Barkha Mathur

Can nicotine lozenges help you quit smoking? How many you can safely take

No Smoking Day 2026: Nicotine lozenges can help ease cravings while quitting smoking, but they should be used correctly and within the recommended daily limit

Are white flakes on your scalp really dandruff? A dermatologist explains

Those white flakes on your scalp might look like dandruff, but they can signal several scalp conditions. A dermatologist explains how to tell if your scalp needs medical attention

That difficult person in your life might be making you age faster

A new study finds that "hasslers", people who constantly create stress in your life, may accelerate biological ageing, increase inflammation, and raise the risk of multiple diseases

Healthier French fries? Scientists may have discovered a new trick

Researchers have found that combining microwaves with traditional frying may cut oil absorption in French fries while keeping them crispy

This simple nutrient may help control deadly inflammation during illness

Scientists found that the amino acid methionine helped infected mice survive severe illness by boosting kidney filtration and clearing harmful inflammatory molecules from the bloodstream

These two sleep disorders together may triple heart disease risk: Study

A massive study of nearly one million US veterans finds that having both insomnia and sleep apnea sharply raises the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease

Ultra-processed foods may lead to anxiety, hyperactivity in toddlers

A large Canadian study finds toddlers who consume more ultra-processed foods may show slightly higher anxiety, aggression and hyperactivity by age five

Midlife health: Why women in middle age need recovery more than reinvention

International Women's Day 2026: From perimenopause brain fog to metabolic shifts, here's why women thrive when they prioritise recovery over constant reinvention

Poor sleep, loud snoring, restless nights: Sleep disorders not to ignore

Loud snoring, restless nights and constant fatigue may be more than stress. Here's how to spot sleep disorders early and why ignoring them can harm your heart, brain and metabolism

Should older adults even try to lose weight? Here's what doctors say

World Obesity Day: Is weight loss after 60 always healthy? Doctors explain who benefits, when it can backfire, and why strength, mobility and nutrition may matter more than the scale

Researchers reprogram natural killer cells to attack cancer faster

A new study shows that tweaking natural killer cells and briefly treating them with a cancer drug helped them destroy blood cancer cells more effectively in lab and animal tests

Why some brains refuse to switch off at night, researchers explain

Scientists have found that disrupted circadian rhythms may keep the brain alert at night, preventing the mental disengagement needed to fall and stay asleep

Emotional maturity in love: Why it matters for wellbeing more than chemistry

Psychiatrists explain why emotional maturity in love, not just chemistry or compatibility, may be the strongest predictor of long-term relationship stability and mental wellbeing

Can anti-ageing supplements fuel cancer? Here's what a new study finds

A new study reveals how polyamines such as spermidine alter protein synthesis in cancer cells, separating their healthy ageing effects from their tumour-promoting potential

No closure, no peace: How unresolved endings keep hormones switched on

A psychotherapist explains how lack of closure keeps the stress cycle active, disrupts sleep, affects immunity, and why true acceptance must come from within

Why blood group mismatch is no longer a barrier in kidney transplants

Once considered impossible, blood group mismatch no longer means kidney transplants cannot happen, as new immune therapies and kidney swap programmes improve outcomes

Spa days, supplements, productivity: Doctors bust 15 common self-care myths

From indulgence and influencer trends to productivity pressure and supplement hype, medical experts explain what self-care really means, and what it doesn't

Babies exposed to 42 'forever chemicals' before birth, warns study

A new US study detects 42 PFAS compounds in umbilical cord blood, including hidden chemicals missed by routine tests. With no specific monitoring system in India, should we be worried?

Gastroenterologist lists 5 everyday foods that may help lower cancer risk

From purple sweet potatoes to beans, a California-based gastroenterologist highlights five foods that may help reduce inflammation and support cancer prevention

Green vs brown coconut water: Which one is actually healthier for you?

As coconuts mature from green to brown, their sugar levels, electrolyte balance and metabolic impact shift, and doctors explain which version suits your health needs better