News

WHO Announces International Agreement to Tackle PandemicsGeneva, 16 Apr (ONA) --- The World Health Organization (WHO) today issued a statement, announcing that its members have reached an agreement to prepare the world for future pandemics after over three years of intensive negotiations. The proposal aims to strengthen global collaboration on prevention, preparedness and response to future pandemic threats. This legally binding agreement aims to strengthen the world's defenses against emerging pathogens, after the COVID-19 pandemic claimed millions of lives during ...

Study Confirms that Appendectomy Reduces Ulcerative Colitis RelapsesLondon, April 16 (QNA) --- A British scientific study has confirmed that appendectomy (appendix removal) may reduce the risk of ulcerative colitis relapse in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The study, published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal, reported that the appendix plays a role by producing inflammatory proteins that stimulate the body to launch a series of immune responses. According to experiments conducted during the study, which included 197 ...

Vitamin D3 Reduces Activity of MS in Early Stages: StudyParis, 26 Mar (ONA) —- A French study has revealed that taking vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) orally at a dose of 100,000 international units every two weeks may significantly reduce multiple sclerosis (MS) activity in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and early relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). The study, conducted by researchers from the Nimes University Center, the University of Montpellier, and several French centers specializing in MS, aimed to evaluate the role of high doses of cholecalciferol (a ...

WHO: Global Anti-tuberculosis Drive at Risk over Funding CutsGeneva, 24 Mar (ONA) —- A drastic drop in development aid funding is threatening success in the fight against the world's deadliest infectious disease, tuberculosis (TB), according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In a WHO report released today, the UN health agency said that TB still kills around 1.5 million people every year. Seventy-nine million lives have been saved through early diagnosis and treatment since the year 2000. But without more money, things look bleak for the poorest countries, the WHO said in the ...

Study Finds Early Tonsillectomy Improves Health Outcomes for Children with Mild Sleep ApneaWashington, 20 Mar (ONA) —- A new study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association for Pediatrics, has revealed that early surgical intervention to remove tonsils can be effective in improving the health of children suffering from mild sleep apnea, reducing the need for doctor visits and prescriptions. The study included 381 children aged 3 to 13 years with mild sleep-related breathing disorders. They were divided into two groups: one underwent early ...

WHO Warns of Danger of Insufficient Funds for Vaccination Programs Against Deadly DiseasesGeneva, 19 Mar (ONA) —- The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that cuts in funding for life-saving global health projects by some countries, such as the United States, could severely impact vaccination programs for children and adults against deadly diseases. The recent abrupt changes in donor budgets and capacity in global health has put a severe strain on immunization programs, particularly to measles prevention efforts, WHO said in a statement. It emphasized the ...

Health Ministry Introduces AI-Enabled Screening of Diabetic Retinopathy Patients Muscat, 17 Mar (ONA) --- The Ministry of Health today launched a project for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The project will help diminish the risk of vision loss and provide timely treatment to diabetic retinopathy patients. The national project targets all individuals diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The launch ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng. Said Hamoud Al Ma’awali, Minister of Transport, Communications and ...

Chinese Scientists Reveal Key Mechanism Behind Heavy-Ion Cancer Therapy Beijing, 17 Mar (ONA) --- A recent study, led by researchers from the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and their collaborators, has made significant progress in uncovering the microscopic mechanism behind heavy-ion cancer therapy, which is expected to optimize cancer treatment strategies and promote the development of new radiotherapy technologies. The findings were recently published as a highlighted paper in the journal Physical Review X. Heavy-ion therapy, which is ...

Chinese Scientists Develop AI Tool to Predict Liver Cancer Recurrence Beijing, 16 Mar (ONA) --- A Chinese research team has developed an AI tool that predicts liver cancer recurrence risk with 82.2 percent accuracy, according to a study recently published in the journal Nature. Liver cancer, the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, has a postoperative recurrence rate as high as 70 percent. Accurately predicting recurrence was a critical challenge. Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China, led by Sun Cheng, have ...

Parkinson’s Disease Expected to Drastically Increase in Future: Study Washington, 13 Mar (ONA) --- A new study warns that Parkinson’s disease cases could surge by 112% by 2050, rising from nearly 12 million to 25.2 million worldwide. In the U.S., cases are expected to increase by 60%. Researchers analyzed disease trends from 195 countries, considering factors influencing Parkinson’s prevalence. The disease primarily affects older adults, especially those over 80. With no cure available, early diagnosis is crucial to slowing progression. Parkinson’s occurs when ...

Genes Linked to Smoking During Pregnancy IdentifiedLondon, 12 Mar (ONA) --- Researchers have identified a genetic link to smoking during pregnancy. The study also showed men experience more long-lasting effects when their mother smokes while pregnant than women - including dying younger if they go on to smoke themselves. A team of researchers from the University of Aberdeen studied more than half a million people across the UK to understand the effects of smoking in pregnancy and how they can persist throughout adulthood. The group, led by Professor Paul Fowler, chairman in ...

Switching from Butter to Plant-Based Oils Linked to Lower Mortality Risk Washington, 11 Mar (ONA) --- A new study published in "JAMA Internal Medicine" has found that higher butter consumption is associated with increased total and cancer-related mortality, while plant-based oils such as olive, soybean, and canola reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer-related deaths. Researchers analyzed data from three large U.S. health studies, tracking over 221,000 adults for up to 33 years. The study found that individuals with the highest butter intake had a 15% ...

Chinese Scientists Reveal Key Mechanism behind Bacterial Cancer TherapyBeijing, 6 Mar (ONA) --- A new study by Chinese scientists has uncovered the mechanism behind bacterial cancer therapy using a genetically engineered bacterial strain in a breakthrough that offers new hope for the development of next-generation cancer therapies. The findings of the joint research team from the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) and the Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, both under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, were published online by the journal Cell. ...

Uganda Reports Second Death from Ebola OutbreakKampala, 2 Ma (ONA) --- A 4-year-old child became the second person to die of Ebola in Uganda, the World Health Organization (WHO) said, in a setback in efforts to end the outbreak that began at the end of January 2025. The child had been hospitalized at the main referral facility in Kampala, and died last Tuesday, the WHO said in a statement. The WHO added that response teams are working to strengthen surveillance and contact tracing in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. Contact tracing remains a crucial measure ...

South Korea Strengthens Anti-Ebola Measures on Travelers from 7 African CountriesSeoul, 26 Feb (ONA) --- South Korea seeks to bolster quarantine measures on people entering from seven African nations as part of efforts to prevent the Ebola virus from spreading in the country, South Korea's health authorities said today. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), inbound travelers from Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Ethiopia will be required to undergo enhanced quarantine measures. Under the ...

Measles Cases Rise to 124 in TexasWashington, 26 Feb (ONA) --- Measles continues to spread in the US state of Texas, with the number of cases reaching 124. Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) said that most of the cases were unvaccinated individuals or individuals whose vaccination status was unknown. Meanwhile,18 people have been hospitalized so far. Children and adolescents aged five to 17 years old make up the majority of cases, with 62 cases, followed by 39 cases among children aged four years or younger. Rural Gaines County is the ...

WHO: More than 547,000 Children Vaccinated Against Polio in GazaGeneva, 26 Feb (ONA) --- The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that 547,848 children under the age of 10 have been vaccinated since the launch of the new round of the polio immunization campaign in the Gaza Strip on 22 February 2025, representing more than 92% of the total targeted children, of a total 591,000 children. During the bi-weekly press conference of the United Nations agencies in Geneva, WHO Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory Dr. Rik Peeperkorn explained that this campaign ...

Vitamin E Improves Liver Health in MASH Patients: Study Beijing, 20 Feb (ONA) --- A recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine has shown that a 300 mg daily dose of Vitamin E significantly improves liver histology and biochemical markers in patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH).Conducted across 14 clinical centers in China, the randomized, placebo-controlled trial involved 124 participants diagnosed with biopsy-proven MASH.Over 96 weeks, patients received either Vitamin E or a placebo alongside lifestyle recommendations.Results indicated that 29.3% ...

117 Dead Due to Cholera Outbreak in AngolaLuanda, 13 Feb (ONA) --- A total of 117 people died out of 3,543 reported cases of cholera in Angola since the beginning of January 2025. Angolan health sources reported 3,543 cholera cases, 1,753 of which were in the capital, Luanda, while the remaining cases were spread across other cities in the country. Angola began reporting more than 100 new cholera cases daily since 1 February 2025, with the highest daily number recorded on 8 February when it reached 295 cases. Since the outbreak began on 7 January, the ...

New York Records First Case of New Mpox StrainWashington, 12 Feb (ONA) --- The New York State Department of Health announced the first case of new Mpox strain. The department did not provide further information on the case. Three Mpox cases have been confirmed in California, Georgia, and New Hampshire. This announcement may heighten global concerns over the spread of the little-known variant. Symptoms of Mpox include fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, fatigue, chills, and a chickenpox-like rash on the hands and face.--- ...

New Study Unveils Genetic Link Between Autism, Epilepsy California,19 Jan (ONA) ---A collaborative research has uncovered new insights into how the neuropilin-2 gene influences autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy. The research is led by neuroscientist Viji Santhakumar from the University of California. Published in Nature Molecular Psychiatry, the study explores how disruptions in this gene, which is critical for brain cell communication and circuit development, contribute to these co-occurring conditions. Santhakumar and her team developed a mouse model to examine the effects of ...

Green Tea May Protect Aging Brain: Study Tokyo, 15 Jan (ONA) --- A study by Kanazawa University has linked daily green tea consumption to reduced white matter lesions in older adults without dementia. Research conducted by the university’s Graduate School of Medical Sciences reveals that drinking three or more glasses of green tea daily may benefit brain health. The study found that higher green tea intake is associated with fewer cerebral white matter lesions—brain changes connected to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. The findings, part of the ...

Russian Scientists Discover Biomarkers Linked to Eye Cancer Tumor DevelopmentMoscow, 15 Jan (ONA) --- A team of Russian scientists identified new biomarkers linked to the development of eye cancer, specifically uveal melanoma, a malignant tumor that arises in the iris or choroid of the eye. The study, conducted by researchers at the Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology at Novosibirsk, focused on molecular processes and markers that influence the heightened risk of metastasis, which refers to the spread of cancer cells beyond their original site. ...

Obesity at Cancer Diagnosis Linked to Higher Mortality Risk in Children Ottawa, 13 Jan (ONA)--- A Canadian study reveals that children with cancer who are obese at diagnosis face an elevated risk of relapse and death. The population-based research analyzed data from 11,291 children aged 2 to 18 years in the Cancer in Young People in Canada (CYP-C) database between 2001 and 2020. Obesity was defined as a body mass index at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex. Among the participants, 10.5% were obese at diagnosis. The study found ...

Carrots May Aid in Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Study Copenhagen, 9 Jan (ONA) --- A study from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) suggests that carrots may support type 2 diabetes management by improving blood sugar regulation and promoting a healthier gut microbiome. Type 2 diabetes affects millions worldwide. Treatment typically involves dietary changes and medication, though many people experience side effects from common pharmaceuticals. Researchers from SDU, Odense University Hospital, and the University of Copenhagen believe carrots could offer a natural, ...

Glass of Milk A Day Cuts Bowel Cancer Risk: Study London, 8 Jan (ONA) --- A large study from the United Kingdom (UK) has found further evidence that people with more calcium in their diet - equivalent to a glass of milk a day - can help reduce their risk of bowel cancer. The researchers analysed the diets of more than half a million women over 16 years and found dark leafy greens, bread and non-dairy milks containing calcium also had a protective effect. A recent study from Oxford University and Cancer Research UK highlights the role of diet in reducing the risk of bowel cancer. ...

Tea Bags Release Billions of Microplastics into Water: Study Madrid, 29 Dec (ONA) --- A recent study by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) has revealed the alarming release of micro- and nanoplastic (MNPL) particles from tea bags into water, raising concerns about potential health risks. Published in Chemosphere, the study analyzed three types of tea bags and found that billions of plastic fragments are released per milliliter of water. Tea bags made from polypropylene released the highest amount of particles, averaging 1.2 billion per milliliter, ...

Global Autism Prevalence Doubles to 1 in 127 Canberra, 24 Dec (ONA)--- A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry finds that one in 127 people globally—approximately 61.8 million individuals—are on the autism spectrum, nearly doubling previous estimates. The research, conducted by Australian institutions including the University of Queensland and the University of Sydney, used 2021 data to provide updated figures. The findings highlight a significant gender disparity, with autism prevalence twice as high in men compared to women. This gap is attributed to ...

Tea and Coffee Linked to Lower Head and Neck Cancer Risk Washington, 23 Dec (ONA) --- Research finds people who have more than four coffees a day have 17% lower chance of head and neck cancers. A new study suggests that drinking tea and coffee may slightly reduce the risk of head and neck cancers. Researchers analyzed data from 14 studies across Europe, North America, and Latin America, involving over 25,000 participants. The findings reveal that consuming more than four cups of caffeinated coffee daily is associated with a 17% lower risk of head and ...

Cooking Oil Linked to Increasing Colon Cancer: Study Washington, 22 Dec (ONA) --- A recent study published in the medical journal Gut and revealed a potential link between cooking oils and increasing colon cancer cases among young people.Tumors analyzed in the study were found to contain greasy substances formed during the metabolic breakdown of seed oils such as sunflower, canola, corn, and grapeseed oil.These oils, when consumed in excess, may trigger chronic inflammation, a condition linked to cancer and other serious diseases.Researchers emphasized the importance of using ...