How a vaccine for kids could help slow the spread of a sexually-transmitted disease
Team TOI Plus
TNN
Updated: Aug 12, 2025, 18:11 IST IST
Despite there being no licensed vaccine for the prevention of gonorrhea, the United Kingdom has become the first to give another vaccine to try and slow the disease's worrying spread.
Gonorrhea has been known by many names over the centuries and in English was referred to as 'the clap'. However, despite the bacterial disease being treatable by antibiotics, a rise in the number of cases and drug-resistant variants, has prompted the use of a vaccine originally created for children to try to slow the spread of the disease.
The UK has become the first nation in the world to roll out a vaccination programme against the disease. The vaccination programme is intended to prevent the spread of the disease - which has seen a worrying rise - in the hope of reducing pressure on healthcare services.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Indian Express
How scientists built a password-protected mind-reading brain implant
Scientists have developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) — a device that allows the human brain to communicate with external software or hardware — which works only when the user thinks of a preset password. The findings were detailed in a study, 'Inner speech in motor cortex and implications for speech neuroprostheses', published in the journal Cell on August 14. The new system was developed by researchers based at Stanford University (the United States). Here is a look at how scientists built a password-protected BCI. But first, why are brain-computer interfaces significant? BCIs allow the user to control an application or a device using only their mind. Usually, when someone wants to interact with an application — let's say, they want to switch on a lamp — they first have to decide what they want to do, then they coordinate and use the muscles in their arms, legs or feet to perform the action — like pressing the lamp's on/off switch with their fingers. Then, the device — in this case, the lamp — responds to the action. What BCIs do is help skip the second step of coordinating and using the muscles to perform an action. Instead, they use a computer to identify the desired action and then control the device directly. This is the reason why BCIs have emerged as promising tools for people with severe physical disabilities. They are also being used to restore speech in people who have limited reliable control over their muscles. How was a password-protected BCI developed? The researchers involved in the study focused on 'internal-speech' BCIs, which translate brain signals into text or audio. While these types of devices do not require users to speak out loud, there is always a risk that they could accidentally decode sentences users never intended to say. To resolve this issue, the researchers first 'analysed brain signals collected by microelectrodes placed in the motor cortex — the region involved in voluntary movements — of four participants,' according to a report by the journal Nature. All of these participants had trouble speaking and were asked to either try to say a set of words or imagine saying them. The researchers then analysed the recordings of participants' brain activity. This helped them discover that attempted and internal speech originated in the same brain region and generated similar neural signals, but those associated with internal speech were weaker. This data was used to train artificial intelligence models, which helped BCIs to interpret sentences imagined by the participants after they were asked to think of specific phrases. The devices correctly interpreted 74% of the imagined sentences. To ensure that the BCIs do not decode sentences that users do not intend to utter, the researchers added a password to the system, allowing users to control when decoding began. 'When a participant imagined the password 'Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang' (the name of an English-language children's novel), the BCI recognised it with an accuracy of more than 98%,' the Nature report said. (With inputs from Nature)
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
Universities Directed Not To Offer Healthcare, Allied Courses In Online Mode
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to stop offering allied and healthcare programmes covered under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, including Psychology as a specialisation, through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or online mode from the July-August 2025 academic session. According to the directive, any recognition already granted to HEIs for running such programmes in the July-August 2025 session or later will be withdrawn. In cases where programmes have multiple specialisations - such as Bachelor of Arts courses in subjects including English, Hindi, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, and others - only the specialisations covered under the NCAHP Act, 2021, will be discontinued. The UGC has instructed that no new admissions be made to the affected programmes from the upcoming session. All stakeholders have been urged to take note of and adhere to the decision.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
13 Foods that can worsen anxiety and depression and what to eat instead
Diet plays a crucial role in mental health, influencing anxiety, depression, and overall mood. While lifestyle and genetics are important factors, certain foods and beverages can exacerbate stress, trigger irritability, or worsen depressive symptoms. Consuming high-sugar drinks, processed snacks, artificial sweeteners, and excessive caffeine can create energy spikes and crashes, negatively impacting both brain and body. Understanding which foods to limit and choosing healthier alternatives can stabilise mood, improve mental resilience, and support overall well-being. According to multiple studies from Harvard , NIH , and Frontiers , these are some common dietary triggers for anxiety and depression. Foods that may trigger anxiety and depression Fruit juice While fruit is healthy, fruit juice lacks the fiber of whole fruit. Fiber slows the absorption of sugar, preventing sharp spikes and crashes in blood glucose. Drinking juice can quickly raise your energy and then drop it, leaving you feeling irritable and hungry. Instead, eat whole fruits for sustained energy and drink water when you're thirsty. Regular soda Sugar-sweetened drinks, including soda, provide rapid sugar spikes with little nutritional value. According to the research published in NIH, there's a direct link between excessive sugar intake and increased risk of depression. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo If you crave something fizzy, try sparkling water with a splash of natural fruit juice. It offers the sensation of soda without the excessive sugar. Diet soda Even though it contains little or no sugar, diet soda isn't harmless. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and high caffeine levels can contribute to depressive symptoms and worsen anxiety. Limiting diet sodas and choosing naturally flavored water or herbal teas is a safer choice. White bread and toast According to Harvard Health Publishing , highly processed white bread converts rapidly into sugar, leading to energy spikes and crashes that may aggravate anxiety or low mood. Swap white bread for whole-grain varieties, which provide fiber and support more stable blood sugar levels. 'Light' or sugar-free dressings Many pre-packaged dressings use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. According to a study published in NIH, ingredients like aspartame may negatively affect mood and contribute to anxiety. Making homemade dressings with olive oil, lemon juice, or vinegar can help you avoid these additives while enjoying a healthier flavor. Ketchup While it may seem harmless, ketchup is high in sugar, even in 'light' varieties, which may also contain artificial sweeteners. Excess sugar and additives can worsen mood swings and anxiety. Consider homemade tomato salsa with spices like cayenne for a flavorful, healthier alternative. Coffee Caffeine affects everyone differently. According to a study published in Frontiers, for some, it can increase nervousness, jitteriness, and sleep disruption, factors that intensify anxiety and depressive symptoms. If caffeine impacts you negatively, consider decaf or gradually reduce intake. For those who tolerate it well, moderate coffee consumption may actually improve alertness and mood. Energy drinks Energy drinks often contain excessive caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants such as guarana, which can trigger heart palpitations, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Instead, stick to water, herbal tea, or a piece of fruit for a natural energy boost. Alcohol Even moderate alcohol intake can interfere with sleep, which is closely tied to mental health. While occasional drinks may relax you, overconsumption increases anxiety and depressive symptoms. Limiting to moderate levels—up to one drink a day for women and two for men—can help reduce these risks. Frosting and trans fats According to a study published in NIH , sugary frostings and foods containing partially hydrogenated oils are linked to depression. These trans fats are found in fried foods, packaged snacks, and baked goods. Focus on 'good' fats from olive oil, nuts, avocado, and fatty fish, which support brain health and mood stability. Soy sauce and gluten-containing processed foods For those sensitive to gluten, soy sauce and other processed foods can trigger sluggishness, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Always check labels and avoid items containing gluten if you notice negative effects. Processed and fried foods Frequent consumption of processed meats, fried foods, pastries, high-fat dairy, and refined cereals is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression. A diet focused on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and fish is associated with more balanced moods and improved mental health. Doughnuts and sugary treats While occasional treats are fine, doughnuts are high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined flour. Eating them regularly can worsen mood swings and contribute to anxiety or low mood. Make indulgences rare rather than routine. What you eat plays a crucial role in managing anxiety and depression. Limiting sugar, highly processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and excess caffeine or alcohol can reduce mood swings and anxiety symptoms. Focus on whole grains, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and proper hydration. Small dietary changes, combined with lifestyle measures like exercise, sleep, and stress management, can significantly improve mental well-being. By making mindful food choices, you support both your body and mind, fostering a more balanced, resilient state of health. Also Read: Coconut meat doesn't raise blood sugar level: A diabetes-friendly snack and 3 groups of people who should avoid it "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
