A new study published in The Lancet Digital Health suggests that biological age of different organs could predict a person's risk of diseases such as cancer, dementia, and heart disease than their actual chronological age. The research analyzed long-term data from Whitehall II study, which had been followed by over 10,000 British adults for more than 35 years.

The blood plasma samples were collected between 1997 and 1999 from participants between ages 45 to 69. Researchers have now examined a follow up data from 6,235 participants, who were by then aged 65 to 89. This was done to see how aging of specific organ may correlate with the development of diseases over two decades.

What Organs Were Studied?

The study measured the biological age of nine key organs, including:

• Heart
• Blood vessels
• Liver
• Immune system
• Pancreas
• Kidneys
• Lungs
• Intestines
• Brain

The researchers were able to find that different organs aged at different rates in different people. In many of the cases multiple organs showed signs of faster aging within the same individual. What is important to note is that those with accelerated aging in certain organs had a higher risk of developing 30 out of the 40 age-related diseases the study had tracked.

Organ Aging And Disease Risk

Some organ-disease connections were expected—people with rapidly aging lungs were more likely to develop respiratory diseases, and those with aging kidneys had an increased risk of kidney-related conditions. However, the study also found less obvious associations.

For example, individuals with fast-aging kidneys were more prone to diseases in other organs, such as the liver and pancreas. Additionally, multiple fast-aging organs were linked to an increased risk of kidney disease.

One of the most surprising findings was that dementia risk was not best predicted by an aging brain but rather by the immune system’s biological age. This suggests that factors such as chronic inflammation and immune health may play a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases.

What Is Organ Specific Blood Tests?

The study also highlights the important of the potential of developing blood tests that could assess the biological age of specific organs. Unlike previous complex methods that measured the organ health, this new approach could make things simple to detect early signs of disease.

The leader author of the study Mika Kivimaki, who is also a professor at the University College London's Faculty of Brain sciences pointed out that such tests could be helpful when it comes to guiding personalized healthcare. In a news release, Kivimaki said, "They could advise whether a person needs to take better care of a particular organ and potentially provide an early warning signal that they may be at risk of a particular disease."

The study reinforces the idea that aging does not affect all organs equally and that looking beyond chronological age could offer better insights into disease prevention. By understanding which organs are aging more rapidly, medical professionals may be able to recommend targeted interventions for individuals at higher risk of specific conditions. Future advancements in organ-specific blood testing could revolutionize how we detect and manage age-related diseases, potentially leading to more personalized healthcare strategies.

Many people tend to ignore the changes in their bodies, putting off checkups until later. Lori Harvey has taken a different path. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, the 28-year-old opened up for the first time about her long struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Speaking on the September 16, 2025, episode of the SheMD podcast with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney, Harvey revealed how her symptoms were brushed aside for years before she finally received a diagnosis. She also shared what now brings her relief and helps her manage the conditions.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it. This often causes severe pelvic pain and can make it harder to conceive. The misplaced tissue can lead to inflammation and the development of scar tissue in the pelvic region and, in rare cases, elsewhere in the body.

The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown, and there is currently no way to prevent it. While there is no cure, symptoms can often be managed with medication or, in some cases, surgery. According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis affects around 10% of women and girls of reproductive age worldwide, nearly 190 million people.

ALSO READ: Ebola Outbreak: Why African Countries Are Disproportionately Impacted By The Disease?

Recently, American model Lori Harvey opened up about her own struggle with both endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). She revealed that for years her symptoms were dismissed before she finally received a diagnosis.

“I’ve been so frustrated. I’ve been going to my gynecologist because I’ve just been feeling like something’s off in my body,” Harvey shared on the SheMD podcast. “But every time I go to her, she’s like, ‘You’re fine, you’re fine, you’re fine. Nothing’s wrong.’ And I was like, ‘But I don’t feel fine. I feel like something is just off.’”

Harvey later discovered she had been experiencing symptoms of both conditions since the age of 16, though she never realised how serious they were because her concerns were not taken seriously at the time.

Endometriosis Symptoms: What Led The Actress To Finally Realise Her Diagnosis?

Endometriosis most commonly causes intense pelvic pain, especially during menstrual periods. It can also bring discomfort during sex, pain while using the bathroom, or even difficulty conceiving. For some women, the pain is concentrated in the lower abdomen, and it may worsen during periods, intercourse, or bowel movements. Others may not experience noticeable symptoms at all, which often delays diagnosis.

For Lori Harvey, the warning sign was her extremely painful periods. “I used to have the most excruciating periods of my life. Every single time I felt like I needed to go to the hospital just crazy cramps,” she told PEOPLE. “I’m taking 800 milligrams of ibuprofen. Nothing is working. It’s just debilitating.”

Endometriosis Treatment: What Helped Lori Harvey Get Relief?

There is no cure for endometriosis, but treatments can help manage the symptoms. Options often depend on how severe the pain is and whether a person is planning to get pregnant. Doctors may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain, along with other medications or, in some cases, surgery.

ALSO READ: Cleaning VS Smoking: What Is Worse For Your Lungs? Study Reveals The Surprising Answer To Declining Lung Function

For Lori Harvey, the turning point came when she began taking Metformin, a drug usually prescribed for diabetes that helps regulate blood sugar. “It completely changed my life,” she shared. The medication helped balance her hormones, allowing her to return to a more stable routine. She said she can now eat and exercise normally without the sudden weight changes that once felt “alarming.”

Many women tend to overlook the signs of conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, often dismissing them as ‘normal’ period pain or hormonal changes. But even mild or silent symptoms should not be ignored. If something feels unusual in your body, it’s important to consult a doctor early on and explore treatment options.

For four years, 24-year-old Sneha suffered from severe, one-sided headaches that felt like a storm. These attacks, which were often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light, left her exhausted and anxious. Living in a small town, she saw many doctors, but nothing seemed to help. Her parents watched helplessly as their once cheerful daughter spent her days in a dark room, adding to Sneha's despair.

In a recent post on social media platform, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD, shared the case of a young women who was suffering with debilitating migraines. Despite the seriousness of her condition, doctors were unable to find what could help her. But a trick that she did out of sheer desperation, turned out to be the answer to her problem

Simple Home Remedy For Migraine

One day, out of pure frustration, Sneha grabbed a cold pack, pressed it to her forehead, and wrapped a soft headband tightly around her head. To her surprise, the pain began to ease. The relief wasn't always complete, but even a little bit was enough to give her hope for the first time in years. This small "hack" made her feel like she wasn't completely helpless against her pain.

Also Read: Do This 1 Thing Before You Pop A Pill For Your Migraine, According To Pharmacist

When Sneha and her parents finally visited Dr. Kumar, they were tired but hopeful. She hesitantly told him about her simple trick, worried he might dismiss it. Instead, he reassured her that it was a safe method and explained that many patients find comfort from cold therapy and gentle pressure on the head. He told her she could continue to use it at home as a supportive measure.

Can Migraines Be Mistaken As Headaches?

After a careful evaluation, Dr. Kumar confirmed Sneha’s diagnosis of migraine. He started her on a proper medical treatment plan and, importantly, discussed preventive strategies. He advised her on simple lifestyle changes, such as getting consistent sleep, staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding certain food triggers that could set off her attacks.

As the doctor explained the plan, Sneha’s parents' faces filled with relief. They finally had answers and a clear path forward. Sneha herself smiled for the first time during their conversation, a genuine smile that showed she no longer felt alone in her fight against this debilitating illness.

How To Tell the Difference Between Migraines and Headaches?

Despite being a common problem, not many people know how to differentiate between a headache and migraine. According to the NKC Health organization, the key difference between a headache and a migraine is how severe the pain is. Headaches can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain, but migraines are often so debilitating that they can stop you in your tracks. A common way to remember migraine symptoms is the acronym POUND:

• Pulsating pain that throbs.
• One-day duration for a severe attack.
• Unilateral (one-sided) pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Disabling intensity that keeps you from your daily activities.
• Migraines also often come with other symptoms, like a sensitivity to light

What You Should Know About Migraines

Dr Kumar highlighted several key points about migraines from Sneha’s experience.

• Migraine is a serious illness, not just a headache. It can be disabling and emotionally draining for both patients and their families.
• Simple home remedies like cold packs, headbands, and resting in a quiet, dark room can offer temporary comfort.
• These home remedies are helpful but not a substitute for professional medical care.
• It's crucial to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis, the right treatment, and personalized advice on prevention.

The recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease, with confirmed 81 cases have brought this question again to the world: Why are African countries disproportionately impacted by Ebola Outbreaks?

The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks have periodically occurred in affected regions of West and sub-Saharan Africa since the emergence of EVD in 1976. It continues to remain endemic in these regions to this day, whereas, it has been eradicated from other areas.

To understand why certain regions are disproportionately impacted, we must understand these followings.

Pathology Of The Virus

Ebola’s incubation period can last from 2 to 21 days, but transmission begins only when symptoms appear. Once it strikes, the disease moves swiftly. Without supportive care, like IV fluids, antibiotics, dialysis, or specialized infection control, the fatality rate can soar up to 70% in places like Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. Compare that to the 2014 Ebola scare in the United States: nine cases, just one death, and zero spread beyond the initial outbreak. The contrast underscores a painful truth, Ebola is not only a medical problem but also a systemic one.

The Lack Of Resources

In countries like the US, hospitals are equipped with rehydration tools, multiple blood pressure medications, and well-trained doctors. They also have strict infection control systems to prevent the disease from moving beyond hospital walls.

In contrast, in many West African facilities, even the most basic supplies can run out. During the 2014 West Africa outbreak, some hospitals stocked just one type of blood pressure drug, hardly enough to save lives when patients’ bodies responded differently.

Also Read: Ebola Outbreak Update: Vaccines Continue To Arrive As Congo Yet Again Becomes Disease Hotspot

The disparity in staffing is equally grim. The US has about 245 doctors for every 100,000 people. Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea? Just 1.4, 2.2, and 10 per 100,000, respectively, notes University of Michigan's School of Public Health. In a disease outbreak where immediate and skilled intervention can mean the difference between containment and chaos, this shortage is devastating.

Violence and Distrust: The Invisible Enemy

But Ebola doesn’t just thrive on weak health systems, it feeds on broken trust. Many African nations hardest hit by Ebola have been scarred by years of civil conflict. Public health systems, roads, and communications were already fragile before the virus appeared. In Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia, the memory of political violence and neglect fueled deep distrust of governments and outsiders.

During the 2014–2016 epidemic, attacks on doctors and aid workers became common. Rumors spread faster than the virus: some communities believed Ebola was a foreign invention, others feared that medical workers were spreading it deliberately. When burial traditions, like washing and touching the dead, were discouraged by officials, resistance turned violent, noted the report by University of Michigan. Cultural clashes and misinformation made every effort to contain the disease harder, often putting lives at even greater risk.

Why Ebola Persists

Ebola remains endemic in parts of Africa because it is more than a virus, it’s a reflection of the gaps in public health, governance, and community trust. The combination of limited resources, dangerously low numbers of medical staff, fragile infrastructures, and deep-seated distrust creates a cycle where each outbreak threatens to become a catastrophe.

Until these systems are rebuilt, hospitals resourced, communities engaged, and trust restored, Ebola will continue to lurk, waiting for its next chance to reemerge.