Latest news with #Baidya
NDTV
17-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Nimbus: All About New Covid Variant That Causes "Razor Blade Throat"
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is closely monitoring a fresh rise in global Covid-19 cases, driven largely by a new variant - Nimbus (NB.1.8.1). First identified in January 2025, this sub-variant of Omicron is now spreading rapidly across several countries. Cases in the US and UK According to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID), the NB.1.8.1 variant has been detected in at least 13 US states, including California, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. In the UK, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported a 10% jump in hospital admissions, with 947 patients admitted in the week ending May 31. Asia Sees a Surge Too Rising infections have also been reported in parts of Asia - notably China, Singapore, Thailand, and India. In India, Covid-linked deaths crossed 100 on Monday, triggering concern among health authorities. However, cases of this variant have not been reported so far. What is the Nimbus variant? Designated as NB.1.8.1, the Nimbus strain is a descendant of Omicron. WHO has listed it among six variants under close observation. Symptoms: What to Watch For The symptoms are similar to other Omicron sub-variants. As per the CDC, they include: Cough Fever Fatigue Muscle aches Congestion Headache Nausea or vomiting New loss of smell or taste In rare cases, patients have reported a condition described as "razor blade throat". Dr Ankita Baidya, HOD and Consultant - Infectious Diseases at Manipal Hospital Dwarka, told NDTV: "It is not necessary that they are going to give you a deadly disease." "This time we see a sense of loss of taste and smell along with normal viral-like symptoms like fever, cough, and cold, and other flu-like symptoms like sore throat and running nose. Headache and body ache is also noted." Is Nimbus Dangerous? The WHO, in its latest risk assessment, said the global public health risk from NB.1.8.1 remains "low". Current vaccines are expected to remain effective against both symptomatic and severe disease from this variant. Between April 21 and 27, Nimbus accounted for 10.7% of globally sequenced cases, with 518 sequences from 22 countries. Dr Baidya added: "Nimbus has been a fast-spreading strain since January 2025 and this variation has been noticed that though it's spreading fast among people it's not that deadlier as such, causing mild to moderate disease only." She also flagged another variant Besides Nimbus, another variant that has also caused concern among people is XFG, nicknamed "Stratus". It is not currently designated for monitoring by the WHO. "Stratus is right now again under scrutiny that it's also spreading fast but if we compare the number of cases that we have seen with Nimbus strain after sequencing identified as Nimbus strain, the status cases are comparatively less," Dr Baidya said. "But yes, these two variants are currently the most circulating variant and right now Nimbus is also under monitoring according to WHO, seeing how the pattern of disease and its pattern of spread is being studied simultaneously," she added.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Goa nears 500 bird species mark in 2025 checklist, almost 40% of India's total
Panaji: Goa's bird checklist now records 497 species, highlighting the state's exceptional avian diversity—nearly 40% of India's total—in just 3,702 sq km. The 2025 update adds eight new bird species to the list. 'Five of the eight newly added species are seabirds, of which the short-tailed shearwater and white-tailed tropicbird were documented through the Marine Stranding Network,' said Dr Pronoy Baidya, scientist and head, research and consultancy division, Arannya Environment Research Organisation, Morlem, Sattari. The information was published in the seventh version of the Goa bird checklist in Indian Birds Journal, authored by Baidya and treasurer of the Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN), Mandar Bhagat. 'The taxonomic updates follow the 2025 guidelines established by experts, Praveen J and Dr Rajah Jayapal, in their annual revision of Indian bird classifications,' Baidya told TOI . One of the most interesting documentations of this year was that of the African openbill's altered movement patterns. 'Initially reported by Aparna Laad from Majorda in 2021, the African openbill remained in scientific limbo for four years. It was classified as having 'unknown origin' until a subsequent sighting in Kerala in 2023 prompted scholarly reassessment,' Baidya said. 'Following scientific discussions published in Indian Birds Journal, researchers now recognise this species as a climate change-influenced stray visitor to India, representing the evolving migration patterns of this largely resident African water bird,' he added. Among other notable finds was the lesser noddy recorded at Galgibaga by Goa University research scholars, Sagar Naik and Shubham Rane. A great frigatebird was sighted by sea watchers from the Aguada Fort, while the streaked shearwater was documented off Goa's coast by a research team led by Jalmesh Karapurkar. Terrestrial bird additions provide equally compelling insights into Goa's ecological complexity. Jerdon's Bushlark, typically associated with dry grasslands of southern India, was reported by Omkar Damle from the Soccoro plateau, suggesting possible range expansions or habitat adaptations. The list also includes the rare yellow-rumped flycatcher in the Tamdi Surla forest area of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, sighted by Kuldip Topo and Parag Rangnekar. The Goa Bird Checklist was launched during the second edition of the Goa Bird Festival in 2018. Unlike static taxonomic lists, this document undergoes annual updates that reflect current scientific evidence, including both species additions and removals based on International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria, and maintains rigorous documentation standards requiring photographic evidence, audio recordings, or museum specimens for species verification.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Time of India
Snake found coiled in AC unit at Bengal home
1 2 Kolkata: Panic gripped a household in Barasat, North 24-Parganas on Sunday when a non-venomous rat snake was found hiding inside the indoor unit of their split air-conditioner machine. Tapas Baidya, a private firm employee and resident of Nawpara, said he heard a strange crackling sound on Saturday night when his daughter turned on the AC. "When we looked closely at the unit, we saw the snake's face peeking out," Baidya told TOI. When AC service technicians couldn't coax the reptile out of the unit despite repeated efforts to release pressure on Sunday, the family informed the forest department. Though the snake had tightly coiled itself within the unit, forest department team managed to extract the snake, which escaped later. A forest officer said the snake might have entered the unit in search of food, mostly lizards and insects. The officials recovered its skin from the unit. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers sound alarm over increased number of disease-carrying insects: 'This is a major concern'
If you jump every time you see a spider, news that their numbers are decreasing in a particular area may be a relief — but the decrease in numbers has consequences. According to the Indian Institute of Science for a new study in the Himalayas shows that areas with domestic grazers are seeing a decline in spiders and an increase in "grasshoppers and disease carriers like ticks and mites." The 15-year study, published in Ecological Applications, examined how replacing wild herbivores like yak and ibex with domestic cattle like sheep in Spiti Valley affects arthropod numbers. "The team tracked the presence of more than 25,000 arthropods spanning 88 different taxa, including spiders, ticks, mites, bees, wasps, and grasshoppers, in fenced plots grazed separately by domestic and wild herbivores," per It analyzed the soil and vegetation. Arthropods rely on the vegetation as a source of food and habitat. The study found that the number of spiders, mites, and ticks was influenced by whether domestic or wild grazers were on the land. Spider numbers decreased while the populations of mites and ticks drastically increased. It's unclear why spiders are being reduced in number. One theory is they are losing a food source because plants are changing. "One of the most surprising observations was the massive difference in tick and mite abundance between native grazers and livestock," said Pronoy Baidya, the study's co-first author. The study authors also explained that an estimated 80% of global cattle have ticks that threaten human and animal health. Baidya added: "This is a major concern for zoonotic diseases." Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. According to the World Health Organization, "vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing more than 700,000 deaths annually." They include malaria, dengue fever, West Nile fever, yellow fever, Zika virus fever, chikungunya fever, and tick-borne encephalitis. Another concern about the decrease in spider numbers is the change in the ecosystem. "Spiders are predators; their ecological roles are similar to wolves, lions, and tigers. A low abundance of spiders can release grasshoppers from predator control," said Sumanta Bagchi, another author of the paper. Removing predators from an area can have drastic changes, as was the case in Yellowstone National Park when wolves were eradicated. According to National Geographic, without the wolves, elk overgrazed, causing a domino effect. Rabbit and mouse populations declined because they had nowhere to hide from predators. The researchers suggest rewilding "native herbivores and improved surveillance of vector-borne disease risks in areas where animals and humans coexist." The research team also calls for "effective conservation policies" to combat the issue. You can use your voice to speak to your representatives about enacting policies that will tackle the problem. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
