Latest news with #Covid-like
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Shun 'sterlisied living', reconnect with nature to tackle Covid-like pandemics: Renowned scientist
New Delhi: Shunning today's "sterilised" and "hyper-clean" lifestyle and reconnecting with natural elements like soil, rivers, fresh air can strengthen people's immune system and better prepare them to face Covid-like pandemics in future, renowned scientist Ajai Kumar Sonkar has said. In an exclusive conversation with PTI, Sonkar, whose development of pearl-making techniques through state-of-the-art tissue culture surprised the world, used an analogy comparing the human body to a mobile phone. "By coming in touch with nature, the human body gets information about bacteria and their evolving forms just like a mobile phone needs regular software updates to function properly," he said. "Like Covid , any future pandemic will not occur merely due to bacteria and viruses, but because of our own biological mistakes. To deal with such a nightmare, we must reconnect with nature ," said Sonkar, who was awarded Padma Shri , India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2022. Sonkar, who has conducted in-depth research for years on microbiology and aquatic biology in India and abroad, said, "Modern humans have become so sterilised (artificial and chemical cleanliness shields) that now their bodily immune system is unable to even recognise environmental pathogens." "As long as humans were in contact with soil, rivers, and natural air, their immune system continuously received information about bacteria and their evolving forms (microbial updates), just like how mobile phones receive regular software updates," he added. Sonkar said today's "hyper-clean" culture has distanced the people from this natural protective shield. "We have not only sterilised our homes but have also separated our bodies from the microbes that protect us from diseases," he said. Revealing a particularly startling finding from his research, he said the Ganga River is a living microbial network that reads the microbial data of anyone entering it and responds with protective bacteriophages -- viruses that destroy harmful bacteria. "When people bathe in the river, they introduce their body's microbes to the Ganges, and in return, the Ganges protects them by destroying pathogens through bacteriophages," he said. "This gives natural training to the human body's immune system. This is the reason why people who come in contact with it are more resistant to new diseases," Sonkar, who is considered among the world's leading scientists on microbiome and bacteriophages of the Ganga, said. Sonkar, who has spent decades researching microbiology and aquatic ecosystems in India and abroad, claimed that developed nations like the US and those in Europe were severely affected by Covid due to "microbial amnesia." "Societies like Europe and America have been victims of 'microbial amnesia' for decades. People there live in such clean and sterilised environments that no new 'data' reaches their immune systems. "They are cut off from the changing forms of bacteria/viruses. As a result, whenever a new bacterium arrives, the body takes time to recognise it and the death rate increases," he said. When asked about the way forward, Sonkar said, "We must reconnect with nature. We must see the Ganga not just as a sacred river but as a teacher... Reactivating the biological systems of soil, rivers, and air could be the real strategy to prevent pandemics. "Vaccination is only an insufficient response. In a constantly changing climate environment, vaccination can never replace natural microbial intelligence . Living with the natural ability to fight bacteria and their new forms is the real prevention of any pandemic," he added.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Shun 'sterlisied living', reconnect with nature to tackle Covid-like pandemics: Renowned scientist
Shunning today's "sterilised" and "hyper-clean" lifestyle and reconnecting with natural elements like soil, rivers, fresh air can strengthen people's immune system and better prepare them to face Covid-like pandemics in future, renowned scientist Ajai Kumar Sonkar has said. In an exclusive conversation with PTI, Sonkar, whose development of pearl-making techniques through state-of-the-art tissue culture surprised the world, used an analogy comparing the human body to a mobile phone. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category "By coming in touch with nature, the human body gets information about bacteria and their evolving forms just like a mobile phone needs regular software updates to function properly," he said. "Like Covid , any future pandemic will not occur merely due to bacteria and viruses, but because of our own biological mistakes. To deal with such a nightmare, we must reconnect with nature ," said Sonkar, who was awarded Padma Shri , India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2022. Sonkar, who has conducted in-depth research for years on microbiology and aquatic biology in India and abroad, said, "Modern humans have become so sterilised (artificial and chemical cleanliness shields) that now their bodily immune system is unable to even recognise environmental pathogens." Live Events "As long as humans were in contact with soil, rivers, and natural air, their immune system continuously received information about bacteria and their evolving forms (microbial updates), just like how mobile phones receive regular software updates," he added. Sonkar said today's "hyper-clean" culture has distanced the people from this natural protective shield. "We have not only sterilised our homes but have also separated our bodies from the microbes that protect us from diseases," he said. Revealing a particularly startling finding from his research, he said the Ganga River is a living microbial network that reads the microbial data of anyone entering it and responds with protective bacteriophages -- viruses that destroy harmful bacteria. "When people bathe in the river, they introduce their body's microbes to the Ganges, and in return, the Ganges protects them by destroying pathogens through bacteriophages," he said. "This gives natural training to the human body's immune system. This is the reason why people who come in contact with it are more resistant to new diseases," Sonkar, who is considered among the world's leading scientists on microbiome and bacteriophages of the Ganga, said. Sonkar, who has spent decades researching microbiology and aquatic ecosystems in India and abroad, claimed that developed nations like the US and those in Europe were severely affected by Covid due to "microbial amnesia." "Societies like Europe and America have been victims of 'microbial amnesia' for decades. People there live in such clean and sterilised environments that no new 'data' reaches their immune systems. "They are cut off from the changing forms of bacteria/viruses. As a result, whenever a new bacterium arrives, the body takes time to recognise it and the death rate increases," he said. When asked about the way forward, Sonkar said, "We must reconnect with nature. We must see the Ganga not just as a sacred river but as a teacher... Reactivating the biological systems of soil, rivers, and air could be the real strategy to prevent pandemics. "Vaccination is only an insufficient response. In a constantly changing climate environment, vaccination can never replace natural microbial intelligence . Living with the natural ability to fight bacteria and their new forms is the real prevention of any pandemic," he added.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Venomous noble false widow spider confirmed established in New Zealand
Venomous noble false widow spider now present across New Zealand The noble false widow spider ( Steatoda nobilis ), one of the world's most invasive arachnids, has officially established itself in New Zealand. First confirmed in Porirua in November 2024, the species has since been recorded in Christchurch, Nelson, Northland, and Waikato, indicating widespread urban colonization. The spider, originally native to the Canary Islands and Madeira, has previously spread to Europe and both North and South America. According to experts, it now appears to thrive in New Zealand's urban environments. It is commonly found in gardens, around outdoor furniture, and particularly beneath plant pots, tarpaulin, and in fence crevices. Males are typically observed at night on exterior walls or at ground level. Also read: Health emergency: Dengue fever outbreak declared in Rarotonga, New Zealand Professor Steven Trewick, an evolutionary ecologist at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, led the confirmation effort. He compared physical features of collected specimens and conducted DNA analysis on a sample obtained in Porirua by Gavin Picknell. Live Events 'Although considered less dangerous than black widows, the venom of Steatoda nobilis contains similar toxins,' said Trewick. 'Particularly concerning is its association with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Infections resulting from bites don't always respond to treatment, and that's a significant medical concern.' Medical risks linked to noble false widow spider bites The noble false widow spider is venomous but not generally considered aggressive. Bites typically occur in self-defense and may cause localized symptoms including redness, swelling, and pain. However, more serious medical effects have been documented in some cases. A spokesperson from Massey University reported that some bite incidents have resulted in tissue necrosis, nausea, hypotension, impaired mobility, and secondary bacterial infections. Notably, some of these infections may be resistant to standard antibiotics, raising concerns within the medical community. Also read: China facing new Covid-like pandemic? Here's everything we know about it so far The spider's venom contains neurotoxins similar to those found in black widow species, although typically less potent. Nonetheless, its presence in populated regions and proximity to human activity has prompted health and ecological monitoring. Citizen reports aid research into Steatoda nobilis spread Researchers encourage the public to participate in tracking the spread of Steatoda nobilis through the iNaturalist NZ platform. Suspected sightings can be uploaded with photos, enabling scientists to better understand the range and behavior of this invasive, venomous spider . Ongoing monitoring will help assess the long-term ecological and public health implications of the noble false widow spider's establishment in New Zealand.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
After uptick, Covid cases & deaths decline
New Delhi: After nearly a month of surge, Covid-19 cases and deaths due to the virus are on the decline. The number of active cases, which had crossed 7,000 on June 11, has declined to 4,425, govt data shows. One fatality was recorded in the last 24 hours in Nagpur. "Covid-19 is now endemic. It is not a serious threat. That's why many people aren't getting themselves tested even when symptoms surface," said a senior doctor. The virus is causing mild fever with most patients recovering at home in 2 to 3 days. "Only those with co-morbidities such as cancer, kidney disease and heart disease need to take extra care," the doctor added. Dr Rommel Tickoo, director of internal medicine at Max Saket, said: "We don't advise Covid tests for everyone with fever, cough and cold. But due to the panic and anxiety caused by a surge in cases in the last few weeks, some patients have come to us with positive Covid tests. Treatment involves symptomatic management and rest. In case of Covid or Covid-like symptoms, we also advise keeping away from others to check the spread of infection," he said. Dr Arjun Khanna, who heads pulmonology department at Amrita hospital, Faridabad, said that one new feature of the current wave is that Covid-19 has become clinically less distinct from other viral respiratory infections.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Covid-19 wave ebbs; cases, fatalities on the decline; doctors now advise rest, not tests
NEW DELHI: After nearly a month of surge, Covid-19 cases and deaths due to the virus are on the decline. The number of active cases, which had crossed 7,000 on June 11, has declined to 4,425, govt data shows. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now One fatality was recorded in the last 24 hours. "Covid-19 is now endemic. It is not a serious threat. That's why many people aren't getting themselves tested even when symptoms surface," said a senior doctor. The virus is causing mild fever with most patients recovering at home in 2 to 3 days. "Only those with co-morbidities such as cancer, kidney disease and heart disease need to take extra care," the doctor added. tnn Dr Rommel Tickoo, director of internal medicine at Max Saket, said: "We don't advise Covid tests for everyone with fever, cough and cold. But due to the panic and anxiety caused by a surge in cases, some patients have come to us with positive Covid tests. Treatment involves symptomatic management and rest. In case of Covid or Covid-like symptoms, we also advise keeping away from others to check the spread of infection," he said. Dr Arjun Khanna, who heads pulmonology department at Amrita hospital, Faridabad, said that one new feature of the current wave is that Covid-19 has become clinically less distinct from other viral respiratory infections.
