United News of Bangladesh

A new study suggests that a single injection given every six months could help lower blood pressure in patients who do not respond well to regular medication, offering a potential new way to manage hypertension. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, come from a global clinical trial led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London. The trial, known as KARDIA-2, involved 663 adults whose high blood pressure remained poorly controlled despite taking standard medicines. Participants who received the experimental drug zilebesiran alongside their usual treatment showed greater reductions in blood pressure compared to those who continued with standard therapy alone, researchers said. High blood pressure is a major global health concern and a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes and death if left untreated. In the UK, it affects about one in three adults. Dr Manish Saxena, a hypertension specialist at Barts Health NHS Trust and a lead researcher in the study, said the results highlight both the effectiveness and safety of the new treatment. He noted that the long-lasting nature of the injection could make it easier for patients to manage their condition, as it requires only two doses a year. Zilebesiran works using RNA interference technology to lower blood pressure. It blocks the production of angiotensinogen, a protein made in the liver that helps regulate blood pressure. Reducing this protein allows blood vessels to relax, leading to lower pressure levels. The drug is given as an injection under the skin. Researchers are continuing to study the drug in a follow-up trial, KARDIA-3, to assess its benefits for patients with high blood pressure who also have cardiovascular disease or are at high risk. A larger global study is also planned later this year to examine whether the treatment can reduce serious outcomes such as strokes and cardiovascular-related deaths. The research was funded by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, with Barts Health NHS Trust serving as a key trial site and the leading enrolment centre in Europe. Source: Science daily    

Ancient grains like quinoa and spelt are often promoted as healthier alternatives to modern grains, but scientists say the benefits may not be as clear as widely believed. Ancient grains refer to crops that have changed very little over hundreds or even thousands of years. Unlike modern grains such as wheat, which have been developed through selective breeding, these older varieties have largely kept their original genetic traits. Recently, they have gained popularity, with many claims suggesting they are richer in nutrients. However, experts say there is limited evidence to prove that ancient grains are significantly better for health than modern ones. Grains such as rice, wheat, oats and corn form a major part of diets worldwide, providing carbohydrates, fibre and some protein. Nutritionists recommend that at least half of the grains people consume should be wholegrains. These include all parts of the grain – bran, germ and endosperm – and are rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals. Wholegrains have been linked to a lower risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. But researchers caution that these benefits may also be influenced by overall healthier lifestyles among people who eat more wholegrains. Ancient grains differ from modern ones mainly in how they have been cultivated. Modern crops have been bred over time for higher yields and better taste, while ancient grains remain closer to their original forms. Examples include spelt and emmer, which date back thousands of years. Despite their historical value, ancient grains are not widely grown today, as modern varieties are more productive and easier to farm. They are also more suitable for making foods like bread. One clear advantage of some ancient grains is that they are naturally gluten-free. For example, quinoa and millet can be suitable options for people with gluten intolerance. Some studies also suggest quinoa may help improve early signs of type 2 diabetes, such as lowering blood sugar levels. Even so, researchers say there is little proof that modern farming has reduced the overall nutritional quality of grains in a major way. Experts believe the growing popularity of ancient grains is partly driven by hype. While they can be beneficial in certain cases, especially for those avoiding gluten, their overall health advantages may not be significantly different from modern grains. Instead, nutritionists suggest that the key to a healthy diet is eating a variety of grains, particularly wholegrains, rather than focusing only on whether they are ancient or modern. “Variety is the best strategy,” experts say, noting that consuming different types of grains helps ensure a wide range of nutrients. With inputs from BBC

For many people, starting the day without a cup of coffee is unthinkable. Beyond providing a quick energy boost and helping with bowel movements, coffee may offer several health benefits. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, recently shared on Instagram how drinking black coffee daily for two weeks can positively affect the body. He said regular coffee consumption may support liver health by lowering the risk of conditions such as fatty liver, fibrosis and cirrhosis. While not a cure-all, it can help reduce the buildup of harmful scar tissue in the liver. According to Dr Sethi, coffee also helps improve metabolism. Compounds like chlorogenic acid may enhance insulin sensitivity, while studies suggest black coffee can increase metabolic rate and fat burning. It may also act as a natural appetite suppressant, helping control calorie intake. Caffeine in coffee can boost alertness, focus and overall mental performance. Though it cannot replace proper sleep, it may help improve concentration when needed. The drink may also aid digestion. Coffee can stimulate bowel movements and improve gut activity. Research from the Cleveland Clinic shows that nearly 29 percent of coffee drinkers feel the urge to use the bathroom after drinking it, partly due to increased levels of the hormone gastrin. However, Dr Sethi advised caution for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as coffee may trigger symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhoea or bloating. He recommends one to three cups of black coffee daily but suggests limiting intake if it causes anxiety, heart palpitations, reflux or sleep problems. Adding excess sugar or processed creamers should also be avoided. Source: NDTV

Most Americans will "spring forward" for daylight saving time this Sunday, losing an hour of sleep a change that can leave people tired, irritable, and even impact their health. The shift in daylight darker mornings and longer evenings can disrupt the body’s internal clock, potentially causing sleep problems for days or weeks. Research shows a slight increase in heart attacks and strokes immediately after the March time change. Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, and clocks will “fall back” on Nov. 1. Hawaii, most of Arizona, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not observe the spring switch. Globally, many countries also follow daylight saving time, though start and end dates vary. Experts recommend getting morning sunlight to help reset the circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep and alertness. The extra evening light from daylight saving time delays melatonin release, making it harder to fall asleep. Sleep deprivation can affect heart health, metabolism, stress levels, and cognitive functions. The change also temporarily increases risks on the road, with more fatal crashes reported in the days after the shift, particularly in the morning. Heart attacks and strokes also see a small rise, possibly due to disrupted circadian rhythms combined with existing risk factors. To adjust, sleep specialists suggest morning sunlight, shifting daily routines like meals and exercise earlier, avoiding late naps and caffeine, and reducing evening exposure to screens. Although there have been repeated calls to end the time change including former President Donald Trump’s promise  health experts recommend sticking with standard time year-round, which better matches human biology and supports more consistent sleep.

With summer around the corner, many are looking to shed extra fat and get in shape. Fitness coach Dan Go, drawing on over 20 years of experience, has shared a 16-point plan that he says could help people lose up to 14 kg (around 30 pounds) in three months through simple diet and lifestyle changes. Key recommendations include stopping food intake three to five hours before bed to improve sleep and control hunger, and setting a fixed daily calorie intake by multiplying body weight by 12. Protein intake is also important, with a daily requirement calculated as body weight multiplied by seven. Dan Go suggests including foods such as Greek yoghurt, lean meats, fatty fish, eggs, leafy greens, potatoes, beans, berries, and other high-fibre fruits and vegetables. Meal frequency should be limited to two to three times a day, with a structured schedule: the first meal 1–2 hours after waking, the second meal in between, and the last meal several hours before bedtime. Hydration, strength training three times a week, walking 8,000–10,000 steps daily, and prioritising quality sleep are also highlighted. He advises following a consistent sleep routine, tracking progress through weight, waistline, workouts, and nutrition, keeping a transformation journal, and avoiding alcohol during this period. “Losing 30 pounds by summer is achievable, but the real win is feeling energetic, confident, and healthy,” Dan Go said. He stressed that this plan offers general guidance and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. With inputs from NDTV    

As hundreds of millions of people turn to artificial intelligence chatbots for advice, tech companies are now rolling out tools designed specifically to answer health-related questions. In January, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Health, a version of its chatbot that can review users’ medical records, wellness apps and data from wearable devices to respond to health queries. The service is currently available through a waiting list. Rival company Anthropic offers similar features to some users of its Claude chatbot. Both firms stress that their large language models are not a replacement for doctors and should not be used to diagnose illnesses. Instead, they say the tools can explain complex test results, help users prepare for medical appointments and identify health trends in records and app data. Experts say chatbots can provide more tailored responses than a standard Google search, especially when users share detailed health information such as age, prescriptions and medical history. “If used responsibly, these tools can offer useful information,” said Dr. Robert Wachter of the University of California, San Francisco. However, he advised users to provide as much relevant detail as possible to improve accuracy. Doctors warn that AI should never be used during medical emergencies. Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or severe headache require immediate medical attention. Even in non-urgent cases, experts recommend approaching AI-generated advice with caution. Dr. Lloyd Minor, dean of Stanford’s medical school, said major health decisions should not rely solely on chatbot responses. Privacy is another key concern. Health data shared with AI companies is not protected under the US federal health privacy law known as HIPAA, which applies to doctors and hospitals. While OpenAI and Anthropic say health data is kept separate and not used to train their models, users must actively choose to share their information. Early studies show mixed results. Research from Oxford University in 2024 found that people using AI chatbots did not make better health decisions than those using online searches. Although chatbots correctly identified medical conditions in written scenarios 95% of the time, they often struggled during real-life interactions. Experts suggest seeking a second AI opinion or consulting a medical professional for added confidence.  

Brief, high-intensity bursts of everyday activity, such as running up stairs, power walking around the house, or playing actively with children and pets, can deliver substantial health benefits and may even extend lifespan, according to recent research. Known as vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) or “exercise snacking,” this approach is gaining attention as an accessible alternative to conventional exercise routines. Experts say it allows people to achieve health gains without spending hours at the gym or meeting the traditional 10,000-steps-a-day target. Mark Hamer, professor of sport and exercise medicine at University College London, explained that VILPA was inspired by studies tracking people who did not perform structured exercise but still accumulated significant movement in short bursts during daily life. “Much of this movement was accrued in very short chunks,” Hamer said, noting the term “microbursts” to describe such activity. Research involving over 25,000 participants in the UK revealed that just three to four one-minute VILPA sessions per day can lower the risk of premature death by 40% and cardiovascular-related death by nearly 50%, compared with sedentary individuals. Even four minutes of daily microbursts can offset some risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Matthew Ahmadi, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Sydney, emphasized that VILPA not only improves heart health but also helps prevent frailty in older adults. Amanda Daley, professor of behavioural medicine at Loughborough University, highlighted the approach’s accessibility, noting it requires only a few minutes multiple times a day, making it suitable for busy adults. Simple examples of VILPA include carrying shopping bags with added effort, briskly climbing stairs, or performing household chores with more energy. Research indicates that even small daily bursts of activity can reduce cancer risk by 17–18% and stimulate beneficial physiological processes affecting metabolism and cardiovascular health. Experts stress that VILPA aligns with a broader public health message: any movement is better than none. While global inactivity remains a concern, microbursts of activity provide a practical way for individuals to improve fitness and reduce chronic disease risk, even if they cannot commit to structured exercise sessions. Hamer added that promoting short, frequent bursts of activity could help people gradually build towards the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, reinforcing a culture of daily movement. In practice, VILPA encourages simple lifestyle adjustments: taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking faster while running errands, or engaging in high-energy play with children or pets, all of which can contribute to a healthier, longer life.   With inputs from BBC

Challenging negative stereotypes about ageing is not just about fairness it can also improve health and longevity, experts say. Research shows that having a positive attitude towards ageing can make people feel younger and even live longer. According to the World Health Organization, ageism – the harmful treatment of people based on their age – affects all age groups, though older adults are the most impacted. In the UK, one in three people experience age-based discrimination, while a US study found that 93% of adults aged 50 to 80 reported some form of everyday ageism. “Ageism is personal. Yet many fail to recognise it as such,” said Parminder Raina, scientific director at Canada’s McMaster Institute for Research on Aging. He pointed out that phrases like “grey tsunami” wrongly portray ageing as a societal burden, when in reality, living longer is a public health success. Studies suggest that internalised ageism – when people adopt negative stereotypes about their own age – can reduce self-confidence, discourage learning, and even harm physical and mental health. “Older people are capable, active, and contribute meaningfully to society. There’s no limit to what humans can do,” Raina said. Positive perceptions of ageing can bring real benefits. Becca Levy, professor at Yale School of Public Health, found that people with optimistic views on ageing lived an average of seven and a half years longer than those with negative perceptions. They also showed better memory and lower risks of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. Experts emphasise that fighting ageism requires both cultural and individual action. Intergenerational contact, role models of healthy ageing, and community support are key. Hannah Swift, a social psychologist at the University of Kent, said, “We need to change societal norms about what people of different ages should do, wear, or achieve.” Globally, some cultures continue to show respect for older adults. In Japan, Keirō no Hi, or Respect for the Aged Day, honours elders, while Native American communities regard older adults as “living libraries” preserving wisdom and traditions. Read More: 5 simple lifestyle changes that may help slow biological ageing: Experts Levy’s “ABC Method” encourages individuals to recognise ageist beliefs, identify where ageism causes harm, and challenge stereotypes. Research shows that fostering positive views of ageing and creating inclusive, multigenerational communities can help everyone live healthier, more fulfilled lives.  “Ageing is a privilege,” Raina said. “Embracing it, rather than fearing it, benefits us all.”   -Source From BBC

Dhaka ranked third on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 251 at 9:00 am on Tuesday morning (December 02). Dhaka’s air was classified as 'very unhealthy', according to the air quality and pollution city ranking. India's Delhi and Kolkata and Pakistan’s Lahore occupied the first, second and fourth spots in the list, with AQI scores of 396, 269 and 200, respectively. Read more: Dhaka’s air quality 7th worst this morning An AQI between 151 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy' while 201-300 is 'very unhealthy' and 301-400 is considered 'hazardous', posing severe health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. Read more: How to Reduce Air Pollution in Bangladesh?

Air pollution remains one of the biggest challenges for Bangladesh, with its capital ranked as the 4th most polluted city in the world on Monday morning (December 01, 2025). At 10:10 am, Dhaka’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 215. Pakistan’s Lahore  and India’s Delhi occupied the first and second  spots, with AQI scores of 338 and 288 respectively. Besides, India’s Kolkata is in 3rd position with AQI score 233, according to IQAir. An AQI between 101 and 200 is considered unhealthy, particularly for sensitive groups. Similarly, an AQI between 201 and 300 is classified as very unhealthy, while a reading between 301 and 400 is deemed hazardous, posing serious health risks to residents. Read more: Dhaka's air quality turns `unhealthy for sensitive groups’ AQI — an index for reporting daily air quality — is used by government agencies to inform people how clean or polluted the air in a particular city is, and what associated health effects may be of concern. In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO₂, CO, SO₂ and Ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution. Its air quality usually becomes unhealthy during winter and improves during the monsoon. A report by the Department of Environment (DoE) and the World Bank pointed out that the three main sources of air pollution in Dhaka “are brick kilns, fumes from vehicles, and dust from construction sites”. With the advent of winter, the city’s air quality deteriorates sharply due to the massive discharge of pollutant particles from construction work, rundown roads, brick kilns and other sources. Read more: How to Reduce Air Pollution in Bangladesh? Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. Breathing polluted air has long been recognised as increasing a person’s chances of developing heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, lung infections and cancer, according to several studies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.