The human eye has long been considered a window to the soul, but modern science reveals its potential for being a diagnostic window toward our health. Researchers have already discovered that in the retina – the light-sensitive layer at the back of the human eye – resides an intricate network of blood vessels that can foretell crucial elements about a person's risk to stroke. This finding is a non-invasive and accessible approach to predicting stroke, hence challenging the dependency on the classic risk factors alone, such as high cholesterol or blood pressure. Recent research published in the journal Heart identified a "vascular fingerprint" in the retina, comprising 29 indicators of blood vessel health.

This fingerprint can predict the likelihood of a stroke with accuracy comparable to conventional methods. These indicators include characteristics like the density, twistedness, and complexity of retinal veins and arteries, which mirror the vascular architecture of the brain.

This innovative approach is particularly promising for primary healthcare settings and resource-constrained environments, where invasive lab tests may not be feasible. The potential to assess stroke risk through a simple retinal scan marks a significant leap in preventive medicine.

The researchers, who include those from The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Australia, analyzed fundus images, which are specialized photographs of the retina from more than 68,000 participants in the UK Biobank dataset. Over an average follow-up period of 12.5 years, 749 of those participants had a stroke.

The researchers used advanced machine learning models, such as the Retina-based Microvascular Health Assessment System (RMHAS), to study 30 indicators in five key categories of retinal vascular architecture.

These categories included calibre, which measured the length, diameter, and ratio of veins and arteries; density, which focused on the distribution of blood vessels in the retina; twistedness, analyzing the curvature and patterns of the vascular network; branching angle, which examined how veins and arteries split into smaller branches; and complexity, which evaluated the overall intricacy of the vascular network. In the study, age, sex, socioeconomic status, lifestyle habits, and health parameters, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels, were taken into account to ensure that the findings were robust. The analysis showed that 29 out of 118 retinal vascular indicators are significantly associated with first-time stroke risk.

Changes in density indicators corresponded to 10-19% increased risks of stroke; alterations in calibre indicators were accompanied by a 10-14% increase. Other studies have suggested that decreases in complexity and twistedness indicators corresponded to a 10.5-19.5% higher risk of stroke. These data support the retinal imaging non-invasive diagnostic tool for prediction of early stroke.

Amazingly, the retinal vascular fingerprint alone, in combination with only age and sex, was as good at predicting stroke risk as traditional methods that rely on invasive tests.

How the Retina is Connected to your Brain

Retinal blood vessels bear anatomical and physiological resemblance to those in the brain. Given this, it is an attractive organ for understanding the systemic health of the vasculature. Many diseases, for example, which damage blood vessels throughout the body, leave evidence in the retinal microvascular network. Diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy are examples.

The study does have several limitations with this being an observational research, and so it cannot claim to establish any cause-and-effect relationships. The research was also primarily conducted on whites, which makes the findings a little less generalizable to a diverse population. Future studies would be better in including a range of ethnicities and exploring the risk of stroke associated with the type of stroke.

Simple Method To Detect Stroke Risk

Traditional stroke risk assessment is often confined to blood studies and imaging studies; however, these tools are not freely available in some low-resource settings. Retinal photography provides a completely non-invasive imaging modality. All that will be needed will be a basic photograph of an eye.

It is, therefore, through the introduction of artificial intelligence that has been a game-changer in retinal imaging. Systems like RMHAS rely on machine learning to pick out patterns and biomarkers that the human eye might not identify. Such improvements not only enhance predictive accuracy but also speed up the process while making it more cost-effective.

Also Read: 3 Shocking Stroke Risk Factors You Need To Control NOW

Prevention of Stroke through Early Detection

Stroke is one of the leading global health concerns, causing nearly 100 million cases a year and killing 6.7 million people. The majority of the cases are due to modifiable risk factors, including high blood pressure, poor diet, and smoking. The early warning system could help individuals and healthcare providers act proactively on these risks by providing an early warning system.

The discovery of the vascular fingerprint of the retina as a predictor of stroke risk is a testament to the power of innovative diagnostics. This non-invasive, accessible method may revolutionize stroke prevention, especially in underserved communities. As research continues to refine this approach and broaden its applicability, the eye may soon become an essential tool in safeguarding our brain health.

Every Day Tips to Prevent Stroke and Detect Risks Early

The good news is that strokes can be prevented in most cases by living a healthy lifestyle, coupled with knowing the early warning indicators. Implement these tips daily and prevent your risk for stroke before it gets too late.

- High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for stroke. Uncontrolled hypertension can weaken blood vessels, making them more prone to rupture or blockage. Invest in a home blood pressure monitor to check your readings regularly. Maintain a target of 120/80 mmHg by reducing salt intake, staying physically active, and adhering to prescribed medications.

- Unhealthy eating habits, such as diets with high levels of processed foods, saturated fats, and cholesterol, can lead to obesity and blocked arteries. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats is key. Include leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fish high in omega-3s, which help maintain cardiovascular health.

- Regular physical activity lowers the risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, three leading causes of stroke. Try to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week. Examples include brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Also incorporate strength training to help strengthen your blood vessels.

- Smoking harms your blood vessels, promotes blood clots, and reduces the oxygen in your blood. Overconsumption of alcohol can raise your blood pressure and lead to weight gain. Quit smoking with support groups, counseling, or nicotine replacement therapy. Limit your intake of alcohol to moderate levels; that is, one drink a day for women and two for men.

- Unmanaged conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and atrial fibrillation, significantly increase stroke risk. Work with your healthcare provider to monitor and manage these conditions. For example, maintain blood sugar levels within target ranges for diabetes and take anticoagulants if diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.

- Obesity strains the cardiovascular system and increases the risk for stroke. Have a healthy diet along with regular exercise to have a sustainable weight loss. Small, consistent changes in, say, portion control or simply not having too many sugary drinks may make a big difference.

- As a result of this, dehydration could thicken blood, then clots might form. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. Include hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon in your diet, especially during hot weather or exercise.

- Poor sleep quality increases blood pressure, triggers inflammation, and raises stroke risk. Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep at night. Develop a bedtime routine: reduce screen time, have a regular schedule, and avoid caffeine close to bedtime.

- Acting fast during a stroke can prevent long-term damage and save lives. Learn the FAST acronym:

F: Face drooping

A: Arm weakness

S: Difficulty speaking T: Time to call 911

- Regular medical check-ups can identify and manage stroke risk factors before they lead to a stroke. Make an annual physical to track cholesterol, blood pressure, and other essential health markers. If you have a family history of stroke, discuss retinal imaging or carotid artery screening with your physician.

Retinal vascular fingerprints predict incident stroke: findings from the UK Biobank cohort study. Heart. 2025

One child in India dies every nine minutes from an infection caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as it becomes one of the top 10 global public health threats, experts warn.

Dr HB Veena Kumari of the Department of Neuromicrobiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, claims: "The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly contributed to rising antimicrobial resistance. The World Health Organisation projects that 10 million deaths will occur annually by 2025."

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria in the body learns to withstand and remain unaffected by the medicines (antibiotics) meant to kill them.

In such cases, doctors have to switch to different antibiotics, but these backup medicines might not work as well or might cause more side effects. Additionally, infections may also worsen over time as bacteria can become resistant to all available drugs.

Alarmingly is that these tough, drug-resistant bacteria can spread from one person to another, both in hospitals and at home.

According to Dr TS Balganesh, Gangagen Biotechnologies, nearly 36 percent of haemodialysis patients die from fatal infections, which is second only to cardiovascular diseases as a cause of death.

He tells Deccan Herald: "The risk for infective endocarditis in haemodialysis patients is approximately 18 times higher than in the general population and up to 58 percent of these episodes are caused by a bacteria named 'S aureus', with an in-hospital mortality of more than 50 percent."

What Does WHO Say?

One out of every six serious infections confirmed in labs worldwide last year could not be killed by the antibiotics meant to treat them.

Between 2018 and 2023, the problem of antibiotics failing (called resistance) got much worse. For many common types of germs, resistance went up by 5% to 15% every year. The growing inability of these essential medicines to work is a huge threat to people everywhere.

Which Antibiotics Are People Becoming Resistant To?

The WHO's latest report is the most detailed look yet at this issue. It reports on how much resistance exists across 22 different antibiotics, which include common drugs used to treat everyday illnesses. The report focused on eight common types of bacteria that cause things like:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Stomach and intestinal infections
• Dangerous blood infections
• Gonorrhoea

Additionally, Dr Obaidur Rahman of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital has also warned that the country’s casual use of Azithromycin, sold under brand names such as Zithromax, Azee and Zmax, has worsened its effectiveness and pushed India closer to a major public health challenge.

A drug often prescribed for sore throats and upper respiratory tract infections, Dr Rahman noted that Azithromycin was once effective against Mycoplasma Pneumonia, a bacterium responsible for pneumonia in adults and children.

READ MORE: India’s New Antibiotic in 30 Years Offers Hope Against Antibacterial-Resistant Infections

However, this is no longer the case as India now shows an alarming 80 to 90 percent resistance to the drug when treating infections caused by this bacterium. A medicine that once addressed a wide range of respiratory problems is no longer reliable for many patients.

The surgeon has since urged people to avoid taking antibiotics without proper medical advice. Most seasonal respiratory infections resolve on their own, and unnecessary drugs only add to the resistance problem.

Supreme Court on Friday declared the right to menstrual health as part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court issued a slew of directions to ensure that every school provides biodegradable sanitary napkins free of cost to adolescent girls. The guidelines also ensured that schools must be equipped with functional and hygienic gender-segregated toilets. The Court directed the pan-India implementation of the Union's national policy, 'Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-going Girls' in schools for adolescent girl children from Classes 6-12.

Read: Menopause Clinics Explained: Latest Launch By Maharashtra And Kerala Government

Supreme Court Declares Menstrual Hygiene As Part Of Right To Life: Here Are the Directions

A bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan passed the following directions:

• All States/UT must ensure that every school, whether government-run or privately managed, in both urban and rural areas, is provided with functional gender segregated toilets with usable water connectivity.
• All existing or newly constructed toilets in schools shall be designed, constructed and maintained to ensure privacy and accessibility, including by catering to needs of children with disabilities.
• All school toilets must be equipped with functional washing facilities and soap and water available at all times.
• All states/UTs must ensure that every school, whether government-run or privately managed, in both urban and rural areas, provide oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins manufactured in compliance with the ASTM D-6954 standards free of cost. Such sanitary napkins must be made readily accessible to girl students, preferably within toilet premises through sanitary napkin vending machines or, where not visible, at a designated place.
• All States/UTs must ensure that every school, whether government-run or privately managed, in both urban and rural areas establish menstrual hygiene management corners. It must be equipped with spare innerwears, uniforms, disposable pads and other necessary materials to address menstrual urgency.

The court also issued directions for the disposal of sanitary waste. Justice Pardiwala said, "This pronouncement is not just for stakeholders of the legal system. It is also meant for classrooms where girls hesitate to ask for help. It is for teachers who want to help but are restrained due to a lack of resources. And it is for parents who may not realise the impact of their silence and for society to establish its progress as a measure in how we protect the most vulnerable. We wish to communicate to every girlchild who may have become a victim of absenteeism because her body was perceived as a burden when the fault is not hers."

Read: Menstrual Cups To Replace Sanitary Napkins In Karnataka Government Schools

Why Is This Judgment So Important?

In India, menstruation is still seen as taboo. In fact, there is a lot of shame around it. Menstrual shame is the deeply internalized stigma, embarrassment, and negative perception surrounding menstruation, which causes individuals to feel unclean, or "less than" for a natural biological process. This judgment thus is an effort to do away with the shame rooted in cultural, social, and religious taboos, which is often the reason why many girls drop out, or due to lack of awareness, develop health adversities.

Most health videos on YouTube, even those made by doctors are also not reliable medical information, found a new study, published in JAMA Network Open. The researchers reviewed 309 popular YouTube videos on cancer and diabetes and found that fewer than 1 in 5 were supported by high quality scientific evidence. About two-thirds of the view had low, very low or no evidence at all to back up their health claims.

What was more concerning is that weaker evidence often attracted more viewer than those backed with strong science. The study looked at videos which had at least 10,000 views. The lead author of the study Dr EunKyo Kang of South Korea's National Cancer Center, said, "This reveals a substantial credibility-evidence gap in medical content videos, where physician authority frequently legitimizes claims lacking robust empirical support."

"Our findings underscore the necessity for evidence-based content-creation guidelines, enhanced science communication training for health care professionals, and algorithmic reforms prioritizing scientific rigor alongside engagement metrics," Kang added in a news release.

How Was The Study Conducted?

The researchers reviewed videos from June 20 and 21, 2025, focusing on cancer and diabetes content. 75 per cent of them were made by physicians. The videos had a median count of 164,000 views and a median length of 19 minutes.

Researchers also developed a scoring system, called E-GRADE to rate the strength of science backed evidence in each video's claim.

This is how the grading system worked:

• GRADE A: high quality evidence
• GRADE B: standard quality evidence
• GRADE C: low quality evidence
• GRADE D: very low or no evidence

What Were The Results Of The Medical Videos?

• GRADE A: 19.7%
• GRABE B: 14.6%
• GRADE C: 3.2%
• GRADE D: 62.5%

The study also found that videos with the weakest evidence were 35% more likely to get higher views than videos with strong scientific evidence.

Richard Saver, a professor of law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill noted that this issue is not just limited to YouTube. "Physician-spread misinformation is a long-standing problem, dating back well before the internet era," he wrote in an accompanying editorial.

Saver said some doctors continue to lean on personal experience rather than solid data, despite evidence-based medicine being regarded as the gold standard. He noted that EBM can feel like it downplays individual clinical judgment. Still, Saver stressed that more research is needed, adding that the study underscores the importance of examining the evidence behind health professionals’ claims on social media.

How Health And Me Has Helped With Medical Facts

Health and Me has always stayed a step ahead from medical misinformation and ensured that its readers too consume correct information. Health and Me's Fact Check series have consistently ran checks on bizarre medical claims, whether it is about a magical potion for weight loss, fake health news, or un-scientific remedies.

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