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According to Dr Pradeep Bajad, Senior Consultant in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine at Amrita Hospital, magnesium supports nerve function, muscle relaxation and biological pathways involved in sleep, but it is not a sedative or a guaranteed cure for insomnia. There is also no strong evidence that taking it at exactly 10 pm works better than earlier in the evening. If medically advised for sleep, taking magnesium about one to two hours before bedtime may be a practical option. Those who experience stomach discomfort can take it earlier or with food. Research suggests magnesium may help some people fall asleep faster, but evidence remains limited. Persistent insomnia, loud snoring, choking during sleep or daytime sleepiness should be medically evaluated rather than treated only with supplements.

A new study suggests that an often-overlooked gut fungus, Mucor racemosus, may help protect the intestine from radiation damage. In experiments involving mice, researchers found that the fungus reduced intestinal injury, inflammation, oxidative stress and damage to the gut barrier after radiation exposure. The fungus appeared to support DNA repair by producing amino acids that helped damaged intestinal cells recover, while also changing bacterial metabolism to promote protective compounds. M. racemosus-fermented cheese also showed greater protective effects than conventional fermented or nonfermented cheese in mouse experiments. Although the findings are promising, they have not yet been demonstrated in humans. Researchers say further clinical studies are needed to determine whether this fungus could eventually help protect patients undergoing cancer radiotherapy or people exposed to radiation.

A major Indian study highlights the growing danger of antibiotic resistance, particularly among patients with serious Gram-negative bacterial infections. Researchers analysed 26,213 infections across 20 tertiary-care hospitals and found that carbapenem resistance in bacteria including E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was associated with a 16–43% higher risk of death, depending on the organism. Resistant bloodstream infections caused by some bacteria had mortality rates of around 46–51%, while treatment costs were also substantially higher. Experts warn that unnecessary antibiotic use increases selection pressure, allowing resistant bacteria to survive and spread. They stress that antibiotics should be prescribed only when needed, with the right drug, dose and duration, supported by appropriate testing and antimicrobial stewardship.

Research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress suggests that certain bacteria found in classroom dust may be linked to reduced lung function in children. Using data from nearly 300 classrooms across 22 European countries, researchers found that higher levels of Streptomyces were associated with lower forced vital capacity, while increased Mycobacterium levels were linked to slightly reduced measures of lung function. The researchers suggest these bacteria may directly irritate the airways or trigger immune and inflammatory responses, although they could also indicate broader problems such as dampness, poor ventilation or inadequate cleaning. Experts stressed that schools do not need to be sterile, but good ventilation, moisture control, regular cleaning and proper building maintenance can help create healthier environments for children's developing lungs.

A large systematic review of 59 studies involving more than 2 million people found that certain popular nonalcoholic drinks may be associated with depression and anxiety, while coffee showed a different pattern. Sugar-sweetened beverages, soft drinks, carbonated drinks, energy drinks, artificially sweetened beverages and bubble tea were associated with higher depression risk, while bubble tea and carbonated drinks were also linked to anxiety. In contrast, higher coffee consumption was inversely associated with depression, although it was not significantly linked to anxiety. The strongest associations were observed among adolescents. However, most studies were observational or cross-sectional, meaning they cannot prove that these drinks directly cause mental health problems. More research is needed before specific dietary recommendations can be made.

Cigarette smoke may disappear within seconds, but its effects on the lungs can last far longer. Smoking exposes the body to thousands of chemicals, including many known carcinogens, while particles and tar can irritate airways, increase mucus and impair the tiny cilia that help clear the lungs. According to experts, carbon monoxide may remain in the blood for 24–36 hours, while nicotine and its metabolites can persist for several days. Lung recovery after quitting is gradual, with cilia function potentially taking months to improve. The good news is that quitting allows the lungs and cardiovascular system to begin recovering, with health benefits continuing over months and years. Even light smoking can cause measurable harm, making quitting the most effective way to protect lung health.

Scientists at UC San Diego have demonstrated that a key cellular enzyme can accurately read an eight-letter genetic alphabet, potentially doubling the four DNA letters used by all known life. Using detailed imaging, researchers found that RNA polymerase—the enzyme responsible for copying genetic information—can recognize and process synthetic DNA letters in ways surprisingly similar to natural ones. The breakthrough could bring scientists closer to creating expanded genetic systems capable of storing information and performing biological functions beyond those possible with nature’s standard four-letter code. While the research is still at an early stage, it offers an important step toward engineering new forms of genetic information and expanding the possibilities of synthetic biology.

New research suggests that menopause-related changes in the gut may begin years before a woman’s final menstrual period. In a study of 964 women, researchers tracked two blood markers linked to gut barrier dysfunction and microbial product exposure over nearly 25 years. They found that levels of both markers began rising about 2–2.5 years before the final menstrual period and remained elevated for years afterward, suggesting that the menopausal transition may increase gut barrier problems and potentially contribute to low-grade inflammation. The findings were seen across the racial and ethnic groups studied and may help explain connections between menopause, inflammation and conditions affecting bone and metabolic health. However, the study used indirect markers rather than directly measuring gut permeability, so more research is needed before treatments such as probiotics can be recommended for preventing these changes.

For women in their 30s and 40s, healthy eating may be less about cutting calories and more about giving the body the nutrients it needs. Experts say extreme restriction, skipped meals and very small portions can reduce intake of important nutrients such as protein, iron, calcium, fibre and healthy fats. As women approach perimenopause and menopause, maintaining muscle and bone health becomes increasingly important. Including protein throughout the day from foods such as dal, beans, curd, paneer, eggs, fish, nuts and seeds can help support strength, while fruits, vegetables and whole grains provide fibre and essential micronutrients. The key shift is to ask “What does my body need from this meal?” rather than “How little can I eat?”—focusing on nourishment, strength and long-term health rather than simply becoming smaller.

Morning drinks like lemon water, jeera water, methi water, amla, turmeric and apple cider vinegar are often promoted as detox or weight-loss solutions, but experts say there is no magical morning drink. The biggest benefit of starting the day with a drink is often simply rehydration after several hours without fluids. Plain or lukewarm water remains the most evidence-backed choice, while lemon can add vitamin C and make water more enjoyable. Ingredients such as fenugreek, cumin, turmeric and amla show some promising research, but evidence does not prove that typical homemade drinks can treat diabetes, boost metabolism or burn fat. Experts also caution against excessive honey, acidic drinks and fruit juice. Ultimately, consistency and overall diet matter more than the timing of a particular drink.