COVID-19 cases are surging in Hong Kong and Singapore, driven by waning immunity and the rapid spread of new Omicron JN.1 variants. Singapore's Health Ministry reported a 28% increase in estimated cases, reaching 14,200 in the first week of May, with hospitalizations rising by around 30%. Key symptoms include cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, brain fog, and conjunctivitis. In Hong Kong, the virus's presence in sewage water indicates widespread community transmission, prompting health alerts. Despite the uptick, vaccinations remain effective in preventing severe illness, and no new social restrictions are planned. Authorities urge continued vigilance, mask-wearing in crowded places, and staying home when ill to mitigate the spread. (PC: News18)

The UK government abandoned guidance promoting discounts on minimally processed, nutritious foods after lobbying from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), representing major ultra-processed food producers like Nestlé and Coca-Cola. Initially, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) advised retailers to offer deals on healthier options, including fresh produce and whole grains. However, following persistent lobbying, the DHSC revised the guidance in June 2023 to vaguely promote “healthier options,” a term critics argue allows inclusion of many ultra-processed foods. Emails obtained under freedom of information laws reveal the FDF’s efforts to influence DHSC policy. This shift affects millions, as ultra-processed foods comprise half of the typical British diet and up to 80% for vulnerable populations. (PC: The Guardian)

Tim Friede, a former truck mechanic from the US, has helped scientists make a major breakthrough in antivenom research by repeatedly injecting himself with venom from deadly snakes like mambas, cobras, taipans, and kraits over nearly two decades. His blood developed powerful antibodies that have shown the ability to neutralize lethal doses from multiple snake species in animal trials. This advancement could lead to the first universal snakebite treatment, potentially saving thousands of lives annually. Unlike current antivenoms, which must match specific venom types, Friede’s contribution offers broad protection and new hope for global snakebite victims. (PC: Getty Images)  

Once seen as a symbol of prosperity, India’s pot belly is now a silent killer. A Lancet study warns that 450 million Indians—nearly one-third of the population—could be overweight or obese by 2050. Abdominal obesity, particularly belly fat, increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease. NFHS-5 shows 40% of Indian women and 12% of men suffer from it. Doctors blame processed food, sedentary lifestyle, and a genetic tendency among South Asians. Experts urge stricter lifestyle changes, including 250–300 minutes of weekly exercise. Physicians warn even slim people can have dangerous belly fat. India faces a ticking health time bomb. (PC: Getty Images)

A groundbreaking breast cancer drug, Capivasertib (Truqap), developed by AstraZeneca, has been approved for use in the NHS in England and Wales. This oral medication is targeted at hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer patients with specific genetic mutations. Capivasertib, when combined with hormone therapy, has shown promising results, increasing the time before disease progression. Clinical trials demonstrated a significant extension of progression-free survival, from 3.1 to 7.3 months. Experts are calling this a major step forward in personalized cancer treatment and recommend genetic testing for patients to access this life-changing treatment. (PC: The Guardian)

A groundbreaking breast cancer drug, capivasertib, has been approved for NHS use in England and Wales. Developed by AstraZeneca and the Institute of Cancer Research, this twice-daily pill targets hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer with specific genetic mutations (PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN), present in about half of such cases. When combined with hormone therapy fulvestrant, it doubles the time before disease progression from 3.1 to 7.3 months. Approximately 3,000 women annually could benefit. Patients like Ellen Hughes report improved quality of life and extended survival. Experts hail this as a major advancement in personalized cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for routine genetic testing to identify eligible patients. (PC: Cancer Today & YouTube)

In a UK medical breakthrough, Grace Davidson, 36, became the country’s first woman to give birth after a womb transplant. Diagnosed with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, she received her sister Amy Purdie’s womb in an 8-hour surgery in 2023. Her daughter, Amy Isabel, was born via caesarean section on February 27 at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, London. The family described the moment as “overwhelming” and filled with love. Grace underwent IVF before the transplant and took immunosuppressants during pregnancy. The historic birth crowns 25 years of research by Prof Richard Smith and offers hope to women unable to conceive naturally. (PC: PA)

A second child has died from measles in Texas, US, as the outbreak continues to spread. The eight-year-old girl, who was not vaccinated, died from complications early Thursday. Texas has reported over 480 measles cases this year, with infections spreading to nearby states. US Health officials warn that nearly all cases are in unvaccinated people. "This tragedy highlights the need for vaccination," said Aaron Davis of UMC Health System. Measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Experts urge parents to vaccinate children to prevent further deaths and stop the outbreak from growing. (PC: Getty Images)

A Unison survey of nearly 600 ambulance workers in England reveals that severe A&E delays force crews to provide prolonged care in ambulances, leading to patient deterioration and fatalities. 77% of respondents managed patients in ambulances due to extended waits, with 68% caring for multiple patients in hospital corridors. Alarmingly, 5% reported patient deaths during these delays. Ambulances have waited over 12 hours to offload patients, far exceeding the NHS target of 15-30 minutes. In the year leading to November 2024, ambulances spent over 1.5 million hours queuing outside A&Es, affecting more than 414,000 patients, with over 44,000 suffering severe harm. Unison warns this "car park care" is unsustainable, as frontline staff express frustration over their inability to respond to critical incidents due to persistent handover delays. (PC: The Guardian)

Scientists warn that gonorrhoea cases resistant to antibiotics are rising in England, increasing fears of an “untreatable” STI. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recorded 17 ceftriaxone-resistant cases between January 2024 and March 2025, up from 16 in 2022-2023. Consultant epidemiologist Dr Katy Sinka stressed that gonorrhoea’s growing resistance could lead to severe health risks, including infertility. The NHS urges regular testing, as many cases show no symptoms. UKHSA lists Neisseria gonorrhoeae among top public health threats. Experts emphasize condoms and early detection to curb spread. Free and confidential STI testing remains crucial. (PC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)