Pope Francis injured his right arm after suffering a fall earlier this week. According to the Vatican, while the 88-year-old pontiff did not break his arm, a sling was put on as a precaution. This incident comes just weeks after another fall on December 7, where he hit his chin on a nightstand, resulting in another, visible bruise. The pope's health has been a topic of ongoing speculation due to his age and medical history, which includes long bouts of bronchitis and mobility challenges. Often seen using a wheelchair or a cane, Francis also uses a walker within the Vatican's Santa Marta hotel, where he resides. Notably, his frailty has brought renewed attention to the risks of falls among elderly individuals and the steps one must follow to mitigate such falls.

Preventive Measures For Bone Health

A study published in Frontiers in Aging Neurosciences people get older, the bone density in the lower back and thigh bone decreases significantly. This raises the risk of osteoporosis (OP). Therefore it becomes pivotal to pay early attention to nutrition, exercise ability, vitamin D levels, and uric acid levels in older individuals to prevent Ostreopsis and mitigate fall risks. The risk of falls and bone injuries among elderly individuals underscores the importance of preventive measures for maintaining bone health and minimizing fall risks.

Elderly, particularly menopausal women, require a daily calcium intake of 1,200 mg, divided into two or more doses. This can be achieved through dietary sources such as dairy and non-dairy products or through supplements like calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. However, total daily calcium intake should not exceed 2,500 mg to avoid potential health risks.

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization. While sunlight exposure helps synthesize vitamin D, older individuals often require supplements due to reduced skin synthesis and the limited availability of foods. Fortified milk and supplements containing 200–600 IU of vitamin D daily are recommended, with higher doses required for those with deficiencies. Severe cases may necessitate high-dose treatments, such as 50,000 IU weekly for up to three months, along with regular monitoring of calcium and vitamin D levels.

Regular exercise is vital for preserving bone mass and reducing fall risk. Weight-bearing activities, strength training, and balance exercises like brisk walking or skipping can enhance bone density and improve coordination. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week, supplemented by strength training twice weekly. For individuals unable to engage in standard exercise routines, alternatives like vibrating platforms may help maintain bone health.

Falls remain a leading cause of fractures among individuals over 60. Addressing contributing factors such as balance issues, vision problems, and environmental hazards can significantly reduce risks. Preventive measures include regular vision checks, minimizing medications causing dizziness, improving home safety (e.g., installing railings and removing loose rugs), and wearing rubber-soled footwear. Hip protectors may also help mitigate the impact of falls.

There’s a new variant of COVID-19 spreading, nicknamed “Frankenstein,” and it has now been detected in Canada. The strain, officially known as XFG, is part of the Omicron family and earned its nickname because it combines genetic material from two Omicron subvariants.

‘Frankenstein’ COVID-19 Variant Hits Canada

“As of October 2025, XFG (sometimes referred to as the ‘stratus’ or ‘Frankenstein’ variant) is the most common COVID-19 variant in Canada, according to the weekly variant breakdown and the wastewater monitoring dashboard,” the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said in an email. The agency categorized XFG as a “variant under monitoring” and confirmed that Canadian scientists are closely watching its spread and potential impact.

Should You Be Worried About The Frankenstein Strain In Canada?

PHAC noted that while most COVID-19 indicators are rising nationally, trends differ by province and territory. “At this time, there is no evidence that the currently circulating COVID-19 variants in Canada are causing more severe illness,” the agency said. Interestingly, the Frankenstein variant has also appeared in countries such as the U.S., U.K., and France, and authorities there have indicated it is not particularly dangerous and can be managed with standard precautions.

What Is The Frankenstein Variant?

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that recent increases in COVID-19 cases are linked to a new variant called XFG, nicknamed “Frankenstein” because it is a recombinant virus, meaning it carries genetic material from two subtypes: LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The WHO has been tracking XFG since June 25, 2025, and it has now been found in several countries. Current evidence suggests that the overall public health risk remains low, and existing COVID-19 vaccines are expected to continue preventing severe illness and symptomatic infection.

Precautions To Stay Safe From Frankenstein Variant

During the respiratory illness season, PHAC reminds everyone to stay current on recommended vaccines, including those for seasonal flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

“These vaccines offer strong protection against serious illness. Check with your healthcare provider or local public health authority about which vaccines are right for you,” the agency advised.

Additionally, individuals can take personal measures to reduce the risk of catching or spreading respiratory illnesses.

PHAC explained that infectious diseases can spread through person-to-person contact or via contaminated surfaces, so using multiple precautions together is most effective.

Personal protective measures include:

• Staying home when feeling unwell
• Wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator when appropriate, including: if you are sick and need to be around others; during seasons when respiratory illnesses are more common, such as fall and winter; in closed or crowded spaces; and if you have personal risk factors (for example, higher risk for serious complications, or frequent contact with vulnerable people such as older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems)
• Improving ventilation indoors whenever possible
• Washing hands frequently
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects

Newborn babies in England will now be routinely screened for a rare genetic condition, NHS England has announced. This condition will be included in the standard blood test that babies receive on the fifth day after birth, collected from the heel. The screening will focus on Hereditary Tyrosinaemia Type 1 (HT1), a disorder that can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Below, we explain what this condition is, its symptoms, potential severity, and more.

What Is Tyrosinaemia Type 1 (HT1)?

Hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 (HT1) affects about one in every seven UK babies each year and can cause lasting health problems if not treated early. The condition stops the body from properly breaking down protein, causing toxic substances to build up in the blood. This important screening will now form part of the routine blood spot test, taken from a newborn’s heel on the fifth day after birth.

Tyrosinaemia Type 1 (HT1) is a rare, serious inherited disorder that affects metabolism. It prevents the body from processing the amino acid tyrosine due to a missing enzyme called fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH). Without this enzyme, harmful byproducts accumulate in the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, potentially causing severe liver and kidney disease, and increasing the risk of liver cancer if untreated.

Tyrosinaemia Type 1 (HT1) Early Signs

Early signs in babies can include poor growth, vomiting, diarrhoea, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), and an enlarged liver. If left untreated, later complications may involve weakened bones (rickets), neurological problems, and liver cancer.

In HT1, the missing enzyme fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase leads to a buildup of a harmful substance called succinylacetone (SUAC), which interferes with the body’s ability to process tyrosine.

Dr. Harrison Carter, NHS director of vaccination and screening, said: “Being able to screen for tyrosinaemia gives thousands of families extra reassurance. While most babies will not have a genetic condition, for those who do, early detection means treatment can start immediately, giving the baby a better chance at a healthy life.”

Once identified through the NHS screening, babies with HT1 can be treated with a medication called Nitisinone, which helps prevent high levels of tyrosine in the blood.

Tyrosinaemia Type 1 (HT1) Symptoms

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, HT1 symptoms in babies include poor growth, jaundice, enlarged liver and spleen, and a distinctive cabbage-like odor. In older children and adults, the condition can cause liver and kidney failure, bone weakening (rickets), bleeding problems, and neurological issues such as seizures or behavioral difficulties.

• Acute form (infancy)
• Difficulty gaining weight and growing (failure to thrive)
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Enlarged liver and spleen
• Swollen abdomen
• Increased tendency to bleed (for example, nosebleeds)
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Fever
• Chronic form (after 6 months to 2 years)
• Gradual development of liver and kidney problems
• Liver cirrhosis and nodules
• Softening of bones (rickets)
• Neurological complications
• Mild to moderate liver disease
• Later-stage and adult symptoms
• Severe liver and kidney damage or failure
• Higher risk of liver cancer
• Neurological issues such as intellectual disability, seizures, or psychiatric disorders
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Kidney dysfunction or failure

The HT1 test has been added to the NHS Newborn Blood Spot Screening Programme following a recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared another blood test designed to help doctors evaluate Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of memory and cognitive decline. The approval marks an important step toward quicker and less invasive diagnosis of the condition.

Roche Diagnostics announced on Monday that the FDA has authorized its Alzheimer’s blood test, developed in partnership with Eli Lilly. The new test aims to assist doctors in the early assessment of patients who may be showing signs of dementia. This approval comes soon after the FDA gave the green light to Fujirebio Diagnostics’ Lumipulse test in May 2025, the first blood test ever approved to identify the degenerative brain condition.

As this new test gains attention, here’s a closer look at how it works, what sets it apart, and what other blood tests have been approved for Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Lilly’s Test Approved for Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Roche Diagnostics confirmed that the FDA has granted clearance for Elecsys, its blood test co-developed with Eli Lilly, as a tool to help assess Alzheimer’s disease. The test measures pTau181, a protein strongly linked to Alzheimer’s and brain degeneration. It is designed for people aged 55 and older who are showing signs or symptoms of cognitive decline.

This approval follows the earlier FDA authorization of ‘Fujirebio’s Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio’ test in May. Together, these tests represent major progress in early detection, which could make it easier for patients to begin treatment with drugs such as Biogen and Eisai’s Leqembi or Eli Lilly’s Kisunla. Traditional diagnostic options, such as spinal taps or PET brain scans, are either invasive or costly and not always covered by insurance.

As per CNN, Roche reported that in a clinical trial involving 312 people, Elecsys demonstrated a 97.9% success rate in ruling out Alzheimer’s. The company also highlighted that over 4,500 diagnostic machines are already operating in U.S. laboratories, making it easier to integrate this new test into existing systems.

What Is the Elecsys pTau181 Test?

The Elecsys pTau181 test is now the second blood-based biomarker test cleared by the FDA this year for Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Unlike the Lumipulse test, which measures a ratio of two proteins (pTau217 and beta-amyloid 1-42), Elecsys focuses on detecting the levels of a single protein—pTau181—in a person’s blood plasma. Elevated levels of this protein are often associated with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Although several laboratory-developed and experimental tests are under study, blood-based testing remains an emerging yet promising tool in dementia research.

“The ability to diagnose Alzheimer’s earlier with a simple blood test—similar to how we test for cholesterol—is a real breakthrough,” said Dr. Howard Fillit, co-founder and chief science officer of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation. He explained that such advancements can help identify the disease sooner, giving patients better access to treatments that might slow or even prevent its progression.

With Roche’s Elecsys test now approved, experts like Dr. Richard Isaacson say the development is encouraging. Still, they advise cautious optimism as scientists continue refining blood-based diagnostics for Alzheimer’s.