NTR Health University hosts Webex session on ECMO
The virtual meeting featured a lecture by internationally renowned paediatric critical care expert, Dr Suneel Pooboni, currently Consultant at Mediclinic, Dubai, UAE. Held under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Dr P Chandrasekhar and Registrar Dr V Radhika Reddy, the session focused on 'Way Forward in Critical Care Journey: Is ECMO Possible in Our Setup?' Dr Pooboni provided an in-depth overview of ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation), a life-saving intervention used when the heart or lungs fail and conventional care is ineffective.
He highlighted ECMO's significance in cases of severe pneumonia, cardiac arrest, and heart failure, where ventilators fall short.
While ECMO is commonplace in Western nations, its presence in India remains limited due to high costs and the need for specialised infrastructure and trained staff.
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News18
20 hours ago
- News18
Do hot drinks really give you cancer? A gut expert explains
Agency: PTI Penrith (Australia), Aug 16 (The Conversation) When you order a coffee, do you ask for it to be 'extra hot"? Whether you enjoy tea, coffee or something else, hot drinks are a comforting and often highly personal ritual. The exact temperature to brew tea or serve coffee for the best flavour is hotly debated. But there may be something else you're not considering: your health. Yes, hot drinks can be too hot – and are even linked to cancer. So, let's take a look at the evidence. What's the link between hot drinks and cancer? There is no evidence for a link between hot drinks and throat cancer and the evidence for a link between hot drinks and stomach cancer is unclear. But there is a link between hot drinks and cancers of the 'food pipe" or oesophagus. In 2016, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified drinking very hot beverages, meaning above 65°C, as 'probably carcinogenic to humans" – this is the same risk category as emissions from indoor wood smoke or eating a lot of red meat. The agency's report found it was the temperature, not the drinks, that were responsible. This is based mainly on evidence from South America, where studies found a link between drinking a lot of mate – a traditional herbal drink usually drunk at around 70°C – and a higher risk of oesophageal cancer. Similar studies in the Middle East, Africa and Asia have also supported the link between drinking very hot beverages and developing oesophageal cancer. However, until recently we didn't have substantial research exploring this link in Europe and other Western populations. This year, a large study of almost half a million adults in the United Kingdom confirmed drinking higher amounts of very hot drinks (tea and coffee) was associated with oesophageal cancer. The study found that someone who drank eight or more cups a day of very hot tea or coffee was almost six times more likely to develop oesophageal cancer, compared to someone who didn't drink hot drinks. How do hot drinks cause cancer? Drinking a lot of very hot drinks can damage cells in the oesophagus lining, and it's believed over time this can lead to cancer developing. Researchers first proposed this link almost 90 years ago. What we know about how hot drinks can damage the oesophagus mainly comes from animal studies. Very hot water may accelerate cancer growth. One animal study from 2016 studied mice that were prone to developing cancer. Mice given very hot water (70°C) were more likely to develop precancerous growths in the oesophagus, and sooner, compared to mice given water at lower temperatures. Another theory is that heat damage to the oesophagus lining weakens its normal barrier, increasing the risk of further damage from gastric acid reflux (from the stomach). Over time, this chronic damage can increase the chance of oesophageal cancer developing. Does how much you drink matter? The risk of cancer may depend on how much hot liquid you drink in one sitting and how quickly. It seems drinking a lot in one go is more likely to damage the oesophagus by causing a heat injury. In one study, researchers measured the temperature inside the oesophagus of people drinking hot coffee at different temperatures. They found the size of the sip the person took had more impact than how hot the drink was. A very big sip (20 millilitres) of 65°C coffee increased the temperature inside the oesophagus by up to 12°C. Over time, large sips can lead to sustained heat injury that can damage cells. The occasional small sip of coffee at 65°C isn't likely to result in any long-term problems. But over years, drinking large amounts of very hot drinks could very well increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. So, what's a safe temperature? The brewing temperatures for drinks such as coffee are very high – often close to the boiling point of water. For example, takeaway hot drinks may be sometimes be served at very high temperatures (around 90°C) to allow for cooling when people drink them later at the office or home. One study from the United States calculated the ideal temperature for coffee, factoring in the risk of heat injury to the oesophagus while preserving flavour and taste. The researchers came up with an optimum temperature of 57.8°C. Tips to consume hot drinks safely 1) Slow down, take your time and enjoy. 2) Allowing time for a very hot drink to cool is important and research has shown a hot drink's temperature can drop by 10–15°C in five minutes. Other things that may help cool a hot drink: 1) stirring and blowing 2) opening the lid on a takeaway drink. Coffee with the lid off can cool twice as fast as with the lid on 3) mixing in some cool water or milk. Finally, small sips are a good idea to test the temperature, given we know having a large amount has a significant impact on the temperature inside the oesophagus and potential damage to its lining. (The Conversation) GRS GRS (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 16, 2025, 13:30 IST News agency-feeds Do hot drinks really give you cancer? A gut expert explains Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Time of India
What is the Sanskrit effect? How this ancient practice sharpens memory and focus
Credit: canva Scholars from all around the world have repeatedly praised India's ancient tradition of chanting mantras. It has been found that memorizing Vedic mantras can increase the size of our brain and enhance our problem-solving abilities and cognitive skills! Notwithstanding its enormous potential, Sanskrit has become somewhat outdated due to Western influence and the drive to study foreign languages in order to pursue appropriate professional possibilities. Neuroscientist James Hatrzell studied 21 commentators who frequently recited Sanskrit mantras. AIIMS carried out a similar study on Gayatri Mantra and the findings were shocking! A 10% increase in grey matter in both cerebral hemispheres was confirmed by the MRI test results. This experiment was termed as the ' Sanskrit effect '. Let's explore the nuances of this study. A one-of-a-kind study on Vedic pandits To explore the cognitive effects of the language Sanskrit, Dr. James and his team conducted a brain imaging study on 21 Vedic pandits. These pandits had been trained since their early childhood to memorise vast amounts of Sanskrit scripture, as the Shukla Yajurveda and the texts contain over 40,000- 100,000 words, memorised, not just for the content but their pronunciation was perfect, rhythm, pitch and tonal variation were also clear. The MRI scans revealed a fascinating fact. The study compared the brains of these pandits with people who did not undergo the same level of training. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The scans showed: Over 10% more grey matter across both sides of the brain. There was a slight enlargement in the right hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for memory formation and spatial navigation. As well as a thicker right temporal cortex, involved in processing sound, speech patterns, and voice recognition. This study clearly shows that years of structured Sanskrit chanting had rewired and strengthened the key areas of the brain. Why Sanskrit only? Sanskrit is not a language that simply reads; when it is recited with passion and precision, it improves various aspects of the brain and enhances mental focus. Sanskrit is a multi-sensory, cognitive workout. It engages memory, motor control (through mouth and breath). Over time, this kind of training appears to lead to neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experience. Beyond spiritual significance: A tool for brain health This study does not claim that Sanskrit is a magical language; it just suggests that when learned and recited every day, it could have cognitive benefits for people of all ages. It opens up the possibility of using similar techniques as preventative tools against memory decline, dementia and other age-related cognitive disorders. The world is now dominated by fast consumption and fragmented attention but the focused practice of chanting Sanskrit mantras offer a powerful antidote, not just spiritually but also neurologically. In Dr. Hartzell's words, the 'Sanskrit Effect' is not about mysticism-it's about the brain's incredible ability to grow, adapt, and be shaped by our habits, especially those that involve focused, long-term mental effort. It shows a beautiful meeting point of tradition with science. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes, , messages , and quotes !
NDTV
3 days ago
- NDTV
The Rise Of Mindfulness In US Schools: But what Are Students Truly Learning?
New York: Writing, reading, math and mindfulness? That last subject is increasingly joining the three classic courses, as more young students in the United States are practising mindfulness, meaning focusing on paying attention to the present moment without judgment. In the past 20 years in the US, mindfulness transitioned from being a new-age curiosity to becoming a more mainstream part of American culture, as people learned more about how mindfulness can reduce their stress and improve their well-being. Researchers estimate that over 1 million children in the US have been exposed to mindfulness in their schools, mostly at the elementary level, often taught by classroom teachers or school counsellors. I have been researching mindfulness in K-12 American schools for 15 years. I have investigated the impact of mindfulness on students, explored the experiences of teachers who teach mindfulness in K-12 schools, and examined the challenges and benefits of implementing mindfulness in these settings. I have noticed that mindfulness programs vary in what particular mindfulness skills are taught and what lesson objectives are. This makes it difficult to compare across studies and draw conclusions about how mindfulness helps students in schools. What is mindfulness? Different definitions of mindfulness exist. Some people might think mindfulness means simply practising breathing, for example. A common definition from Jon Kabat-Zinn, a mindfulness expert who helped popularise mindfulness in Western countries, says mindfulness is about "paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, nonjudgmentally, in the present moment." Essentially, mindfulness is a way of being. It is a person's approach to each moment and their orientation to both inner and outer experience, the pleasant and the unpleasant. Fundamental to mindfulness is how a person chooses to direct their attention. In practice, mindfulness can involve different practices, including guided meditations, mindful movement and breathing. Mindfulness programs can also help people develop a variety of skills, including openness to experiences and more focused attention. Practising mindfulness in schools A few years ago, I decided to investigate school mindfulness programs themselves and consider what it means for children to learn mindfulness in schools. What do the programs teach? I believe that understanding this information can help educators, parents, and policymakers make more informed decisions about whether mindfulness belongs in their schools. In 2023, my colleagues and I conducted a deep dive into 12 readily available mindfulness curricula for K-12 students to investigate what the programs contained. Across programs, we found no consistency of content, teaching practices or time commitment. For example, some mindfulness programs in K-12 schools incorporate a lot of movement, with some specifically teaching yoga poses. Others emphasise interpersonal skills such as practising acts of kindness, while others focus mostly on self-oriented skills such as focused attention, which may occur by focusing on one's breath. We also found that some programs have students do a lot of mindfulness practices, such as mindful movement or mindful listening, while others teach about mindfulness, such as learning how the brain functions. Finally, the number of lessons in a curriculum ranged from five to 44, meaning some programs occurred over just a few weeks and some required an entire school year. Despite indications that mindfulness has some positive impacts for school-age children, the evidence is also not consistent, as shown by other research. One of the largest recent studies of mindfulness in schools found in 2022 no change in students who received mindfulness instruction. Some experts believe, though, that the lack of results in this 2022 study on mindfulness was partially due to a curriculum that might have been too advanced for middle school-age children. The connection between mindfulness and education Since attention is critical for students' success in school, it is not surprising that mindfulness appeals to many educators. Research on student engagement and executive functioning supports the claim that any student's ability to filter out distractions and prioritise the objects of their thoughts improves their academic success. Mindfulness programs have been shown to improve students' mental health and decrease students' and teachers' stress levels. Mindfulness has also been shown to help children emotionally regulate. Even before social media, teachers perennially struggled to get students to pay attention. Reviews of multiple studies have shown some positive effects of mindfulness on outcomes, including improvements in academic achievement and school adjustment. A 2023 report from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention cites mindfulness as one of six evidence-based strategies K-12 schools should use to promote students' mental health and well-being. A relatively new trend Knowing what is in the mindfulness curriculum, how it is taught and how long the student spends on mindfulness matters. Students may be learning very different skills with significantly different amounts of time to reinforce those skills. Researchers suggest, for example, that mindfulness programs most likely to improve academic or mental health outcomes of children offer activities geared toward their developmental level, such as shorter mindfulness practices and more repetition. In other words, mindfulness programs for children cannot just be watered-down versions of adult programs. Mindfulness research in school settings is still relatively new, though there is encouraging data that mindfulness can sharpen skills necessary for students' academic success and promote their mental health. In addition to the need for more research on the outcomes of mindfulness, it is important for educators, parents, policymakers and researchers to look closely at the curriculum to understand what the students are doing.
