The post The Science of Finger Length and Brain Development appeared first on The Edge Media.
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The study, which involved research on 225 young children, found that boys with longer index fingers tended to have a larger head circumference. A larger head circumference is often associated with a brain that develops rapidly. This discovery suggests that specific developmental traits are established even before birth.
The length of the fingers depends on which hormones are more prevalent before birth. While a larger brain is often seen as a sign of quick intelligence and good memory, researchers noted that evolution played a role over millions of years as the human body adapted. Interestingly, while high estrogen levels might lead to a larger brain, it can also mean the body may have to work harder to fight certain diseases in the future.
How to check yourself:
* If your first finger (index) is long, your brain may have grown very rapidly during childhood.
* If your ring finger is longer, it may indicate a natural aptitude for sports or high-intensity physical activities.
* Your fingers are essentially a small “report card” of your biological development.
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]]>The post Spray on the Wound, Bleeding Stops Instantly appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Excessive bleeding remains one of the leading causes of death in accidents and traumatic injuries. In many cases, patients lose a significant amount of blood before reaching a hospital, making survival difficult. The first few minutes after an injury are often critical for saving lives. Keeping this in mind, researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have created a high tech hemostatic agent in powder form.
As soon as the powder comes into contact with blood, it transforms in less than a second into a soft and flexible gel. This gel adapts to the shape of the wound and seals it effectively. Whether the injury is deep, uneven, or located in a place where bandaging is difficult, the gel forms a complete seal over the area.
The spray does not merely cover the wound. It helps blood cells bind together quickly, accelerating the body’s natural clotting process. This rapid action ensures that bleeding is controlled almost immediately. The gel also has the ability to absorb several times its own weight in blood, making it highly efficient in critical situations.
The materials used to create this spray are derived from natural sources. Marine algae play a key role in forming the gel structure. A bacterial fermentation process is also involved, which strengthens the mixture and enhances its effectiveness.
According to the researchers, the project initially began with the aim of saving soldiers’ lives on the battlefield. However, they believe the spray will soon become an essential part of military medical kits, emergency response units, and even household first aid boxes. The technology is currently in the final stages of development. Although an official launch date has not yet been announced, experts expect it to become an affordable and practical life saving solution for millions of people around the world in the coming years.
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]]>The post Now TB Medicine Effectiveness Can Be Tested in Just Two Hours appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Until now, patients had to wait several weeks to know whether the prescribed medicines were working, as traditional culture based drug sensitivity tests took a long time. This delay often resulted in incorrect treatment, worsening patient conditions, and an increased risk of drug resistant tuberculosis spreading in the community.
The new POCT method enables doctors to quickly determine whether TB bacteria are responding to antibiotics and anti TB medicines. This allows timely correction of treatment, prevents unnecessary medication, and reduces the chances of complications caused by ineffective drugs.
The research was conducted under the leadership of Dr Arup Mohanty at AIIMS Gorakhpur. The team studied Mycobacterium tuberculosis and extensively drug resistant TB strains using this new technique. Patient samples were analysed, and results were obtained within two hours, compared to several weeks required for conventional tests.
The findings of this study were presented at the 14th annual conference of the Sri Lanka Society for Microbiology, held in Colombo. Researchers and TB specialists from India and other countries participated in the conference. Only 18 research papers were selected for presentation, and this study was among them, highlighting its global relevance and scientific value.
Experts stated that the new test is highly useful for detecting multi drug resistant and extensively drug resistant tuberculosis. AIIMS Gorakhpur is preparing to implement this test in clinical practice soon, which is expected to significantly improve TB diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
According to Dr Bimla Dutta, Director of AIIMS Gorakhpur, this innovation will help identify TB drug resistance in a much shorter time and ensure that patients receive the correct medicines without delay.
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]]>The post Minor Cannot Be Forced Into Motherhood Says Supreme Court appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>The ruling came while hearing the case of a 17 year old girl who was 30 weeks pregnant. The court allowed medical termination of the pregnancy under strict medical supervision, noting that forcing a minor to carry a pregnancy would violate her personal liberty and bodily autonomy.
A bench comprising Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan underlined that reproductive choices are a fundamental aspect of personal dignity.
The judges said that a woman’s consent is central to decisions related to pregnancy, and courts cannot override that choice, especially when the pregnant individual is a minor facing physical and emotional distress.
The court examined the medical board’s report, which stated that termination at this stage would not pose a serious threat to the life of the girl if conducted under expert medical care. Taking this into account, the bench permitted the procedure at a government hospital in Mumbai, ensuring that all necessary safeguards would be followed.
The judges further clarified that the legality of the pregnancy, whether it resulted from consensual relations or otherwise, is not the primary issue in such cases. What matters is the well being of the minor and her clear unwillingness to continue the pregnancy. The court reiterated that no girl should be forced into motherhood simply because the pregnancy has crossed a certain duration.
This judgment reinforces the principle that reproductive freedom and consent are essential rights, and minors deserve special protection under the law when facing such life altering situations.
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]]>The post UP Cabinet Likely to Approve Cashless Medical Cover for Teachers and Education Staff appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Among the key decisions likely to be taken is a proposal to provide cashless medical treatment of up to ₹5 lakh to nearly five lakh beneficiaries. This scheme is expected to cover teachers working in government-aided secondary schools, basic education teachers, Shiksha Mitras, instructors, cooks, and their dependent family members.
The proposal, brought by the Secondary Education and Basic Education departments, aims to extend health security to teaching and non-teaching staff associated with the education system.
The cabinet agenda also includes three proposals from the Transport Department. These involve recruitment for 35 posts of Motor Vehicle Inspectors and the creation of new posts of Assistant Regional Transport Officer for road safety in all districts, along with framing new recruitment rules.
In addition, proposals from the Science and Technology Department and the Finance Department will be discussed. The agenda also includes relaxation in rules for certain brick kilns, extension of the validity period of the IT Manufacturing Policy, and two proposals from the Urban Development Department.
The cabinet is also expected to take decisions related to further land acquisition for the Jewar International Airport project.
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]]>The post Former Bus Conductor, Doctors Among 45 Padma Shri Awardees Named Unsung Heroes appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Anke Gowda, once a bus conductor from Haralahalli village near Mysuru in Karnataka, has been honoured for setting up Pustak Mane, the world’s largest free access library. The library houses over two million books in more than 20 languages along with rare manuscripts and has emerged as a major centre for learning and knowledge sharing across the country.
Medical professionals feature prominently among the awardees. Mumbai based paediatrician Armida Fernandes has been recognised for founding Asia’s first human milk bank, a pioneering initiative that has significantly improved infant survival. Shyam Sundar was selected for developing an affordable diagnostic test for Kala Azar, also known as black fever, while veteran haematologist Suresh Hangavadi was honoured for his lifelong contribution to the treatment of Haemophilia.
The list also includes Ladakh based Padma Gurmet for promoting ancient Tibetan medicine, Tamil Nadu veterinary scientist Punniamurthy Natesan for combining traditional practices with modern animal healthcare, Hyderabad based geneticist Kumarasamy Thangharaj, and Gujarat based social worker Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala, founder of Donate Life, who has played a key role in promoting organ donation.
Several artists preserving India’s rich cultural heritage have also been honoured. These include Bundeli war art trainer Bhagwandas Raikwar from Madhya Pradesh, Silambam martial art exponent K Pajanivel from Puducherry, 90 year old tribal Tarpa musician Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda from Maharashtra, and 100 year old Nata Sankirtana performer Yumnam Jatra Singh from Manipur.
Other awardees include folk dancer Vishwa Bandhu from Bihar, Rajasthani Bhapang musician Gafruddin Mewati Jogi, Gujarati Maanbhatt artist Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya and Taga Ram Bheel, who has worked to preserve the fading Algoza musical tradition.
The Padma Shri has also been conferred on theatre and performing arts contributors, such as, Odisha based Sakhi Nata actor Simanchal Patro, Naga folk theatre guru Sangyusang S Pongener, and Assam scenographer Nuruddin Ahmed.
Among those recognised for social service and community development are Jammu and Kashmir based social worker Brij Lal Bhat, Budri Thati for establishing schools in Naxal affected regions of Chhattisgarh, Ramchandra and Sunita Godbole for providing affordable healthcare to tribal communities in Bastar, former IPS officer Inderjit Singh Sandhu for sanitation advocacy, and Techi Gubin for preserving the culture of the Nishi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh.
The list further honours literary figures and artisans, such as, Santhali author Charan Hembram, senior journalist Kailash Chandra Pant for promoting Hindi for over six decades, Kashmiri writer Shafi Shauq, and Naresh Chandra Debbarma for advancing Tripura’s Kokborok language.
Craft and environmental contributions were recognised through awards to brass engraver Chiranji Lal Yadav from Moradabad, bronze sculptor Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar, Kantha embroidery mentor Tripti Mukherjee, Jamdani weaving trainer Khem Raj Sundriyal, 92 year old environmentalist Kollakkayil Devaki Amma G from Kerala, Meghalaya’s Hally War for traditional afforestation and water conservationist Mohan Nagar from Madhya Pradesh.
Agricultural innovation and rural development were acknowledged through honours to Shrirang Devba Lad for the Dada Lad cotton farming technique, Mahendra Kumar Mishra of Odisha for protecting tribal voices, Raghupat Singh from Uttar Pradesh for farming innovations, and Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar for using Tamasha art to raise awareness on drug addiction.
Sources said the Padma Awards this year continue the tradition of celebrating ordinary Indians who have made extraordinary contributions to society, many of whom have overcome personal hardship while serving communities in remote and marginalised regions.
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]]>The post Veins Will No Longer Be Missed, They Will Appear Clearly on the Screen appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>The device is based on advanced imaging techniques that display the network of veins in the human body in real time. It helps medical professionals locate veins instantly, which is especially useful during injections, drips, blood sampling, and surgical procedures.
According to reports, the technology has been introduced by a Chinese company and shared on social media by the Chinese Embassy in India. Doctors often face difficulty in identifying veins, particularly in children, elderly patients, and critically ill individuals. This device addresses that challenge by providing a clear visual map of veins directly on a screen.
The real-time vascular imaging system is expected to be highly beneficial in hospitals, emergency wards, intensive care units (ICUs), and operation theatres. During surgeries, clear visibility of veins can significantly reduce risks and complications.
Medical experts say the device will help reduce repeated needle insertions, minimise patient discomfort, and save valuable time during emergency treatment. It will also lower the chances of errors during injections and intravenous procedures.
The technology is particularly helpful for children and elderly patients, who often experience pain and distress due to repeated attempts to locate veins. With this device, procedures can be completed faster and more safely.
Experts believe this innovation marks a significant step forward in medical imaging and reflects China’s continuous progress in healthcare technology.
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]]>The post UP to Emerge as India’s Premier Hub for Medical Services and Healthtech: CM Yogi appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>During the event, the Chief Minister launched the UP Healthtech Medical Research Application Software. This digital platform is designed to bring transparency and efficiency to clinical trials and pharmaceutical research. Additionally, he released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) booklet containing 22 protocols for Institutional Ethics Committees to standardize research across the state.
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]]>The post Medical PG Admissions Open to Zero Percentile Candidates as Government Cuts NEET PG Cut off appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>The government has allowed candidates with zero percentile scores to participate in postgraduate medical admissions after sharply reducing the NEET PG cut off, a move aimed at filling around 18,000 vacant seats across the country. The decision comes at a time when doctors and medical associations are staging protests over issues related to admissions, working conditions and healthcare infrastructure.
Officials said the cut off was lowered after multiple rounds of counselling failed to fill a large number of PG medical seats, raising concerns about the shortage of specialist doctors in government and private hospitals. By opening admissions to candidates who scored zero percentile, authorities hope to ensure optimal utilisation of available seats and strengthen the healthcare workforce.
The reduction in the cut off applies across categories, allowing a wider pool of candidates to compete for remaining MD, MS and diploma seats. Medical education regulators have maintained that the move is a temporary and exceptional measure taken in the larger public interest, especially to address gaps in specialist care.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from sections of the medical fraternity. Several doctors’ bodies have argued that lowering standards could impact the quality of postgraduate medical training and patient care in the long term. Protesting doctors have also linked the issue to broader concerns about medical education reforms, faculty shortages and uneven distribution of seats.
Government sources have defended the move, stating that unfilled PG seats represent a loss of valuable training capacity and public resources. They emphasised that eligibility to participate in counselling does not guarantee admission, as candidates must still meet other academic and institutional requirements.
The counselling process for the vacant seats is expected to proceed on an accelerated timeline, with authorities urging eligible candidates to register promptly. The government has indicated that it will review the impact of the cut off reduction after the admission cycle and consider corrective steps if required.
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]]>The post Infant Dies in Madhya Pradesh After Consuming Ayurvedic Cough Syrup appeared first on The Edge Media.
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Investigation Underway
Chaurai Sub-Divisional Magistrate Prabhat Mishra confirmed that a case of unnatural death has been filed. Samples of both the syrup and the powder have been sent for laboratory testing, while the child’s viscera has been forwarded to the forensic science laboratory in Jabalpur. Authorities are awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause of death.
Link to Previous Cough Syrup Deaths
This incident occurred just two weeks after the last reported fatality associated with the consumption of the cough syrup brand Coldrif. Earlier this year, 24 children—21 from Chhindwara, two from Betul, and one from Pandhurna—died of renal failure linked to the same brand. Tests revealed that Coldrif contained 48.6 percent diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical known to cause severe kidney damage.
Arrests Made in the Case
Following the investigation into the Coldrif deaths, authorities arrested Ranganathan Govindan, owner of Tamil Nadu-based Sresen Pharma, which produced the syrup. Dr. Praveen Soni, a government pediatrician from Parasia in Chhindwara, who allegedly prescribed the medicine, was also arrested earlier in October and remains in judicial custody.
Ongoing Health Concerns
The recent death raises new concerns about the safety of both allopathic and Ayurvedic formulations being sold in local markets. Officials have intensified efforts to test medicinal products and ensure stricter quality control to prevent further tragedies.
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