and headache. It can cause invasive illness and intestinal illness. It is also the third leading cause of deaths from foodborne illness in the US, with 1,600 people infected each year, out of which 260 die. It is especially dangerous for:

• Pregnant women: may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery
• Older adults
• People with weakened immune systems

Symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion or loss of balance
• Convulsions

If you're in a high-risk group and experience symptoms within two months of consuming a recalled product, seek medical care immediately and mention possible listeria exposure. The illness is typically treated with antibiotics.

Yoga is more than just a form of exercise—it’s a way of life. Rooted in India’s ancient spiritual traditions, yoga nurtures the body, sharpens the mind, and uplifts the soul. On June 21 each year, the world unites to celebrate International Yoga Day, recognizing the profound and lasting impact of this holistic discipline on global well-being.

Theme of 2025: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”

The theme for International Yoga Day 2025 is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”. As we mark the 11th year of this global celebration, the theme emphasizes the interconnectedness between planetary health and human well-being. It underscores the role of yoga in creating a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle that nurtures both our inner world and the environment around us.

Why This Theme Matters

At a time when the planet is grappling with climate change, rising mental health concerns, and lifestyle-related diseases, this theme reinforces the idea that personal wellness and ecological balance go hand in hand. Yoga encourages conscious living, reduced consumption, and mindfulness—all of which are key to healing both people and the planet.

Why International Yoga Day Is Celebrated

The purpose of International Yoga Day is to raise awareness about the many benefits of practising yoga. In a world grappling with stress, sedentary lifestyles, and disconnection from nature, yoga offers a much-needed balance. It brings together physical strength, mental clarity, emotional resilience, and spiritual peace—making it a truly integrative practice for modern life.

How It Came to Be

The idea for an international day to celebrate yoga was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech at the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014. He described yoga as an “invaluable gift” from India’s ancient tradition, highlighting its role in promoting harmony between mind and body, and between humanity and nature.

The proposal received overwhelming support—175 member states co-sponsored the resolution, and on December 11, 2014, the UN officially declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga. The first celebration was held on June 21, 2015, in New Delhi, where nearly 36,000 people from 84 countries participated, setting two Guinness World Records.

Why June 21?

The date June 21 was chosen for its symbolic significance—it is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This day is considered auspicious in many cultures and marks a transition to a more spiritually aware phase in the yogic tradition. It reflects the harmony between nature and human life, perfectly aligning with yoga’s core principles.

How India is Celebrating in 2025

This year, India is hosting 10 signature events, with ‘Yoga Sangam’ as the flagship initiative showcasing mass yoga demonstrations at 1,00,000 locations nationwide. Other events such as Yoga Bandhan, Harit Yoga, and Yoga Mahakumbh reflect the diversity of yoga practices and their relevance in different aspects of daily life.