Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness that affects an individual by experiencing extreme mood fluctuations, such as episodes of depression and mania or hypomania (an elevated or irritable mood state). The impact on daily life, relationships, and productivity can be quite devastating for the person suffering from it, if not treated. Though the prevalence is 40 to 50 million worldwide, it remains undiagnosed for years in most patients due to its complex presentation and often being misdiagnosed as depression.

This condition is thought to have substantial genetic contributions, with estimated heritability of between 60 and 80%. However, for a long time, the challenge has been to isolate specific genes that play a role in its development as a result of a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.

For the first time ever, researchers, publishing in Nature, have discovered 36 genes whose presence is a strong indicator for bipolar disorder development. This significant, international, multi-center investigation was the biggest study of its kind to date, and helped shine a spotlight on the genetics behind bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is one of the more common mental health diseases and affects millions worldwide.

The study was conducted by the Bipolar Disorder Working Group under the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, which comprises more than 800 researchers from 40 countries. Among them were professionals from leading institutions such as IDIBAPS-Hospital Clínic and Hospital Vall d'Hebron in Spain.

The researchers used information from genome-wide association studies for a meta-analysis involving more than 158,000 patients suffering from bipolar disorder and 2.8 million control subjects, free of this condition. All six inhabited continents were represented with this dataset-an unprecedented size-owing to which significant insights into bipolar disorder's genetics architecture could finally be obtained.

The results provided 337 genome-wide significant (GWS) variants which are grouped into 298 distinct regions of the genome. This is four times the number reported so far in any previous study. Further advanced genetic mapping provided the researchers an opportunity to better narrow these variants down to about 36 genes that are strongly associated with the disorder.

One of the most striking findings was the genetic difference between the two main subtypes of bipolar disorder—type 1 and type 2. Type 1 bipolar disorder, with more severe manic episodes, showed a stronger genetic correlation with schizophrenia. In contrast, type 2 bipolar disorder, with less severe manic episodes (hypomania), showed a closer genetic relationship with major depressive disorder (MDD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Brain plasticity and signal transduction related variations were also seen to influence changes in neural circuitry as experienced in the development of the bipolar disorder; neurotransmitter signaling, notably in dopamine and serotonin, influences regulation of mood-which might directly be a player in these varied manifestations of this disorder.

This research involved participants of various ethnic and geographical backgrounds, thereby making the results more universally applicable than in most previous studies that were characterized by demographic homogeneity.

What Implications Does this Have with Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

"This study is a significant step forward in our knowledge of the genetic underpinnings of bipolar disorder," said Dr. Eduard Vieta, head of the Psychiatry Service at Hospital Clínic and a key author on the paper. "Over time, these findings will open up the possibility of developing new treatments and deepening our understanding of the mechanisms of the disorder."

The identification of such genes and markers may be helpful in making leaps in personalized medicine. Targeting those genes, it may be possible to develop therapy that is both more effective and matched to the patient's genetic makeup. Moreover, knowledge of genetic differences between the subtypes may help in making diagnoses more accurate and subtype-specific intervention.

Facts and Misconceptions About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a medical condition caused by biological imbalances, particularly involving genetic and neurochemical factors. It involves the limbic system of the brain, the site of emotional regulation. People suffering from the condition experience these functions to become abnormal and then suddenly change with no apparent environmental stimuli. Bipolar Disorder:

Despite its seriousness, myths abound. Bipolar disorder is not just a personality flaw, nor is it equivalent to dangerous or violent behavior. It is not a transient problem; rather, it requires life-long management through pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies.

Even though the disorder is based on biology, environmental and psychological factors can also be triggers for episodes. Intriguingly, both good and bad events in life-such as promotions or personal losses- can trigger episodes, indicating how complex the relationship between biology and external circumstances might be.

The identification of these 36 genes is the crucial step toward unlocking the mystery of bipolar disorder. With a deeper understanding of its genetic structure, researchers are paving the way for novel treatments that could change the face of the therapy.

Further, the attention mental health is gaining around the world is why researches such as this one are of paramount importance to address public health challenges through genetic research. This discovery, in due course of time and more research, can bring about a future where bipolar disorder will not only be better understood but also more effectively managed to improve the lives of millions across the globe.

The discovery of 36 genes associated with bipolar disorder is another milestone for mental health research. This kind of study bridges the gap between genetic findings and clinical applications, making hope real in terms of more targeted treatments and a deeper understanding of the condition. As science progresses, so does the potential to transform the landscape of mental health care, reducing stigma and improving outcomes for those living with bipolar disorder.

Genomics yields biological and phenotypic insights into bipolar disorder. Nature. 2025

In a controversial move that has rattled the U.S. medical community, federal health officials have severed ties with more than half a dozen major medical organizations from participating in government vaccine advisory workgroups.

The decision, communicated via email on Thursday, disinvites top experts from these groups from contributing to the workgroups that support the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a key body that guides the nation’s vaccination policies.

Organizations affected include the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and several others, many of whom have historically played a critical role in shaping vaccine guidelines.

“This is deeply concerning and distressing,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a renowned vaccine expert from Vanderbilt University who has been involved with ACIP workgroups for decades. “Removing these organizations will likely create conflicting messages about vaccine guidance. Patients might hear one thing from the government and another from their personal doctors.”

Longstanding Collaboration Ends Abruptly

For years, the ACIP has relied on a structured system where experts from various medical and scientific fields evaluate vaccine data and help draft recommendations. These recommendations, once approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), often inform clinical practice and determine insurance coverage.

But according to an email obtained by Bloomberg and confirmed by federal officials on Friday, the medical organizations are now being sidelined on the grounds that they are “special interest groups” and are assumed to carry a “bias” due to the populations they serve.

Dr. Schaffner defended the former system, highlighting how professional organizations offered practical insights on how recommendations could be realistically implemented in clinical settings. Importantly, all members were subject to conflict-of-interest vetting, ensuring objective guidance, he added.

Health Secretary Kennedy’s Sweeping Changes

This latest shake-up follows an earlier, unprecedented move in June when U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abruptly dismissed the entire ACIP panel, accusing it of being too closely aligned with vaccine manufacturers. Kennedy, a former leader in the anti-vaccine movement, has since appointed several known vaccine skeptics to the new committee.

Among the organizations removed from the workgroup process are the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Geriatrics Society, American Osteopathic Association, National Medical Association, and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

In a joint statement released Friday, the AMA and several of the disinvited organizations denounced the decision, calling it “irresponsible” and “dangerous to our nation’s health.” The statement warned that excluding their medical expertise “will further undermine public and clinician trust in vaccines.”

The groups urged the administration to reverse the decision, emphasizing the importance of transparency and collaboration in public health decision-making.

Lawsuit and Fallout

Several of the ousted organizations had previously criticized Kennedy’s overhaul of the ACIP. Last month, three of them joined a lawsuit challenging the government’s decision to halt COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for most children and pregnant women, a policy shift that has been widely criticized by public health experts.

Meanwhile, newly appointed ACIP member Retsef Levi, a professor of business management with no formal medical background, defended the administration's direction on social media. Levi wrote that future workgroups would “engage experts from an even broader set of disciplines,” and claimed that membership would be based on “merit & expertise, not organizational affiliations with conflicts of interest.”

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not yet disclosed which experts will replace the disinvited members or when the new workgroups will begin operating.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is assessing a potential travel notice for China following a sharp rise in cases of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral infection that has sparked public health alarms in southern China, as reported by the Independent and the South China Morning Post.

Nearly 5,200 infections have been reported in the Guangdong province since early July, with most of them concentrated in the city of Foshan. Health officials there have since escalated their emergency response to a level III alert, which signals a “relatively major” public health threat in China’s four-tier system.

While the CDC has not yet published a formal advisory, a spokesperson told The Independent that the agency is “aware of the reported chikungunya outbreak in Guangdong Province in China and is currently assessing the size and extent of the outbreak.”

What is chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, the same mosquito species responsible for dengue and Zika. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of fever and joint pain, but may also include headache, muscle pain, swelling, and rash.

Although most cases are mild and self-limiting, some infections can lead to prolonged joint pain or, in rare cases, long-term complications. Serious outcomes are more likely among those with pre-existing health conditions. There are no antiviral treatments available, so prevention, particularly mosquito control and bite avoidance, remains the primary approach.

Vaccines against chikungunya have recently become available and are recommended for travelers to high-risk areas, although they are not yet widely accessible.

According to local health authorities in Foshan, around 95% of reported cases have been mild, with patients recovering within a week. However, the outbreak’s rapid spread has raised concern among international health bodies.

Global spread and WHO alert

The outbreak in China follows a global pattern of chikungunya resurgence. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert last week warning of the risk of the virus repeating its global spread from two decades ago. Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer with WHO, said that nearly 5.6 billion people across 119 countries live in areas where the virus could potentially spread.

Chikungunya was first identified in 1952 in Tanzania and has since been detected in more than 110 countries, including major outbreaks in India, Italy, and the Americas. The virus is not spread from person to person; instead, it is carried by mosquitoes that have fed on infected individuals and then pass it to others.

The concern is not just local: international travel plays a key role in how the virus crosses borders. Infected travelers returning to or visiting countries with mosquito populations capable of transmitting the virus can trigger new outbreaks.

China’s response: Mosquito control and surveillance

The first case in this outbreak was reported in Foshan’s Shunde district on July 8 and was believed to be imported. Since then, local and national health authorities have moved quickly to contain the spread.

Measures taken include the use of drones to detect rooftop water accumulation, the release of larva-eating fish into lakes, and widespread public awareness campaigns. Residents have been urged to eliminate standing water, install window screens, and wear protective clothing.

Hospitals in affected areas have increased bed capacity for confirmed cases and designated specialized treatment centres. Border controls have been stepped up in Hong Kong to prevent imported cases from mainland China, with expanded testing capabilities introduced at key entry points.

CDC travel warnings: What it means for travelers

The CDC’s travel health notices are used to inform travelers about global disease risks and provide precautionary guidelines. The warning system has four levels, ranging from “practice usual precautions” (Level 1) to “avoid all travel” (Level 4).

As of now, China has only a Level 1 travel health notice for measles. However, the CDC has issued Level 2 notices for chikungunya in several countries including Bolivia, Kenya, and Madagascar in recent months.

If the CDC decides to escalate China’s status, it would be a significant development, both in terms of travel planning and diplomatic perception.

US–China tension and public health

The potential issuance of a travel notice also comes against the backdrop of complex US–China relations. While the CDC’s move would be grounded in public health data, the optics of a travel warning could have broader implications.

On Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to the reports, saying that China is in communication with the WHO and “making every effort to ensure a safe environment for travelers.”

The WHO has not issued any travel restrictions related to the outbreak but continues to monitor the situation closely.

A word of caution for travelers

With mosquito-borne diseases on the rise globally, driven by climate change, urbanization, and increased mobility, health experts advise travelers to stay informed and take preventive measures.

“Mosquito control is key,” said an official from the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection. “Simple actions like using insect repellent, sleeping under mosquito nets, and avoiding stagnant water can go a long way in preventing infection.”

As global health agencies monitor the chikungunya outbreak in China, travelers to affected areas should remain vigilant and stay updated with official advisories. Prevention remains the best protection in the face of a disease with no cure.

August is known as the Hair Loss Awareness Month and the first Saturday of this month is known as the International Alopecia Day.

Hair loss is a common concern, affecting over 85% of men, 55% of women, and between 15–38% of adolescents at some point in their lives. For those with advanced or long-lasting alopecia, the emotional and social impact can be profound.

Baldness has been linked to significant declines in mental health and quality of life, with higher rates of anxiety, depression, stress, and reduced self-esteem.

What Is Alopecia?

It is a term used for hair loss that affects the scalp or even the entire body, temporarily or permanently. Alopecia can happen due to variety of reasons, including heredity, hormonal changes, and medical conditions, or as simple as normal aging.

Aim of Alopecia Day

The day aims to form a community of those who experience this autoimmune disease.

Origin of International Alopecia Day

International Alopecia Day was initiated by American activist Lynn W. Walker in 2011. She herself lives with a diagnosis of alopecia totalis and created this day to unite people with similar experiences, reduce stigma, and highlight beauty and strength regardless of the presence of hair.

Theme of Alopecia Day 2025

This year's theme as per Alopecia UK is, 'Strength in Numbers', which urges more and more people to join the International Alopecia community and to do away with the shame of hair loss and form a support group, across the world.

Alopecia And Its Kinds

As per the National Library of Medicines, US, alopecia refers to the loss or absence of hair in areas where it normally grows. It can be localized or widespread, temporary or permanent, and affects people of all ages and genders. As a symptom with diverse underlying causes, alopecia is generally categorized into two main types: nonscarring (the most common) and scarring (cicatricial).

For many patients, hair loss leads to significant emotional distress and a reduced quality of life. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough history, physical examination, and targeted investigations to identify the root cause and guide effective treatment. Managing alopecia can be challenging, but this overview outlines key assessment and treatment approaches for the most common forms to support better outcomes.

Forms of alopecia

There are several main types of alopecia, including:

alopecia areata: an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss, often in small, round patches on the scalp, but it can occur anywhere on the body

alopecia totalis: complete loss of scalp hair

alopecia universalis: hair loss over the entire body

androgenetic alopecia: hereditary baldness

Ways You Can Participate In International Alopecia Day

• Learn and share knowledge about alopecia
• Participate in activities for Alopecia Day
• Embrace the symbol by wearing blue
• Share you story to build a support group
• If you are a doctor, you can also advocate for the right alopecia treatment
• Contribute financially to alopecia research and awareness groups
• Volunteer to help spread alopecia awareness
• Raise voice against bullying, as many people are bullied due to their hair loss