Global Pulse

分类： health

  • ‘Sitting shuts my brain’: UAE doctors on why standing helps some people think, focus

    ‘Sitting shuts my brain’: UAE doctors on why standing helps some people think, focus

    Medical experts from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Neurological Institute have revealed compelling scientific evidence explaining why prolonged sitting adversely affects both cognitive performance and physical health. According to psychiatry and neurosurgical specialists, the human brain and body are fundamentally designed for movement, not sustained stillness.

    Dr. Muhammad Farhan, Staff Physician at the Psychiatry & Behavioural Health Department, explains that when the body remains stationary for extended periods, the brain receives diminished sensory input from muscles and joints. This reduction in neurological signaling triggers a shift toward a low-energy, drowsy state, significantly impairing mental alertness and focus.

    The physical consequences are equally significant. Dr. Nader Hebala, neurosurgical specialist at the same institute, details how sitting compresses the sciatic nerve—particularly problematic for individuals with existing back conditions or disc issues. The flexed hip position during sitting increases pressure on the nerve pathway, exacerbating pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the lower extremities.

    For individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the challenges are particularly pronounced. Dr. Farhan notes that ADHD brains already operate with lower baseline levels of dopamine and norepinephrine—neurotransmitters critical for attention and focus. Prolonged sitting further depletes these chemicals, while movement naturally stimulates their production. This explains why many with ADHD report significantly improved concentration while standing or walking.

    The research carries important implications for workplace design, education systems, and transportation. Experts suggest implementing regular movement breaks every 30-45 minutes, advocating for sit-stand desks, and reconsidering how environments that mandate sitting—from conferences to long-haul flights—might accommodate neurological diversity.

    Crucially, doctors emphasize that the need for movement transcends mere preference, representing instead a biological requirement for optimal cognitive and physical functioning. They recommend balanced approaches that alternate between sitting and standing, combined with consistent postural changes and movement intervals throughout the day.

  • One person dead from Nipah virus in Bangladesh, WHO says

    One person dead from Nipah virus in Bangladesh, WHO says

    Bangladesh has confirmed its first Nipah virus fatality of the year, with the World Health Organization (WHO) verifying the death of a middle-aged woman in northern Bangladesh. The victim, aged between 40-50 years, initially manifested symptoms including fever and severe headache on January 21 before developing more serious neurological complications including hypersalivation, disorientation, and convulsions. Despite medical intervention, she succumbed to the infection one week after symptom onset, with laboratory confirmation of Nipah virus obtained posthumously.

    Epidemiological investigation revealed the patient had consumed raw date palm sap, a known transmission route for the virus through contamination by infected bats. Health authorities have identified and monitored 35 individuals who had contact with the deceased, all of whom have tested negative for the virus to date. No secondary cases have been detected.

    This occurrence follows recent Nipah cases detected in neighboring India, prompting multiple Asian nations including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Pakistan to implement enhanced airport screening measures. The virus demonstrates high fatality rates, estimated at up to 75% of cases, though human-to-human transmission remains limited.

    The WHO has assessed the international transmission risk as low and currently advises against implementing travel or trade restrictions. This case marks a continuation of Nipah’s endemic presence in Bangladesh, where four laboratory-confirmed fatalities were recorded in 2025. No licensed therapeutics or vaccines specifically targeting Nipah virus infection are currently available.

  • ‘My life was transformed when I got rare sheep disease on holiday’

    ‘My life was transformed when I got rare sheep disease on holiday’

    A Scottish farmer’s encounter with a rare bacterial infection during an Australian holiday has fundamentally reshaped her approach to life and work over a transformative decade-long health journey. Sally Crowe, a 48-year-old Caithness crofter featured on BBC’s This Farming Life, contracted Q fever in 2012 while visiting friends working in a sheep-shearing facility in Western Australia.

    The initial symptoms manifested upon her return to the UK as severe flu-like sensations that medical professionals struggled to diagnose. After 18 months of uncertainty and being misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME), doctors finally identified the condition as chronic Q fever—a rare airborne disease transmitted from farm animals that affects only approximately 5% of those exposed.

    The subsequent years brought profound challenges as Sally transitioned from an active farming lifestyle to being bedbound for up to 18 hours daily. The treatment landscape in Scotland proved limited, prompting her to seek specialized medical intervention from South Africa in 2016. Her year-long therapeutic regimen involved alternating weeks of antibiotics and anti-malarial medications, which initially exacerbated her discomfort before gradually restoring functionality.

    This health crisis precipitated a complete re-evaluation of priorities. Sally embraced IVF treatment and welcomed her son William in 2019, catalyzing a shift from work-centric living to quality family time. She implemented strategic energy management on her 65-acre family croft—established in 1972 and home to 60 breeding ewes, nine cattle, and numerous hens—alternating physical tasks with cognitively demanding activities across days.

    Medical authorities note that Q fever, while typically harmless, can develop into chronic conditions causing serious cardiovascular complications like endocarditis. The infection spreads primarily through contact with infected animals’ bodily fluids and tissues, posing particular risks to agricultural workers, veterinarians, and abattoir personnel. No licensed vaccine currently exists within the UK healthcare system.

    Sally’s narrative transcends medical statistics, embodying a powerful testament to resilience and reprioritization. She now consciously reserves weekends for meaningful interactions with her six-year-old son, recognizing the transient nature of childhood. Her experience underscores the importance of balancing occupational demands with personal fulfillment, offering insights relevant both to agricultural communities and broader discussions about occupational health risks and post-recovery life adaptation.

  • As US cash dries up South Africa’s fight to stop Aids gets harder

    As US cash dries up South Africa’s fight to stop Aids gets harder

    A critical healthcare crisis is unfolding in South Africa as the consequences of former US President Donald Trump’s executive order, signed immediately following his inauguration, continue to reverberate across the nation’s HIV/AIDS programs. The sudden freezing of US aid commitments has created a $400 million annual funding gap, representing approximately one-fifth of South Africa’s total HIV program budget.

    South Africa, bearing the world’s highest HIV burden with 13% of its population living with the virus, now faces severe service disruptions despite government efforts to mitigate the impact. The South African government managed to allocate just $46 million—a mere 11.5% of the lost funding—while a temporary “bridge plan” of $115 million from the US President’s Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) will only sustain operations until March.

    The funding cuts have particularly affected vital “last-mile” services, according to Professor Linda-Gail Bekker, head of the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation. These include mobile clinics that reach vulnerable populations in high-risk areas like Philippi, one of Cape Town’s most dangerous townships. These clinics provide essential services to those uncomfortable with government facilities, offering innovative prevention methods like Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) and the promising twice-yearly injection Lenecapavir.

    Young South Africans express grave concerns about service accessibility. Esethu, 28, receiving her second CAB-LA injection, emphasized the importance of mobile clinics: “They are very important for young people because when you go to the government clinics, you get people that are your mother’s age, so you can’t open up to them.”

    Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi acknowledges the challenge, hoping for increased HIV funding in the next budget while pursuing alternative donors. Through the Global Fund, South Africa has secured 900,000 doses of Lenacapavir for 450,000 people, scheduled for distribution within months. However, researchers warn this remains insufficient to address the 180,000 new infections recorded last year.

    Experts fear the cuts will reverse decades of progress. Professor Helen Rees of Wits RHI notes the profound impact of sudden service reductions: “If you stop testing, if you stop giving prevention, and if you are unable to sustain treatment, you’re inevitably going to get more cases.” Ironically, the very data collection needed to measure the crisis impact has been compromised by funding limitations.

    The situation highlights global health interdependence, as research advancements from South Africa—a global leader in HIV studies partly due to previous US funding—have worldwide implications. With the US adopting an “America First Global Health Strategy” and shifting to bilateral agreements with countries like Kenya, Malawi, and Nigeria, the future of international health cooperation remains uncertain.

  • Thumbay University Hospital performs its first advanced heart bypass surgery

    Thumbay University Hospital performs its first advanced heart bypass surgery

    Thumbay University Hospital has marked a transformative advancement in cardiac care with the successful execution of its inaugural coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. This pioneering procedure establishes the hospital’s capability to deliver sophisticated cardiac surgical services within its academic medical environment.

    The landmark operation was performed on Syed Omer, a 51-year-old patient presenting with severe ischemic coronary artery disease complicated by critical left main coronary artery stenosis—a high-risk condition that severely limits cardiac blood flow. The patient’s concurrent diabetes mellitus necessitated meticulous perioperative management and specialized cardiac expertise.

    Employing the technically demanding off-pump (beating heart) technique, the surgical team conducted a double-vessel bypass without utilizing a heart-lung machine. This innovative approach minimizes physiological stress during surgery and is correlated with accelerated recovery timelines, reduced complication rates, and enhanced clinical outcomes for appropriately selected patients.

    Under the leadership of Dr. Khaled Farrag, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, the specialized cardiac team successfully implanted two grafts to circumvent blocked coronary arteries, effectively restoring optimal blood circulation to the heart muscle. The patient has been discharged, resumed normal activities, and continues to receive remote medical monitoring.

    Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President of the Healthcare Division at Thumbay Group, characterized the achievement as: “This inaugural bypass surgery transcends mere medical procedure—it heralds a new epoch of advanced cardiac care within our academic healthcare network. This milestone demonstrates our clinical proficiency, infrastructural robustness, and enduring dedication to delivering complex, life-preserving treatments accessible to the community. It reaffirms our conviction that university hospitals must pioneer both educational and clinical excellence.”

    The successful operation validates the hospital’s operational preparedness for managing intricate cardiac conditions, including high-risk coronary artery disease. The cardiac program is supported by state-of-the-art surgical facilities, intensive care units, comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, and fully integrated emergency and rehabilitation services.

    This development ensures patient access to advanced cardiac surgery within an academic medical institution supported by evidence-based treatment protocols, continuous scholarly oversight, and multidisciplinary medical expertise.

  • Researchers uncover key to overcoming drug resistance in breast cancer

    Researchers uncover key to overcoming drug resistance in breast cancer

    A groundbreaking study led by Chinese scientists has identified a previously unknown mechanism behind treatment resistance in one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. Published in the prestigious journal Cell, the research reveals how sensory nerves within tumors actively block immunotherapy effectiveness in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients.

    The research team from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and the Institute for Translational Brain Research made a paradigm-shifting discovery by examining the tumor microenvironment rather than focusing exclusively on cancer cells themselves. Their analysis of 360 clinical samples demonstrated that tumors with significant sensory nerve infiltration consistently showed the poorest patient outcomes.

    According to lead researcher Dr. Shao Zhimin, director of general surgery at the center, these sensory nerves—typically responsible for transmitting touch and pain sensations—effectively prevent immune cells from penetrating the core regions of tumors. The study details how cancer cells communicate with these nerves, triggering nearby cells to produce dense collagen barriers that physically block immunotherapies from reaching their targets.

    The research offers immediate clinical implications through the experimental use of rimegepant, an already-approved migraine medication. In animal models, this drug successfully disrupted nerve signaling pathways, simultaneously slowing cancer progression and restoring immunotherapy effectiveness. Because rimegepant has established safety profiles and regulatory approval, researchers believe these findings could rapidly transition to human clinical trials.

    Dr. Jiang Yizhou, another lead expert on the project, emphasized that the collagen barrier acts as a physical wall protecting cancer cells from immune attack. The study fundamentally changes how scientists approach cancer treatment by demonstrating the critical integration between nervous and immune systems in tumor development and treatment resistance.

    This discovery represents a significant advancement in oncology, particularly for TNBC patients who account for approximately 20% of breast cancer cases and face limited treatment options due to the cancer’s aggressive nature and tendency to metastasize rapidly.

  • New therapy uses gene-edited pig liver

    New therapy uses gene-edited pig liver

    In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Chinese physicians at Xijing Hospital in Xi’an have successfully administered a novel treatment to a liver failure patient using a genetically modified pig liver in an extracorporeal perfusion procedure. The patient has maintained stable vital signs for over two days following this pioneering intervention, marking a significant milestone in xenotransplantation research.

    The innovative technique involves connecting the patient’s circulatory system to a porcine liver housed within an advanced mechanical device outside the body. This external organ support system, linked via the patient’s femoral vein, performed critical hepatic functions including detoxification, metabolic processing, and synthesis throughout the 66-hour treatment duration while the patient’s native liver remained intact.

    Medical researchers employed a specially engineered pig liver featuring six strategic genetic modifications to minimize rejection risks. The sophisticated perfusion apparatus maintained precise environmental controls for temperature, pressure, and oxygenation throughout the procedure. Following disconnection, physicians observed substantial and sustained improvement in the patient’s liver function indicators.

    Professor Wang Lin, Director of Hepatobiliary Surgery at Xijing Hospital, characterized the 50-hour post-procedure stability as “satisfactory” while acknowledging that longer-term assessment remains necessary. The technique offers a minimally invasive alternative to conventional transplantation, resembling dialysis methodology while reducing dependency on intensive immunosuppressive regimens.

    This development addresses China’s critical organ shortage crisis, where current data indicates over 400 million citizens live with liver conditions and approximately 181,000 patients await transplants amid a severe supply-demand imbalance. The treatment provides temporary hepatic support for transplant candidates awaiting donor organs, leveraging China’s established infrastructure for gene-edited pig cultivation and perfusion technology.

    The pioneering procedure was conducted under the leadership of Academician Dou Kefeng of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with collaborative support from multiple medical institutions and ClonOrgan Biotechnology, a frontrunner in xenotransplantation research. Dou has hailed this success as a landmark advancement in clinical xenotransplantation with substantial potential for broader application.

  • UAE to combine traditional Emirati medicine with healthcare, says health minister

    UAE to combine traditional Emirati medicine with healthcare, says health minister

    The United Arab Emirates is embarking on a groundbreaking healthcare transformation by formally integrating traditional Emirati healing practices with conventional medical treatments. Health Minister Ahmed Al Sayegh announced this strategic initiative during the World Governments Summit in Dubai, marking a significant shift in the nation’s approach to wellness and disease prevention.

    Minister Al Sayegh, appointed to his position in September 2025, shared personal reflections on the effectiveness of traditional medicine, noting that approximately 70% of his childhood treatments involved these ancestral practices. He emphasized that these methods contributed significantly to building robust health among earlier generations of Emiratis.

    The newly formulated approach, termed ‘integrative medicine,’ represents a comprehensive healthcare model that combines conventional medical treatments with lifestyle modifications while addressing mental and spiritual wellbeing alongside physical health. This methodology aims to move traditional practices from the periphery to the core of the UAE’s healthcare prevention strategies.

    To ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy, the Ministry of Health and Prevention will establish a robust legislative framework governing the implementation of these traditional practices. The minister clarified that while science remains paramount in addressing critical health challenges—evidenced by the dramatic reduction in child and maternal mortality rates over recent decades—traditional knowledge offers valuable complementary benefits.

    Minister Al Sayegh highlighted specific examples, including holistic care protocols for pregnant women that incorporate traditional dietary recommendations, specialized exercises, and indigenous wellness practices similar to yoga. He expressed concern that these valuable traditional skills are gradually being lost and emphasized the ministry’s role in preserving this cultural heritage through structured training programs that combine ancestral wisdom with scientific validation.

    This national initiative builds upon the foundation established by the UAE Integrative Medicine Council (UAEIMC), formed in September 2025 under the leadership of Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. The council promotes a multidisciplinary approach that safely integrates modern, traditional, and complementary medical practices.

    The UAE’s commitment to integrative medicine will be further demonstrated later this month when the country hosts the AYUSH Conference & Exhibition, bringing together wellness brands, clinics, and hospital representatives to showcase ancient medical traditions and their contemporary applications.

  • US healthcare needs fixing, but there’s no agreement on how to do it

    US healthcare needs fixing, but there’s no agreement on how to do it

    The American healthcare system continues to generate devastating financial consequences for millions of citizens, exemplified by the case of Jeff King, a 66-year-old former pastor from Lawrence, Kansas. Following a routine procedure to correct his irregular heart rhythm, King received an astonishing $160,000 medical bill that threatened to bankrupt him. Despite having a cost-sharing alternative plan, his coverage excluded the treatment entirely.

    King’s predicament reflects a national crisis where approximately 100 million Americans—roughly 40% of the population—struggle with medical and dental debt. The United States maintains the world’s most expensive healthcare system, with projected expenditures reaching $5.9 trillion in 2026 according to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data. Paradoxically, despite per capita healthcare spending that doubles that of comparable wealthy nations, America demonstrates lower life expectancy rates according to research from nonprofit KFF.

    The system’s failures have generated widespread public frustration, sometimes with tragic consequences. In December 2024, UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in Manhattan by Luigi Mangione, who subsequently gained support from protesters viewing him as a folk hero opposing the healthcare establishment. While a judge recently dismissed federal firearms murder charges against Mangione, the incident highlights the intense emotions surrounding healthcare affordability.

    Political solutions remain elusive despite bipartisan recognition of systemic problems. Former President Donald Trump recently proposed his “Great Healthcare Plan” featuring direct payments to citizens for insurance costs and eliminating “kickbacks” to middlemen. However, experts note the plan lacks critical details regarding funding mechanisms and implementation strategies.

    The Affordable Care Act (ACA) implemented under President Obama significantly expanded coverage but created a patchwork system that falls short of universal healthcare. A decade after full implementation, frustrations persist as approximately 20% of privately insured Americans reported claim denials for doctor-recommended care in 2023.

    The expiration of COVID-era subsidies has exacerbated the crisis, with millions facing dramatic premium increases. Stacy Cox, a Utah-based photographer with high breast cancer risk, saw her insurance costs quadruple from $500 to $2,100 monthly, forcing her to abandon comprehensive coverage. Similarly, Mike Short, a Tennessee graphic artist with preexisting medical debt, now risks financial ruin from potential health complications.

    Structural complexities involving multiple overlapping systems—Medicare, Medicaid, employer-sponsored insurance, and veteran’s healthcare—create bureaucratic inefficiencies and confusion. Health policy experts advocate for system consolidation and stronger price negotiation mechanisms for pharmaceuticals.

    While some states have implemented local solutions such as banning medical debt from credit reports and providing separate subsidies, the federal government struggles to achieve consensus. As healthcare companies have tripled profits over two decades and distributed $2.6 trillion to shareholders since 2001, ordinary Americans continue facing impossible choices between financial stability and essential medical care.

  • UK says infant formula contamination may have affected 36 babies

    UK says infant formula contamination may have affected 36 babies

    British health authorities have confirmed 36 probable cases of infant poisoning connected to contaminated formula products, sparking nationwide concern over food safety standards. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) disclosed on Thursday that these cases exhibit symptoms consistent with toxin exposure from affected batches of nutritional products.

    The contamination crisis began on January 6th when Nestle initiated a massive European recall of several infant nutrition lines, including SMA, BEBA and NAN formulas, following the discovery of potential toxin contamination. The compromised products were found to contain substances capable of inducing severe nausea and vomiting in infants. Subsequently, Danone expanded the recall effort two weeks later by withdrawing one batch of its Aptamil infant formula.

    UKHSA officials indicated that the widespread distribution of these products prior to their removal from shelves made additional cases inevitable. Despite issuing urgent alerts to healthcare facilities nationwide, the agency acknowledged the challenge in containing exposure given the products’ previous market penetration.

    Notably, current surveillance data reveals no abnormal increases in vomiting reports among children under one year old compared to seasonal norms. However, UKHSA maintains heightened vigilance through continuous monitoring of public health indicators. The agency emphasizes that while the risk has been substantially reduced through recall actions, healthcare providers should remain alert for potential late-presenting cases.

    The incident has triggered rigorous quality control reassessments within the infant nutrition industry and prompted calls for strengthened food safety protocols across European markets.