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News18
4 days ago
- News18
Experts Warn Public To Avoid Rabbits With Dangerous Head Growths In Colorado
US experts have been alarmed by the sighting of the 'Frankenstein' bunnies with dangerous black head-spikes caused by a rapidly spreading virus. 'Frankenstein' rabbits with horrifying head spikes have been sighted in the United States of America. According to a report by the New York Post, these bunnies feature a terrible-looking set of spikes emerging out of their face. The report also claimed these black and dangerous spikes in cottontail rabbits are caused by a rapidly spreading virus. These Frankenbunnies with tentacle-like growths out of their heads were spotted by the locals in Fort Collins, Colo. One of the residents, Susan Mansfield, told 9News that she saw a rabbit with what appeared to her as 'black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around his or her mouth." Mansfield confirmed she had seen the rabbit the previous year, thinking it would've died by now. 'I thought he would die off during the winter, but he didn't. He came back a second year, and it grew," the woman said. Another local described the infected cottontail rabbits as carrying 'a scabby-looking growth over their face." Experts Alarmed By 'Frankenstein' Rabbits With Dangerous Black Spikes The head spikes observed by these locals are indeed a sign of cottontail papilloma virus, which is also known as Shope papilloma virus that results in sprout tumours emerging around the head of the cottontail bunny. According to Pet MD, the virus spreads through parasites like ticks and fleas, passing on the ailment by biting the little bunnies. 'Typically rabbits become infected in the warmer months of summer when transmitted by being bitten by insects like fleas and ticks," said Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Kara Van Hoose, as quoted by The Coloradoan. Colorado may be the recent site of these bunnies with horn-like growths, but the disease is understood to have originated in the Midwest. In 2013, a Minnesota resident raised alarm bells among locals by posting a video of a tendril-ridden rabbit in his backyard, later calling it the 'Frankenstein' bunny. Wildlife Experts Warn Against Interacting With Bunnies Carrying Spikes US experts have been alerted by the sighting of the 'Frankenstein' bunny and have warned locals not to approach or handle any of the afflicted critters. In their report, Colorado Parks and Wildlife have clarified, however, that the cottontail papilloma virus can spread only between rabbits and is not found to infect humans or pets, which would provide relief to the concerned public. But the little cottontail rabbits are not as lucky. While there may be instances of the virus leaving these bunnies in time, in some cases, the Medusa-like protrusions can swell and interfere with the infected carrot eater's ability to consume food, causing starvation and death. view comments First Published: August 14, 2025, 12:03 IST 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.
Mint
4 days ago
- Mint
Want a healthy gut? Tend to it like it's a garden
Shrenik Avlani As home to trillions of microbes, your gut is a living ecosystem. And the best way to nourish this inner gut garden is with exercise and a diet high in fibre, fermented foods and polyphenol-rich plants Plant types like veggies, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and herbs help feed different species of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Gift this article For most of our lives, the only thing our gut was associated with was as a feeling – as in a 'hunch' or being 'gutted' as in feeling disappointed. Post-pandemic, however, the gut has been linked to everything including, but not restricted to, our emotion, health, fitness and disease. Gut health has become a focus area for medical and nutrition experts as well as nutraceutical start-ups. But have you ever wondered why? For most of our lives, the only thing our gut was associated with was as a feeling – as in a 'hunch' or being 'gutted' as in feeling disappointed. Post-pandemic, however, the gut has been linked to everything including, but not restricted to, our emotion, health, fitness and disease. Gut health has become a focus area for medical and nutrition experts as well as nutraceutical start-ups. But have you ever wondered why? 'The gut microbiome has moved from fringe science to front-page wellness. It isn't new but what's changed is our understanding of just how important it is and the pace of that research has exploded. Since 2022, multiple high-quality studies have linked the gut microbiome to everything from digestion and immunity to mood and even skin health. Add to that the rise in gut issues post-covid19 such as bloating, IBS-like symptoms, and dysbiosis and suddenly, everyone's talking about probiotics, fermented foods, and gut resets," says Dr Dattatray Solanke, consultant gastroenterologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. Also Read | Fad or fact: 10 common nutrition myths busted Thanks to numerous high quality studies and increased research, a lot of new information has come to light that shows just how important the gut — home to trillions of microbes — is to our wellbeing and health. These microbes play essential roles in digestion, metabolism, vitamin production, immune regulation, and inflammation control, says Solanke. When this microbiome community falls out of balance a condition called dysbiosis arises. Its symptoms may show up as gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, skin flare-ups, food intolerances, brain fog, or fatigue. It can even weaken immunity and increase inflammation in the body. Long-term dysbiosis has been linked to conditions like IBS, autoimmune diseases, obesity, and even depression. As a functional medicine practitioner, Mumbai-based integrative nutritionist and health coach Neha Ranglani believes that gut is where health begins. 'The gut plays five foundational roles in the body: digestion and nutrient absorption, immune system regulation, inflammation and chronic disease risk containment, detoxification and hormonal balance and act as gut-brain axis. When gut health is compromised, it could lead to skin issues, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, or even poor sleep," says Ranglani. A balanced microbiome helps absorb nutrients more efficiently, supports energy levels, and even influences weight. Recent studies also suggest a link between gut diversity and mental clarity, meaning your gut could influence motivation, mood, and workout consistency. When it comes to fitness, the gut can impact everything from endurance and recovery to how well you metabolise protein, adds Solanke. WHAT AFFECTS GUT HEALTH? While it is now clear that our gut has a wide-ranging impact on our health, what exactly impacts health of our gut? The gut microbiome — that inner garden of 100 trillion microbes — is shaped by everything we do including how we eat, drink, sleep, move and manage stress, says Ranglani. To start with, what we eat and drink has a direct bearing on our gut as all of it passes through the gut. Solanke says that even antibiotics, pollution, and how you were born (normal delivery or C-section) can shape your microbiome. 'Excessive alcohol, especially spirits and sugary cocktails, can kill beneficial bacteria and promote the growth of harmful strains, leading to inflammation and leaky gut. On the flip side, moderate red wine (due to its polyphenols) may support microbial diversity though moderation is key. Food has a daily and direct impact. Diets high in fibre, fermented foods (like curd, idli, kimchi), and polyphenol-rich plants feed good bacteria. In contrast, ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, and low-fiber diets starve helpful microbes and feed the wrong ones," notes Solanke. Antibiotics, painkillers, ultra-processed foods, artificial sweeteners, refined oils, pesticides and heavy metals are all bad news for your gut health as they damage the microbiome. Among things that can help support and improve your gut health are diverse and fibre-rich plant foods, fermented foods (pickled vegetables, kimchi, coconut kefir, miso and homemade fermented rice batter), hydration and regular bowel movement and daily movement. 'Aim for 30 different plant types per week such as veggies, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and herbs. This variety feeds different species of beneficial bacteria. Meanwhile, exercise enhances microbial diversity and production of short chain fatty acid like butyrate, which protects the gut lining," adds Ranglani. Also Read | Why gut health and probiotics are taking centre stage in India DO YOU NEED GUT SUPPLEMENTS? Today, there are multiple products that claim to fix your gut health, reduce bloating, fix indigestion and enhance the good bacteria in your gut. Some can help while others are mostly marketing, warns Solanke while Ranglani says that a healthy gut cannot be built on supplements alone. It needs daily consistency, real food, and nervous system balance. The goal is not to rely on pills and powders but to restore internal resilience and improve the overall gut health. Products that promise gut detox in seven days, those that contain untested herbs and laxatives, generic probiotic blends without science-backed strains, overpriced powders labelled 'gut elixirs" with 40 ingredients and no clear purpose, and products that mask symptoms instead of fixing the cause are nothing more than an elaborate exercise in marketing, points out Ranglani. The effectiveness of gut supplements depends entirely on the strain, dosage, and whether the product is backed by clinical research. 'Many over-the-counter or D2C probiotics aren't tested rigorously, and not all strains work for everyone. In India, very few probiotic products are truly medical-grade unless prescribed by a healthcare provider. Consumers should look for CFU count, storage instructions, and strain-specific data and ideally consult a doctor or dietitian before self-prescribing," advises Solanke. What actually helps your gut health is probiotics. Clinical studies show certain strains like iLactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Saccharomyces boulardii can help with IBS, post-antibiotic recovery, and even anxiety, says Ranglani, adding that probiotic therapy must be strain-specific, dose-specific, and time-bound. Prebiotics and polyphenols feed your native microbes. Real food sources such as onions, garlic, green banana and berries often outperform powders in improving your gut microbiome. Digestive enzymes and bitters are also useful in cases of low stomach acid or sluggish digestion. 'The gut is a living ecosystem. Treat it like a garden. Feed it, tend it, rest it, and protect it. That's where true healing begins," notes Ranglani. Also Read | To boost your mood, treat your brain to good food. Here's why YOUR GUT'S FIVE MAIN FUNCTIONS 1. Nutrient absorption: The gut is where your body extracts the nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids) that run your metabolism, energy systems, and repair processes from the food you consume, explains Ranglani. 2. Immune system regulation: Around 70% of your immune system resides in your gut lining, specifically the GALT (gut-associated lymphoid tissue). A healthy gut trains your immune system to respond appropriately, not overreact (which causes allergies or autoimmunity) or under-react (which could lead to chronic infections). 3. Gut-brain axis and mental health: The gut and brain communicate via the vagus nerve, immune signals, and neurotransmitters. Your gut microbes produce serotonin, dopamine, and GABA which influence your mood, sleep, anxiety, and cognition. This is why issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and anxiety often co-exist, explains Ranglani. 4. Inflammation and chronic disease risk: When the gut barrier is compromised (in conditions such as leaky gut or intestinal permeability), toxins, bacteria, and food particles can leak into the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation, which is linked to autoimmune conditions, metabolic disorders like diabetes, skin issues and hormonal imbalances. 5. Detoxification and hormonal balance: Your gut also eliminates excess oestrogen, cholesterol, and toxins via bile. If you are constipated or have dysbiosis, these toxins can get reabsorbed, affecting liver function and hormonal balance. Shrenik Avlani is a writer and editor and the co-author of The Shivfit Way, a book on functional fitness. Topics You May Be Interested In
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
CDSCO notifies draft standard evaluation protocols for issuing IVD licenses
New Delhi: India's medical device regulator, CDSCO in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued draft standard protocols for evaluating In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) devices quality and performance, to be used for issuing licenses. The protocols are meant to be followed by the country's IVD manufacturers testing labs and the regulator has sought stakeholders' comments over the notified draft by August 25. 'These protocols are now being placed in the public domain for comments from relevant stakeholders. This window of opportunity will close on 25th August 2025, and, once finalized, there will be minimal scope for change in these documents,' the notice reads. The 180-page document details the standard performance evaluation and field evaluation protocol for 15 types of IVDs including Dengue, Malaria, Influenza virus, Nipah virus, Chandipura virus, SARS-CoV-2 molecular detection differentiation assay, among several others. In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) are medical devices used to test samples such as blood, urine, or tissue outside the human body, to diagnose diseases, conditions, or infections, and to monitor a person's health based on predefined bio markers. Under the Medical Device Rules of 2017, 'Licensure of In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) requires a detailed evaluation protocol for the performance evaluation of IVDs to evaluate their quality and performance.' The evaluation protocol helps to test the device safety, sensitivity, and accuracy, to validate the device clinical and analytical performance, required for issuing the product license, thereby allowing its usage in the country. In India the ICMR develops evaluation protocols to standardize the process of assessing the performance of diagnostic kits, particularly In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) and the CDSCO oversees the evaluation and enforcement of the protocols.
