As per the latest data released by Transforming Access to Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) and the Policy Institute at King's College London, the number of UK students reporting mental health difficulties tripled. The estimate reveals that around 300,000 students could now be experiencing mental health struggles. Of the total, 18% of students reported some kind of mental health issue in 2024.

As per the reports, this estimate is triple what was reported in 2017, where it was at 6%. Experts also say that Covid-19 pandemic is "often considered to have contributed to this, it does not explain the ongoing rise in mental health difficulties." Another reason could also be the "changing definition and increasing openness about mental health" which has led to a rise in numbers. The report notes, "This trend pre-dates the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Although these factors play a part in students' deteriorating mental health, they cannot therefore be the only explanation."

How Did The Report Conclude?

The report drew data collected over the latest Student Academic Experience Survey of 93,212 students. From the survey, it was found that there exist significant disparities between demographic groups, with women being twice as likely to report mental health difficulties, about 22% as compared to men, at 11%.

What Did The Results Reveal?

The results revealed that students who identified as LGBTQ experienced the highest rates of mental health challenges. This has actually lessened the hope that conditions for LGBTQ students are improving, which may not have been a positive case.

Of them, 42% are bisexual and lesbian students, whereas last year it was 35% and 32% respectively. The report also noted that mental health difficulties among lesbian women and gay men rose three times the rate of straight people, and among bisexual and asexual people, it was twice as high. For trans students, the number jumped from 25% in 2023 to 40% in 2024.

Is The LGBTQ+ Prone To Mental Health Crisis?

As per the Child Mind Institute, being LGBTQ+ does not cause mental health problems, but because these kids often face factors like rejection, discrimination and violence, they are at a higher risk of challenges including depression, anxiety, and even attempting suicide.

A UTAH Health study quotes Anna Docherty, PhD, LP, assistant professor of psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute that, "likely with any identity, feeling different - or worse, unaccepted as you are is a significant risk factor of mental health struggle." The data reveals that LGBTQ+ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than non-LGBTQ+ identifying teens. They are also more than twice as likely to feel suicidal and more than four times as likely to attempt suicide. In the US alone, 48% of transgender adults report that they have considered suicide in the last year, compared to 4% of the overall population.

What Do These Findings Mean?

TASO's academic lead and professor of public policy at King's College London, Michael Sanders said, "LGBTQ students and women bear the brunt of the rise in declining mental health and urgent action is needed to understand and address these trends."

Even as India has vaccinated more than 5.2 million girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought responses from the Centre and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) over the nationwide rollout of the cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil, following allegations that it is being introduced without adequate study.

The court issued notice on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the proposed administration of the vaccine to adolescent girls under the Universal Immunization Program (UIP).

According to the petition, the vaccination program is being implemented without ensuring informed parental consent and adequate scientific safeguards, Live Law reported.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia described the matter as "extremely important."

According to the Centre, 52,10,302 girls across the country have received the HPV vaccine under the nationwide campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February. The figures were shared in Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

Court Seeks Government's Response

The Bench also asked Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma to assist the court in the matter.

"Mr Sharma, very important issue. Vaccination is a good scheme, but if there are some adverse consequences, we will have to be very cautious. Seek instructions from the Ministry. Ask some officer to come and brief you. Someone who is in charge of all this should come and brief you, and ensure that someone from the drug control organisation also comes and briefs you," the Court remarked.

The judges clarified that they were not questioning the government's intentions, but emphasized that the issue affects the health of millions of adolescent girls and therefore warrants careful scrutiny.

"We have to tread a very cautious path," the Bench observed.

Also read: Fact Check: Common Myths Around HPV Vaccine And How It Will Prevent Cervical Cancer

What Does the PIL Allege?

The PIL, filed by gynecologist Dr. Sujata Mittal and fitness influencer Jitendra Chouksey, raises concerns about the data, efficacy and necessity of the Gardasil vaccine.

The petition claims that vaccination drives are being conducted in schools and that frontline health workers, including ASHA workers, have been assigned enrolment targets. It alleges that this has, in some instances, resulted in undue pressure on adolescent girls to get vaccinated, Bar and Bench reported.

The petitioners also cited the case of a 14-year-old girl from Tamil Nadu who allegedly developed severe neurological complications—including paralysis-like weakness, loss of voice and impaired vision—days after receiving the vaccine in March 2026.

The PIL further refers to similar reported incidents in Gwalior and Bihar, questioning whether adequate vaccine safety monitoring and surveillance mechanisms are in place.

Read to Know: SHetA2: India's Indigenous Drug Candidate For Cervical Cancer

Why HPV Vaccination Matters

The national program uses Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for most cervical cancers, as well as types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts.

According to the government, Gardasil has been licensed for use in India since 2008. The nationwide rollout follows recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and approvals by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. While many infections clear on their own, persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains can lead to cervical, anal, throat and penile cancers. HPV vaccination is widely recommended to help prevent cervical cancer, particularly when administered before exposure to the virus.

The High Court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for July 29.

Children who consume higher amounts of ultra-processed foods may already be showing subtle changes in the way their bodies regulate insulin, potentially increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes in the future.

According to a new study published in the journal Nutrients, children who have higher amounts of in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) had reduced insulin sensitivity and higher insulin secretion, even though they did not have diabetes.

The findings note that the metabolic changes linked to diabetes may begin much earlier in life than previously thought.

How Was The Study Conducted?

Also read: France Becomes First EU Nation To Ban Social Media For Under-15s; Could This Help Children's Mental Health?

The study analyzed data from 508 non-diabetic Mexican American children aged 6 to 17 years participating in the San Antonio Family Assessment of Metabolic Risk Indicators in Youth (SAFARI) study.

Researchers examined the participants' diets using food frequency questionnaires and estimated the proportion of calories coming from ultra-processed foods, like sugary beverages, packaged snacks, processed meats, instant meals, and breakfast cereals.

On average, more than 53% of the children's daily calorie intake came from ultra-processed foods.

Using fasting blood samples and oral glucose tolerance tests, the team evaluated 19 measures of insulin function, including insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, and pancreatic beta-cell activity.

They found that children with higher ultra-processed food intake had lower insulin sensitivity, meaning their bodies responded less effectively to insulin. At the same time, their pancreases appeared to compensate by producing more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

"The association between ultra-processed food intake and decreased insulin sensitivity, along with increased insulin secretion, suggests that these dietary patterns may contribute to early metabolic dysfunction before overt diabetes develops," the researchers wrote in the study.

The researchers adjusted their analyses for several factors that could influence metabolism, including age, sex, physical activity, puberty, body fat, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and family relationships. The associations remained almost the same even after these adjustments.

Poor Insulin Response From A Young Age

Also read: Rain = No Playground; How Reduced Outdoor Activity During Monsoon Affects Children's Immunity, Weight & Mental Health

Although blood glucose levels remained largely normal among participants, the findings indicate that the pancreas may already be working harder to compensate for declining insulin sensitivity.

"These findings underscore the importance of limiting ultra-processed food consumption during childhood to help preserve healthy insulin function and potentially reduce future cardiometabolic disease risk," the authors noted.

The researchers said several mechanisms could explain the link. Ultra-processed foods are often rich in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and food additives while being low in fiber.

These characteristics may promote inflammation, alter the gut microbiome, and impair the body's ability to regulate insulin over time.

Not Definite Cause And Effect

Also read: 13.5 Million Children Remain Zero-Dose In 2025 Despite Global Vaccination Gains: UN Report

However, the authors cautioned that the study does not prove cause and effect. Because it was a cross-sectional study, it can only identify associations.

They also noted that dietary intake was self-reported, and the findings may not be generalizable beyond the Mexican American children included in the study.

The researchers said more studies following children over time are needed to determine whether reducing ultra-processed food intake can help prevent insulin resistance and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in their future.

Added Risk Of Hypertension In Children

Due to poor diet, hypertension or high blood pressure has become an increasingly common problem among children and adolescents

Doctors think obesity, poor diet, excessive salt intake, poor sleep, low exercise, and watching too much screen time are all factors that are driving up hypertension rates in kids and teens. Other kidney disease, heart disease, hormone imbalances, or family history can also contribute in some children.

Regular blood pressure checks on children's routine visits are very significant because many children with hypertension may be asymptomatic, experts say. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications with the heart, kidneys, brain and eyes in the long term.

Legionnaires' disease has claimed a fifth life in New York City, health officials said, as the ongoing outbreak on the city's Upper East Side continues to grow.

The New York City Health Department said at least 82 cases have been identified. Of these, eight people remain hospitalized, while 56 have been discharged. Officials said the source of the Legionella bacteria, traced to contaminated cooling towers, has likely been eliminated.

Cooling Towers Identified As Source

The Health Department tested 183 cooling towers across 160 buildings for Legionella bacteria.

The findings showed:

• 77 cooling towers at 75 buildings tested PCR-positive for Legionella in initial testing.
• 34 cooling towers at 33 buildings tested culture-positive, confirming the presence of live Legionella bacteria.
• All contaminated cooling towers have since been cleaned and disinfected.

Also read: Why One Of The World's Most Popular Museums Is Part Of A Legionnaires' Disease Investigation In NYC?

Officials Say Tap Water Is Safe

Health officials stressed that the outbreak is not linked to building plumbing systems. Residents in ZIP codes 10028, 10075 and 10128, including the neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, can continue to drink tap water, bathe and shower, cook as well as use home air conditioners.

However, anyone who has spent time in the affected ZIP codes should seek medical care if they develop flu-like symptoms. According to the Health Department, Legionnaires' disease symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure.

What Is Legionnaires' Disease?

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

People become infected after inhaling tiny water droplets or mist contaminated with the bacteria.

Symptoms usually develop two to 14 days after exposure and include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing

Who Is Most At Risk?

The disease is more likely to cause serious illness in:

• Adults aged 50 years and older
• Smokers
• People with chronic lung disease
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

Health experts say early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective, making prompt medical attention essential for those at higher risk.

How Does Legionnaires' Disease Spread?

Legionnaires' disease spreads by breathing in mist or water vapor containing Legionella bacteria. The bacteria thrive in warm water and are commonly found in:

• Cooling towers
• Hot tubs
• Humidifiers
• Large air-conditioning systems

The disease does not spread from person to person.

To reduce the risk of Legionella growth, building owners should maintain proper water management programs. The CDC also advises using genuine windshield washer fluid instead of plain water in vehicle washer reservoirs, as Legionella can grow in stagnant water.

Treatment

Legionnaires' disease is treated with specific antibiotics, and most people recover with early treatment, although hospitalization is often required.

Complications can include respiratory failure and death. According to the CDC:

• About 1 in 10 people with Legionnaires' disease die from complications.
• The risk rises to about 1 in 4 for people who acquire the infection while receiving care in a healthcare facility.