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.

California made it news for a disease that has no vaccination. This is the human metapneumovirus or the HMPV. While some of the symptoms of this virus are similar to that of any common cold or influenza like cough, fever, nasal congestion or shortness of breath, there are several symptoms that are unique to the disease.

Unique Symptoms Of HMPV - The Virus Without Vaccine

Unlike mild common colds, HMPV often presents with a high-grade fever, particularly in children. Some of the other symptoms also include persistent coughing, including dry or productive and may persist for a long duration.

Furthermore, it could cause wheezing, difficulty in breathing, which could also lead to severe lower respiratory tract illness like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. In children and older adults, it could also cause severe or often fatal bronchiolitis or rapid-onset pneumonia.

In infants, it could also exhibit irritability, poor feeding, or dehydration.

Other symptoms, which could resemble common cold like symptoms are:

• cough
• fever
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body ache
• headache

What Is Happening In California?

As per the public database WasterwaterScan Dashboard, high levels of HMPV were detected across Northern California cities. The highest levels were reported in Redwood City, whereas elevated levels were found in San Francisco Bay Area and Napa's Wine Country. What's more dangerous is that this virus is without a vaccine.

The good news is that in other parts of country HMPV remains lower. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that data from October 2025 shows the cases are trending up, especially during winter and spring.

Read: Virus Without Vaccine Hits California; No Need To Worry, Say Public Health Officials

Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, as reported by The Independent said, "In the late winter, early spring, it can account for five percent to 10 percent of all the respiratory infections that we diagnose in the United States. So it's definitely out there." Experts explain that other viruses like HMPV or influenza get a chance when COVID is quieter.

What Is HMPV - The Virus Without Vaccine?

HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and is part of the Pneumoviridae family along with the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

HMPV most likely spreads from an infected person to others through:

• the air by coughing and sneezing
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes

In the US, HMPV circulates in predictable patterns each year, typically beginning in winter and lasting through spring.

Who Are At Risk Of HMPV?

People at risk include:

• elderly people
• children
• people with comorbidities

"The HMPV is not deadly, and there is no evidence of mortality or a severe transmission rate," former Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientist, Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, told IANS, during the virus's outbreak in India in 2025.

“The virus may cause pneumonitis-like illness, but the mortality rates are almost unknown so far. HMPV has a global prevalence of about 4 per cent,” he added.

Smoking has been long recognized as one of the worst habits a person can have, and Dr Jeremy London agrees with this statement. Dr. London, a cardiovascular surgeon, in a recent interview with Mel Robbins revealed that his number one advice as a heart doctor is to avoid smoking.

“I cannot come up with one single thing that does as much damage to every organ in the body as smoking cigarettes. And look, it's incredibly addictive and I know that and I pass no judgment because I know how difficult it is.”

He explained that in his practice he has dealt with chronic smokers for years and still believed that it is the single most dangerous thing one can do to themselves.

Also Read: Why Is It Harder For Women To Quit Smoking?

How Does Smoking Affect Other Organs?

Emphasizing how this one habit affects all organs in our body, Dr London mentioned the well-known link between lung cancer and smoking.

However, there are many more chronic diseases associated with the rest of the body that can develop due to smoking apart from lung conditions, according to the American Lung Association.

Here is what you should keep an eye out for:

Heart Disease

Also Read: 3 Science-Backed Methods To Quit Smoking For Good

Asthma

Reproductive Health

Vision Loss

Lung Cancer

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for nearly 90 percent of all cases. Although medical treatments have improved, the five-year survival rate remains low. Quitting is the most effective way to lower your risk of this deadly disease.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Other Cancers

Fasting for three hours before bed can significantly improve heart health and reduce the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as other chronic conditions, an Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology study suggests.

While many believe that diet plans such as intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating can help reduce their weight, researchers at Northwestern University have found that not eating three hours before going to sleep can reduce overnight blood pressure by nearly four percent, heart rate by five percent and strengthen overall heart rhythms.

This can help reduce overall strain on the heart which lowers risks for conditions like hypertension and CAD. Additionally, the scientists also discovered a drop in blood sugar levels, improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity.

Participants who underwent glucose tests also showed better insulin release which tend to stabilize during the day. Additionally, an improved heart rate also lowered nighttime cortisol, which helped in metabolic balance.

Dr. Phyllis Zee, director of the Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine and chief of sleep medicine in the department of neurology at Feinberg and corresponding author said of the results: "It's not only how much and what you eat, but also when you eat relative to sleep that is important for the physiological benefits of time-restricted eating."

The study authors also noted: "Extending overnight fasting duration by three hours in alignment with sleep improved cardiometabolic health in middle-aged/older adults by strengthening coordination between circadian- and sleep-regulated autonomic and metabolic activity.

"This sleep-aligned time-restricted eating approach represents a novel, accessible lifestyle intervention with promising potential for improving cardiometabolic function."

Coronary Artery Disease: The Silent Killer

Despite being as a common heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD) develops over years and has no clear signs and symptoms apart from a heart attack. The illness begins due to a buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances known as plaque in and on the artery walls.

Over time, this can cause narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries and block the supply of oxygen-rich blood to heart which can lead chest pain (angina), shortness of breath and ultimately, heart attacks.

Typically, those above the age of 45, having a biological family member with heart disease, lack of sleep, smoking, consuming saturated fats along with other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of developing CAD.

Treatment options may include medicines and surgery. Eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and not smoking can help also prevent CAD and the conditions that can cause it.

Nearly one in 10 Indian adults suffer from CAD and about two million people die from the disease annually. Apart from this, about 18 to 20 million American adults aged 20 and older are also affected about the disease.

Strokes: A Rising Crisis In India

One in seven stroke patients in India are young adults aged below 45 years, with hypertension leading as the major risk factor, according to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 identified hypertension, air pollution, tobacco smoking, high cholesterol, increased salt intake, and diabetes as the leading risk factors of stroke.

Incidence of stroke is increasing significantly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially in India, due to population growth, aging, and greater exposure to risk factors.