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India Today
3 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Nutrition isn't a side note anymore: IISc and Tufts team up to heal through food
For decades, medical training -- in India and beyond -- has treated nutrition as an optional extra. Doctors graduated with barely a handful of lectures on food, and disease treatment mostly leaned on pills and surgeries. But that script is changing a landmark collaboration, Bengaluru's Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the US-based Tufts University have signed an agreement to bring nutrition back to the heart of medicine. And not just as an add-on -- as the starting point for is of fundamental importance to the health of people worldwide and is increasingly recognised as a field that has not received as much attention as it deserves,' says Tufts President Sunil Kumar. "It is widely recognized that food choices and nutrition play a critical role in preventing, managing, and treating diseases, and continuous research and discovery optimises care," says Christina Economos, Dean of Tufts' Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.'We envision a multifaceted and flexible approach to training that equips all emerging physician-scientists and health researchers with a strong foundation in nutrition science,' she CENTRE THAT COULD CHANGE IT ALLAt the core of this partnership is the proposed Interdisciplinary Centre for Nutrition Science and Medicine (ICNSM), which will be housed at the upcoming Tata IISc Medical School. It will combine the strengths of both institutions -- Tufts' leadership in global nutrition policy and IISc's scientific rigour and tech expertise.'This partnership can provide a platform for discovering disruptive scientific, public health, and systems-level solutions that can catalyse innovative nutritional intervention strategies and policy changes,' says Govindan Rangarajan, Director of IISc. The centre will focus on nutrition research across disciplines -- from cancer and cardiovascular disease to immunity, gut health, ageing, and AI-powered dietary tech. It will also look at cultural factors shaping diets, including India's diverse food AS MEDICINE, NOT AFTERTHOUGHTWhat's making this alliance especially urgent is the global health reality: most diseases today aren't from viruses or bacteria, but from how we live and hypertension, diabetes, and fatty liver disease are rising sharply in India. But paradoxically, child malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies remain to Dr Rangarajan, 'Every third child is stunted, and more than 50% of children under 5 years of age are anaemic.' At the same time, India is the global capital of diabetes with over 100 million diabetics and 136 million dual burden -- undernutrition and overnutrition -- demands a more sophisticated, localised approach to food as medicine. The IISc–Tufts centre will tackle just anticipate research that will impact our understanding of the role of nutrition in areas like ageing, cancer, obesity, and infectious diseases,' adds Sunil WHAT MEDICAL EDUCATION MISSEDOne key goal of the centre is curriculum change. Nutrition competencies will be woven into the training of physicians and researchers at IISc, creating a new generation of health professionals who treat food not as an afterthought, but a first-line tool. 'Physicians may graduate without the tools or confidence to advocate for or partner with dieticians,' says Economos. 'Medical training often emphasises drugs and surgery, rather than preventing and managing illness through diet. We see this as an area of opportunity.'The centre also plans joint PhD programmes, visiting scholars, and nutrition courses co-developed by Tufts' Friedman School and FEELINGS AND OLD WISDOMInterestingly, the project doesn't dismiss traditional health systems. In fact, it plans to harmonise cutting-edge gut microbiome research with Ayurvedic concepts like 'food as medicine'.advertisement'We hope to co-develop nutritional aspects unique to Indian culture,' says Dr Rangarajan. 'Traditional knowledge systems will be incorporated where applicable.'This approach respects the unique challenges of food habits and health in India -- a country where rice, roti, fermented foods, fasting, and feast all play a role in how people SENSORS AND PERSONALISED CAREBeyond diets and doctors, this centre also aims to bring technology into nutrition. Sensors, AI, and tele-nutrition will play a big role -- especially in low-resource settings where access to specialists is limited.'Researchers are discovering new ways to monitor a person's health and provide actionable, individualised data in real time,' says Sunil Kumar. 'This is a promising area of investigation.'There's also a plan to develop a tele-nutrition system that delivers real-time nutrition insights to primary care workers -- a game-changer for rural and underserved communities. BEYOND THE CLINIC: ACCESS, AFFORDABILITY, AND FOOD JUSTICEOf course, no amount of tech or research will matter if healthy food isn't accessible. That's why the partnership isn't just about calories or vitamins -- it's about areas with high levels of poverty and poor access to healthy food, obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases are much higher than average,' says Economos. 'By tackling food access and differentiated health burdens, we can improve outcomes.'This lens is especially relevant in India, where urban poor populations often rely on ultra-processed, low-nutrition food due to cost or focusing on food affordability, cultural eating habits, and the economics of supply chains, the centre aims to reshape healthcare at a structural level -- not just the THINGS THIS PROJECT DOES:Builds a new centre at IISc focused on nutrition science and integrative medicineEquips future doctors with real-world nutrition trainingUses AI and tele-nutrition to expand access in low-resource areas At the heart of it, this collaboration is based on a simple truth: what we eat doesn't just affect how we feel -- it determines how we live. And now, finally, science and medicine are catching Economos puts it, 'Nutrition plays a critical role in the prevention, management, and treatment of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Ongoing research and discovery are essential to optimising care.'This time, the prescription might just begin at your plate.- Ends
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
State Department memo says Rümeysa Öztürk has no association to antisemitism or terrorism
Armstrong reviewed the document as he made his decision to revoke Öztürk's visa, he said. The memo is not available to the public, but attorneys in the case are able to review it. Advertisement Öztürk, who is from Turkey, was 'A visa is a privilege not a right. Glorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be terminated. This is commonsense security,' the statement said. Advertisement Öztürk, In court on Friday, Conlon asserted that the action memo laid out that DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations (which is an arm of ICE) have 'not provided any evidence' about Öztürk taking part in anti-semitic activity or publicly expressing support for a terrorist group. Öztürk was held Armstrong previously testified that Öztürk was not informed that her visa was being revoked, following guidance from ICE officials. Over the past two weeks, new revelations have come to light during the trial about the federal government's effort to investigate, surveil, and arrest student protesters involved in Pro-Palestinian activism, including: Öztürk, Mahmoud Khalil, Mohsen Mahdawi, Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral scholar and professor at Georgetown University, and Columbia University student Yunseo Chung. Last week, an immigration official Advertisement On Friday, Conlon pressed Armstrong about the reasons behind the decision to revoke Öztürk's visa, given that DHS did not find evidence linking her to terrorist groups, according to the memo described in court. Armstrong testified that it was 'not just' an op-ed that Öztürk co-wrote in the student newspaper, calling on Tufts to divest from companies with ties to Israel, that led the State Department to take away her visa. What was included in his decision 'were her actions,' Armstrong said, 'which are not speech,' including protesting Tufts' relationship with Israel. He also alleged that she was associated with Tufts Students for Justice in Palestine, a group that he said has created a 'hostile environment for Jewish students' on the Tufts camps, and has indicated support for a designated terrorist organization. He did not point to evidence of what he called her 'connection' with the group. Armstrong acknowledged that Öztürk's case was 'complicated,' and said that he had spent a significant amount of time reviewing it. 'I thought long and hard about Ms. Öztürk's case,' Armstrong said. 'A revocation is a serious decision.' Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio can be reached at
News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
Apple COO Sabih Khan's Education: The Degrees That Helped Him Rise At Apple
From Moradabad to Silicon Valley, Sabih Khan's global rise as Apple COO is rooted in a strong educational journey spanning Tufts, RPI, and early exposure across continents. Apple's newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), Sabih Khan, is now one of the most powerful figures in global tech, but his story began thousands of miles away, in the small city of Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. His educational journey, which spans three countries and top-tier institutions, played a huge role in preparing him for this leadership role at one of the world's biggest companies. Born in 1966 in Moradabad, Sabih spent his early childhood in India. But his life took a turn when his family moved to Singapore. This move exposed him to new cultures, languages, and ways of thinking at a young age — something that would later help him manage teams and operations across continents. Later, Khan moved to the United States for higher studies. He enrolled at Tufts University, a respected institution in Massachusetts. While most students focus on one area of study, Sabih decided to take on a rare challenge — earning dual Bachelor's degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Economics. This unique combination set him apart from others right from the start. Blending Engineering With Business Thinking Why this combination? His degree in Mechanical Engineering gave him a deep understanding of how things work, from machines to complex systems. This would later help him tackle real-world problems in manufacturing and product development. On the other hand, his Economics degree taught him how to think strategically about markets, costs, supply chains, and business growth. But Sabih didn't stop there. After Tufts, he pursued a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), one of America's oldest and most prestigious engineering schools. At RPI, he deepened his technical skills, learning how to solve complex problems, analyse systems, and innovate in engineering processes. This advanced education helped him build strong relationships with Apple's product development and engineering teams later in his career. An Education That Fueled A 30-Year Career At Apple Before joining Apple, Sabih gained practical experience at GE Plastics (a division of General Electric), where he worked in technical and operations roles. His academic background helped him quickly grasp large-scale manufacturing systems, preparing him for the kind of global operations he would later manage at Apple. In 1995, he joined Apple. Over the next three decades, Sabih quietly worked behind the scenes, helping build and manage the company's massive supply chain and manufacturing networks. His deep understanding of engineering and economics helped Apple deliver products like the iPhone and MacBook at scale and with the highest quality. Now, as Apple's COO, Sabih Khan's story shows how the right mix of education and experience can prepare someone for extraordinary leadership. From a small city in India to the heart of Silicon Valley, his journey is proof that education is a powerful tool, one that can shape not just careers but the future of global innovation. view comments 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.
Politico
7 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Federal agents describe unusual run-up to arrests of Pro-Palestinian academics
Cunningham said that the background information he received on Öztürk included an op-ed she co-wrote in the Tufts student newspaper last year supporting divestment from Israel. The agent said he skimmed the op-ed and didn't see anything obviously criminal in it. 'I didn't see anything in the op-ed that suggested she'd committed a crime,' Cunningham said. McCormack, the agent involved in Khalil's arrest, said department leadership instructed his office to surveil Khalil and 'establish a pattern of life' for his apprehension. The requests prompted McCormack to consult with William Joyce, the head of ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations field office in New York, which typically handles deportation-related matters. 'We historically in recent times had not enforced those laws,' said McCormack, a deputy special agent in charge in New York. 'I wanted to confirm there was a legal basis for arrest.' Asked why the usual personnel didn't handle the arrest, which eventually took place in a hallway of Khalil's Manhattan apartment building, McCormack was stumped. 'I'm not sure why. … I wondered why HSI was effecting this arrest and not ERO,' he said. 'I still don't know.' The agents said the arrests followed standard procedures: They handcuffed the academics and ushered them into unmarked vehicles. All four agents said they were never informed that the academics were being targeted for deportation due to their pro-Palestinian views, their criticism of Israel or for their political views — the central claim in the lawsuit. The agents said they carried out the arrests because the academics' visas or green cards had been revoked and because of Rubio's determination that their presence was at odds with U.S. foreign policy. There was no testimony Tuesday on the basis for Rubio's decisions. Testimony from a top State Department official who could shed light on that subject, John Armstrong, is on hold due to a temporary stay an appeals court issued in a dispute about the confidentiality of documents detailing the investigations into the academics. The HSI agents did testify about some agents' use of masks when making arrests, a practice that has drawn outrage from some immigrant rights advocates. They said that before the Covid pandemic masking was uncommon, although it took place occasionally when undercover agents were asked to help with more routine operations. Now, agents mask more often out of fear of doxxing on social media, the officials said. HSI policy doesn't require or forbid masks, they said. 'In the age of camera phones and the ability of people to identify those agents, people want to protect themselves if they're members of this community or they live here,' Cunningham said. Cunningham said it was 'common practice' for agents to identify themselves when making an arrest and he assumes it was done when Öztürk was arrested, although he conceded he wasn't there. 'I don't know what was said to her,' he said. The trial, taking place before U.S. District Judge William Young without a jury, is expected to resume Thursday.
Business Standard
11-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Tufts University's India Visit Forges New Academic Alliances
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 11: In a significant step towards strengthening Indo-US academic ties, Tufts University, a globally recognized U.S. educational institution, has announced a landmark partnership with Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. The announcement was made on June 23 during a visit by the Tufts leadership team to India. Both institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance global scientific collaboration through this strategic partnership. The MoU was signed in the presence of Mr. Sunil Kumar, the 14th President of Tufts University and a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). President Kumar was joined by Professor Christina Economos, Dean of the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. Under her leadership, the two institutions have created the Interdisciplinary Centre for Nutrition Science and Medicine (ICNSM). This Centre will be housed at IISc and provide nutrition education and research opportunities to medical students and faculty at both institutions. These efforts will address a wide range of diet-related concerns in India, the U.S., and around the world - including but not limited to anaemia, malnutrition, hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic disorders, among others. "It is widely recognized that food choices and nutrition play a critical role in preventing, managing, and treating diseases, and continuous research and discovery optimizes care," added Dean Economos. The newly signed MoU and the establishment of ICNSM stand as a testament to the shared commitment of Tufts and IISc to advancing knowledge, addressing global challenges collaboratively, and driving constructive societal transformation. ''Our work on nutrition is the first of what we envision as a range of possible initiatives that our two institutions hope to pursue together,'' said President Kumar. The Tufts delegation also included Dr. Bernard Arulanandam, Professor at the School of Medicine, Vice Provost for Research, Dr. Kyongbum Lee, Dean of the School of Engineering, Dr. Erin Hennessy, Professor at the Friedman School, and Dr. Matt Panzer, Professor at the School of Engineering. Drs. Kumar and Economos engaged in extensive discussions with academic and business leaders in India, sharing valuable insights, bringing diverse perspectives to help shape the future of the global education landscape, and exploring impactful partnerships. The team also engaged with Tufts alumni and parents, strengthening personal connections.
