Not too long ago, a breakthrough study on aspirin came up. It was on aspirin therapy being used to prevent heart attack. Aspirin belongs to a class of medications called salicylates, known for their anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning properties. By preventing blood clots from forming, aspirin reduces the chances of blocked arteries, which can trigger heart attacks and strokes. That’s why doctors often recommend low-dose aspirin therapy to people with a history of cardiovascular disease or high-risk conditions.

But, do you know that the same medicine can also prevent some cancers from spreading? Scientists have uncovered how aspirin might help reduce the spread of certain cancers by boosting the immune system. The findings were published in the journal Nature, titled, Aspirin prevents metastasis by limiting platelet TXA2 suppression of T cell immunity. The findings could support the ongoing clinical trials and pave the way for more targeted use of aspirin in cancer treatment. This discovery can also now contribute to developing new drugs which are aimed at preventing cancer metastasis.

What Do We Know?

There have been previous studies which has shown how people who consume aspirin on a daily basis tend to have a lower risk of cancer spread. This works especially in breast, bowel and prostate cancers. However, researchers were unsure on how it actually played the role. This new study thus helps in finding that link and is conducted by the researchers at the University of Cambridge.

Cancer starts in one location, but in about 90% of cases, death occurs when it spreads to other parts of the body. Scientists have been studying the immune system’s role in this process, as cancer cells that detach from the main tumor are vulnerable to immune attack. While primary tumors can suppress the immune system, individual cancer cells that travel through the body are often more exposed, making them potential targets for treatment.

In a previous study, researcher screened 810 genes in mice and found that 15 of them influenced cancer metastasis. The researchers were able to discover that mice lacked a gene responsible for producing a protein called ARHGEF1 had fewer metastases in lungs and liver. The research also showed that ARHGEF1 suppresses T cells, which are immune cells that play an important role in killing metastatic cancer cells.

What Is The Link Between Aspirin And the Immune System?

To develop successful treatments, researchers sought a way to disrupt ARHGEF1's suppressive functions. They identified that ARHGEF1 activates when T cells interact with the clotting factor thromboxane A2 (TXA2). This was a surprising finding, given that TXA2 is already well-known for its function in blood clotting and aspirin action.

Platelets produce TXA2, which aids in blood clotting but can also cause heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin reduces TXA2 production, preventing excessive clotting. According to recent research, aspirin lowers TXA2 levels, allowing T cells to target and kill cancer cells before they spread.

In order to confirm the findings, the researchers then conducted experiments in mice with melanoma. This is when they found that when the mice was given aspirin, it had few metastases compared to the mice who was not administered with the same. This effect was directly linked to the release of T cells from TXA2 suppression.

Professor Rahul Roychoudhuri, the lead researcher, highlighted that many early-stage cancer patients undergo surgery or other treatments that could potentially cure them. However, some later experience cancer recurrence due to micrometastases—small clusters of cancer cells that have spread but remain dormant. Targeting this vulnerable stage could help prevent cancer from returning.

It is not unknown that people worldwide are struggling with mental health issues. However, the more number of cases is a result of more people reaching out for help. However, Australia's data show something concerning, teens, especially girls are struggling.

As per a recent national survey from the Australian Bureau of Statistics found nearly 2 in 5, which makes it 38.8% of individuals, between the age of 16 to 24 years old experienced symptoms of a mental disorder in the previous 12 months.

This has been higher than the last survey which was conducted in 2007. Back then, the number was at 26%.

Another recent study published in Science Direct, titled: All things being equal? Longitudinal patterns of mental disorder symptoms and associations with key social determinants in a large cohort of Australian adolescents, revealed that mental health problems were especially higher in Australian high school students. It was found that 1 in 4 high school students had mental health problems by Year 10. The study also pointed that it was severe among girls.

Tracking Teen's Mental Health

The study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health has revealed a steady and concerning rise in mental health symptoms among Australian teenagers, particularly among girls and gender diverse youth. The research tracked more than 6,500 students from 71 schools across New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia from Year 7 (ages 12–13) to Year 10 (ages 15–16).

Mental health problems rising with age

Researchers found a significant increase in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress over the four years:

• Depression: 17% of students met the threshold for probable depression in Year 7, rising to 28% by Year 10.

• Psychological distress: A similar trend was observed, with 14% of students reporting high distress in Year 7, increasing to 24% by Year 10.

• Anxiety: The proportion of students experiencing moderate-to-severe anxiety grew from 16% to 24% across the same period.

Girls and gender diverse teens most affected

The study found that certain groups were disproportionately affected by poor mental health outcomes. Girls and gender diverse teens not only began with higher symptom levels in Year 7 but also saw a steeper increase in distress over time.

By Year 10:

Girls had 88% higher depression, 34% higher anxiety, and 55% higher psychological distress than boys.

Gender diverse teens had 121% higher depression, 55% higher anxiety, and 89% higher distress than their male peers.

The study also highlighted the cumulative effect of gender and socio-economic disadvantage. Girls from the least affluent families experienced especially high levels of depression and anxiety—beyond what would be expected from either factor alone.

Family income and school advantage also matter

Teens from less affluent families showed a 7% higher rate of depressive symptoms than those from wealthier households. Meanwhile, students attending schools in lower socio-economic areas reported 9% higher anxiety than those at more advantaged schools.

Broader context and comparison with past data

The findings reflect a growing global concern. Although recent national-level data is limited, a 2015 Australian study (Young Minds Matter) reported 14.4% of 12- to 17-year-olds had a mental disorder. The higher rates in the current study suggest a worsening trend across generations—a phenomenon also noted in international research.

While the exact causes are still being explored, contributing factors likely include social media use, climate anxiety, academic pressure, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, the gender gap in mental health is not unique to Australia but part of a wider global pattern.

Addressing the gender mental health divide

Reducing gender inequities in mental health requires a multilayered and systemic approach. Research points to multiple underlying causes for poorer mental health among girls and gender diverse teens, including:

• Gender-based violence
• Pressure from unrealistic beauty standards
• Hormonal changes and menstruation
• Differences in family dynamics and social expectations

Lifestyle factors such as screen time and diet

While some of these issues are recognized in the National Women’s Health Strategy, meaningful investment and policy action are still needed. Moreover, solutions must also prioritize gender diverse teens, who face even starker disparities.

Designing support with teens, not just for them

Experts stress the importance of co-designing mental health strategies with young people, especially those from priority groups like girls, gender diverse individuals, and economically disadvantaged teens. Creating culturally safe, inclusive, and affirming support systems is key to helping teens feel understood and empowered—and improving their mental health outcomes in the long run.

In recent days, questions have emerged around the sudden demise of businessman Sunjay Kapur—particularly speculation that he may have accidentally swallowed a bee during a polo match, which then triggered a fatal reaction. While such incidents are extremely rare, they are medically possible under specific conditions.

If someone is allergic to insect venom—or has an undiagnosed heart condition—the ingestion or sting of a bug like a bee can set off a chain reaction within the body. In very rare cases, this can lead to a heart attack or even sudden cardiac arrest.

What Is Kounis Syndrome?

This rare medical condition occurs when a severe allergic reaction—known as anaphylaxis—triggers heart-related complications, including heart attacks. Known as Kounis syndrome, it accounts for just 0.5% to 2% of all anaphylactic cases, making it a rare but dangerous phenomenon.

Kounis syndrome can be caused by various allergens, including insect stings, medications, certain foods, or even unfamiliar environmental triggers. In such cases, the body’s immune response kicks in with the release of histamine and other chemicals to neutralize the threat. However, this same reaction can dangerously dilate blood vessels, drop blood pressure sharply, and deprive the heart of oxygen. This creates stress, especially for those with pre-existing cardiovascular issues.

How Allergic Reactions Impact the Heart

Histamine release during a severe allergic reaction results in widened blood vessels and a sudden drop in blood pressure. When blood pressure drops too low, the heart struggles to supply oxygen-rich blood to vital organs—including itself. This oxygen deprivation can trigger abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias, and may ultimately result in cardiac arrest.

In more severe cases, anaphylaxis may cause fluid leakage from the bloodstream into surrounding tissues, further lowering blood volume and blood pressure. In individuals with underlying heart conditions, it can also cause the coronary arteries to narrow, reducing the heart's oxygen supply and increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Another potential outcome is plaque rupture—a common cause of heart attacks in people with coronary artery disease. When the plaque lining the artery walls tears or erodes, it can attract blood clots, which block blood flow and damage heart tissue.

Real Cases of Bug-Induced Cardiac Events

Two real-life examples highlight how allergic reactions from insects can escalate into cardiac emergencies.

One case as reported in Indian Express, involved a 31-year-old man working on a bee farm who suffered multiple stings, unaware of his allergy. He had only 40% plaque buildup in his arteries, but the allergic reaction caused the plaque to rupture. Blood clots formed over the tear, blocking the artery, and a stent was required to reopen it.

In another case, a wasp bite triggered a similar reaction, although the patient experienced plaque erosion rather than rupture. This too led to a blockage, though less severe, and did not require a stent.

What to Do in Such Cases?

Immediate medical attention is critical in managing allergic reactions that affect the heart. Patients should be administered steroids or a high-dose adrenaline injection (epinephrine) without delay. Supplemental oxygen must be provided, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) should be performed to assess cardiac function.

While such cases are rare, they underscore the importance of recognizing allergies, especially when combined with underlying heart conditions. Prompt response can be life-saving.

We all love a bit of touch up, whether on a regular day or for an event. For millions of women across the globe, threading is a regular part of their beauty routine. From shaping eyebrows to removing unwanted facial hair, this grooming technique is practiced weekly or monthly and is widely considered quick, safe, and inexpensive.

But a recent video from a doctor turned influencer has caused a stir online by claiming that threading — like tattooing and body piercing — can potentially spread Hepatitis B, a serious liver infection.

What Did The Doctor Say?

In a video that has garnered over 400,000 views within two days, Dr Vishal Gabale, an internal medicine doctor from Navi Mumbai, narrates a case where three young women, all of whom had visited the same threading salon, tested positive for Hepatitis B with identical virus strains.

Dr Gabale says he investigated the case like a “medical mystery,” and found the common link between the patients was their visit to the same salon. Citing a 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) bulletin, he claims that Hepatitis B has been known to spread through tattooing, razor-sharing, and “even cosmetic procedures like threading.”

According to him, threading can cause micro-abrasions, and if contaminated tools or threads are used, the virus could survive for days — even without visible blood.

Medical Experts Respond with Skepticism

However, not all doctors are convinced. A dermatologist based in Hyderabad acknowledges that if threading causes skin abrasions, transmission is “theoretically possible,” but stresses that no confirmed case has ever been recorded.

“Tattoos are a different story — they break the skin and do carry a risk. But threading is far more superficial,” he said. “If threading was truly risky, we’d have seen documented evidence by now, considering how common the practice is.”

He also criticized the influencer’s decision to disable comments on the video, making it harder for experts to counter misleading claims.

Missing Evidence and Misleading Sources

Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar also raised concerns. He pointed out a small disclaimer in the video saying it’s “only for educational purposes” and presents a theoretical risk — suggesting the doctor hadn’t treated any actual Hepatitis B cases linked to threading.

“The issue is that viewers may miss that disclaimer and assume the risk is real. But to date, not a single case report has linked Hepatitis B transmission to threading — that’s significant,” Dr Kumar explained.

About the WHO bulletin cited in the video, the doctor reportedly shared a screenshot of an unrelated 2010 article, which did not reference threading and wasn’t published by WHO.

Beauty Risks vs. Clickbait

Dr Kumar added that while there are documented links between Hepatitis B and procedures like tattooing, body piercing, manicures, or even shaving with unsterile equipment, threading has never been associated with such risk, reported The South First.

He warns against fear-mongering and called the video an example of “clickbait,” made worse by its origin — a doctor, not just an influencer.

“Threading doesn’t typically break the skin. Unlike tattooing or piercings, it doesn’t create the conditions necessary for virus transmission. We must focus on real risks — unprotected sex, reused medical needles, and poor hygiene in clinical settings — not unproven, hypothetical scenarios,” he said.