Omega-3 fatty acids are very popular, owing to the enormous health benefits they have for skin and heart health. The most popular ones come from fish oil, which is over over-the-counter supplement extracted from fatty fish like sardines, anchovies, mackerel and salmon, new research has shown that they also bolster brain function and mental health at various stages of life. Research suggests that omega-3 fish oil supplements could enhance memory in individuals with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Fish oil is a popular dietary supplement derived from fatty fish like sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and salmon. The two primary omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil—eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—are well-regarded for their heart health benefits, but their impact on the brain is equally significant, particularly in addressing issues like mild memory loss and depression.

What Are Fish Oil Omega-3s?

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats known for their crucial role in brain function and overall mental health. Fish oil is particularly rich in EPA and DHA, which are vital components of cell membranes and have strong anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

These omega-3s play a critical role in human development, and they are primarily found in fatty fish and fish oil. Since many people do not consume enough fish, supplementation is often recommended to ensure adequate intake of these essential fatty acids.

Although the body can convert another type of omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), into EPA and DHA, this process is not highly efficient. As a result, fish oil supplements may provide a convenient way to ensure optimal levels of omega-3s.

How Omega-3s Affect The Brain

EPA and DHA are essential for maintaining brain function throughout life. These fatty acids are abundant in the brain's cell membranes, helping to preserve cell health and facilitate communication between brain cells.

Research has shown that a lack of omega-3s can lead to cognitive impairments. In animal studies, diets deficient in omega-3s resulted in reduced DHA levels in the brain, leading to deficits in learning and memory. In older adults, lower DHA levels have been linked to a smaller brain size, which may indicate accelerated brain ageing.

Maintaining sufficient levels of omega-3s can help support cognitive function and may reduce the risk of age-related brain decline.

Fish Oil and Mild Memory Loss

Omega-3s have been studied for their potential to improve brain function in individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or age-related cognitive decline—conditions that result in memory loss and other cognitive challenges.

While research does not support the use of fish oil for improving brain function in people with Alzheimer’s disease, several studies suggest that fish oil may be beneficial in those with MCI. One study found that DHA supplementation led to improved memory and learning abilities in older adults with age-related cognitive decline. Another study showed improvements in brain function with omega-3 supplementation in people with MCI.

These findings suggest that fish oil may be most effective when taken in the early stages of cognitive decline, rather than in advanced cases of Alzheimer’s disease.

Fish Oil And DepressionIn addition to cognitive benefits, omega-3s in fish oil have been studied for their potential to improve mental health, particularly in people with depression. Research has shown that fish oil supplementation can help reduce depressive symptoms, with effects comparable to those of antidepressant medications.

The most significant improvements were observed in individuals also taking antidepressants, especially when the fish oil contained higher levels of EPA. The exact mechanism behind these benefits is still under investigation, but it is believed that omega-3s may affect serotonin receptors or exert anti-inflammatory effects in the brain.

Fish oil may also benefit individuals with other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, though further research is needed.

Fish Oil And Healthy Brains

While omega-3s are essential for brain health, studies suggest that fish oil supplements do not improve brain function in healthy individuals with no memory problems. Observational studies have linked higher omega-3 intake from fish with better brain function, but supplementation with fish oil has not shown similar results in people with normal cognitive function.

Should You Consider Fish Oil For Brain Health?

For individuals experiencing mild cognitive decline or depression, omega-3s from fish oil may offer significant benefits for brain and mental health. The optimal dosage varies, but research suggests that 1,000–2,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil daily is a good starting point. People with depression should look for supplements with higher EPA content. It is pertinent to note that people should consult health experts before starting fish oil supplementation.

A team of researchers in the US has developed a nanoparticle-based technique that could make laser surgeries for kidney stones faster, safer, and potentially reduce the chances of recurrence.

Engineers from the University of Chicago and doctors from Duke University added dark nanoparticles to a common saline solution used in kidney stone laser surgeries. Their method also promised less recurrence of disease.

The research focused on laser lithotripsy, a widely used surgical method in which lasers are used to break kidney or urinary tract stones into tiny fragments that can then be removed by suctioning or pass naturally.

How Nanofluid Boosts Lasery Surgery

Traditionally, surgeons use a small video-guided laser to fragment the stones. However, achieving effective fragmentation often requires higher laser power, which generates additional heat and causes damage to the surrounding tissues.

Thus the new method “is a way to better utilize the laser energy that is already being employed,” said Po-Chun Hsu, assistant professor at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME).

Hsu noted that their nanoparticle-based “nanofluid” also has the potential to enhance the performance of lasers without increasing power levels. This will effectively fragment the stones and remove the dust particles.

The study, published in the journal Advanced Science, describes an innovative saline solution that enhances the performance of existing laser systems without requiring modifications to the equipment.

By adding dark nanoparticles that absorb laser wavelengths, the solution ensures that more of the laser energy is directed at the kidney stone rather than being reflected or dispersed.

“This improves the amount of laser energy that is transmitted to and absorbed by the stones,” said corresponding author Pei Zhong, a professor of engineering at Duke University.

“Nanofluid introduces a new dimension that can influence this complex physical process, independent of the stone composition or the laser being used,” Zhong said.

Kidney Stone Laser Surgery In 10 Minutes

Laboratory tests using artificial kidney stones showed that the nanofluid increased stone ablation efficiency by between 38 and 727 percent in spot treatments and by 26 to 75 percent in scanning treatments.

The researchers also tested the nanoparticle solution on living cells for up to 24 hours and found it to be non-toxic and safe.

In clinical settings, however, exposure would be much shorter. Laser lithotripsy is typically an outpatient procedure lasting about 30 minutes. The researchers believe that improved laser absorption could reduce the procedure time to around 10 minutes.

“If surgeries take too long, waste heat from the laser can accumulate and cause more harm than the stone removal itself,” Hsu said.

Kidney Stones: Symptoms And Prevention

Kidney stones are hard mineral or acid salt deposits formed in the kidneys. It occurs due to concentrated urine, and causes intense, radiating back/side pain, nausea, and blood in urine.

Common causes include

• dehydration,
• diet,
• obesity,
• family history
• metabolic issues

• staying well-hydrated
• reducing sodium levels
• eating fewer oxalate-rich foods
• consuming sufficient calcium-rich foods
• increasing citrus intake.

Former youth player of England, Amy Carr dies at the age of 35. England women's football team too paid tribute on her death. Carr was a former goalkeeper who played for England Under-17s and Under-19s. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor for a second time.

She was diagnosed in 2015 and raised more than £2,000 for charity by running the Dublin Marathon in 2024.

"We are heartbroken to hear that former England youth player Amy Carr has passed away aged 35," read a statement on the Lionesses' X account. "Amy, who was diagnosed with a second brain tumour in 2024, devoted her time to raising money for vital brain tumour research that could help others. She remains an inspiration to all."

Carr also played for Arsenal, Chelsea and Reading before she gained a football scholarship in the USA. Chelsea added on X: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Chelsea goalkeeper, Amy Carr. Our condolences are with Amy's friends and family at this time."

What Is Brain Tumor?

Before diving into the concept of a brain tumor, it is important to first understand what a tumor is. A tumor refers to an abnormal lump or mass that forms due to the uncontrolled growth of cells in the body.

tumors are broadly classified into two main categories:

• Benign
• Malignant

A benign tumor consists of normal cells that have grown excessively to form a lump. This overgrowth may result from something going wrong in the body, but the cells themselves are not cancerous. On the other hand, a malignant tumor is made up of abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably. These are cancerous cells, and their aggressive nature can lead to serious health issues.

A brain tumor is a condition in which abnormal cells develop within any part of the brain. Similar to tumors elsewhere in the body, brain tumors can also be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The presence of a tumor in the brain can interfere with normal brain function, depending on its size, type, and location.

Our bodies possess a natural healing mechanism that is crucial for survival. This repair system is activated whenever there is damage from injury, radiation from the sun, or harmful chemicals in the environment. However, this process can occasionally go wrong. When it does, small clusters of cancerous cells may begin to form. In most cases, the immune system successfully detects and destroys these abnormal cells before they grow. But in rare instances, these cancerous cells evade immune detection and continue to grow, leading to the formation of tumors or cancers.

Such abnormal growths can occur anywhere in the body. When these growths are located in the brain or spinal cord, they are referred to as Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors.

India is home to 25 per cent of the world's annual count of cervical cancer fatalities. According to the World Health Organization GLOBOCAN report of 2022, India reports over 120,000 new cases with nearly 80,000 fatalities. This is the highest death-toll worldwide from cervical cancer each year.

In India, a new case is diagnosed every four minutes, and another woman dies approximately every seven minutes. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains, especially types 16 and 18, is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Meanwhile, studies show that even a single dose of the HPV vaccine can provide long-lasting, potentially lifelong protection.

To combat this, India launched a nationwide campaign to vaccinate young girl against the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is also the second most common cancer among women in the country. India kicked off the nationwide campaign on 28 February. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Ajmer city in the western state of Rajasthan inaugurated this campaign. Vaccines were made available free-of-cost at government facilities to approximately 11.5 million girls aged 14 years across the country.

Currently, approximately one in every 50 girls born in India is expected to develop cervical cancer during her lifetime, and widespread vaccination is likely to reduce this risk significantly," said Partha Basu, Head, Early Detection, Prevention & Infections Branch at the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in a women's cervix (uterus opening) due to abnormal cell growth, primarily caused by persistent HPV infection, a common infection that's passed through sexual contact.

When exposed to HPV, the body's immune system typically prevents the virus from causing damage however, in a small percentage of people, the virus can survive for years and pave the way for some cervical cells to become cancerous.

Treatment involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, with early detection significantly improving outcomes, though it remains a major cancer in low-income countries Cervical cancer can also be prevented through vaccination and regular screening (Pap/HPV tests).

Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer has no symptoms in the early days and therefore, is hard to detect until it has spread. However, the early-stage symptoms include:

• Vaginal bleeding after sex
• Vaginal bleeding post-menopause
• Vaginal bleeding between periods or unusually heavy/long periods
• Watery vaginal discharge with a strong odor or containing blood
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
• Advanced Cervical Cancer Symptoms (when cancer has spread beyond the cervix)
• Painful or difficult bowel movements or rectal bleeding
• Painful or difficult urination or blood in the urine
• Persistent dull backache
• Swelling of the legs
• Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen