September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Health

Insufficient Sleep and Insomnia in Teens Linked to Higher Risk of Hypertension: Study

A new study from Pennsylvania State University has revealed a concerning link between poor sleep and high blood pressure in teenagers. The research found that teens who suffer from insomnia and get less than 7.7 hours of sleep per night are at a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension—a major factor contributing to heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. Poor Sleep Can Increase Risk Fivefold The study involved over 400 adolescents in the United States and assessed their sleep duration and quality. Researchers defined insomnia as difficulty falling or staying asleep, and short sleep as under 7.7 hours, based on sleep lab evaluations. Alarmingly, teens who had both insomnia and short sleep were five times more likely to develop clinical hypertension compared to peers who had neither condition. Even teens who lacked insomnia but consistently slept less than 7.7 hours showed nearly three times the risk of elevated blood pressure, underscoring the health threat of insufficient sleep alone. Sleep Quality Matters as Much as Sleep Duration Interestingly, the study also found that teens who reported symptoms of insomnia but still managed to sleep more than 7.7 hours did not show a higher risk of hypertension. This indicates that both sleep duration and sleep quality are essential in maintaining cardiovascular health. Teenagers Are Not Sleeping Enough According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night to stay healthy. However, most high school students average only 6.5 hours per school night, which puts them at risk of long-term health consequences, including high blood pressure. Early Intervention Can Prevent Future Heart Issues Lead researcher Professor Julio Fernandez-Mendoza emphasized that while poor sleep is already known to contribute to hypertension in adults, this study is one of the first to confirm the same risk in teenagers. Addressing sleep issues early could help protect heart health during adolescence and into adulthood. What Parents and Teens Can Do Parents and healthcare providers are urged to monitor teen sleep patterns and encourage habits that support better sleep. These include: It’s important to note that not every teen with insomnia will develop hypertension, but when combined with short sleep, the risk becomes significantly higher. Takeaway: Sleep is Key to Teen Heart Health This research adds to growing evidence that sleep is not just a lifestyle factor, but a critical component of health. With increasing rates of sleep deprivation among adolescents, there is a pressing need to promote good sleep hygiene. Healthy sleep habits during teenage years could be a powerful preventive tool against high blood pressure and future heart disease.

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Editor04 mins

World Lung Cancer Day 2025: Raising Awareness, Encouraging Prevention, and Supporting Survivors

Every year on August 1, World Lung Cancer Day is observed globally to raise awareness about lung cancer — the world’s deadliest cancer — and to educate the public about prevention, early detection, and treatment options. The day also serves as a platform to support those affected and to drive collective action against the disease. The Global Burden of Lung CancerAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, affecting both men and women. It accounts for around 18% of all cancer deaths each year, making it one of the most lethal malignancies with poor survival outcomes. The WHO estimates that smoking causes approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. But the risk isn’t limited to smokers alone — secondhand smoke, air pollution, and exposure to carcinogens like asbestos and radon also contribute significantly, particularly in non-smokers. Understanding Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers“Lung cancer is no longer just a smoker’s disease,” says Dr. Bhuvan Chugh, Principal Consultant – Medical Oncology at Max Hospital, Gurugram. “We’re seeing a steady rise in cases among non-smokers, especially women, where the causes are more complex — involving both genetic and environmental factors.” Studies show that women living with smoking partners have a 27% higher risk of developing lung cancer. Meanwhile, outdoor air pollution — especially particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) — is now recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen, indicating sufficient evidence of its link to lung cancer. Every 10 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 and PM10 levels beyond WHO’s recommended limits raises lung cancer risk by 8% and 9%, respectively. Smokers vs Non-Smokers: The Biological DivideLung cancer in non-smokers is often driven by oncogene addiction — a condition where cancer relies heavily on a single gene mutation for survival. These cases respond better to targeted therapies, often administered as oral tablets, drastically improving outcomes and tolerance. “With over 10 known driver mutations, precision medicine now allows doctors to tailor treatments based on genomic sequencing. It’s one of the most promising advances in modern oncology,” explains Dr. Chugh. Prevention Is PowerDespite grim statistics, lung cancer is largely preventable. The most effective measure remains quitting smoking, which can reduce risk by up to 90% within five years of cessation. It also protects others from secondhand exposure — a crucial step in safeguarding family and community health. Key Messages for World Lung Cancer Day 2025:Quit smoking — it’s never too late. Protect others from secondhand smoke. Reduce air pollution exposure where possible. Support early detection through screenings and awareness. Encourage research into targeted and precision therapies. Lung cancer is no longer a death sentence — but awareness, action, and innovation remain our strongest weapons.

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Editor04 mins

Respiratory Infections May Reactivate Dormant Breast Cancer Cells, Study Finds

A new study published in Nature reveals that common respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, can “wake up” dormant breast cancer cells that have migrated to the lungs, potentially triggering the rapid development of metastatic tumours. The research, which combined mouse experiments with a meta-analysis of human patient data, provides compelling evidence for the role of inflammation in cancer relapse. Researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine first demonstrated in mice that infection with either virus led to a surge in interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels—a pro-inflammatory molecule released during immune responses. Within days of infection, previously inactive disseminated cancer cells (DCCs) in the lungs began proliferating en masse, and visible metastatic lesions appeared within two weeks. Blocking IL-6 in the animal models significantly blunted this resurgence, suggesting that targeted immunotherapies could help prevent post-infection relapses. To explore human relevance, investigators analysed two large healthcare databases tracking cancer survivors. They found a marked increase in metastatic relapses among breast cancer patients who experienced respiratory infections, particularly within the first year after falling ill. “The rapid progression mirrors what we observed in animals,” noted Roel Vermeulen of Utrecht University, a co-author on the study. Lead author Julio Aguirre-Ghiso emphasized the clinical implications: “Individuals with a history of cancer may benefit from taking precautions against respiratory viruses, such as vaccination when available, and discussing any concerns with health care providers.” The team cautioned that their human data predated widespread COVID-19 vaccination, and further research is needed to assess how vaccines or antiviral treatments might modify this risk. Overall, this work underscores inflammation—specifically IL-6 signaling—as a critical trigger in the transition from dormancy to active metastasis. It paves the way for prospective trials testing whether IL-6 inhibitors or other immunomodulators can keep dormant cancer cells in check following respiratory infections.

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Editor03 mins

Calcium-Rich Travertine in Ladakh’s Puga Hot Springs May Hold Clues to Life’s Origins

A team of Indian scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) has uncovered evidence that calcium carbonate deposits—travertine—at high-altitude hot springs in Ladakh’s Puga Valley could have served as natural “incubators” for the very molecules that sparked life on Earth. Their findings, published in ACS Earth and Space Chemistry, suggest a pivotal role for carbonate minerals in prebiotic chemistry—alongside the more commonly studied silica-based pathways. Led by Dr. Amritpal Singh Chaddha and colleagues Dr. Sunil Kumar Shukla, Dr. Anupam Sharma, Prof. M.G. Thakkar, and Dr. Kamlesh Kumar, the interdisciplinary team employed microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and stable-isotope geochemistry. They demonstrated that natural calcite crystals within the Puga travertine matrix trap and stabilize a suite of organic precursors—including amino acid derivatives, fatty acids, sulfur compounds, and formamide—even under the valley’s intense ultraviolet radiation. “Our empirical data show that CaCO₃ in the Puga hot spring environment effectively preserves key prebiotic molecules,” explained Dr. Chaddha. “These travertine formations likely provided both protection and structural templates for complex organics to accumulate and persist in harsh, early-Earth or Mars-like conditions.” This discovery challenges the dominant focus on silica-rich settings for origin-of-life research by highlighting carbonate minerals’ underappreciated potential. Beyond reshaping theories of how life’s building blocks may have assembled on primordial Earth, the work carries significant implications for astrobiology. Next-generation missions—like those planned by ISRO—may now look to carbonate deposits on Mars and other planetary bodies as promising targets in the search for preserved biosignatures. Moreover, understanding natural biomolecule entrapment in travertine could inform advances in synthetic biology and materials science, where the stabilization and templating of organics remain central challenges.

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Editor03 mins

Bengaluru Sees Sharp Spike in Dengue Cases Amid Intensifying Monsoon

As the monsoon rains intensify, Bengaluru is grappling with a significant rise in dengue infections. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) reported 69 new cases in the past week, bringing July’s total to 442 and the city-wide tally for 2025 to 1,685. BBMP Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao on Monday directed civic authorities to ramp up mosquito-control operations. Measures include targeted larvicide treatments, regular fogging, and pesticide spraying in identified high-risk zones. Rao also urged a robust public-awareness campaign and recommended installing ovitraps in homes to monitor and curtail Aedes mosquito populations. Health experts warn that dengue typically surges between May and August, when stagnant rainwater in flower pots, discarded tires, and construction sites provides ideal breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti. A 2023 study in the Indian Journal of Medical Research attributed Bengaluru’s recurrent outbreaks to rapid urbanisation and inadequate waste management, mirroring a nationwide tally of 270,000 dengue cases reported by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) that year. Early recognition and treatment are critical. Common dengue symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, joint and muscle aches, and rash. Severe dengue (hemorrhagic fever) can present with persistent abdominal pain, bleeding gums or vomit, and extreme fatigue—signs that demand immediate medical attention. To curb breeding sites, the BBMP advises residents to: Community engagement is equally vital. Research published in The Lancet Global Health shows that neighbourhood-led cleanliness drives and awareness initiatives can dramatically reduce dengue transmission, underscoring the need for collective action alongside government efforts.

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Editor03 mins

AIIMS Researchers Call for Cancer Warning Labels on Alcohol Bottles, Highlighting Rising Risk

Researchers from AIIMS Delhi have advocated for the implementation of strong, evidence-based cancer warning labels on alcohol bottles to curb avoidable cancer cases in India. Drawing inspiration from the country’s success with tobacco warnings, the researchers emphasized that alcohol, like tobacco, is a proven carcinogen, yet public awareness remains significantly low. In an opinion piece titled “Expanding behavioural interventions through cancer warning labels in India: from cigarette packs to alcohol bottles”, published in Frontiers in Public Health on July 24, oncologists Dr. Abhishek Shankar, Dr. Vaibhav Sahni, and Dr. Deepak Saini from the Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr. BR Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS, Delhi, highlighted that adolescence is a critical period for the initiation and deepening of substance use, including alcohol. They asserted that behavioural interventions through warning labels could positively influence consumption habits, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) like India, where public health literacy and awareness about substance-related harm are still evolving. The doctors pointed to alarming cancer trends in the country, citing a 36% rise in cancer incidence from 2012 to 2022 (from 1.01 million to 1.38 million cases). GLOBOCAN 2022 data showed approximately 1.41 million new cancer cases in India, with a five-year prevalence of 3.25 million and 916,827 total cancer-related deaths. According to GLOBOCAN 2020, alcohol-attributable cancer cases in India account for 4.7% of the total, with an age-standardized incidence rate of 4.8 per 100,000 people. Further data from 2016 revealed that 6.6% of India’s Disease Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) were linked to alcohol consumption, second only to tobacco at 10.9%. The researchers also referenced the U.S. Surgeon General’s January 2025 advisory, which confirmed that alcohol consumption increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer — colon/rectum, liver, breast, esophagus, larynx, pharynx, and oral cavity — and this risk applies equally to all genders. The opinion piece underlined the effectiveness of warning labels in modifying behaviour. Evidence from global studies suggests that alcohol cancer warnings can reduce consumption and lower people’s perception of its harmlessness. The researchers cited the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2016–17, which found a 16% increase in health awareness due to cigarette pack warnings. Notably, pictorial warnings were 50% more effective in motivating individuals to consider quitting. They also discussed the nature of warning messages, distinguishing between loss-framed (emphasizing risks) and gain-framed (highlighting benefits of quitting) messages. While gain-framed messages have shown more promise in some studies, most research has focused on loss-framed warnings, especially in tobacco use. The authors suggested that a combination of both message types may be more effective, as behavioural change is often influenced by individual beliefs and perceptions. Given India’s status as an LMIC, the researchers concluded that implementing cancer warnings on alcohol bottles could significantly influence consumer behaviour and contribute to reducing alcohol-related disease burdens, particularly cancers.

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Long-Term Air Pollution Exposure Linked to Higher Dementia Risk: Cambridge Study

A large-scale review by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit and the University of Cambridge has found strong evidence linking long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution with an increased risk of dementia. The study, involving 51 studies and data from over 29 million people, concluded that pollutants like PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and soot are significantly associated with cognitive decline: These pollutants can enter the brain directly or via the bloodstream, causing inflammation similar to that in lung and heart diseases. Expert Concerns: The researchers noted that although the data mostly came from high-income countries, marginalised groups, often more exposed to pollution, remain underrepresented—calling for greater inclusivity in future research.

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Editor02 mins

Yoga May Cut Risk of Type 2 Diabetes by 40%, New Report Finds

A new report titled ‘Yoga and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes’ reveals that regular yoga practice may reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by up to 40% in high-risk individuals. The findings were shared by Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, a noted diabetologist, after the report was presented to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda. Prepared by the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) under Dr. S.V. Madhu from the University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, the report highlights yoga’s preventive potential—especially for those with a family history of diabetes or elevated blood sugar levels. Unlike earlier studies that focused on yoga as a supportive therapy for diabetes management, this report emphasizes prevention. While based on observational data and pending clinical trials, the study identifies specific yoga asanas as potentially beneficial. Dr. Singh hailed the report as a fusion of ancient wisdom and scientific validation, noting that similar initiatives are being explored by the Department of Biotechnology. He called it a promising step toward integrating traditional wellness practices like yoga into mainstream preventive healthcare for a “healthier, disease-free India.”

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Editor02 mins

7,000 Daily Steps Linked to Major Health Benefits, Finds Landmark Study

A new comprehensive study published in The Lancet Public Health journal on July 23 reveals that walking approximately 7,000 steps per day is associated with a significantly lower risk of several serious health outcomes—including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and depression. The analysis, which drew on data from more than 160,000 adults, is the most wide-ranging review to date of how daily step counts affect health—not just heart disease or overall mortality, as seen in earlier research, but across a broad spectrum of medical conditions. Key Health Benefits at 7,000 Steps per Day The study found that taking 7,000 steps per day was linked to the following health risk reductions: Why 7,000 Steps—Not 10,000? While the long-held 10,000-steps-per-day goal remains popular, researchers found that 7,000 steps might be a more realistic and still highly beneficial target, especially for people who are sedentary or older. Health benefits generally plateaued after 7,000 steps per day for most conditions, although cardiovascular benefits continued to increase with higher step counts. Even modest improvements matter: people walking 4,000 steps per day were still healthier than those walking only 2,000, suggesting that any increase in activity is better than none. About the Study Implications for Public Health The authors emphasize that step counts are a simple and accessible metric for measuring daily physical activity. Their findings support encouraging people—especially those with lower activity levels—to track their steps as a practical way to improve health. This study may help reshape public health recommendations, replacing rigid activity benchmarks with more achievable, evidence-based targets that still deliver meaningful health benefits. Bottom line: Walking around 7,000 steps a day could be a powerful and realistic goal for improving overall health and preventing chronic diseases.

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Editor04 mins

“Anabolic Steroids for Muscle Gains Found Contaminated with Toxic Heavy Metals: Study”

What Are Anabolic Steroids?Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone. Medically, they’re prescribed—under strict supervision—for conditions like hypogonadism (when the body doesn’t produce enough sex hormones), certain types of anemia, and muscle-wasting illnesses. In these contexts, doses and preparations are carefully controlled to maximize benefit and minimize risks. However, outside medical settings, AAS are widely misused to accelerate muscle growth, enhance athletic performance, or boost confidence and well-being. They come in two main forms: Who Is Using Them—and Why?Despite legal restrictions—possession without a prescription can carry severe penalties in Australia—AAS misuse is growing, especially among young men (and increasingly women) drawn to: Studies suggest that many first-time users are late teens or early twenties, inspired by fitness influencers flaunting dramatic transformations. They often start their “first cycle” with no medical oversight, relying entirely on online vendors or local gym contacts. Risks of Unregulated ProductsOur recent analysis of 28 products from Australia’s underground market revealed alarming safety gaps: Why It MattersWhen users unknowingly inject or ingest the wrong compound—or toxic impurities—they expose themselves not just to the known side effects of steroids (hormonal imbalances, liver stress, cardiovascular strain) but also to potentially life-threatening heavy-metal poisoning. Key TakeawayAnabolic steroids carry significant risks even under medical supervision. In underground markets, where quality control is non-existent, those risks multiply—underscoring the urgent need for greater education, harm-reduction outreach, and enforcement against illicit supply chains.

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