Covid may have caused neuro issues: Study
The study saw participation of 3,200 patients from March to Sept 2020. It pointed out that 120 Covid patients reported neurological disorders.
There were 43 cases of stroke, 23 encephalopathy (affects brain's structure or function), 5 cases of meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and its membranes), 5 cases of seizures, 7 of headache and 10 Guillain-Barre Syndrome cases (rare autoimmune condition that causes nerve infllammation), among others.
Twenty patients saw their pre-existing neurological conditions worsening.
In the study, researcher Dr Netravathi M, professor of neurology at Nimhans, said Covid may be linked to a range of neurological symptoms, affecting both central and peripheral nervous systems.
She recommended establishing a multi-centric national or region-wise registry to study the long-term effects of both Covid and its vaccination-associated neurological disturbances. Netravathi said further surveillance is needed.
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Business Standard
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- Business Standard
Smartphones before 13? Study warns of long-term mental health issues
Children who start using smartphones before the age of 13 may be at a higher risk of developing mental health issues as young adults, says a new study published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities. The study is based on analysis of data from the Global Mind Project, which has surveyed nearly two million people across 163 countries. What does the study say? Researchers from the Sapien Labs mapped the data on young adults using the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ), a self-assessment tool that measures social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being, to generate an overall mental health score. The study revealed a striking pattern - the earlier a person received their first smartphone, the worse their mental health outcomes tended to be by early adulthood. A key finding shows that younger age groups have worse mental health than older ones, with 41 per cent of individuals in the 18–34 age group experiencing issues that seriously affect their daily lives Forty-eight per cent of females aged 18–24 who got a smartphone at age five or six report having suicidal thoughts. In comparison, only 28 per cent of females who got a smartphone at age 13 report the same. For males, 31 per cent who got a phone at age five or six report suicidal thoughts. This dropped to 20 per cent for those who got a phone at 13. Age of access to social media accounted for about 40 per cent of the overall association between age of smartphone ownership and mental health. The study also observed that in English-speaking countries, young adults got access to smartphones and social media earlier than those in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. On average, they received their first smartphone at age 11, compared to 14–16 in other regions. Mental health red flags The research found that early users are more likely to experience: Suicidal thoughts Low self-worth Social withdrawal Aggressive behaviour Children who began using smartphones at a young age were also more likely to feel disconnected from others and reported difficulty forming meaningful relationships. The data shows that getting a smartphone before age 13 often leads to earlier use of social media, despite age restrictions. This early access is linked to higher chances of cyberbullying, sexual abuse, weaker family bonds, and poor sleep. The experts also note that while the Covid-19 pandemic may have amplified this association, the consistency of these trends across global regions points to a broader developmental impact of early smartphone access. Why timing matters Experts believe that early adolescence is a sensitive period for brain development. Excessive screen time, especially on social media and messaging apps, may interfere with learning real-world social cues and coping mechanisms. Overstimulation, cyberbullying, and unrealistic social comparisons could all be contributing factors to the observed mental health issues. Dr Tara Thiagarajan, lead author of the study, warned that the earlier children are immersed in digital environments, the greater the risk of psychological disruption down the line. If more children keep getting smartphones and using social media at younger ages, the impact could be serious. Projections suggest that this trend alone may cause mental health issues in nearly one-third of the next generation. A call for digital boundaries The study says that limiting smartphone and social media use during childhood could have major benefits- It may reduce serious mental health issues in up to 8.5 per cent of young people. It could lower the rate of suicidal thoughts by up to 20 per cent. It may also improve emotional resilience and self-confidence in around 12 per cent of the younger population. Proposed policy measures- 1. Mandatory digital literacy and mental health education Introduce compulsory lessons in schools covering online safety, cyberbullying, algorithm awareness, and predator risks. This prepares children for responsible social media use and builds digital confidence. 2. Enforce age rules and hold tech companies accountable Ensure tech platforms follow age restrictions through better verification and penalties for violations. Like tobacco or alcohol regulations, corporate responsibility can reduce harm and ease pressure on parents. 3. Restrict social media for people under 13 Strictly enforce age 13+ rules on social platforms by blocking access on devices used by children. While verification and monitoring are challenges, this reinforces existing legal limits. 4. Limit smartphone access with safer alternatives Delay personal smartphone access and offer basic 'kid-friendly' phones without social media or addictive content to meet communication and learning needs without the risks. Enforcement may be difficult, but the long-term benefits are significant. What parents can do Parents and guardians play a key role in shaping digital habits. Here are some ways to protect young minds: Delay giving a smartphone until the teen years Encourage outdoor play and face-to-face social activities Set daily screen time limits Talk openly about online experiences and feelings Use parental controls and monitor app usage Experts recommend delaying smartphone access until ages 14 to 18, encouraging more face-to-face interactions, and promoting screen-free routines at home and in schools.
Time of India
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- Time of India
Baba Vanga predictions say aliens may appear live during a 2025 international sports event live; countdown begins now
Baba Vanga, the blind mystic from Bulgaria known for her startlingly accurate prophecies, has once again captured the world's attention—this time with a chilling forecast of alien contact in 2025. Her previous predictions, including Princess Diana's tragic death, the 9/11 terror attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have lent credibility to her eerie foresight. What's more intriguing is that her vision aligns with that of Brazilian psychic Athos Salomé, dubbed the 'Living Nostradamus.' Both seers claim that humanity's first contact with extraterrestrial life will occur during a major international sporting event in 2025. With global tournaments like the Women's Euro Final, Formula 1 races, and the Women's Rugby World Cup underway, speculation is mounting. Could a stadium packed with fans become the site of a historic cosmic encounter? As the year progresses, many are left wondering—is the world truly prepared to meet beings from beyond Earth? Baba Vanga's 2025 prediction: We are just months away from alien contact According to reports, Baba Vanga predicted that extraterrestrials would make contact with Earth this year. People are speculating this alien contact to appear during a major global sports event in 2025. With high-profile competitions like the Women's Euro Final, the Women's Rugby World Cup, and several Formula 1 Grand Prix races scheduled this year, believers are believing whether one of these moments could mark the historic revelation of alien life. As the world's attention turns to stadiums and racetracks, some wonder if the long-awaited first contact could happen in plain sight on live television, not yet confirmed. The mystic's prophecy continues to fuel curiosity, debate, and mounting anticipation across the globe. As New York Post reported, adding credibility is Athos Salomé, a contemporary clairvoyant whose predictions about global unrest and political shifts have drawn parallels to Vanga's. Speaking to media outlets Salomé claimed that humanity's path to discovering alien life won't involve invasions or flying saucers, but rather cutting-edge space science. He pointed to NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, suggesting it could uncover definitive proof of intelligent life beyond Earth. Salomé believes declassified UFO files and telescope data could soon revolutionize humanity's understanding of the universe. 'Thanks to the James Webb Telescope, humanity might finally get the answer to the existence of alien life, while governments like the US may declassify UFO files,' he explained. 'If true, these discoveries could revolutionize one's view about the universe in which we exist — and about ourselves.' Baba Vanga's other predictions for 2025 Whether driven by spiritual foresight or coincidental speculation, the mystics' predictions are generating intense public interest. As the world waits to see whether 2025 delivers alien contact, one thing remains certain: the legacy of Baba Vanga and her prophetic visions continues to spark wonder, fear, and endless curiosity. Check below Vanga's other predictions for 2025: Natural Disasters in Asia Vanga warned of a powerful natural disaster in Asia, possibly an earthquake followed by a tsunami. Though no exact date was provided, such events remain a looming threat in seismically active regions. Global economic collapse Another prophecy includes a major economic downturn, marked by widespread unemployment and financial instability. With concerns over inflation and debt already rising, this prediction feels increasingly plausible. New diseases and breakthrough cures Vanga foresaw the emergence of new, mysterious diseases, but also anticipated medical advancements—including prosthetic organs and cures for chronic conditions—highlighting both hope and peril in future healthcare. Europe's shrinking population She predicted a significant decline in Europe's population, a concern already echoed by modern demographic data showing plummeting birth rates across the continent. End of social divisions One of her more optimistic predictions involved the dismantling of caste and racial divisions, foreseeing a future where humanity moves toward unity regardless of cultural or societal background. Baba Vanga's recent revival of 2025 prophecies of aliens have sparked question: Hoax or prophetic truth Despite widespread skepticism, Baba Vanga's long list of fulfilled predictions continues to captivate millions. The recent revival of her 2025 prophecies—especially those involving extraterrestrial contact—has reignited global debates. Are we genuinely on the verge of making contact with alien life? Or are these just modern interpretations of vague prophecies, amplified by technology and global anxiety? Baba Vanga 2025 predictions: FAQs What does Baba Vanga predict for 2025? Her prophecies for 2025 include a global economic crisis, natural disasters in Asia, alien contact, the emergence of new diseases and their cures, and a demographic decline in Europe. How does Athos Salomé view alien contact? Athos Salomé believes science—not UFO sightings—will lead to the discovery of alien life. He suggests tools like the James Webb Space Telescope could provide the first real evidence, possibly followed by government disclosures. Did Nostradamus predict anything for 2025? Though Nostradamus did not assign specific years, some scholars interpret his cryptic quatrains as alluding to political upheaval, natural disasters, and social transformation in the mid-2020s. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Covid-19 pandemic sped up brain aging, says study
Covid-19 pandemic sped up brain aging, says study A new study has found that living through the COVID-19 pandemic aged people's brains, regardless of whether people were infected. The research adds to growing data about the pandemic's long-term impact on global health and brain development. The study showed that the pandemic accelerated brain aging by 5.5 months on average. Changes were most noticeable in older people, men, and in those from more disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. Brain age relates to cognitive function and can differ from a person's actual age. Someone's brain age can be delayed or advanced by diseases like diabetes, HIV, and Alzheimer's disease. Premature brain aging can affect memory, sensory function, and emotional function. The authors say the brain aging they observed may be reversible. "The pandemic put a strain on people's lives, especially those already facing disadvantages. We can't yet test whether the changes we saw will reverse, but it's certainly possible, and that's an encouraging thought," said the study's senior author Dorothee Auer, a neuroscientist at University of Nottingham, UK. Frank Slack, Director of HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine and the Cancer Research Institute at Harvard Medical School, US, said the "work is a tour de force showing in a large population that COVID had severe effects on brain health, especially in males and the elderly." Slack was not involved in the study. Did the pandemic affect people's brain function? The study aimed to investigate the adverse effects ofCOVID-19on physical and cognitive brain aging using brain imaging and cognitive testing. The researchers analySed brain scans from healthy adults taken before and after the pandemic as part of the UK Biobank study. "[This] gave us a rare window to observe how major life events can affect the brain," said Stamatios Sotiropoulos, a neuroscientist at University of Nottingham and the study's co-lead author. First, the researchers used brain scan data from 15,334 healthy people to train a machine learning algorithm that could accurately estimate their brain age. They then used the model to predict the brain age of 996 healthy adults before and after the COVID pandemic.\ One group of participants had scans before and after the pandemic began, while a comparison group only had their scans taken before the outbreak. The pandemic aged people's brains, even those without COVID infection The study revealed that the brains of participants from the pandemic group had aged an average 5.5 months faster than the control group, even when matched for a range of health markers. Jacobus Jansen, a neuroscientist at Maastricht UMC, Netherlands, said the surprising result was that "aging is independent of actual COVID-19 infection." However, only participants who were infected by COVID-19 showed a drop in cognitive abilities like mental flexibility and processing speed. This may suggest that the pandemic's brain aging effect without infection may not cause noticeable cognitive symptoms. The next question researchers are aiming to answer is how the pandemic had long-term effects on people's cognitive health. Other studies have suggested certain genetic factors could make some people more predisposed to COVID-related brain aging. "[In 2022], we described premature aging in the brains of severe COVID. Unfortunately, all of the patients we examined had passed away from COVID, precluding detailed follow-up and analysis of brain architecture over time," Slack said. "It will be interesting to start to ask whether the aging effects seen in this study are related to the gene expression changes we saw in our study," Slack said. Can you reverse brain aging? Neuroscience studies suggest there are ways to slow down brain aging and reduce the risks of cognitive decline. Exercise, for example, is a known protective factor in brain aging, which is why "it would be valuable to assess the contribution of changes in exercise patterns during the pandemic, alongside psychological stress, within their model," said Maria Mavrikaki, a neuroscientist at Harvard Medical School, US, who was not involved in the study. Other studies suggest that brain aging can be slowed down by lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, staying physically and mentally active, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep promotes healthy brain aging. These small changes can add up, so making them part of your routine can support your brain function in the future.
