Low-dose CT chest scans could help detect pneumonia in at-risk patients while exposing them to only small amounts of radiation, a new study has found. The research, published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging, shows that ultra-low-dose scans can effectively detect pneumonia in patients with compromised immune systems, enabling doctors to treat the infection before it becomes life-threatening. According to the researchers, these scans expose patients to just 2% of the radiation dose used in a standard CT scan.

"This study paves the way for safer, AI-driven imaging that reduces radiation exposure while preserving diagnostic accuracy,” lead researcher Dr Maximiliano Klug, a radiologist with the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, said in a news release. He added that CT scans are the gold standard for detecting pneumonia but there are concerns regarding the risk posed by repeated exposure to radiation. There is a solution- ultra-low-dose CT scan. However, the problem is that these scans can be grainy and hard to read, researchers said.

Study Gives Solution To This

To overcome that, Klug's team developed an AI program that could help "de-noise" low-dose scans, making them sharper and easier to read. Between September 2020 and December 2022, 54 patients with compromised immune systems who had fevers underwent a pair of chest CT scans -- a normal dose scan and an ultra-low-dose scan. The AI program cleaned up the low-dose scan, and then both sets of images were given to a pair of radiologists for assessment. Radiologists had 100% accuracy in detecting pneumonia and other lung problems with the AI-cleaned low-dose scans, but 91% to 98% accuracy in examining the scans that hadn’t been improved through AI, results show.

"This pilot study identified infection with a fraction of the radiation dose," Klug said. "This approach could drive larger studies and ultimately reshape clinical guidelines, making denoised ultra-low dose CT the new standard for young immunocompromised patients.

How Can You Detect Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid or pus and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The symptoms can range from milk to severe, which includes:

Coughing with or without cough

Fever

Chills

Trouble breathing

Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply or coughing

Sweating or chills

Rapid heart rate

Loss of appetite

Bluish skin, lips, and nails

Confusion.

How to detect Pneumonia in coughing newborns and toddlers?

Pneumonia can severely affect newborns and young children as their lungs are comparatively more sensitive. As per Dr Goyal, young children can cough for various reasons including seasonal infections and tonsillitis, which is very common in this age group. But if they look visibly irritable and have poor sleep patterns, then parents must reach out to an expert. "I am not saying that parents must visit a hospital but any local paediatrician would be able to detect pneumonia in your kid.

While the US is seeing one of its largest-ever Cyclospora outbreaks, with Michigan reporting more than 6,500 cases and several hospitalizations, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak is "under control."

"We do have the outbreak under control," Kennedy told ABC News. "We have an extensive forensics, epidemiological forensics, and we've identified the source of the outbreak. We and the companies that are involved have implemented a recall."

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have linked the outbreak, which has sickened at least 1,600 people across five states, to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations. The lettuce was supplied by Taylor Farms and sourced from central Mexico.

Michigan Cases Continue To Rise

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 6,571 cases in the state as of July 21, up by 423 from the 6,148 cases reported a day earlier. The state's patients include a woman who said she remained ill for several days after becoming infected.

As of July 16, 102 people had been hospitalized, more than double the 44 hospitalizations reported the previous week.

Lettuce Recall

Taylor Farms has voluntarily recalled dozens of lettuce products across 27 states and said it will not source iceberg lettuce from central Mexico for "the rest of the growing season."

Health officials are continuing to investigate additional cases and any other potential sources of infection. So far, no other sources have been identified for the domestically acquired infections reported in 29 other states.

Taylor Farms also said on social media that none of its Taylor Farms-branded salad kits are linked to the outbreak. Most of the recalled lettuce was sold in large bags to food-service operations, including restaurants, with many products blended with romaine lettuce.

Media reports also said several companies have begun removing affected products from stores and supply chains, including:

• Walmart
• Sysco
• US Foods
• Jack in the Box
• Taco Bell

What Is Cyclospora cayetanensis?

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a foodborne intestinal illness. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water.

The infection typically causes watery diarrhea and other digestive symptoms. While many cases are mild, the illness can last for weeks or even months if left untreated. Doctors usually treat the infection with antibiotics.

People with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or other conditions that affect immunity, are at greater risk of developing severe illness.

Symptoms Of Cyclospora Infection

Symptoms usually appear about one week after consuming contaminated food or water and may include:

• Watery or explosive diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating and gas
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting

How To Reduce Your Risk

Health officials recommend:

• Avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce linked to the recall.
• Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under clean running water, even if they are labeled pre-washed.
• Follow safe food-handling practices.
• Stay updated on food recalls and outbreak alerts.
• Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.

Experts also recommend choosing whole heads of lettuce instead of bagged greens. Remove the outer leaves, wash the inner leaves thoroughly under running water, and cook produce whenever possible, as heat is the most effective way to kill Cyclospora.

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.