Pregnancy is usually a time of happiness and hope, but it also brings in the unexpected. While there is much talk placed on the health of the expectant mother, the quality sperm coming from the father could dramatically change the outcome of pregnancy. The latest study suggests the risks of sperm DNA damage, even increasing the risks of complications preeclampsia and birth prematurity.

In a groundbreaking research study conducted by scientists from Lund University in Sweden, scientists discovered that DNA damage in sperm increases the risk almost up to double that of preeclampsia, this is a dangerous condition that may arise during pregnancies characterized by high blood pressure. In addition, DNA anomalies also increase the risk of premature births, and this further entails increased related adverse health outcomes for infants born through such conditions.

The next step would be to find out which group of men respond best to methods to prevent and treat sperm DNA damage, and to test these methods to prevent pregnancy complications," said Dr. Amelie Stenqvist, a lecturer at Lund University. According to this study, a significant message is put forward that paternal health assumes an important role in a successful pregnancy.

It focused its research on men, specifically whose sperm contained high levels of DNA fragmentation. For instance, some 20% to 30% of babies born via in vitro fertilization have fathers whose sperm contains damaged DNA. The DNA fragmentation index, an indicator to assess the percentage of DNA damage in sperm, indicated that when the percentage of sperm with a DFI above 30% was observed, they had almost no chance of resulting in natural conception. Even a DFI greater than 20% showed that the chances of getting pregnant are highly risky as the risk factor for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia is much high.

Uncommon Complications during Pregnancy

The most alarming complication during pregnancy is preeclampsia. It affects approximately 5% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide, which can cause fatal conditions for both the mother and the baby. The new findings now point out that sperm DNA damage may contribute to this condition, especially if it is due to assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF pregnancies. The research found that a DFI above 20% doubled the risk of preeclampsia from a mere 5% to almost 11% per.

Apart from causing preeclampsia, DNA fragmentation in sperm is also known to increase the risk for prematurity. Most premature babies experience respiratory, neurological, and developmental complications. Therefore, some degree of early intervention might be important for prospective parents.

Some of the rarer, though serious complications include placental abruption, which is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall and intrauterine growth restriction, a condition by which the baby does not grow normally in the womb. These conditions though rare are potentially catastrophic both to the mother and the child. Results from this study may help in establishing the contribution of the father in such pregnancies.

Further study into sperm DNA damage is of urgent interest with regard to its consequences for pregnancy outcomes. According to Professor Aleksander Giwercman of Lund University in the field of Reproductive Medicine, "the analysis of DFI should be introduced as routine test in all fertility clinics.". "It could give answers to couples who are having difficulties with infertility, but our latest result also shows that DFI analysis can be a method to identify high-risk pregnancies, explained Giwercman.

For many, DNA fragmentation in sperm is often treatable. Common causes are oxidative stress, age, smoking, being obese, and infections. Addressing these elements will likely reduce DNA damage in sperm for men, raising the chances for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Overall, the study importance should take into consideration paternal as well as maternal health towards reaching for a healthy pregnancy. Though DNA fragmentation in the sperm is supposed to increase the risk factors for complications in pregnancies, the advances into novel treatment approaches and tests are likely to alleviate complications in many families. Thus the findings of this study offer optimism and pave a pathway to more holistic fertility treatments in the future.

In a what doctors call an "exceptionally rare event', a Michigan man has died of rabies after receiving a kidney from a donor who was unknowingly infected with the virus. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gives information on how this rare medical event took place, with a surprising chain of exposures that vegan with a skunk scratch.

A Routine Kidney Transplant That Took a Sudden Turn

The Michigan patient underwent a kidney transplant at an Ohio hospital in December 2024. For several weeks, he seemed to be recovering normally. About five weeks after the procedure, he suddenly developed worrying symptoms such as tremors, weakness in his lower limbs, confusion and urinary incontinence. His condition deteriorated quickly and he was admitted to the hospital, soon requiring ventilation. Despite treatment, he passed away. Postmortem tests confirmed that he had rabies, a diagnosis that shocked doctors since his family said he had not been around any animals.

The Donor’s Skunk Encounter Comes to Light

The unexpected diagnosis pushed doctors to take another look at the kidney donor, a man from Idaho. In the Donor Risk Assessment Interview, he had mentioned that a skunk had scratched him. At the time, this detail did not raise major concern. When investigators spoke to the donor’s family again, they learned more about the incident. A couple of months before his death, the donor had been holding a kitten in a shed on his rural property when a skunk approached and behaved aggressively. He stepped in to protect the kitten and managed to knock the skunk unconscious. Before that happened, the animal scratched his shin deeply enough to draw blood. He believed he had not been bitten, and the incident was never viewed as a medical emergency.

The Donor’s Rapid Decline

Around five weeks after the skunk encounter, the donor began showing symptoms that closely resemble rabies. He became confused and had trouble swallowing and walking. His family said he experienced hallucinations and complained of a stiff neck. Two days later, he was found unresponsive at home after what was believed to be a cardiac arrest. He was resuscitated and hospitalized but never regained consciousness. He was declared brain dead after several days, and his organs, including his left kidney, were donated.

What Investigators Found

Once rabies was detected in the kidney recipient, authorities examined stored laboratory samples from the donor. These tests were initially negative. However, kidney biopsy samples revealed a strain that matched silver-haired bat rabies. This finding suggested that the donor had in fact died of rabies and unknowingly passed the virus to the transplant recipient.

Investigators believe a likely three step transmission occurred. A bat infected a skunk, the skunk infected the donor, and the donor’s kidney infected the recipient. The CDC noted that only three other cases of rabies transmission through organ transplantation have been reported in the United States since 1978.

Steps Taken to Protect Other Recipients

Three other people had received cornea grafts from the same donor. Once the risk was identified, the grafts were removed and all three individuals received Post Exposure Prophylaxis. They remained healthy and showed no symptoms.

A Reminder of Rare but Real Risks

Rabies is not routinely tested for in organ donors because human cases are extremely rare and difficult to diagnose. In this situation, the donor’s earlier symptoms were attributed to existing health conditions. Speaking to the New York Times, Dr Lara Danziger-Isakov said the case was exceptionally rare and reminded the public that the overall risk to transplant recipients remains very small.

Delhi continues to wake up to thick haze on Wednesday morning, with 28 stations in 'poor' category, while nine stations remained under 'very poor'. Though there is a slight improvement as the average AQI stood at 269, in poor category. The Chief Minister of Delhi has enforced stricter measures like imposing fines up to Rs. 5,000 for open burning, and use of coal and firewood.

Delhi pollution has now affected people way beyond their respiratory health, it has now attacked almost all organs of their body, including fetus, reproductive health, liver, kidneys, and even chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, blood pressure, and even mental health illness.

But could Delhi do more? Right now all the measures, including emergency measures like GRAP have not worked more than a dent. However, China seems to have reverse its pollution problem.

What Did China Do That Delhi Too Can Adopt?

In 2013, Beijing was battling with pollution problem. As per the data by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2013, the annual means of PM2.5 levels reached 64.9 micrograms per cubic meter, whereas, in India, it was at 58.2. However, by 2019, China was able to bring it down to 38.15 micrograms per cubic meter while India remained at 50.17.

So, what did China do?

Since 2013, almost 80% of China has experienced air quality improvement. Beijing declared a war on pollution by shutting 3,000 coal boilers, which slashed coal use by 30%. It also forced factory to either close or comply with the guidelines. Clean energy also replaced soot and electric buses replaced diesel ones. The subway was expanded to 1,000 kilometers and by 2020, 40% of new cars were electric.

Chin's 11th Five Year Plan That Made Pollution A Priority

In the late 2000s, China began taking air pollution more seriously than ever. As per the UCLA Law professor Alex L Wang, China's 11th FYP (2006-10) made pollution a priority and used the "cadre evaluation system". This pushed officials to meet environmental targets. The system evaluates governors, mayors, and local leaders based on how well they perform compared to others in tackling pollution problem, which influences their promotions.

To cut pollution, China invested heavily in cleaner technology and shut down old, highly polluting factories such as power plants, smelters, and chemical units. The government also encouraged the shift to electric vehicles. Even though much of China’s electricity comes from coal, EVs still produce fewer emissions overall and create no tailpipe pollution in cities.

By 2017, Shenzhen became the first city in the world to fully electrify its 16,000 buses. Shanghai too followed its lead.

Studies by Tsinghua University and the Beijing Environmental Bureau showed that between 2013 and 2017, major improvements in air quality came from reducing coal boiler use, cleaner home heating, shutting down polluting industries, and controlling vehicle emissions.

The result was nothing less than remarkable. From 2013 to 2017, Beijing’s PM2.5 levels dropped by 35%, and life expectancy rose by 4.6 years.

As men step into their 50s and beyond, prostate health becomes an essential part of overall wellbeing. The gland naturally undergoes changes with age, many of which are not cancerous but can still cause discomfort, disrupt daily routines, and affect long-term health. Awareness, early screening, and preventive habits play a crucial role in staying ahead of potential problems.

Why the Prostate Changes With Age

One of the most common age-related concerns is benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. This happens due to hormonal shifts that cause the gland to grow slowly over time.

“Most men assume urinary symptoms are just a normal part of aging, but that mindset often delays treatment,” says Dr. Vineet Malhotra, Director and Founder, VNA Hospital. “BPH itself is not dangerous, but if ignored, it can seriously affect quality of life and even lead to complications.”

A larger prostate can press against the urethra, causing symptoms such as:

• Frequent urination
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Difficulty starting to urinate
• A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Waking up multiple times at night to urinate

These symptoms often creep up gradually, making them easy to dismiss until they start interfering with sleep, work, or general comfort.

The Importance of Screening for Prostate Cancer

While BPH is not cancer, men must remain vigilant about prostate cancer, especially because its risk rises with age.

“Prostate cancer in early stages is usually silent,” explains Dr. Malhotra. “That is exactly why screening becomes so important once men cross 50.”

Two common screening tools include:

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test
• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

These tests help detect abnormalities long before symptoms appear. Early detection not only improves treatment outcomes but also prevents unnecessary anxiety or uncertainty.

Men should also stay alert for red-flag symptoms, including persistent pelvic pain, unexplained weight loss, blood in urine or semen, and sudden urinary changes.

Lifestyle Choices That Support Prostate Health

Beyond medical screening, everyday habits have a strong influence on prostate wellbeing.

Dr. Malhotra emphasizes the role of lifestyle:

“A balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce inflammation and support better prostate function.”

Healthy habits that help include:

• A diet rich in antioxidants (tomatoes, berries, leafy greens)
• Omega-3 sources like fatty fish and walnuts
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine
• Staying well-hydrated
• Avoiding smoking
• Regular physical activity

These choices not only support the prostate but also improve urinary health and hormonal balance.

Since stress can worsen urinary symptoms, incorporating yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing practices also makes a noticeable difference.

Breaking the Silence Around Prostate Health

One of the biggest challenges is the reluctance many men feel when discussing urinary or sexual symptoms.

“Men often suffer quietly because these issues feel too personal,” says Dr. Malhotra. “But silence delays diagnosis and treatment. Open conversations can literally save lives.”

Families, caregivers, and partners can play a supportive role by encouraging early checkups and normalizing discussions around prostate health.

The Bottom Line: Proactive Care Matters

With rising life expectancy and a more active older population, prioritizing prostate health is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Early diagnosis, informed decision-making, and evidence-backed treatments give men the chance to maintain independence, comfort, and quality of life well into their later years.

As Dr. Malhotra puts it, “Prostate health is not just a medical concern—it’s a foundation for staying energetic, confident, and healthy as you age.”