Barkha Mathur

From jaw pain to ED: Five overlooked symptoms your heart may be failing

Many adults dismiss jaw pain, swelling or breathlessness as lifestyle issues. A cardiologist explains why these seemingly

Alcohol use behind six in ten mouth cancer cases in India, study finds

A large Indian study finds no safe level of alcohol for mouth cancer risk, especially when combined with smokeless tobacco, with locally brewed drinks posing the highest danger

Scientists edge closer to a universal cancer vaccine using nanoparticles

What if a single vaccine platform could train the immune system to prevent multiple cancers? A new nanoparti

Heat, smog, dengue: How climate change became a health threat in 2025

As temperatures soared and weather turned erratic, India saw longer dengue seasons, heat emergencies and rising mental stress

How 2025 marked a turning point for health science and innovation

From GLP-1 drugs and personalised cancer vaccines to longevity experiments and regenerative therapies, 2025 marked a year when scientific breakthroughs reshaped healthcare and medicine

What really works for ADHD: Pills, therapy and what global evidence shows

The largest-ever review of ADHD treatments finds medicines work best in the short term, CBT helps adults, and long-term answers remain missing, forcing families and doctors to weigh benefits against h

Is stress driving compulsive porn use in India? What a Nimhans study found

A Nimhans study links anxiety, stress to problematic pornography use in Indian adults, highlighting early exposure, compulsive patterns and need to address coping and mental health, not just behaviour

Why does belly fat rise after 30 even when diet and workouts stay same?

Why does belly fat creep up after 30 even if nothing has changed? A California-based gastroenterologist trained at Aiims explains the science behind it and what can help reverse it

From fibremaxxing to GLP-1s: What were India's top health trends in 2025?

From fibremaxxing and longevity clinics to GLP-1 drugs, AI hospitals and workplace mental health, 2025 reshaped how India talks about prevention, ageing and wellbeing

Why men in Delhi breathe more toxic air than women, a five-year study finds

A five-year Delhi study finds men absorb up to 1.4 times more particulate pollution than women, mainly due to outdoor time and larger lung volumes, with walking and commutes sharply raising doses

Mounjaro and the brain: Why cravings fade at first, then return later

A rare brain-recording study found tirzepatide briefly muted activity linked to 'food noise'; months later the signals and intrusive thoughts returned, hinting at limits to its effect

What we get wrong about blood pressure: Doctors bust 13 persistent myths

From stress and salt to medicines, age and alcohol, an internal medicine specialist explains why blood pressure myths can quietly harm your health

Do you feel time speeding up after 35? Five habits to slow ageing down

After 35, your sleep, heart, muscles and metabolism start shifting subtly. An NHS doctor shares five simple daily habits, from morning light to strength work, that can help you age better

Sudden deaths under 45: Why 'healthy-looking' can be dangerously misleading

Sudden heart deaths in 'fit-looking' adults under 45 are often linked to silent coronary artery disease. An Apollo doctor explains why it hides, what raises risk, and what checks help

What is an 'alcoholic personality'? Why Trump backed Susie Wiles' remark

Trump endorsed Susie Wiles' "alcoholic personality" label despite being a non-drinker. Psychiatrists explain why it is not a diagnosis, and what traits the phrase points to

Do electric toothbrushes really beat manual ones for plaque and gum health?

Electric brushes can cut plaque 10-20 per cent in trials, but timers, pressure sensors and technique matter more than price

Why do some people feel an urge to eat chalk, ice, or excessive spices?

From chalk and clay to compulsive ice chewing, pica is a recognised condition often linked to iron deficiency and other health issues. A doctor explains why these cravings happen and when to seek help

Can sleep and social support make your brain look eight years younger?

A University of Florida study using MRI and machine learning suggests sleep, optimism, stress control and social support are linked to younger-looking brains, by up to eight years in some participants

Can you recognise a face but forget the name? A neurologist explains why

Ever recognised a face instantly but blanked on the name? A neurologist explains why names slip first, how stress and sleep affect recall, and when forgetting may signal trouble

Why do ex-smokers return to cigarettes even years after quitting?

Doctors explain why relapse can happen even years after quitting, as stress, sensory triggers and long-stored brain "reward" memories can reactivate cravings and old habit loops