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Mint
14 minutes ago
- Mint
The race to find a measles treatment as infections surge
As a record number of people in the U.S. are sickened with measles, researchers are resurrecting the search for something long-deemed redundant: treatments for the viral disease. After the measles vaccine was introduced in the 1960s, cases of the disease plummeted. By 2000, federal officials had declared measles eliminated from the U.S. This success led to little interest in the development of treatments. But now, as vaccination rates fall and infections rise, scientists are racing to develop drugs they say could prevent or treat the disease in vulnerable and unvaccinated people. 'In America, we don't like being told what to do, but we like to have options for our medicine chest," said Marc Elia, chairman of the board of Invivyd, a Massachusetts-based drugmaker that started working on a monoclonal antibody for measles this spring. Scientists across the country including at biotechs Invivyd and Saravir Biopharma—and institutions such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Georgia State University—are in the early stages of measles-treatment development. The drugs are still a ways from becoming available to patients but could offer alternatives to people who are immunocompromised, don't respond to the measles vaccine or are vaccine skeptics. Some doctors and researchers warn that measles treatments could further drive the drop in vaccination. Nationally, 92.5% of kindergartners received the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, shot in the 2024-2025 school year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. In 2019-2020, the vaccination rate was over 95%, which is the rate encouraged by health authorities to prevent community transmission of measles. More than 1,300 people, most of them unvaccinated, have been diagnosed with measles this year—a 33-year high. 'One of the motivations of getting the vaccine right now is that there are no treatments," said Dr. Joel Warsh, a pediatrician who says more research is needed into immunization safety. Still, Invivyd is betting its measles monoclonal antibody could help curb infections and outbreaks. Unlike the MMR vaccine, which is designed to train the body to make its own antibodies—proteins that help defeat specific pathogens—monoclonal antibodies are lab-made versions that can be delivered intravenously or as an injection and boost immunity immediately. Antibody treatments could treat someone who is sick or help prevent measles in people recently exposed to the virus. They could benefit newborns and immunocompromised people who can't be vaccinated, as well as the minority of people who don't respond to the vaccine or whose immunity has waned. The treatments could offer weeks or months of protection against measles, researchers said. 'Think of it like antivenom after a snake bite," said Erica Ollmann Saphire, chief executive of the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, whose lab is developing its own monoclonal antibodies for measles. 'Even people unsure about vaccines, if they are already sick with measles, getting an antibody treatment could be palatable." Saphire's lab has identified a few antibodies that have shown promise in animal tests. Invivyd said it hoped to have a drug candidate by the end of the year. At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dr. James Crowe, a pediatric infectious-disease specialist, has found success with a half-dozen antibodies that still need to be tested in people. In searching for a treatment, researchers have been forced to better understand measles, which Crowe said hadn't been as thoroughly studied as some other ailments because the vaccine had been so successful. The body's immune response to measles, for instance, hadn't been well understood. But he and other researchers now have a clearer picture of how measles antibodies work. Some block the virus from attaching to cells, while others interfere with a mechanism that allows the virus to fuse with cell membranes. Alternatives to vaccination could be especially appealing among some communities in Texas, where Dr. Ben Edwards practices family medicine and has treated hundreds of measles patients, he said. Many of them were from a Mennonite community hard-hit by a recent measles outbreak and where vaccination rates are low. 'They're going to want to look at the data though," he said. 'There's been a tremendous uptick in lack of trust in medicine." Edwards said he understands why many of his patients are skeptical of the MMR vaccine, which he said lacked adequate safety data. The MMR shot remains the best and only way to prevent measles, the CDC said. Multiple large-scale studies conducted over decades have proven the MMR vaccine to be very safe and effective, the agency said. Edwards said it makes sense to develop treatments—both drugs and alternative remedies—for measles so people have options. He said it was logical to think that more people would opt out of vaccination if effective treatments existed. Edwards, who had never treated a measles patient until this year, said he advised patients to take vitamin A supplements such as cod liver oil. He said he also treated about one-third of his measles patients with budesonide, an inhalable steroid medication used to treat asthma, to help alleviate respiratory problems. His approach attracted the attention of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who praised Edwards as an 'extraordinary" healer. Neither vitamin A supplements nor budesonide are considered measles treatments, said the Infectious Diseases Society of America, though budesonide can be used to treat complications from the illness. Some studies show that people with vitamin A deficiencies can get sicker from the virus, but there is no evidence that patients who aren't deficient will benefit from taking more of it, said John Lednicky, a microbiologist at the University of Florida. 'The typical American is not deficient," he said. 'And if you take too much, it will make you sick." Measles can cause severe acute disease and rarely death, but also 'immune amnesia," which causes the body to forget how to fight other infections, doctors said. Richard Plemper, a biomedical scientist at Georgia State University whose lab is developing an oral antiviral treatment for the virus family that includes measles, said he thinks people who want to get vaccinated will still do so, whether treatments are available or not. The antiviral he is working on, which is designed to block the ability of viruses including measles from replicating, has shown efficacy in animal experiments. But Plemper said he isn't sure how his lab will fund further research. Scheduled tests for the antiviral compound in dogs were canceled recently after National Institutes of Health funding was terminated. Saravir Biopharma, which was launched in July in collaboration with Columbia University to develop a measles monoclonal antibody, is banking on a continuing decline in vaccination rates to further fuel a need for measles treatments—and in turn, more investor interest. 'This is just the beginning," said Dr. Ron Moss, Saravir's CEO. 'I don't see public-health officials in this country turning around and saying everyone will need to get vaccinated in the next couple of years." Moss said Saravir's antibody treatment, which is designed to stop the measles virus from fusing with the body's cells, could be tested in people as soon as next year. Write to Dominique Mosbergen at
News18
25 minutes ago
- News18
Despite Losing Hearing In Class 11, Saumya Sharma Cleared UPSC In First Attempt
Last Updated: IAS Saumya Sharma secured All India Rank 9 in the UPSC exam on her first attempt at the age of 23. She is a 2018 batch IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre. This is the story of Saumya Sharma, who achieved the ninth rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2017 with just four months of preparation. At the age of 23, she passed the examination and secured the post of IAS. She hails from Delhi. When Saumya Sharma was in the class 11, her hearing ability began to deteriorate, leading her to rely on hearing aids. Sharma faced a significant challenge during her schooling when she was 16 years old and gradually lost her hearing ability. Despite this difficult period, she did not give up. Both her parents are medical professionals, and she completed her schooling in Delhi. She pursued a law degree from National Law University, Delhi. Additionally, she advocated for reservations for hearing-impaired students in the Delhi High Court, showing her concern for other disadvantaged sections of society. At that time, the quota was only for the orthopedically and visually handicapped. The then Chief Justice G Rohini extended the reservation without any litigation after taking cognizance of her letter. Cracked UPSC with just four months of preparation After completing her law degree, Saumya began preparing for the UPSC. With only four months before the exam, she studied for about six hours every day, relying on self-study without any coaching. Saumya shared her study schedule with the media, revealing that she studied for 5-6 hours daily and placed great importance on daily current affairs. She cleared the UPSC prelims exam on her first attempt. During the mains exam, she fell ill with a high fever but still appeared for the exam and passed. Notably, she did not take a reservation in the Divyang (PWD) category but appeared in the general category. She advised candidates not to take CSAT lightly and to practice CSAT papers. She read the newspaper daily and chose law as her optional subject, which she had also studied during her graduation. She is a 2018 batch IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre. Saumya Sharma secured All India Rank 9 in the UPSC exam on her first attempt at the age of 23. This was a remarkable achievement, especially as she overcame physical challenges without using reservations. Saumya Sharma is married to IPS officer Archit Chandak, who is currently serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in Nagpur. Like Sharma, he is also from the Maharashtra cadre and has completed from IIT Delhi. view comments First Published: August 08, 2025, 16:49 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.
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
THIS viral infection can cause cancer: How to stay safe
The World Health Organization (WHO) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), have officially classified Hepatitis D virus (HDV) as a cancer-causing agent in humans. The WHO and IARC officially classify HDV as a major cause of liver cancer worldwide, alongside HBV and HCV. To protect your liver health, you need to understand HDV's nature, as well as its cancer-causing mechanisms, symptoms, risk factors and preventive measures. Let's dig deeper... What is Hepatitis D virus Hepatitis D virus is a small defective virus, which requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) to attack and multiply inside liver cells of humans. This virus cannot independently infect any person. The Hepatitis D virus takes advantage of hepatitis B infection processes, to perform its cycle. People with existing hepatitis B infections or dual HBV and HDV infections, become the only targets for HDV infection. The combined viral infections result in a more severe medical condition than HBV infections would produce by themselves. The virus exists throughout the world, yet it appears more frequently in Asian and African territories, along with Eastern European areas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Successful Way of Intraday Trading is "Market Profile" TradeWise Learn More Undo How does HDV cause liver cancer The virus causes liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) through cell damage that alters cell growth patterns and division processes. The joint action of HDV and HBV causes liver inflammation, which over time, progresses to cirrhosis, and eventually leads to cancer development. The molecular signature of liver cancer linked to HDV infection stands apart from liver cancers developed from HBV or HCV infections, according to current scientific studies. Some key ways HDV promotes cancer include Genetic instability: HDV damages DNA molecules and disrupts cellular repair processes, which result in genetic material errors that lead to liver cell malignancies. The viral proteins of HDV trigger cell growth pathways, while simultaneously activating survival mechanisms and inflammation response. The reactive oxygen species levels increase, when HDV proteins are present which also triggers STAT-3 and NF-kB signaling molecules, to promote cancer cell development and survival. Epigenetic changes: HDV affects proteins that control gene expression (without changing DNA code), helping abnormal cell growth. Fibrosis becomes more severe under HDV infection, through TGF-β molecule activation, which leads to tissue scarring. The development of liver cancer becomes much more likely when patients have cirrhosis. HDV causes liver damage independently from HBV through distinct molecular pathways, which makes HDV infection particularly dangerous for liver health. Symptoms and risks of HDV infection The detection of HDV becomes challenging because its symptoms match other liver disease symptoms. Common signs include: Feeling very tired or weak Nausea and loss of appetite Pain or discomfort in the upper right belly Dark urine Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) HDV infection that continues chronically, results in major liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer development beyond HBV infection alone. The development of cirrhosis occurs in 80% of people with chronic HDV infection, which dramatically increases their risk for liver cancer and liver failure. The co-existence of HDV and HBV in patients leads to accelerated liver disease progression, which requires urgent detection and treatment because of its severe consequences. How is Hepatitis D Virus transmitted The transmission of HDV occurs primarily through blood and bodily fluid contact, which shares similarities with HBV transmission. This can happen due to: Sharing needles or syringes Unsafe medical procedures or transfusions Sexual contact with an infected person From mother to baby during birth (less common) Hepatitis D infection prevention depends on hepatitis B virus vaccination, because HDV cannot replicate without HBV. Prevention and treatment Hepatitis B vaccination: The complete hepatitis B vaccination series offers full protection against hepatitis B and hepatitis D infections because HDV requires HBV to infect. People can reduce their exposure to the virus, through needle-sharing prevention, safe sexual conduct and screened blood products. People with hepatitis B need to undergo testing for HDV infection, especially when their liver disease shows rapid deterioration. The current treatment options for HDV are very scarce. The development of new medication bulevirtide, focuses on blocking HDV entry into liver cells. The main focus should remain on controlling HBV infections alongside liver health support. Why is this WHO classification important The WHO and IARC classification of HDV as a cancer-causing agent demonstrates the severe health dangers this virus presents to individuals. HDV infection: This virus leads to more severe liver cancer development, at a faster rate than HBV alone. The global community needs to increase awareness about HDV, and develop better testing methods while implementing specific treatment protocols. Preventive HBV vaccination remains the primary strategy Governments , together with health organisations, should make hepatitis D a priority in their public health strategies to decrease worldwide liver cancer deaths. Sources: Diaz G et al., Molecular Signature and Mechanisms of Hepatitis D Virus–Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma, PMC (2018) Farci P, Hepatitis D Virus and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, PMC (2021) World Journal of Gastroenterology, Hepatitis D and hepatocellular carcinoma (2015) WHO Fact Sheet, Hepatitis D (2025) WHO News, WHO announces hepatitis D as carcinogenic (2025)
