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

As per the latest data from the Union Health Ministry, India has crossed the 6,000 mark for total COVID-19 cases. 796 new cases were also reported in more than last 48 hours. As per the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), among these cases, 163 are from the newly emerging COVID-19 variant XFG.

What Is The XFG Variant?

As per a June 2025 Lancet Report, the recombinant XFG variant originates from LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 and harbours four key spike mutations including His445Arg, Asn487Asp, Gln493Glu, and Thr572Ile and has achieved rapid global spread following its initial detection in Canada.

The Lancet study also reveals that it is a descendant of the Omicron subvariant of the Coronavirus.

The XFG variant also displays “strong immune evasion,” which allows the virus to survive and spread as it manages to evade the body’s natural defences.

As of now, the new variant has been detected in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Who Could Be The Worst Affected?

Several groups in India face a higher risk during spikes in respiratory infections. These include older adults, people with underlying conditions such as heart disease, lung disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity, as well as those with weakened immune systems like cancer patients and transplant recipients. Pregnant women, due to physiological changes, and children under five—particularly those who are unvaccinated—are also more vulnerable.

Health experts recommend that individuals in these categories take extra precautions: wear masks in public places, avoid crowded settings, stay indoors when possible, and maintain regular hand hygiene.

What Is The Plan Of Action?

Hospitals have been instructed to follow the updated ABC Guidelines 03, released in June 2023, for managing patients showing symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza. Anyone with signs of ILI (Influenza-Like Illness), ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection), or SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) must be tested. If a Rapid Antigen Test is negative, an RT-PCR test is mandatory. The health department has also directed that district RT-PCR testing facilities be used to their full capacity.

Though the preventive measures are not new, their importance has been renewed. Respiratory viruses often follow seasonal patterns, bringing repeated waves of infection. People with symptoms—or those at high risk—are strongly advised to avoid crowded, closed, and poorly ventilated spaces such as public transport, offices, malls, and theatres, particularly if not wearing a mask. While rapid testing is easily accessible in cities, limited access in rural areas highlights the need for wider distribution.

What Is Happening Globally?

On May 28, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a global rise in SARS-CoV-2 activity, based on data from its Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. Since mid-February, test positivity rates have been climbing steadily, reaching 11 per cent—levels last seen in July 2024.

The surge is most noticeable in the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific regions, driven by emerging subvariants such as LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. Among these, NB.1.8.1 has drawn special attention and has been classified by WHO as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). By late April, 518 sequences of NB.1.8.1 had been reported from 22 countries, making up 10.7 per cent of global submissions.

While NB.1.8.1 appears to spread more easily, current evidence shows no increase in disease severity. Reported symptoms remain familiar—sore throat, fever with chills, nasal congestion, fatigue, and headache.

Shocking to many, expected for more, the US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr on Monday removed every member of a scientific committee that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how to use vaccines. He has also pledged to replace them with his own picks.

This is the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), from where 17 members have been removed. This step has been criticized by many physicians and public health groups.

It may come as a shock to many, but in all fairness, it was known that Kennedy was among the nation's leading anti-vaccine activists before he became the nation's top health official. While he has revealed that the members will be his own pick, he has not said who would he appoint. However, as per reports, this should convene in two week in Atlanta. It is also important to note that the entire roster of committee members were in fact, Biden appointees.

In an opinion piece published in the Wall Street Journal, Kennedy wrote: “Without removing the current members, the current Trump administration would not have been able to appoint a majority of new members until 2028. A clean sweep s needed to re-establish public confidence in vaccine science."

The reports say that the former panel members received an email on a late Monday afternoon that said that their services had been terminated without any reason. Many of whom had not served a full term.

While his steps are being criticized, they must not be seen as a shock as Kennedy had already taken the unusual step of changing COVID-19 recommendations without first consulting the committee.

As per Kennedy, the committee members had too many conflict of interests. However, as the US News reports, Dr Tom Frieden, who is the president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives and former director of CDC said that Kennedy's actions were based on false conflict of interest claims and that they set a "dangerous and unprecedented action that makes our families less safe". As this step can significantly reduce vaccine access to many people.

“Make no mistake: Politicizing the ACIP as Secretary Kennedy is doing will undermine public trust under the guise of improving it,” he said in a statement. “We’ll look back at this as a grave mistake that sacrificed decades of scientific rigor, undermined public trust, and opened the door for fringe theories rather than facts.”

ALSO READ: What Are The Key Takeaways From RFK Jr.'s CDC Press Conference On Autism Report?

RFK Jr.'s Past Remarks On Vaccines

In a podcast interview, he said, "There is no vaccine that is safe and effective" and told FOX News that he still believes in the now long-debunked idea that vaccines can cause autism. In another 2021 podcast, he urged people to "resist" CDC guidelines on getting their kids vaccinated. "I see somebody on a hiking trail carrying a little baby and I say to him, better not get them vaccinated," he said.

His non-profit also led an anti-vax campaign sticker and he appeared next on the screen to a sticker that read: "If you are not an anti-vaxxer you are not paying attention," reports AP. He told the FOX News that "autism comes from vaccine". However, vaccination has indeed saved more lives.

After taking the charge of the office, Dr Peter Marks, one of the top US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s leaders and scientist in vaccine regulation had also been ousted. Several sources have also reported that his resignation was not voluntary, in fact he was reportedly told to 'resign or get fired'.

Stay Updated On CDC and RFK Jr. Here

The Unites States reported 122 new cases of measles last week, which has brought the national total to 1,168 in 2025. This data is released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the outbreaks in Pennsylvania and Michigan have officially ended, others across North America continue to unfold, including in parts of Texas, New Mexico, and Canada.

Resurgence of a Vaccine-preventable Disease

Measles is caused by a highly contagious airborne virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or even breathing near an infected person. It had been declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000 thanks to widespread vaccination efforts. However, recent declines in vaccination rates and increased international travel have led to a resurgence. The disease can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death, especially in unvaccinated individuals.

The best defense against measles remains the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, typically administered in two doses during early childhood. Yet, the U.S. has seen a growing number of vaccine exemptions, which health experts say undermine community immunity.

Texas Update

Texas experienced the country’s largest outbreak this year, with 742 cases reported across 35 counties. Most were concentrated in Gaines County, where a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community accounted for more than half of the state’s total cases. Two unvaccinated children — aged six and eight — died in separate incidents earlier this year.

As of this week, fewer than 10 individuals in Texas are estimated to still be infectious. State health officials will now provide updates weekly instead of daily, suggesting the worst of the outbreak may be over.

Active Outbreaks In Other States

As per CDC if a state reports three or more related cases, it would be defined as an outbreak:

• New Mexico has reported 81 total cases and one death. Most are in Lea County.
• Oklahoma has 15 confirmed and three probable cases, though locations remain undisclosed.
• Colorado has logged 12 cases, including a seven-case outbreak tied to a Turkish Airlines flight in May.
• Illinois reports eight cases in its southern region and two in Cook County.
• Kansas has 71 cases, mostly in Gray County.
• Montana, facing its first outbreak in 35 years, has 17 cases.
• North Dakota now has 34 cases, all among unvaccinated individuals.
• Ohio has reported 34 cases in two separate outbreaks.
• Canada and Mexico See Major Outbreaks Too

Canada’s Ontario province has seen the longest outbreak in North America, with 2,009 cases and one death in a baby with congenital measles. Alberta has 761 cases. In Mexico, the state of Chihuahua reported 1,940 cases and four deaths.

Symptoms and Treatment

Measles symptoms start with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a spreading rash. Complications can be severe, especially for young children and immunocompromised individuals. There is no specific antiviral treatment; care typically focuses on symptom management and avoiding further spread.