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Barkha Mathur leads health coverage for the Business Standard website. She reports on the intersection of medicine, policy, and health science, with a focus on stories that impact readers’ physical and mental well-being. When not tracking the latest developments in health, she’s often reading medical research or listening to hip-hop.
Barkha Mathur leads health coverage for the Business Standard website. She reports on the intersection of medicine, policy, and health science, with a focus on stories that impact readers’ physical and mental well-being. When not tracking the latest developments in health, she’s often reading medical research or listening to hip-hop.
'Not sick, yet not well' is a grey zone affecting many; doctors decode why subtle symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep, and low energy are often ignored until it's too late
A highly mutated Covid variant, 'Cicada', is now seen in over 20 countries, but experts say there is no need to panic as it has not been linked to more serious disease yet
Kerosene, once widely subsidised and used in India, was phased out with LPG expansion; now, amid global supply disruptions, the fuel is making a temporary return to households
A new study shows a one-time RNA injection may help the heart repair damage after a heart attack by producing healing molecules, offering a less invasive approach to cardiac recovery
Researchers find immersive dreaming during lighter sleep stages may help sustain a sense of deep, uninterrupted rest, even as the body's need for sleep declines overnight
When is fever in children dangerous? A doctor explains warning signs, age-based risks, and what parents should do at home before symptoms worsen
An hour gained feels longer than 60 minutes, and that deviation from expectation creates a unique sense of opportunity that can influence behaviour and decision-making
With Meta and Google found liable in a US case, experts warn addictive app design may worsen anxiety, depression and attention issues, especially among young users
Two multi-billion-dollar franchise deals have put the IPL in the global spotlight, but how does it compare with the NFL, EPL and NBA in size, revenue and influence across world sport
From kidneys and lungs to the stomach, doctors explain which organs humans can live without, how the body adapts, and the long-term health changes that follow
A major Lancet study finds hydration alone may not prevent kidney stone recurrence, as adherence challenges and individual differences limit the effectiveness of water-based prevention strategies
India's 'cheap Ozempic moment' is here as semaglutide prices fall sharply, but doctors warn against misuse and stress careful evaluation before using these weight-loss injections
If you fill every quiet moment with sound, experts say your brain may be overstimulated; skipping earphones on your daily walk could improve focus, mood, and memory
As cheaper GLP-1 weight-loss drugs flood India after patent expiry, the government has intensified surveillance to curb illegal sales, misleading promotion, and unsafe use without medical supervision
New research finds the thymus remains active in adults and may influence immunity, cancer outcomes and ageing risk, with stronger thymus function linked to better survival and lower disease burden
PM Modi flags risks to energy supply, trade routes and Indian diaspora as Iran war disrupts Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over oil, LPG imports and global economic stability
Ever noticed your period arriving at the same time as your best friend's? Doctors say what looks like menstrual syncing may actually be coincidence driven by natural cycle variations
A large real-world study finds patients stopping semaglutide or tirzepatide may not regain as much weight as expected, aided by treatment switches, restarts, and lifestyle support
Many people dismiss hoarseness as a cold, but if it lasts beyond a few weeks it could signal throat cancer, making early diagnosis and timely treatment critical for better outcomes
A Lancet report warns counterfeit weight-loss injections like Ozempic and Mounjaro are spreading globally, driven by high demand and prices, raising serious risks for patients