Targeting Gut Pathogens: Vaccines and Commensals Against Anti-microbial Resistance Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay June 25, 2025 at 12:20:08 PM Research Study, Vaccination, Anti-microbial resistance A new study on mice, combines oral vaccination with niche-competitor bacteria to clear drug-resistant gut pathogens without antibiotic s. This “garden and cover-crop” approach could transform infection prevention globally. Researchers introduced an oral vaccine targeting Escherichia coli or Salmonella alongside a harmless bacterial strain engineered to occupy the same intestinal niche. Individually, vaccination or competitor bacteria each reduced pathogen levels by roughly 100,000-fold; together, they achieved over a billion-fold reduction, and were ten thousand times more effective than either alone. Vaccine-induced gut antibodies agglutinate and clear target bacteria, but the empty niche is quickly reoccupied by pathogens unless held by competitors. Introducing a non-harmful strain ensures continuous occupancy, blocking both original and immune-escape variants. Potential applications : Widespread vaccination plus competitor flora to curb multidrug-resistant E. coli urinary and bloodstream infections . High-risk patients: Pre-transplant or chemotherapy regimens to eliminate resistant E. coli and Klebsiella . Maternal & neonatal defense: Oral vaccines during pregnancy to improve maternal gut immunity and reduce neonatal sepsis risk. Oral delivery, stability without a cold chain, and ease of administration makes this strategy suitable for low-resource settings; however, in low- and middle-income countries, selecting locally relevant competitor strains will require detailed epidemiological mapping. Previous Next

#AbKoiBahanaNahi: India’s united front against gender-based violence Content Editor: Dr. Dheenadhayalan V December 7, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Women Empowerment, Social Justice, Violence India has launched a landmark national campaign, “Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki,” to eliminate gender-based violence. This month-long initiative, running from November 25 to December 23 , is spearheaded by the Ministries of Women and Child Development and Rural Development, with support from UN Women. It coincides with the launch of #AbKoiBahanaNahi , a movement inspired by the global #NoExcuse campaign, emphasizing zero tolerance for violence against women. A major milestone of the campaign is the establishment of 227 Gender Resource Centres in 13 states, providing essential services like counseling and legal aid to survivors. The initiative employs a “whole-of-government” approach, involving nine ministries, including Health, Education, Home Affairs, and Social Justice, united under the slogan, “Ek Saath, Ek Awaaz, Hinsa Ke Khilaaf” (Together, One Voice Against Violence). The campaign aims to raise awareness, empower communities to speak out and enhance local institutions' capacity to combat violence. A film screened during the launch highlighted the need for collective accountability from all sectors, including citizens, to take action against gender violence. This initiative, aligned with India's vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 , emphasizes that national development depends on women's safety and empowerment. By participating in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence , India reinforces its commitment to ensuring women’s safety as a fundamental pillar of national growth and justice. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) funds Gennova's mRNA vaccine for Disease X development Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) funds Gennova's mRNA vaccine for Disease X development Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay August 25, 2023 cepi.net Genetic Health Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd from Pune have announced an updated funding agreement to expedite the advancement of their self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) platform for generating vaccine candidates against unknown pathological threats, referred to as Disease X. CEPI will provide up to $3.6 million to optimize the saRNA-platform technology, manufacturing processes, and production output. The upcoming focus will involve the creation of a vaccine candidate targeting the rabies virus, which will then undergo preclinical assessments. The funding forms a part of CEPI's initiative to back pioneering RNA vaccine platform technologies designed for emerging infectious diseases and specific prevalent conditions. These methods may provide significant advantages over traditional mRNA procedures, including multivalency, greater immunogenicity, upgraded storage and stability, higher yield, quicker response times, and cost-efficiency. The saRNA vaccine platform created by Gennova might be one of the CEPI-endorsed RNA technology lineups that could enable rapid responses to future epidemics and pandemic dangers, possibly within 100 days of identification.

China's Ambitious Carbon Reduction Initiative: Carbon to Gold Loan Scheme China's Ambitious Carbon Reduction Initiative: Carbon to Gold Loan Scheme Content Editor: Dr. Pradipta S December 6, 2023 Reuters Global Warming, Carbon Emissions, Carbon Footprints Shenzhen's Metro station carbon coin initiative registered 14.6 million users, slashing 720,000 metric tons of emissions since August 2022. Household carbon emission contribute over half of China's annual 10 billion metric tons of emissions, highlighting individual potential in emission cuts. China's "Carbon Road for Everyone" promotes public transport usage, tree planting, and energy reduction among citizens in multiple initiatives. Banks experiment with "personal carbon account" systems, the People's Bank of China's pilot "carbon to gold loan" in Quzhou, offering credit rating benefits. A significant challenge with this initiative would be valuing CO2 reductions from various human behaviors like commuting, heating, or waste disposal.

Improving antibiotic stewardship: Need for conversion of IV to oral route Improving antibiotic stewardship: Need for conversion of IV to oral route Content Editor: Dr.Sumana Mukhopadhyay February 5, 2024 Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Antibiotic stewardship, AMR A US-based study on gram-negative bloodstream infections (GN-BSIs) revealed that less than 50% were shifted from intravenous (IV) to oral antibiotics, indicating a potential for improved antibiotic stewardship. Johns Hopkins University and Trinity Health researchers assessed records of 4,581 GN-BSI cases in 24 US hospitals in 2019 . Only 43% were shifted to oral therapy by day 7, despite 90% achieving clinical stability by day 5. Hospitals showed varied transition rates (25.8% to 65.9%). The most prevalent infections were E. Coli urinary tract infections (60.4%). Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase infections were more common in the IV group . Oral therapy had a shorter duration (median 11 vs. 13 days), with fluoroquinolones prescribed the most (62.2%). The authors suggested opportunities for early oral changeover and advocated targeted education for antimicrobial stewardship teams.

Quantification of the benefits of electric buses: Findings from a research study Quantification of the benefits of electric buses: Findings from a research study Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar June 5, 2024 Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health International health, climate, Health research Many qualitative studies explain the benefits of switching over to electric buses. But, this is the first to quantify that electric buses can improve human and planetary health. To quantify this, researchers compared the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from diesel bus tailpipes with electricity generation and battery production in electric school buses. They also compared how respective emissions contributed to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5), which is linked to adult mortality and childhood asthma. Electric buses produced 181 metric tons less carbon dioxide emissions than their diesel counterparts, amounting to $40,400 in climate benefits. In addition to reduced air pollution, mortality rates, and childhood asthma, electric buses are associated with $ 43,800 in health savings. However, the study could not assess the impact of in-cabin air pollution on electric buses, which requires further studies. Electric school buses have tangible benefits. They can save and improve the lives of low-income communities and racial minorities who are affected by the health risks of air pollution. Click here to read more.

Nipah in Kerala: The way ahead Nipah in Kerala: The way ahead Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy August 1, 2024 Press Information Bureau Outbreak, Nipah, Surveillance, One health Recently, a 14-year-old boy from Kerala succumbed to death due to the fatal Nipah Virus. To manage the condition, ICMR delivered monoclonal antibodies to the hospital, but they weren’t used due to the boy’s poor general condition. A BSL-3 laboratory for additional sample testing has also arrived in Kozhikode. The National One Health Mission has deployed a multidisciplinary outbreak response team to support the state in investigating the case. The following measures have been advised by the Center to prevent the further spread of the disease: 1. Active contact tracing of contacts during the past 12 days. 2. Strict quarantine of contacts and isolation of suspects 3. Active case finding among the family and neighboring areas 4. Continued lab testing of samples. Efforts are ongoing to control the situation. Click here to read more.

India’s renewable energy capacity surges by 24.2 GW India’s renewable energy capacity surges by 24.2 GW Content Editor: Dr. Anamika November 28, 2024 Press Information Bureau Renewable energy, sustainability India’s renewable energy capacity increased by 24.2 GW (13.5%), reaching 203.18 GW in October 2024, compared to October 2023. Total non-fossil fuel capacity rose to 211.36 GW in 2024 from 186.46 GW in 2023. Total planned solar capacity stands at 250.57 GW, up from 166.49 GW in 2023. Wind energy capacity increased by 7.8%, reaching 47.72 GW, with a total pipeline of 72.35 GW. Hydro projects contributed 46.93 GW, while nuclear power added 8.18 GW to India’s clean energy portfolio. Read more, click here

Burden of falls among the older adults Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy September 11, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Geriatric health, Injuries, Morbidity and Mortality Unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults >65 years in the United States. A study was conducted to describe the patterns of fatal and nonfatal falls by sex and geography. Data was collected from: The 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) The 2021 National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) data. The findings of the study were as follows: 27.6% (14 million) of older adults reported such a history. Falls were higher among the women (28.9% vs. 26.1%) Falls were higher in the noncore countries. The rate of unintentional fall death was found to be 78 per 100,000, which was higher among men when compared to women. The incidence of falls and the rate of fall deaths were highest among the non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native persons. The highest percentage of falls and fall deaths were seen in Alaska and Wisconsin, respectively. Most falls are preventable but are the leading cause of high morbidity and mortality among older adults. Hence, prevention strategies need to be strengthened. Previous Next

WHO Urges Global Flavor Ban on Tobacco and Nicotine to Shield Youth WHO Urges Global Flavor Ban on Tobacco and Nicotine to Shield Youth Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay June 12, 2025 World Health Organisation World No Tobacco Day, Tobacco regulations Marking World No Tobacco Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO ) urged governments, demanding comprehensive proscriptions on all flavor complements and accessories within tobacco and nicotine products How flavors increase appeal and harm Menthol, bubblegum, cotton candy, and similar tastes mask harshness, making products more enticing, especially to youth. Flavor chemicals (e.g., diacetyl, cinnamaldehyde) present direct respiratory risks when inhaled, and can reinforce dependence. Current regulatory gaps While over fifty nations have implemented bans on flavored tobacco and more than forty restrict flavored e-cigarettes (sometimes targeting disposables or specific flavors), significant gaps remain. Flavor accessories—including crushable capsules, flavor cards, sprays, and filter tips—often circumvent existing regulatory frameworks. Industry marketing tactics Big multinational tobacco companies use bright packaging, misleading descriptors (“natural,” “clean,” “reduced-risk”), and social media influencers to promote flavored products. “Next-generation” items are positioned as safer alternatives, yet many users become dual- or poly-users rather than quitting. WHO’s recommended actions Implement comprehensive bans on all flavorings and flavor accessories. Enforce strict advertising and promotion prohibitions, including digital platforms. Launch counter-marketing campaigns based on credible, independent sources. Strengthen monitoring of emerging products, industry tactics, and potential illicit markets. Notable country efforts Belgium, Denmark, and Lithuania have started regulating flavor/accessories. With roughly eight million annual tobacco-related deaths, WHO stresses that eliminating flavors is critical to prevent a new wave of youth addiction and preserve decades of progress in tobacco control.