MRI scans are strong diagnostics with high-definition images of what lies inside a body. Strong magnetic fields require precaution, as brought out by an instance where a young woman suffered very serious injuries due to an oversight in a metallic core within a silicone sex toy that she happened to have before the MRI scan. This makes a stark reminder about the potentially deadly consequences of missing metal objects when such procedures are being performed. In April 2023, a 23-year-old woman went into an MRI with a silicone plug containing a metal core that was not known.

She thought that the item is made entirely out of silicone according to the advertising. However, the strong magnetic field of the MRI machine interacted with the hidden metal, dragging the object through her body and causing excruciating pain. According to reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the scene was harrowing, with the woman screaming in agony and requiring immediate hospitalization. Despite pre-scan screenings, which are routine prior to a scan, the patient did not inform the facility that the object existed because he presumed it was purely non-metallic. This caused serious injuries that led to the patient's law suit against the manufacturer for deceitful misrepresentations of material content.

MRI machines employ magnets between 0.5 to 3 Tesla (T). This is thousands of times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field. The tremendous force causes ferromagnetic materials, like iron and nickel, to be magnetized quickly and become strongly attracted toward the magnet. Objects as small as hairpins or paper clips will accelerate at 40 miles per hour inside the magnetic field.

The force can lead to catastrophic injuries in items lodged within the body, such as metallic implants or foreign objects. Metallic cores within devices, like pacemakers or intrauterine devices, must be disclosed to radiologists to prevent such complications.

How Metal Objects Interact with MRI Fields?

On these claims, Dr. Adam Taylor, a specialist in human anatomy, weighed his words in a international health website and added that the distance away and mass of this object would increase its velocity towards that of sound, "The acceleration would be phenomenal, but with a metallic core, it can't go anywhere near supersonic speeds. As for the size, the magnetic acceleration to the internal soft tissues would ensure that there could be severe intracranial trauma."

The injuries inflicted in this case likely involved damage to major blood vessels, nerves, or organs, highlighting the devastating impact of even minor oversight during an MRI scan.

This is not an isolated case. There are documented cases of metallic objects causing serious damage during MRI scans with a 65-year-old man with schizophrenia swallowed metal objects, including sockets and a hinge pin. The powerful magnetic field during an MRI scan caused the objects to rupture his stomach, resulting in serious injuries.

A toddler who ingested 11 small magnets perforated his bowel while undergoing a scan, making his case unique. In another deadly but extremely rare incident, there have been people who hide a firearm on themselves during MRI procedures. Magnetic attraction can trigger a discharge in a weapon and has led to some fatal injuries.

These cases emphasize the very strong need for adequate screening and patient education prior to an MRI.

Preventing MRI-Related Incidents

Medical professionals have been trained to avoid risks. This is by properly screening a patient for metallic objects. In general, most pre-scan protocols include:

• Patients are interrogated about implants, recent surgery or exposures at work related to metals.
• Radiologists sometimes use handheld metal detectors to search for hidden items.
• People who work with metal, like welders or machinists, will need additional testing to detect microscopic metal fragments within soft tissues or eyes.

The case emphasizes the importance of product labeling by manufacturers, especially those products that are likely to unintentionally cause harm to health. The patient's assumption that her device was 100% silicone points to a larger problem in consumer markets with misinformation.

It also reminds the patients to report any possible dangers to the medical professionals, no matter how the objects look non-metallic. In sensitive cases, patients can request private discussions with healthcare providers to ensure safety without discomfort.

In the end, it is a joint effort from manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and patients that can prevent such tragedies. Manufacturers must ensure truthful marketing, while healthcare providers should educate patients about the dangers of metal objects in MRI settings. For patients, understanding the risks and actively participating in pre-scan disclosures can be lifesaving.

This young woman's experience is a sobering example of the unforeseen dangers posed by MRI machines when precautions are overlooked. It serves as a wake-up call to address gaps in patient awareness, medical protocols, and product transparency. By learning from this incident, the medical community and the public can work together to ensure MRI scans remain a safe and effective diagnostic tool.

Recent research is changing our understanding of testosterone's role in brain cancer, particularly glioblastoma. A study published in Nature in May 2026 made this finding, altering previous understanding. Dr. Vishnu P. S., Consultant Neurosurgeon, Dr. KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences, Chengannur, in an interview with Health and Me, explained the impact of testosterone in fighting brain tumours.

This study, conducted under the National Institutes of Health with a group of researchers from the Cleveland Clinic, turned decades of medical thinking on its head. They discovered that testosterone actually slows down brain tumour growth in men. This breakthrough could totally change how we treat glioblastoma.

This study found that drops in testosterone ramp up inflammation and activate the HPA axis, producing stress hormones that speed up tumour growth. Analysing data from over 1,300 men with the deadly disease glioblastoma, researchers observed a significant benefit for those on testosterone supplements: they had a 38% lower risk of dying compared to those who were not receiving the extra hormone.

How Testosterone Protects the Brain

Testosterone usually regulates microglia, which are defense cells in the brain. When testosterone levels drop, especially in older males, these cells increase inflammation, making the brain less able to fight off issues such as tumours. Removing testosterone in preclinical tests on mice accelerated tumour growth, but restoring it slowed things down again.

The Change Everyone Is Surprised By

This finding shifts what everyone used to think. Previously, people believed testosterone helped tumours grow. But now, that idea has been turned on its head. What was once seen as harmful is now understood to be protective, suppressing brain tumours instead. Plus, the hormone works differently in the brain compared to other parts of the body and helps regulate protective systems there.

In India, this matters a great deal because men develop glioblastomas more often than women do (with a 3:2 ratio). This new finding could totally change how doctors treat patients here, especially older males whose androgen levels are lower and who already have a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

What This Means for Patients

Glioblastoma continues to be one of the most difficult cancers to treat, with limited improvements in survival rates despite surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, this new research suggests that hormones can influence the brain’s immune and stress responses. This might lead to new treatment pathways, especially since androgen levels naturally decline in older men as they age.

Still, caution is needed. The relationship between testosterone and cancer is complex and has produced mixed results. Because of this, doctors do not recommend self-medicating or using hormone therapies unless under close medical supervision or as part of clinical trials. At present, it is more about viewing this as a promising step forward that could offer hope to the millions of patients and families dealing with this devastating illness.

Amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Africa, Rajasthan has reported its first suspected case of the Ebola virus.

According to the Ministry of Health, there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in India.

A woman who arrived in the state from Uganda has shown symptoms consistent with Ebola infection, according to media reports.

Woman Isolated After Airport Screening

The woman reportedly arrived in Jaipur from Sharjah on an Air Arabia flight and landed at Jaipur airport around 4:30 a.m.

Also Read: The Mystery Behind Trump’s Hair-Loss Drug And The Bigger Health Questions It Raises

During routine health screening at the airport, she exhibited symptoms associated with Ebola infection. The health department was immediately informed, and she was placed under special observation.

She has since been admitted to Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) Hospital in Jaipur and kept in isolation as a precautionary measure.

Following the suspected case, the state Health Department has been placed on alert and is closely monitoring the situation.

Samples Sent to NIV Pune for Testing

Also read: Ebola: Inside India’s RT-PCR Tests For The Bundibugyo Strain| Explained

RUHS Hospital Superintendent Dr. Anil Gupta told the media that Ebola infection has not yet been confirmed in the woman. Her samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for testing.

While she has displayed symptoms similar to Ebola infection, confirmation can only be made after laboratory testing. The results are expected by this evening or tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, doctors have begun treatment and monitoring under a special protocol.

Health Ministry Issues Advisory

"No Ebola disease cases have been reported in India," the Health Ministry said in its latest update on June 3. However, the ministry has advised travelers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to remain alert for symptoms and seek medical guidance if they feel unwell.

"For information, guidance and assistance, call MoHFW's 24x7 Health Helpline: 1075," the ministry said on X.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation have implemented strict screening and monitoring measures at airports across India.

The government has also issued guidelines for passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries. As part of precautionary measures, travelers entering India from such nations are required to undergo a 21-day quarantine period.

In late May, several suspected Ebola cases were reported from Gujarat, Bengaluru and Madhya Pradesh. All later tested negative for the virus. All the suspected infections involved individuals with travel links to Ebola-affected countries.

Ebola has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO). In a major relief amid the ongoing outbreak, the WHO said dropped the number of suspected cases to 116 after hundreds were ruled out following investigation.

Earlier, the number of suspected cases had neared 1,000 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The global health agency said that there had been 48 deaths and six recoveries in Congo, Reuters reported. In Uganda, there have been 15 confirmed cases and one associated death.

Expert Questions Travel Policy

Mumbai-based infectious disease expert Dr. Ishwar Gilada questioned why India continues to allow travelers from countries experiencing Ebola outbreaks.

"Our policy should be so strict that we do not allow anybody coming from those kinds of countries where there is already an outbreak of Ebola, because Ebola has neither a treatment nor a cure nor a preventive vaccine," Dr. Gilada told HealthandMe.

What Is Ebola? How Does The Disease Spread?

Ebola disease is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate. Ebola spreads through:

• Direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids
• Contact with contaminated surfaces or medical equipment
• Unsafe caregiving exposure
• Traditional burial practices involving direct contact
• Certain zoonotic animal exposures.

Symptoms to watch for include:

• fever,
• weakness,
• headache,
• muscle pain,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• sore throat,
• unexplained bleeding.

Former Scotland striker Alan Brazil revealed that he has had a liver transplant and that his heart stopped during the surgery.

"My heart stopped for a bit," said Brazil, who described himself as "incredibly lucky" to have survived a life-saving liver transplant surgery.

He announced his surgery last month, after disappearing from the airwaves while covering the Cheltenham Festival in March.

During the video announcement, he also revealed a transformation in appearance, having lost weight during the process of the transplant, The Telegraph reported.

“I’d been having ongoing trials, so many specialists, and I decided I needed a transplant. I didn’t want to do it, but my kids and Jill [his wife] said, ‘You’ve got to do it, you have to do it, you are doing it," said the 66-year-old, in his first appearance on the radio station since leaving.

"I finished [work] at quarter to 10, and at 10 I had to phone Addenbrooke's Hospital. They said, 'Get in right now'".

Also read:I’m Cancer-Free After 14 Years, Says Robin Quivers

"At two thirty that afternoon, I was on the slab, and they opened me up. I was under for something like eight hours.

"They transplanted my liver. My heart did stop for a bit, and it came back on its own. I'll be frank, I'm very, very lucky to be here," said Brazil, who has presented Talksport’s breakfast show since 2000.

He further said: “I’m taking loads of meds ...I’ve just got to be a good boy, rest up, and go and see these people. Hopefully, I’ll get back to 100 per cent. I never realized how bad I was. I feel totally different now. I’m incredibly lucky.”

What Is A Liver Transplant?

Read more: Forget Supplements: Barbara O'Neill Says Sleep Is The Best Medicine

As per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a liver transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor. It’s often the last resort when liver failure occurs—whether due to chronic illness or sudden injury.

When Is It Needed?

People may need a liver transplant for:

• Alcoholic liver disease
• Fatty liver disease (NASH)
• Cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C
• Liver cancer with cirrhosis
• Acute liver failure (often due to drug overdose, hepatitis, or toxins)

In children, biliary atresia is the most common reason.

Types of Liver Transplants

Deceased Donor Transplant:

The most common type is where a full or partial liver is taken from someone who has recently died.

Living Donor Transplant:

A healthy person donates a portion of their liver—typically to a close relative. Both the donor’s and recipient’s liver regenerates to normal size in a few weeks.

What Must Be Kept In The Mind?

• Matching and Compatibility: Blood type, liver size, and health are crucial.
• Approval Process: Especially important for non-blood relatives.
• Recovery and Monitoring: Post-op care involves lifelong medication, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups.