Latest news with #CMRI
Hans India
4 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
IVF Day 2025: Insights And Hopes From Industry Experts For Future Families
Parenthood has always been a blessing, but for many, the road to becoming a parent is not always smooth. Today, as the world pauses to honor a day of profound importance, we commemorate a significant medical milestone: in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is more than simply a scientific phrase; it represents the fulfillment of countless dreams and the undying spirit of hope that exists within every woman. In fact, over the years, IVF has transformed into a landscape of family building, lighting the way for those on their journey to parenthood. Therefore, to celebrate this extraordinary occasion, we've gathered insights from the experts in the healthcare sector. These individuals have shared their thoughts on the life-changing transformations that IVF brings for people. So, let's look at what IVF means today and what it can offer future generations. Abhishek Aggrawal, CEO, Birla Fertility & IVF, said, "When it comes to IVF, the financial cost is only half the story. The most often overlooked cost is time. Many couples today choose to postpone parenthood for career, financial or personal reasons, which is understandable given the demands of modern life. What many may not realize is how significantly age can affect fertility over time, especially for women. A woman is born with around 2 million eggs, yet by 35 only a small fraction of that reserve remains. Research also shows that after 35, sperm quality begins to decline gradually as well." "We meet many couples who come to us after years of trying on their own or after other interventions, often feeling overwhelmed by the emotional and financial strain. Our role is not just to provide treatment but also to guide couples with clear, upfront information about their timelines, chances of success, and the best way forward based on their unique situation. At Birla Fertility & IVF, we believe that reliable care begins with proactive care. Our integrated approach combines transparent counselling, advanced clinical care and emotional support to help couples make informed decisions without unnecessary delays. Fertility care should always be effective, ethical and compassionate, and that is what we aim to deliver every day," he added. Mr. Sombrata Roy, Unit Head, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI Kolkata, commented, "World IVF Day is a reminder of how far we have advanced in accessibility and compassion in reproductive care. Infertility is a serious and complex health issue that is becoming more common, but we can make a difference with awareness and proactive treatment. Preventive care is also critical—with HPV vaccination as an example, providing young girls protection against a detrimental health future—potential future infertility through cervical cancer. However, by opening the conversation to both fertility and prevention, CMRI has taken the initiative of giving free HPV vaccination, leading towards a healthier tomorrow for women and girls aged 9-26." "Every year, IVF Day is a strong reminder of how far reproductive medicine has come. It has made something that seemed impossible a reality for millions of parents who are hopeful. It's a day to honor the amazing mix of science, accuracy, and kindness that makes assisted reproductive technology possible. Each embryo is not only a possibility but also the result of years of hard work, new technology, and a commitment to giving hope a chance to grow. Medical science has come a long way since the first IVF baby was born decades ago. The journey to today's advanced methods shows this. IVF not only helps couples and people who can't have kids have kids, but it also makes them feel better emotionally. We celebrate hope today. Every ultrasound image of a consultation, procedure, or heartbeat gives us new hope. As science moves forward, the promise of being a parent grows. IVF Day isn't just about happy endings; it's also about strength, understanding, and never giving up on starting over, stated Dr. Parul Prakash, Senior Consultant, Head - Reproductive Medicine, IVF, Artemis Hospitals. So, if you want to experience the joy of parenthood but aren't sure how to plan or what to do, schedule a consultation today. Because IVF is more than simply a medical procedure, it is also a journey of resilience and the desire to experience the joy of parenting.
NDTV
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Music Composer Pritam To NDTV On Fans Missing KK In Metro In...Dino: "The Weird Part Is..."
New Delhi: Anurag Basu and music composer Pritam's long-standing collaboration has been a milestone in both their careers. In 2007, they worked in Life in They weaved their magic once again in the musical Metro which was released in theatres on July 4, 2025. Fans are currently enjoying the latest album composed by Pritam in Metro However, the music composer clarifies a doubt that most of the listeners have about KK's song O Meri Jaan from Life in What's Happening In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Pritam talks about how the most common thing he heard this time was how everyone missed KK, who had sung O Meri Jaan in Life in The music composer said that he was constantly told how Metro felt incomplete without KK's vocals. Addressing the same, he said, "The weird part is, if you see Life in KK's voice is not there in the film. It is James, aka Bangladeshi singer Fahruk Mahfuz Anam, who's singing those songs. O Meri Jaan is Suhail Kaul, and Alvida is James. Life in we had two clear albums. One is with the band, which is in the movie, and one is outside the band. It is your memory of thinking that you've heard KK sing that song, so you feel it's him." Pritam adds, " Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si was Suhail in the video, Adnan in the audio. O Meri Jaan was Suhail in the movie, KK in the audio. Alvida was James in the movie, KK in the audio. So the thing is, you've never really heard KK singing in the movie, in theatres. It is just a misconception out on the Internet." He concluded by saying, "Funnily, Life in album had not landed when it was released. As in, In Dino was as good as Zamaana Lage, but the album won over hearts and got love over the years. It wasn't an instant hit. About KK KK had an untimely death on May 31, 2022, at the age of 53. After a concert, he had complained about feeling uneasy while on his way back to the hotel and had suffered from a cardiac arrest. He collapsed and could not be revived. He was rushed to Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI) at about 10:30 pm, but was declared dead upon arrival. KK and Pritam's magic together in their music compositions is deeply missed. Jannat and Life in albums were their biggest hits together. In A Nutshell
Hans India
05-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Scientists discover proteins that could help fight cancer, slow ageing
A team of Australian scientists has identified a group of proteins that could transform approaches to treating cancer and age-related diseases. Researchers at the Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Sydney discovered that these proteins play a crucial role in controlling telomerase -- an enzyme responsible for protecting DNA during cell division, Xinhua news agency reported. The breakthrough clarifies how telomerase both supports healthy ageing and fuels cancer cell growth, highlighting new possibilities for treatments that slow ageing or stop cancer by targeting these newly identified proteins, the team said. Telomerase helps maintain the ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres, which are vital for genetic stability. Telomerase adds DNA to the ends of chromosomes (telomeres) to protect them from damage. While telomerase is essential for the health of stem cells and certain immune cells, cancer cells often exploit this enzyme to grow uncontrollably. CMRI Researchers have now identified a new set of proteins that play a vital role in controlling this enzyme. In the paper published in the journal Nature Communications, the team highlighted that three proteins -- NONO, SFPQ, and PSPC1 -- guide telomerase to chromosome ends; disrupting them in cancer cells prevents telomere maintenance, potentially stopping cancer cell growth. 'Our findings show that these proteins act like molecular traffic controllers, making sure telomerase reaches the right destination inside the cell,' said Alexander Sobinoff, the lead author of the study. 'Without these proteins, telomerase can't properly maintain telomeres, a finding which has significant implications for healthy aging and cancer progression,' Sobinoff added. Hilda Pickett, head of CMRI's Telomere Length Regulation Unit and the study's senior author, noted that understanding how telomerase is controlled opens new possibilities for developing treatments targeting cancer, ageing, and genetic disorders linked to telomere dysfunction.
Hans India
03-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Australian scientists discover proteins that could help fight cancer, slow ageing
New Delhi: A team of Australian scientists has identified a group of proteins that could transform approaches to treating cancer and age-related diseases. Researchers at the Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Sydney discovered that these proteins play a crucial role in controlling telomerase -- an enzyme responsible for protecting DNA during cell division, Xinhua news agency reported. The breakthrough clarifies how telomerase both supports healthy ageing and fuels cancer cell growth, highlighting new possibilities for treatments that slow ageing or stop cancer by targeting these newly identified proteins, the team said. Telomerase helps maintain the ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres, which are vital for genetic stability. Telomerase adds DNA to the ends of chromosomes (telomeres) to protect them from damage. While telomerase is essential for the health of stem cells and certain immune cells, cancer cells often exploit this enzyme to grow uncontrollably. CMRI Researchers have now identified a new set of proteins that play a vital role in controlling this enzyme. In the paper published in the journal Nature Communications, the team highlighted that three proteins -- NONO, SFPQ, and PSPC1 -- guide telomerase to chromosome ends; disrupting them in cancer cells prevents telomere maintenance, potentially stopping cancer cell growth. "Our findings show that these proteins act like molecular traffic controllers, making sure telomerase reaches the right destination inside the cell," said Alexander Sobinoff, the lead author of the study. "Without these proteins, telomerase can't properly maintain telomeres, a finding which has significant implications for healthy aging and cancer progression," Sobinoff added. Hilda Pickett, head of CMRI's Telomere Length Regulation Unit and the study's senior author, noted that understanding how telomerase is controlled opens new possibilities for developing treatments targeting cancer, ageing, and genetic disorders linked to telomere dysfunction.
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Business Standard
30-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Understanding gestational diabetes: Why early detection, awareness matter
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition that develops during pregnancy. In this condition, the body of the pregnant woman becomes less sensitive to insulin made by the pancreas, especially in the second and third trimesters. It causes elevated blood sugar levels, which, if unchecked, can lead to complications for both mother and baby. How common is GDM and what do the latest data show? Survey data from the International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai shows developing countries—like India—are seeing sharper rises in diabetes than developed nations. The study analysed the individual data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) surveyed in 2015–2016 (4th round) and 2019–2021 (5th round). The number of diabetic women is projected to reach 313.3 million by 2040 globally. In 2015 alone, around 5 million Indian women had GDM—16.2 per cent of live births, with 85.1 per cent attributed specifically to GDM. Regional studies show varied prevalence: - 17.8 per cent in urban areas - 13.8 per cent in semi-urban areas - 9.9 per cent in rural areas The study highlights the key risk factors as: High BMI High-glycaemic index (GI) food Lack of exercise/physical inactivity Long-term contraceptive use Multimorbidity Hyperthyroidism Why is GDM often missed or diagnosed too late? Despite regional differences, delayed or missed GDM detection remains widespread. Universal screening at 24–28 weeks, and earlier for high-risk women, is essential. Dr Kalyan Kumar Gangopadhyay, Endocrinologist – CMRI, Kolkata told Business Standard: 'One of the studies revealed that GDM cases were missed among 57 per cent of mothers, chiefly because the condition can remain asymptomatic until sugar levels become dangerously high.' Dr Abhinaya Alluri, Senior Gynaecologist & Obstetrician, CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad added: 'In clinical practice, missed or late diagnoses of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are unfortunately not uncommon, especially in resource-limited settings or among women with limited antenatal care access. GDM often presents without obvious symptoms, so without proactive screening, it can go undetected until later stages of pregnancy.' What are the risks of untreated gestational diabetes? The consequences of gestational diabetes can be serious if not diagnosed and managed early. For the mother, GDM increases the risk of: Preeclampsia (a dangerous pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure) Development of type 2 diabetes later in life Caesarean delivery For the baby, late-diagnosed or untreated GDM can lead to: Macrosomia (excessive birth weight), increasing the risk of birth trauma Shoulder dystocia, a delivery complication where the baby's shoulders get stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone Neonatal hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar in new-borns) Higher lifetime risk of obesity and glucose intolerance Can gestational diabetes lead to long-term health problems for the child? Recent research published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, summarised by Business Standard, shows that maternal diabetes—whether gestational or pre-existing—is linked to increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. A globally pooled meta-analysis of 56 million pregnancies in over 200 studies found: 25 per cent higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 30 per cent higher risk of ADHD 32 per cent higher risk of intellectual disability 28 per cent higher overall risk of any neurodevelopmental condition How is gestational diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy? Diagnosis of gestational diabetes is typically done through simple, non-invasive blood tests. The most common tests include: Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Conducted between 24–28 weeks of pregnancy. The patient drinks a glucose solution, and blood sugar levels are tested at regular intervals. Cost: ₹300–₹800 (private labs), free or subsidised in government hospitals Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS): Sometimes used as preliminary screening tools, especially during early pregnancy. Cost: ₹100–₹300 Random Blood Sugar Test and HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin): May also be used in some cases. Cost: ₹500–₹800 What treatment options are available for GDM? Once diagnosed, GDM can usually be managed with lifestyle changes. Treatment includes: Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): A customised diet plan focused on low glycaemic index foods, adequate protein and fibre. Cost: ₹500–₹1,500 per session Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG): Regular glucose checks using home glucometers. Cost: ₹700–₹2,500 Medication: If blood sugar levels are not controlled through diet and exercise alone, doctors may prescribe: Insulin therapy (safe during pregnancy) Occasionally, oral anti-diabetic drugs like metformin (depending on clinical judgement) Cost: ₹1,000–₹3,000 per month Costs vary depending on location (urban vs rural), hospital (private vs public), and the frequency of monitoring or medication needed. Many government maternity clinics offer free GDM screening and management under the national health scheme. How do diet and lifestyle changes support early intervention? Controlling GDM often begins with diet and exercise. Balanced meals, fewer high-GI foods, and regular physical activity—even gentle exercise like prenatal walking—can regulate blood sugar effectively. 'In my practice, as soon as a woman is identified as high-risk, due to BMI, family history, or previous GDM, we begin counselling on balanced nutrition, physical activity, and healthy weight gain goals. A structured dietary plan focusing on complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and fibre, along with portion control, can significantly help in maintaining glycaemic control. The key is personalisation—each woman's cultural background, food preferences, and lifestyle need to be considered,' said Dr Alluri. Adding to the discourse, Dr Kumar said, 'Women who are overweight or obese prior to conception are at significantly higher risk, and for that, pre-pregnancy weight management through healthy eating and exercising is highly recommended. I encourage patients to treat GDM as a condition they can manage, supported by structured meal plans and lifestyle coaching as needed.' Why early awareness and public education on GDM are essential The stakes are high: GDM not only affects immediate pregnancy outcomes but can also influence a child's lifelong cognitive and behavioural development. Highlighting the importance of awareness, Dr Alluri said, 'Public health campaigns, community outreach, and integrating GDM education into routine prenatal visits can significantly improve awareness. Social media, mobile health platforms, and maternal health apps also offer powerful channels for dissemination. Collaborations between obstetricians, diabetologists, and public health experts can ensure messaging is consistent and accessible. Ultimately, improving awareness is the first step toward early screening, timely diagnosis, and effective management of GDM.'
