When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, many studies and experts predicted that COVID-19 is here to stay. While the extent to with it would affect an individual's health may have gone down, the virus, in fact, has continued to stay, and mutated. Almost like a viral fever, every year, there is a new variant and the virus seems to make head lines all over again.

This year, COVID-10 made a come back when Singapore and Hong Kong reported a spike in its cases. As per the Ministry of Health, the spike in the cases is attributed to the new variant, which is said to be on the loose - LF.7 and NB.1.8.1. These two are descendants of the JN.1 variant.

COVID-19 Variants In 2025

As per the World Health Organization, as of May 23, 2025, the following COVID-19 variants are currently circulating and are under monitoring:

KP.3 - This is a sub lineage of the JN.1, which comes from the Omicron variant. It evolved from the JN.1 and has a very similar structure too, with only two changes in spike as compared to JN.1. It also causes gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, etc. apart from the other common COVID-19 symptoms.

KP.3.1.1 - As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), KP.3.1.1, of the Omicron family, is the predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant, which is an offshoot from within the KP.3 family.

LB.1 - It is said to be a spinoff of JN.1 with additional mutation, which sets it apart from the other strains.

XEC - As per the CDC and WHO, it is a highly transmissible coronavirus subvariant that comes from the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain. What makes it different is its hybrid result from a merger and rearrangement of two pre-existing COVID subvariants: Omicron sub-lineages KP.3.3, and KS.1.1.

LP.8.1 - This is also a variant of SARS-CoV-2, a descendant of the JN.1 lineage, with notable mutation in the spike protein. However, its ability to spread is not fully understood. Although, the resistance of LP.8.1 is similar to that of XEC and KP.3.1.1 across all serum groups tested. These results suggest that while LP.8.1 has lower pseudovirus infectivity than JN.1, its immune resistance is comparable to XEC and KP.3.1.1.

NB.1.8.1 - This is the new mutation causing a spike in cases in China and is part of the Omicron family. However, this means that the current vaccines and immunity from the recent infections should provide some protection against it. This is a highly contagious mutated variant, which has been detected in several US states and have prompted concerns among medical and health professionals.

As per Nebraska Medicine, this variant makes up for the 73% of cases in the US.

ALSO READ: Covid Cases Surge In Singapore: What Do We Know About The New Variant On The Loose?

Which Variant Is Active In India?

Like most of the active variants from the WHO list of variants under monitoring (VUM) comes from JN.1, the case of India is no different.

The current active variant in India is JN.1, which is a subvariant of the Omicron, which has evolved from the BA.2.86 variant, also known as Pirola. This was first identified in Luxembourg in 2023. Since then, it has spread to other parts of the world, including India.

It is more transmissible than the previous variants, the reason being, its specific mutations in its spike protein. These mutations help the variant to bind to humans easily.

As per the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (NSACOG) data, India has reported cases of LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 cases, both of which are descendants of JN.1.

The other common variants in India, apart from the JN.1, which comprises of the 53% of samples which have been tested as of now, are BA.2 with 26% cases, and other Omicron sub lineages at 20% of cases.

Ever wondered what makes someone "cool"? A new international study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology suggests that no matter where you live, "cool" people often act in similar ways.

Researchers from universities in Chile, the United States, and other countries found that people considered "cool" share six key personality traits. These traits were consistent across all 12 countries included in the study, which surveyed nearly 6,000 people from 2018 to 2022. Countries included Australia, Chile, China, Germany, India, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United States.

Six Common Traits of "Cool" People

These traits were found to be consistent regardless of a person's age, gender, or education level. The study, identified the following traits in people seen as cool:

• Extroverted
• Pleasure-seekers (hedonistic)
• Powerful
• Adventurous
• Open to new experiences
• Independent

Coolness vs. Goodness

Interestingly, being a "good" person was linked to different traits, such as being calm, kind, warm, traditional, and secure. People who were seen as capable often had qualities that made them seem both cool and good.

Researchers explained that these "cool" traits are likely part of someone's core personality and aren't easily taught. Another lead researcher noted that while cool people are usually somewhat likable, their traits don't always mean they are morally "good," especially when considering being hedonistic and powerful.

Deeper Meaning of "Cool"

Reviewing the study's findings, researchers noted that "coolness" can have both positive and negative meanings in real life. They suggested that future research could explore the differences between "good coolness" and "bad coolness."

Researchers also pointed out that their study only included people who already understood the term "cool." It's not clear if people in very traditional or isolated cultures would view the same traits as admirable.

They emphasized that "cool" is a deeply embedded part of our social language. It acts as a quick way to understand someone's status, connections, and identity, especially in today's social media and influencer culture. Understanding "coolness" helps us see how quick judgments about traits influence behavior and social interactions.

Many of these personality traits have also been found to be genetic, so the question arises, are we born with these traits?

Is Human Personality Genetic?

In a 2020 study published in the Genes, Brain, and Behavior journal, researchers explained that our personality traits are simply the lasting ways we tend to think, feel, and act in different situations. Studies of twins and families show that our personality traits are partly inherited from our parents.

This means our genes play a role in shaping who we become. These traits can even give clues about future mental health conditions. What these genetic studies of personality have shown is that personality, like many brain-related diseases, is influenced by many genes working together (this is called being polygenic).

Five-Personality Traits That Are Connected To Genes

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) published a study in 2024 Nature Human Behavior where they found several DNA spots linked to specific personality traits. Researchers used information from a large program called the Million Veteran Program. They looked at people's genes to find tiny differences, called "loci," that are connected to the "Big Five" personality traits

Extraversion: How outgoing you are.

Openness: How open you are to new experiences.

Agreeableness: How well you get along with others.

Neuroticism: How prone you are to negative feelings like worry or sadness.

Conscientiousness: How organized and disciplined you are.

The "Big Five" traits are a common way scientists measure personality. In this study, participants answered questions about their personality and also gave a blood sample for genetic testing.

By comparing their answers to their DNA, the team found 62 new genetic spots linked to neuroticism. They also found genetic spots for agreeableness for the very first time. When they combined all their results, they identified over 200 genetic spots across all five personality traits.

The team also looked at the genetic connections between personality traits and various mental health conditions. They found a strong overlap between neuroticism (a personality trait with a lot of negative feelings) and depression and anxiety.

On the other hand, people who scored high in agreeableness (meaning they tend to get along well with others) were less likely to experience these conditions. These links were already known, but this study provides new genetic proof.

With each research on such topics, we come one step forward to finding better answers and treatments for mental health conditions.

What most people dismiss as a routine sore throat could, in rare cases, signal something far more serious. Someone I know from very up close told me about her persistent throat infection; she complained of a severe sore throat. The weather is such that the first guess for all of us was a viral infection or a cold.

However, the sore throat persisted and did not go away. Like all of us do, she too searched it up on Google, and it showed signs of a spleen injury. Like most, she too ignored what Google said, thinking that internet diagnosis is often far-fetched. Until she felt an excruciating pain in her chest, abdomen, and throat, and felt like she could not breathe anymore. She had her friend call 9-1-1, and was finally taken to the ER, where she was told that it was a virus that caused her throat to be sore and enlarged her spleen, leading to a spleen rupture. She was taken to the surgery immediately, as the rupture had caused much internal bleeding. When she came out of the surgery, the doctors had informed her that she was lucky to come out of a "life-threatening surgery".

When I was told all this, all I wondered was, how could such a common cold symptom that we usually take so lightly, lead to something so serious?

I knew what I had to do, to speak to doctors and know more about it, so more people can know about it and detect it before it is too late.

The Kissing Disease: What Causes A Sore Throat To Attack the Spleen?

This condition could be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus—infectious mononucleosis or “mono”, which can present as a seemingly harmless illness, only to later escalate into complications like spleen rupture.

“It’s not uncommon to brush off a sore throat with home remedies and over-the-counter pills,” said Dr. Anirban Chattopadhyay, a critical care specialist at CMRI, Kolkata. “But if the sore throat persists for more than a week and comes with high fever, swollen glands, and overwhelming tiredness, one should start considering possibilities beyond a regular viral infection.”

Infectious mononucleosis, also known as glandular fever, spreads through saliva, which is why it’s nicknamed the “kissing disease.” Though often self-limiting, it is important to recognise its red flags early.

Splenomegaly And Its Rare, But Serious Outcome

One of mono’s lesser-known dangers is splenomegaly—or an enlarged spleen. This swelling, which occurs as the immune system fights the Epstein-Barr virus, can make the spleen fragile and susceptible to rupture. A rupture, though rare (affecting less than 1% of cases), is life-threatening.

Dr. Swati Rajagopal, Consultant in Infectious Disease and Travel Medicine at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru explained, “The spleen helps filter blood and fight infections. During mono, it gets flooded with infection-fighting cells, which causes it to swell. While a swollen spleen is common in mono, rupture is thankfully very rare. But when it does occur, it’s a medical emergency.”

The danger is compounded by the fact that such a rupture can happen even without trauma. “A simple bump or strain during sports or exercise can cause it. That’s why we recommend patients avoid contact sports or any strenuous activity for at least three to four weeks during recovery,” she added.

How To Connect Sore Throat To Spleen Risk? Signs To Look Out For

Both Dr. Chattopadhyay and Dr. Rajagopal stressed that the challenge lies in linking everyday symptoms to a more serious underlying condition, especially in the absence of injury.

“If a patient has a sore throat that doesn’t improve over time and comes with deep fatigue, body aches, and pain in the upper left side of the abdomen, we start suspecting mono,” said Dr. Chattopadhyay. “That’s when we order diagnostic tests like a Monospot or white blood cell count, and sometimes imaging like an ultrasound or CT scan to check the spleen.”

According to Dr. Rajagopal, “Sudden sharp pain in the upper left belly or shoulder can be a red flag. Even without trauma, this could point to spleen involvement. Timely testing can prevent complications.”

Recovery And Caution Go Hand In Hand

For those diagnosed with mono, the recovery is generally supportive—rest, fluids, and time. However, the spleen remains a point of concern for a few weeks even after the fever subsides.

“Patients should not rush back into normal routines. Even after feeling better, the spleen can remain enlarged and vulnerable,” warned Dr. Rajagopal. “Follow-up visits may be necessary to ensure it returns to its normal size.”

Dr. Chattopadhyay added, “The advice is simple but critical—listen to your body. If symptoms change or worsen, especially with sudden pain or dizziness, seek help immediately.”

What begins as a sore throat may not always end there. While complications like spleen rupture are rare, the condition that causes them is not. “Mono isn’t uncommon,” said Dr. Rajagopal. “But ignoring the signs can turn a manageable illness into a dangerous one.”

So next time that cold lingers longer than it should—or feels strangely exhausting—it might be time to pay closer attention.

CBD or cannabidiol is a very popular component, not just in cannabis (marijuana) but it is also an important component in medical marijuana, Harvard Health explains. They further detail how CBD does not make people dependent on it or cause potential substance abuse. However while previous studies like 2024 study published in the Neuropsychopharmacology journal have shown that CBD is unlikely to cause significant harm to daily functioning or workplace performance, researchers have found that liver damage can be a likely outcome of long-term use.

Even though cannabidiol (CBD) products are everywhere these days—think capsules, gummies, edibles, oils, and lotions—a recent study suggests that even small amounts might not be entirely safe for your liver.

FDA Trial Investigates Low-Dose CBD Effects

Researchers from the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Division of Applied Regulatory Science conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial last year. The study aimed to assess how low-dose CBD affects liver function in a group of 201 healthy middle-aged men and women.

For four weeks, 201 volunteers were given either a typical amount of oral CBD (about 350 mg for someone weighing 154 pounds) or a dummy pill. They had weekly check-ups to see how their bodies were reacting.

Liver Enzyme Elevations Observed

The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that most people were fine. However, 5% showed significantly higher levels of a liver enzyme called aminotransferase. This enzyme is a known sign of liver damage or inflammation. Women seemed to be more affected than men. The good news is that these liver enzyme levels went back to normal within a week or two after people stopped taking CBD. Also, seven participants dropped out of the study because they were showing signs of possible liver injury caused by the CBD.

Researchers called these findings "important." They said it suggests that CBD itself, even without other drugs, might be a risk to liver health. Many people using over-the-counter CBD might not know about this potential for liver damage, assuming CBD is completely harmless.

What Liver Problems Look Like

Signs of liver damage include stomach discomfort, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and feeling very tired. It's important to know that liver injuries caused by drugs don't always show up right away. In the government study, only one person with high liver enzymes actually felt symptoms within four weeks. This suggests that people might not realize they're hurting their liver. Experts say doctors should ask about regular CBD use during check-ups.

This isn't the first study to point out possible liver risks with CBD. Concerns came up before when a government agency reviewed data for CBD-based prescription drugs for childhood epilepsy. In those cases, 14% of patients had raised liver enzymes. While those patients were also taking other seizure medications, the new study suggests CBD alone can be a factor.

Research also shows that certain doses of CBD can affect liver cells in a way similar to acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen, when taken too much, is a very common cause of drug-induced liver injury.

Who Might Be at Higher Risk?

Recent studies show that people who take very high doses of CBD, over 1000 mg per day, are most at risk of liver injury. However, there have been reports of liver injuries even in healthy people taking moderate doses, between 300 mg and 1000 mg per day.

We don't know much about why some people are more affected than others, but it's thought that genetics might play a role. CBD can also block certain liver enzymes needed to process medications.

In the new government study, most participants who had serious liver problems also showed signs of an immune condition where the body makes too many white blood cells called eosinophils.