Imagine a situation wherein you go for a routine checkup and everything comes out to be fine—except for one inevitable fact that you are growing old. But what if your doctor pulls out a notepad and says, "Here's a prescription that might slow the process, keeping you healthier for a longer time and even extending your lifespan."

While the aforementioned conversation might look like something out of science fiction, a growing body of research suggests anti-ageing drugs could soon be a reality. These pills are created to extend our "healthspan," which are the years we live free from chronic illness, while potentially increasing our overall lifespan. Some of these promising therapies are already here, ranging from common dietary supplements to repurposed medications for conditions like diabetes and cancer.

Animal Studies Substantiate These Claims

Studies conducted on animals provide hope. In December 2021, researchers from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in China's Shanghai conducted a study on mice to discover that a natural component present in grapes helps slow down ageing. They observed that this natural component called procyanidin C1, prolonged the lifespan of old mice by 9 per cent and made them physically fitter also. This compound works by targeting another of the hallmarks of ageing: the build-up of tired, worn-out cells that are described as 'senescent.'

Effectiveness Of Anti-Ageing Drugs

Another drug, rapamycin, is also under the spotlight. This drug has been shown to extend the lifespan of multiple organisms and is now being tested in dogs as part of the Dog Aging Project. If successful, this could pave the way for human applications.

Also Read: Secrets to Healthy Longevity: Science-Backed Habits for a Longer Life

The science of ageing revolves around addressing its root causes, often referred to as "hallmarks of ageing." These include the accumulation of genetic mutations, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the build-up of senescent cells. (cells which stop dividing but do not die.) Tackling these processes may not only slow ageing but also prevent diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and Alzheimer's. They can also mitigate other age-related ailments.

While the promise of anti-ageing drugs is exciting, challenges remain. Human trials are lengthy and expensive, and regulatory agencies like the FDA do not currently classify ageing as a treatable condition. Moreover, neither government nor private firms are interested in funding research on anti-ageing drugs.

According to a BBC report, there are nearly 30 anti-ageing companies but they are all more interested in developing their own proprietary therapies than readily accessible drugs such as metformin or quercetin. Until additional funding can be found, this means that safe, affordable drugs with the potential to slow ageing and extend the health span are not being properly explored. Meanwhile, the people who need them most are growing old waiting.

The world is always changing, and so is the COVID-19 virus. As new versions of the virus appear, scientists are working hard to find new ways for people to stay protected. During the peak COVID years, we had vaccinations that helped us stay immune, however as new strains pop up, it is important that we stay protected and ensure our health.

A recent study has a surprising finding, a simple, over-the-counter nasal spray called azelastine might help keep you from getting sick with COVID-19. This spray has been used safely for many years to treat allergies and is sold under brand names like Astepro Allergy and other generic versions.

How Effective Is The COVID-19 Nasal Spray?

A study from the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that the azelastine nasal spray can significantly lower your risk of catching COVID-19. The study involved 450 people, and they were split into two groups. One group used the azelastine spray three times a day for 56 days, while the other group used a spray that did nothing. The results were very encouraging:

• Only 2.2% of the people who used the real nasal spray tested positive for COVID-19.
• In the group that used the fake spray, 6.7% of people got sick.

This big difference shows that the spray could offer real protection. Doctors believe that the spray’s ingredients have special properties that make it harder for the virus to grow in your nose and throat. It also helps reduce swelling, which can make it more difficult for the virus to take hold and spread.

Experts warn that this spray is not a perfect solution or a replacement for vaccines. However, because it's so safe and easy to find, it could be a useful tool for people in risky situations, like on an airplane or at a crowded event. The study’s researchers now want to do more research to see if the spray can also protect against other viruses, such as the flu and RSV.

Current Symptoms of COVID-19 2025

A key symptom that has been widely reported with this variant is an unusually severe sore throat, often described as feeling like "razor blades." Sore throats are a common symptom of COVID-19, but with the NB.1.8.1 variant, the pain can be particularly intense. Experts believe this is because the virus, which is a part of the Omicron family, is very effective at attacking and damaging cells in the throat. This can lead to a significant inflammatory response, resulting in a sharp, "razor blade" type of discomfort.

If you're experiencing a severe sore throat or other common COVID-19 symptoms, it's important to get tested. The symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant are similar to other illnesses like the flu or common cold, so testing is the only way to confirm a diagnosis. The most common symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Runny or blocked nose
• Dry cough
• Fatigue and headache
• Muscle aches and body pain
• Gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea

For at-home relief, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers, drink plenty of fluids, and rest. If your symptoms worsen or you have difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately.

A silent killer that is the second leading cause of death among American men, prostate cancer is a disease that has recently come to the forefront of medical research. Studies and new reviews are being done as rates of prostate cancer rise. In 2022, according to the World Cancer Research Fund, there were 1,467,854 cases of prostate cancer in the world.

Diagnosing prostate cancer can be an invasive procedure, like a core needle biopsy or a rectal examination. However, researchers may have found a non-invasive test that could help them identify prostate cancer.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins and other institutions have developed a way to test for prostate cancer using a urine sample. This new method could drastically reduce the need for painful and often unnecessary biopsies.

Why Do We Need Better Tests For Prostate Cancer?

Right now, doctors often check for prostate cancer with a blood test that measures something called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The problem is, the PSA test isn't very precise. A high PSA level can be a sign of cancer, but it can also be a sign of other, less serious issues like an enlarged prostate. Because of this, many men with high PSA levels are told to get a biopsy, which involves using a needle to take tissue samples. This can be painful and sometimes leads to complications. A new test that's more accurate could save a lot of people from having to go through a biopsy they don't need.

How Does The New Urine Test For Prostate Cancer Work?

The new test works by looking for three special biomarkers—TTC3, H4C5, and EPCAM—in a person's urine. These biomarkers are tiny substances that are a sign of prostate cancer. To make sure these biomarkers were truly linked to cancer, the researchers collected urine from men with prostate cancer before and after they had surgery to remove their prostate. They found that the biomarkers were present before the surgery but almost completely disappeared afterward. This proved that they came directly from the prostate cancer tissue.

This new test is also very accurate. In a study, it correctly identified prostate cancer in 91% of people who had it. It also correctly showed that 84% of people who didn't have cancer were in the clear. This is a big improvement over the current PSA test, as it can tell the difference between cancer and other issues, like an enlarged prostate.

Benefits of This Prostate Test for Patients

This new urine test has several major advantages for patients. First, it's noninvasive, which means it's as simple and painless as a regular urine sample. There are no needles or uncomfortable procedures involved. Second, it's more accurate. It can better distinguish between prostate cancer and other conditions like prostatitis (an inflamed prostate) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate), which often cause confusion with the current PSA test.

Finally, this test can reduce unnecessary biopsies and help doctors find cancers that would have been missed. By providing a clearer and more precise diagnosis, doctors can feel more confident about who truly needs a biopsy and who doesn't. Researchers are currently working to make the test available for doctors to use in their clinics.

To reach the medical knowledge we have today, we have gone through many theories and phases, trials and errors to now be accurate with our information and remedies. However, it has only been quite recently that mental health is being taken seriously. So how was it dealt with in the past?

One big example of it is something that was debunked quite recently. A belief that the moon influenced people’s moods, to the point that it led people into hysteria.

The idea is ancient, tied to folklore about werewolves and other creatures, and it continues to influence modern belief. For instance, a surprising number of doctors and nurses—up to 80% in one study—still believe the moon affects moods, even though there's no solid science to support it. This enduring myth is a powerful example of how historical misdiagnoses, especially those related to women, have shaped our understanding of health.

History has been a witness to many medical anomalies, surprising ailments and even more astounding treatments. Many of these treatments were for women, which is not the surprising part as history has shown how medical research for women was pushed aside and overlooked to the point that basic illnesses and conditions in women had no cure or proper treatment until recently.

If you are someone who enjoys history, or simply someone who likes reading, then you may know about the word ‘Hysteria’ or ‘Hysterical’. In modern English, it is used to define being frantic or out of control, but did you know, this used to be a formal diagnosis, even thought of as something physical by historical medical practitioners. It was a major source of debate and a prime example of how women's health was misunderstood and often mistreated.

How Has History Treated Women’s Health?

According to the McGill University, The idea of hysteria dates back to ancient Egypt and Greece. Physicians in these societies believed that a woman’s uterus was the source of a wide range of health issues. In ancient Greece, it was believed that the uterus could actually "wander" around the body, pressing on other organs and causing all sorts of symptoms, from anxiety and fainting to insomnia and fevers. This idea was so widespread that the term "hysteria" comes from the Greek word hysteria, which means uterus. Doctors would try to coax the uterus back into place using "good smells" near the vagina and "bad smells" near the mouth.

During the Middle Ages, the understanding of hysteria took a dark turn. The "scientific" view of the wandering uterus was often replaced by a demonological one. Mental illness in women was seen as a sign of sin or a pact with the Devil. Women with symptoms of hysteria were often accused of witchcraft and subjected to exorcisms, torture, and even death. This period marked a major step backward in the treatment of mental health.

Did History Have A Cure For Hysteria?

Later, a Roman physician named Galen offered a different theory. He believed that hysteria was caused by a woman's body holding on to "female seed" or "menstrual blood" instead of releasing it. The solution, he thought, was to get rid of these fluids. Because of this belief, doctors often recommended marriage and regular sex as a cure. For women who were unmarried, widows, or simply couldn't have an orgasm from sex, midwives were sometimes brought in to manually stimulate them. The doctors believed that without this "release," women would suffer from anxiety and other problems.

Was Hysteria Considered A Mental Health Issue?

The Renaissance and the Enlightenment brought a renewed focus on science. Physicians like Thomas Willis and Thomas Sydenham began to suggest that hysteria was linked to the brain and nervous system, not the uterus. This was a revolutionary idea because it meant the condition could affect both men and women, challenging the old belief that it was an exclusively female disease.

In the 19th century, French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot further proved this point by systematically studying hysteria in both sexes. His work paved the way for Sigmund Freud, the "father of psychoanalysis." Freud believed that hysteria was a psychological disorder caused by repressed emotional trauma, not a physical problem. His new approach shifted treatment from physical remedies to talking therapy.

Did Men Also Experience Hysteria?

According to the Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health journal, until the 20th century, hysteria was rarely diagnosed in men. But during World War I, military doctors saw a rise in "shell shock," a condition with symptoms like paralysis and tremors. Many doctors realized these were actually hysterical symptoms, which led to the first widespread recognition of male hysteria. This provided a way for soldiers to escape the battlefield without being seen as cowards.

Studies during World War II also showed a clear difference in how soldiers from different cultures expressed mental distress. For example, British soldiers were more likely to show symptoms of anxiety, while Indian soldiers more often showed physical symptoms of hysteria. This highlighted a key idea: how people express their emotional pain is often shaped by their culture.

Decline of Hysteria in the West

In the second half of the 20th century, psychiatric data showed a dramatic drop in hysteria diagnoses in Western countries. At the same time, there was a sharp increase in diagnoses of anxiety and depression. Doctors believe this shift is linked to "Westernization" and a new emphasis on individualism. In Western societies, people are more likely to see themselves as masters of their own destiny. This can lead to feelings of self-blame and unworthiness when things go wrong, which are classic symptoms of depression. In contrast, in societies with strong group ties, people may be more likely to blame external factors like evil spirits or social pressures for their problems, which could express as physical, hysterical symptoms.

Is ‘Hysteria’ Still Considered A Mental Disorder?

Although hysteria is no longer a diagnosis, its history continues to be seen in modern-day medicine. Researchers who studied patient records from two old hospitals in Sardinia, Italy, found that doctors in the late 1800s and early 1900s were still using ancient treatments for hysteria. For example, they used herbal remedies, purgatives, and even leeches. In some cases, patients were confined to asylums for life with a diagnosis of hysteria, showing that even with advances in medicine, old and harmful beliefs about women's health were slow to change.