Category: health

Newly Discovered Pathway Fuels Production of Cancer-Driving Proteins

HOUSTON, Oct 29: A previously unknown mechanism helps cancer cells selectively produce proteins that drive tumor growth — such as KRAS — in common cancers, according to new research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The findings reveal that targeting a specific enzyme may improve responses to targeted therapies and help overcome treatment resistance.

The study, published in Nature Cell Biology, was co-led by Pawel Mazur, Ph.D., associate professor of Experimental Radiation Oncology, along with collaborators at other institutions.

“Our findings show that, in cancer cells, the METTL13 enzyme facilitates the production of important growth-driving proteins,” Mazur said. “By understanding the underlying mechanisms and removing that support, we may be able to make tumors more vulnerable to treatment and help improve patient outcomes.”

What did researchers discover about the mechanisms behind KRAS-driven cancers?

KRAS is one of the most commonly mutated cancer genes, driving tumor growth in multiple types of cancers including many lung and pancreatic cancers. Although KRAS-targeted therapies have improved outcomes for some patients, tumors often adapt and become resistant over time.

Many cancer-driving genes, including KRAS, produce large amounts of messenger RNA rich in specific strings of genetic “words,” called codons, that serve as instructions to build proteins. Structural, chemical and metabolic barriers sometimes make it harder for protein-producing machinery to read those codons.

The researchers found that METTL13 adds a small chemical tag, known as methylation, to one of the proteins involved in protein production. This modification helps cancer cells read the codons more efficiently, giving them an advantage to produce larger amounts of proteins that promote tumor growth.

Importantly, METTL13 did not broadly increase production of all proteins, but rather selectively enhanced production of only a subset of proteins, many of which are involved in cancer growth and survival.

Can targeting METTL13 improve outcomes for KRAS-mutant cancers?

Reducing or removing METTL13 lowered levels of KRAS and other cancer-driving proteins and slowed tumor growth in several preclinical cancer models. In KRAS-mutant lung cancer models, including tumors that had already developed resistance to the KRAS inhibitor sotorasib, METTL13 loss slowed tumor growth, restored treatment sensitivity and significantly extended survival.

Additionally, researchers noticed that patients whose tumors had higher METTL13 activity tended to have poorer responses to KRAS inhibitors, further suggesting the pathway plays a role in treatment resistance.

Why does this matter for patients?

Current KRAS inhibitors work by blocking the KRAS protein after it has already been produced. These new findings suggest there may be a way to intervene earlier by targeting the METTL13 enzyme and limiting how much KRAS protein is produced by cancer cells in the first place.

While these results are preclinical and require further validation before they can be translated into the clinic, researchers are working to better understand how METTL13 controls protein production and to develop strategies for safely targeting it. Future studies also will investigate whether the level of METTL13 could help predict which patients are most likely to benefit from KRAS-targeted therapy.

Study reveals distinct cellular and genetic differences in colorectal cancer in younger patients

BOSTON, Oct 29: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers, along with Mass General Brigham researchers from the Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, and the Broad Institute, have uncovered biological clues to why colorectal cancer can behave more aggressively in younger people. Published today in Nature Medicine, the study — the largest of its kind – lays a foundation for understanding age-associated differences in colorectal cancer and exploring future treatments.

In the United States, colorectal cancer diagnosis rates among people younger than 50 rose 2.9% per year from 2013 through 2022, according to the American Cancer Society. Its 2026 report identifies colorectal cancer as the leading cause of cancer death in this age group. Younger patients are also more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages, underscoring the need to better understand the biology of early-onset disease.

“Through Dana-Farber’s Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center, we see how profoundly this disease can affect younger patients and their families, often during the busiest and most formative years of life,” said co-senior author Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, who is the director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber. “This collaborative work with Mass General Brigham researchers from the Gene Lay Institute and researchers from the Broad Institute gives us important new insight into the biology of these tumors. The findings provide a valuable roadmap for further investigating the distinct features of young-onset colorectal cancer. Our ultimate goal is to discover novel strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for our young patients.”

“The need to understand why colorectal cancer is affecting younger adults at increasing rates is urgent,” said co-senior author Ana C. Anderson, PhD, a core faculty member of the Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School. “And that starts with understanding the biology of the disease across the entire lifespan. By looking beyond conventional age cutoffs, we’ve uncovered biological patterns that earlier studies may have missed and created a foundation for the field to investigate them further. While we’re still at the beginning of understanding what these differences mean, our work gives researchers a new direction to pursue in tackling this urgent problem in human disease.”

The research team, led by first author Caroline Porter, PhD, of the Klarman Cell Observatory at the Broad Institute, studied specimens from surgeries stored in Dana-Farber’s Gastrointestinal Biobank from surgeries at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Co-senior authors include Anderson, Ng, and Ramnik J. Xavier, MD, PhD, of the Broad Institute, Mass General Brigham, and the Gene Lay Institute. They analyzed 189 tumors from patients ages 29 to 90+, including 54 diagnosed before age 50, and 135 diagnosed at age 50 or older. Using a technique called single-nucleus RNA sequencing, the researchers measured gene activity in more than 850,000 cancer cells and other cells in the tumors. The technique, which works with frozen tissue, enabled the team to build a detailed map of tumor cells by studying archived samples with extensive clinical record data.

Rather than dividing the tumor samples into two data sets and comparing the younger and older age groups, the researchers looked for factors that changed gradually with age, accounting for tumor location, stage, sex, and prior treatment in their analyses. This approach revealed subtle differences that likely would have been obscured by a simple two-data set comparison.

Among tumors of the most common colorectal cancer subtype, younger patients’ tumors had a significantly higher proportion of connective and supporting cells relative to cancer cells. A higher proportion of connective and supporting cells has been linked to chemotherapy resistance in several types of solid cancer. The team confirmed this pattern using gene-activity data from 564 other tumors and computer analysis of stained tissue images from another 712 tumors.

Younger patients also had higher activity of long non-coding RNAs, molecules that can regulate genes without making proteins. Some appeared repeatedly across different types of cancer cells. Many are “dark” RNAs, whose functions remain largely unknown. The team also saw gene activity suggesting stronger signaling between cells that can help cancer cells move and invade nearby tissue in younger patients.

 “Our study is an advance from previous work in that we analyzed tumors from a large number of patients and used single-cell approaches to find novel features unique to tumors from young patients,” said Xavier, a co-senior author of the study, a core institute member at the Broad Institute, Kurt Isselbacher Professor at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and Vice Director of the Gene Lay Institute. Xavier is also a gastroenterologist at Mass General Brigham. “This work sets the stage for future mechanistic studies on how these cell programs interact with chemicals from the diet and from gut microbes to cause early-onset colorectal cancer.”

Although the findings provide key insight into colorectal cancer in young individuals, they do not yet provide proof that these differences cause more aggressive disease. One remaining question is whether there are differences in immune responses in these tumors across ages — the researchers’ methods captured relatively few immune cells. Future studies will explore how these changes may affect cancer growth and spread, and whether they offer opportunities for prevention or treatment.

Authorship: Authors include Caroline B. M. Porter, Shane P. Murphy, Jules Cazaubiel, Toni M. Delorey, Liat Amir-Zilberstein, Orr Ashenberg, Liubou Klindziuk, Elizabeth Andrews, William Tan, Kosuke Matsuda, Atsushi Kondo, Satoko Ugai, Tomotaka Ugai, Shuji Ogino, Emily Finan, Jacques Deguine, Ewa Sicinska, Lauren K. Brais, Jennifer S. Thalappillil, Marios Giannakis, Ramnik J. Xavier, Ana C. Anderson and Kimmie Ng.

Kauvery Hospital Treats Complex Aortic Valve Regurgitation Using Specialised HANCHOR Valve Technology

Chennai, Oct 29: Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, Chennai, has successfully treated severe aortic valve leakage, known as Pure Native Aortic Regurgitation, in a 63-year-old man with a transcatheter aortic valve replacement  procedure using the specialised HANCHOR valve. The condition was caused by a perforation in the patient’s native aortic valve leaflet. The patient also had a history of mitral valve replacement, adding to the complexity of the treatment. This is the first of its kind procedure where the HANCHOR valve has been used for TAVR in a patient presenting with this combination of clinical factors.

The aortic valve regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta, the main artery that supplies blood to the body. When the valve does not close properly, blood flows backwards into the heart, a condition known as aortic regurgitation. In this patient, the leakage was severe and associated with a perforation in one of the valve’s leaflets, making treatment more complex.

Treating pure native aortic regurgitation through a catheter-based approach presents a specific challenge. Unlike aortic stenosis, in which calcium deposits can help secure a replacement valve, patients with pure native aortic regurgitation often have little or no calcification to support the implanted valve. This makes stable positioning and secure anchoring more difficult. The patient’s previous mitral valve replacement added another important consideration to the treatment planning.

The HANCHOR valve is designed to address the challenge of valve anchoring in pure native aortic regurgitation. It combines a balloon-expandable frame with a dedicated anchoring element made of nitinol, a flexible metal alloy. The anchoring mechanism is designed to engage the native valve leaflets and help stabilise the replacement valve, including in situations where the surrounding anatomy offers limited support.

During the TAVR procedure, the replacement valve was delivered through a catheter and positioned within the patient’s existing aortic valve. This minimally invasive approach allows doctors to replace the faulty valve without conventional open-heart valve replacement surgery, where clinically appropriate.

Following the procedure, the post-procedure assessment reported no residual aortic regurgitation, no valve stenosis (abnormal narrowing) and no paravalvular leak, which is leakage around the implanted valve. No significant abnormality in the heart’s electrical conduction was reported. The patient was discharged after three days. 

Dr. Rajaram Ananantharaman, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, Chennai, said:

“Pure native aortic regurgitation can be challenging to treat using a catheter-based approach because the limited calcium deposits in the native valve can make it difficult to secure a replacement valve. Also, the perforation of the aortic valve leaflet, combined with the patient’s history of mitral valve replacement, added further complexity to treatment planning. The HANCHOR valve’s dedicated anchoring mechanism helped us address the challenges of valve positioning. The immediate post-procedure findings were encouraging, with no residual aortic regurgitation or leakage around the implanted valve reported. This procedure demonstrates the importance of individualised treatment planning and specialised valve technology in managing complex structural heart conditions.”

Commenting on the treatment, Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said,

“At Kauvery, we are committed to advancing patient care through clinical expertise, innovation and the adoption of appropriate medical technologies. Success stories such as this highlight the importance of combining specialised treatment approaches with careful clinical assessment to address complex cardiac conditions. We continue to focus on bringing advanced treatment options to patients while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and care.”

How To Prevent White Dry Patches In Winter: Dr. Sunil Kumar Prabhu

Dr. Sunil Kumar Prabhu, Consultant dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician, Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore

Winter is rough on the skin — the cold air outside and the heated air inside both pull moisture from your skin, leaving it flaky, itchy, and showing those annoying white dry patches. But do not lose heart; it is just the right way of taking care of the skin and developing few smart habits that will allow you to retain soft, supple and healthy skin even during the harshest winters. Some things that you should follow are:

Moisturizer with a higher thickness to be applied — gels won’t be effective in winters

The light lotions and gel moisturizers simply evaporate too fast in dry air. Your skin actually requires a product with more richness and cream base. Look for the ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and squalane. These trap moisture and also boost your skin barrier. Imagine it as giving a warmer coat to your skin.

Apply moisturizer after bath

This one trivial action can completely turn around the situation. With the minute you come out of the shower, your skin will lose moisture. However, if you apply moisturizer on wet skin within 2-3 mins, you will not only hold the moisture that is already there but also keep those dray patches from appearing.

Reduce the number of hot showers

Hot water is very pleasant in winter but at the same time it takes along with it your skin’s natural oils. Instead, use lukewarm water and confine showers to be 10 to 12 minutes long. If your skin turns red or feels tight after bathing, then the water temperature was probably too hot.

Gentle, creamy cleanser is a must

Cleansing agents that foam or are too strong can strip away the necessary oils and make the situation of dryness worse. In winter, use mild, fragrance-free soaps — the ones that feel creamy, not squeaky-clean. Your skin should not feel “tight” after washing; it should feel calm and normal.

Humidify your home

The use of indoor heating significantly reduces the levels of humidity. Not only is your skin affected by this, but also your lips, nostrils,and even eyes. A humidifier placed in your bedroom can be a great help. If you are against buying one, putting a bowl of water by the radiators will also promote humidity in the air (which is less effective but still helpful).

When going outside, make sure your skin is protected

Skin loses moisture primarily because of the cold winds. A scarf or a mask would be helpful when it’s cold outside and it is even more so if your skin is sensitive. Then again, lip balm and facial moisturizer should be applied before going out and not the other way around.

Exfoliation is a process that should be performed carefully but on a regular basis. 

The exfoliation of the skin removes the dead cells and therefore, dry areas become less visible and at the same time they become more receptive to the moisturizing treatment. However, just a little bit of exfoliation is needed – once a week will suffice. Gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or very soft physical scrubs are excellent choices. The skin’s condition will worsen if the person scrubs too hard.

Focus on barrier-boosting ingredients

Ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are the main ingredients for winter skin care routines. They make your skin repair and moisture keeping capacity better over time. Even a simple use of a ceramide cream twice a day can significantly diminish dry white patches.

Winter dryness can be perfectly dealt with by adopting the right habits. Take care of your skin barrier, apply moisturizing products regularly and refrain from using strong products. Also, incorporate urine and water treatment at home as your daily practice to draw moisture into your skin. Just a little bit of care done regularly will keep those white dry patches defeated and your skin radiant during the winter months.

Health Scare Pushes Ritchie Into Advocacy for Blood Donation

Oct 29: The day Kendra Ritchie became a mother was far from the fairytale she imagined.

She thinks of the blood transfusions she received that day as the reason she is here for her daughter, Ripleigh, 6, and now also her son, Rushton, 2. Ritchie, director of recruitment for the College of Business at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, has tried to turn her gratitude into activism.

Ritchie’s experience motivated her to become a passionate advocate for blood donation. Sharing her story with students and others has become her way of making an impact in keeping blood banks with sufficient supply to help those with health crises. Participants in the We Give Blood drive, an initiative of Abbott and the Big Ten Conference, can log donations until Dec. 4.

“My hope is by UNL personnel telling their stories more, we can get more young people invested in this type of a cause,” she said.

Shortly after her first child’s birth, Ritchie collapsed and ultimately lost consciousness. Her hemoglobin had dropped dramatically, and over the next seven hours, she needed three blood transfusions.

“I don’t remember a ton after that,” she said. “It was touch and go for several hours. I do remember lots of poking and prodding. I remember having full body tremors.”

Over the next several days, hospital staff would stop by her room to check on her because they had heard the seriousness of what she had been through. Medical staff compared the amount of blood Ritchie received to somebody who had been in a serious car accident.

“If it weren’t for the fact I had these transfusions, I would not be alive at that point,” she said. “There were staff members from across the hospital that came in just to say, ‘You’re so lucky to be alive.’”

Ritchie later had a strong desire to return the favor to the donors who saved her. She has since been diagnosed with severe anemia so is unable to donate herself, but she’s begun sharing her story to encourage others to do so.

At first, Ritchie didn’t talk much about her experience, but she began to realize how common birth complications like hers are and how important it could be to use her voice to impact others.

“When you’re going through health issues that require some additional support, when you receive that support, it’s life-changing,” Ritchie said. “It feels like such a little thing to the donor, but it makes such a big deal to the recipient on the other end.”

In her daily life and job at the university, Ritchie sometimes talks to students about opportunities to donate blood, how they can get involved and why it is important to do so. She started at the university in 2016 and joined the College of Business in 2019. Students are sometimes intimidated by donating, but she tries to make it less scary, whether it’s explaining what is involved or connecting them with others who have given in the past.

“I get to work in a position I love so dearly,” Ritchie said. “I get to see the young, brilliant minds come to Nebraska and I get to watch them develop over their four years here … It sounds a little bit daunting, but I try to explain to them that it’s a simple process. You can literally stop by opportunities on campus all the time. You’re not even necessarily having to leave campus. I don’t think they realize how simple this act is and how much of an impact it can make in the long run.”

Her history also makes Ritchie more understanding of students and others who might be going through a hard time, whether it’s their own health struggles or other challenges. It’s a daily reminder that everyone is fighting something and might be in need of understanding and empathy.

“I recognize how scary it can be in that moment,” she said. “If other people are going through some trials, it’s my duty to support them and provide them as much sympathy and empathy as one possibly can. There are more students on this campus than we realize who are going through health issues or have family members who are going through health issues. By being more open and sharing my story, I hope they feel they can be more comfortable to share some of those concerns.” 

More than anything, the experience made Ritchie value her time with her family. Her two children love visiting campus, going to Husker sporting events and spending time outside. Ritchie loves watching them discover the world.

“When I was struggling to get pregnant, there were times I never thought I would actually be able to be a mom, and then realizing how close I was to never fully having that opportunity is something I sometimes struggle with,” she said. “As a result of that, I really try to prioritize my kids. … I know how fortunate I am to have this time with them after what I experienced. We’re having the time of our lives right now. It’s so fun as a parent getting to see life through their eyes.”

Rela Hospital Hosts Breast Cancer Awareness Programme to Promote Early Detection

Chennai, Oct 29: Rela Hospital has observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month by hosting an awareness programme at its premises in the city. The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Mohamed Rela, Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre. More than 250 people participated in the programme.

October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to educate women about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and bring down the number of cases. The month serves as a reminder to discuss breast cancer in detail, understand breast health, recognise warning signs, understand screening, and encourage timely medical care.

This year, the World Health Organization is highlighting the individuality of the breast cancer experience with the theme, ‘Every story is unique, every journey matters’. No two women experience breast cancer in the same way. Their journeys can differ depending on the nature and stage of their diagnosis, the treatment they undergo, and the support they receive from family, friends and healthcare professionals.

In India, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, accounting for approximately 28% of all cancer cases diagnosed in women. According to estimates from the National Cancer Registry Programme, India recorded approximately 2.32 lakh new breast cancer cases in 2025.

Unlike in Western countries, where breast cancer predominantly affects older women, nearly 50% of breast cancer cases in India are diagnosed in women aged 25–50 years, although the highest proportion of cases occurs among women aged 50–64 years.

In his comments, Prof. Mohamed Rela said,

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder that early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. Women should be aware of changes in their breasts, seek medical advice if they notice anything unusual, and discuss appropriate screening with their doctors. At the same time, it is equally important to dispel myths and overcome the fear and stigma associated with breast cancer. Through awareness, regular screening and timely medical care, we can encourage more women to take charge of their health and improve their chances of successful treatment.”

In her comments, Dr. Swathi Prakash, Consultant – Breast Surgery said,

“Though India ranks third globally in breast cancer incidence, with approximately 1.92 lakh cases, it ranks highest in the world, with 98,337 breast cancer-related deaths reported among women in 2022. It is because more than 50 percent of patient present in stage 3 or 4. Similarly there is difference in incidences among rural and urban populations, with an occurrence of five per 100,000 cases in the rural areas, compared with 30 per 100,000 cases in the urban regions.

Living Near Water-Pollution Sources Associated with Rare Brain Disorder

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct 29: People who live near industrial facilities that pollute the water supply may be more likely to develop a rare movement disorder called progressive supranuclear palsy, according to a study published October 28, 2026, in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

PSP is part of a group of neurodegenerative diseases known as atypical parkinsonism. PSP shares some symptoms with Parkinson’s disease, but it usually progresses much faster and responds differently to treatment.  

The study does not prove that proximity to facilities that emit water pollution causes progressive supranuclear palsy; it only shows an association.

“These results suggest that environmental water pollutants potentially play a role in the development of progressive supranuclear palsy,” said study author Charlie Weige Zhao, MD, of Harvard Medical School in Boston. “Further studies are needed to confirm these findings, but this is a step forward in understanding what raises a person’s chance of getting PSP.”

People who lived within about three miles of a facility that emitted pollutants including pesticides, other organic and inorganic pollutants and heavy metals were more likely to develop PSP than people who did not live as close to such facilities. The facilities included wastewater treatment plants, intensive aquaculture, chemical plants and thermal power stations.  

For the study, researchers recruited more than 500,000 people from across the United Kingdom who were then followed for up to 25 years. During that time, 221 people developed PSP. The people with PSP were each matched by age and sex to 10 people who did not have PSP.

Using people’s home addresses in 2007, researchers looked at how close they lived to industrial facilities reporting pollutants. There were six types of pollutants: heavy metals, chlorinated solvents, persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, other organic pollutants and other inorganic pollutants. People who had lived at their address for less than a year were not included in the study.

Approximately one-third of the people who developed PSP lived within about three miles of an industrial facility, compared to about one-quarter of people who did not develop PSP.

• A total of 16% of people with PSP lived near a pesticide-polluting facility compared to 11% of those without PSP.
• And 38% of people with PSP lived near a facility with inorganic pollutants compared to 28% of those who did not develop PSP.
• For organic pollutants, the numbers were 36% and 28%. And for heavy metals, the numbers were 38% and 31%.

After adjusting for factors such as age, sex and education level, researchers found that people living near facilities emitting pesticides such as atrazine, simazine and diuron were 66% more likely to develop PSP than those who did not live near the facilities. People living near facilities emitting inorganic pollutants such as phosphorus, nitrogen and fluorides were 60% more likely to develop PSP.

People living near facilities emitting organic pollutants such as benzene, ethyl benzene and toluene were 52% more likely to develop PSP. And those living near facilities emitting heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium were 38% more likely to develop PSP.

Researchers found no association between chlorinated solvents and persistent organic pollutants and PSP.

“We also found some evidence that the risk of PSP decreased in proportion to how far away people lived from the facility as the distance increased to up to about six miles,” Zhao said. “There is also evidence that the length of time people lived near the polluting facilities played a role in their risk of PSP.”

Zhao emphasized that the overall risk of developing PSP was low, no matter where people lived.

A limitation of the study was that information on participants’ job histories was not fully available, so the study did not analyze exposure to pollutants through work. Also, many industrial facilities emitted more than one type of pollutant, so it was not possible to isolate the effects of any single pollutant type.

The study was supported by the Dolce Family Fund for PSP research at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Discover more about brain health at BrainHealth.com, a free public resource from the American Academy of Neurology. It offers a website, podcast, and books, connecting you with trusted information from the world’s leading experts in brain health. Follow BrainHealth.com on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN’s mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

Why Daylight Saving Time May Be Bad for Your Brain and Health

Oct 29: Turning the clocks back an hour each fall can feel like a gift: an extra hour of sleep. But the tradeoff is less daylight in the evening, and the annual switch continues to earn mixed reviews. The same is true in spring, when we lose an hour as daylight saving time begins.

But this twice-a-year reset isn’t so easy for our internal clocks – also known as our circadian rhythm. In fact, desynchronization of our body clocks has been linked to increased health risks such as depression, obesity, heart attack, cancer, and even car accidents.

In 1997, my laboratory discovered the CLOCK gene – the first circadian gene in mammals. My colleagues and I determined that mutated CLOCK genes can cause delays in circadian functions, which in turn lead to dysfunctions in metabolic, behavioral, and cognitive abilities.

Every cell in our bodies keeps track of the time, and changes in daily patterns can trigger stress in our brains and cause sleep deprivation, disorientation, and memory loss. It can also lead to difficulties with learning, social interactions, and overall cognitive function.

In 2016, in collaboration with Dr. Masashi Yanagisawa’s laboratory, we discovered the first genes in mice that regulate sleep using an unbiased mutagenesis and screening method. We uncovered two genes in mice that control how much rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep are needed. A healthy sleep pattern should include long stretches of non-REM sleep, when the brain is not actively dreaming and processing memories.

With this knowledge, we can begin to understand why sleep is important for our health and how to improve sleep hygiene for the 15% to 20% of people in the U.S. with sleep disorders – particularly when environmental factors disrupt our health.

While there is still a lot of uncharted territory in the field of circadian rhythms and sleep medicine, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that spring-forward, fall-back is not the best choice for the 21st century.

LISTEN: Dr. Takahashi joins The New York Times podcast “The Argument” to discuss Daylight Saving Time.

How daylight saving time can disrupt our health

Sleeplessness is commonly associated with stress, and the last six years have been among the most stress-filled years in recent memory. It’s likely that more people were struggling with sleep deprivation than was reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having to readjust once again is bound to be another hurdle for people in the U.S.

Add this to standing facts – 26% fewer third-shift than first-shift workers report getting enough sleep, and teens and tots typically get far less than their recommended 10 hours nightly due to demanding school, sports, and social schedules – and daylight saving time seems to be exacerbating an already prevalent issue.

Low mood and depression

Sleep disruptions can also cause an increased risk of mental illness. In the fall, losing an hour of evening light can markedly affect our mood – and signal the beginning of seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that is associated with a lack of sunlight.

Darkness = Sleepy + grumpy

Lack of sunlight suppresses the production of two important hormones: sleep-inducing melatonin and the “happy chemical” serotonin, which plays a key role in mood balance. In other words, we’re more likely to be grumpy and tired – but unable to fall asleep – in the days following daylight saving time.

One study showed that hospitals reported addressing 11% more depressive symptoms right after the fall time change. The time change in the spring did not produce a similar result, supporting the notion that sunlight does our minds and bodies good.

Cardiovascular risks

Multiple studies have shown a small increase in heart attacks after the start of daylight saving time in the spring and a small decrease at its end in the fall. Meanwhile, stroke rates are 8% higher in the first two days following both time changes.

Vehicular crashes

Fatal traffic accidents also become more of a danger after the spring time change. A recent study showed that fatal accidents increase 6% and are more common in the mornings directly after the clock change. There did not appear to be an effect from the fall-back transition to standard time.

Of course, one season of time changes is highly unlikely to cause issues. However, over time, we must be mindful of how sleep, or lack thereof, affects our overall health. While we can’t manually reset our internal clock, try these tips to have a more restful daylight saving transition this year.

Apollo Hospitals takes stroke awareness campaign to school; students form FAST message

Chennai, Oct 29: Students at Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram, Chennai, formed the letters ‘FAST’ in a human formation as part of a stroke awareness programme organised by Apollo Hospitals, Chennai and Apollo Shine Foundation to highlight the importance of recognising stroke symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention.

The programme, held to mark World Stroke Day, was attended by Thiru Rajmohan Arumugam, Minister for School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Publicity, Government of Tamil Nadu, as the chief guest. Shri P.G. Subramanian, Principal, Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram, Kilpauk Chennai participated in the event. The initiative sought to equip students with basic knowledge of stroke warning signs and encourage them to share the information with their families.

FAST stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to act immediately. The message is intended to help people identify common warning signs and understand that a suspected stroke requires urgent medical attention.

The scale of the problem underscores the importance of awareness. Global Burden of Disease estimates published in 2026 recorded 13.2 million new strokes and 6.8 million stroke-related deaths worldwide in 2023. The estimates also attributed about 83% of the global stroke burden to modifiable risk factors, with high blood pressure identified as the leading contributor.

Dr Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai Region said,

 “Healthcare awareness must extend beyond hospitals and reach people where they live, learn and work. Schools provide an opportunity to introduce important health messages to young people, who can also share them with their families. A stroke is a medical emergency, and recognising the symptoms and acting without delay are crucial. Through community initiatives such as this, we aim to encourage people to respond promptly when warning signs appear.”

Dr Srinivasan Paramasivam, Senior Consultant, Neurosurgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road Chennai said that stroke symptoms often develop suddenly and may include facial drooping, weakness in one arm or difficulty speaking. Sudden loss of balance or vision can also be a warning sign.

“If someone develops these symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately rather than waiting to see if they improve. Note the time the symptoms began, as this information can help doctors assess the patient and plan treatment. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. Diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol can also increase the risk. Regular health checks and appropriate management of these conditions are important steps towards reducing the risk,” said Dr. Srinivasan Paramasivam.

Through the initiative, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, and Bhavan’s School sought to take stroke awareness beyond healthcare settings and encourage students and their families to recognise warning signs, respond promptly and pay attention to factors that increase stroke risk.