For over 15 years, Dr Anthony Shum, a pulmonologist at the University of California, San Francisco has been studying a rare genetic disorder called the COPA Syndrome. It stands for coatomer subunit alpha and is a rare, inherited disorder that affects the lungs, joint, and kidney. The National Organization for Rare Disorder also notes that it is a genetic autoimmune disorder that is caused by mutations in the COPA gene. This disease affects families unpredictably—some individuals with the mutation develop severe lung damage early in life, while others remain completely healthy. Now, Shum’s team has discovered a protective genetic variant that may offer new hope for treatment.

A Breakthrough

Researchers found that some relatives of COPA Syndrome patients stayed healthy despite carrying the same COPA gene mutation that causes the disease. The key difference? These unaffected individuals had a protective version of another gene called HAQ-STING.

When scientists introduced HAQ-STING into diseased lung cells from COPA patients, the cells returned to a balanced state, suggesting that this gene could be used as a therapy.

“We really think HAQ-STING could be a gene therapy tool and a step toward a cure,” said Shum, whose findings were published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.

Families Who Solved The Mystery

Shum’s journey into COPA Syndrome research began in 2011 when he treated a young woman, Letasha, who had severe lung bleeding. Her mother, Betty Towe, mentioned that Letasha’s sister, Kristina, had suffered from similar symptoms. Over the years, Betty had taken both daughters on a four-hour trip to UCSF for treatment. After tracing their family history, Shum discovered that their distant relatives in Texas and Oakland also had lung problems and arthritis. In 2015, Shum, along with scientists from Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital identified the COPA gene mutation. They realized that it was the common factor behind the illness. However, only some of the 30 individuals with the mutation actually developed symptoms, leaving a major question unanswered.

The Domino Effect

It was established that it occurs when a mutated COPA gene causes another gene STING to go overdrive. The STING that helps fight infections in COPA patients, remain permanently active, which leads to chronic inflammation that damages the lungs, kidneys, and joints. In 2020, while studying STING’s role in the disease, researchers discovered a key variation: HAQ-STING. This version of STING, present in about one-third of the population, appeared to neutralize the harmful effects of the COPA mutation.

To confirm their theory, the scientists needed both affected and unaffected family members to participate in the testing. Letasha, Kristina and Betty immediately volunteered. The researchers then analyzed DNA samples from 26 COPA patients and their healthy relatives. They also conducted CT scans and blood tests to ensure that unaffected members did not have any hidden symptoms. When the findings were all clear, it was revealed that all the healthy individuals had HAQ-STING, while none of the COPA patients did. This was the first known case of a common gene variant completely protecting against a severe genetic disease.

Encouraged by this discovery, researchers tested HAQ-STING’s effects in a lab setting. They introduced it into diseased lung cells from COPA patients, and the cells returned to normal function.

Way Ahead

Shum believes HAQ-STING could lead to game-changing treatments, including:

• Prenatal gene therapy for babies diagnosed with COPA Syndrome before birth
• Aerosol delivery of HAQ-STING for adults, directly targeting the lungs

Before publishing their findings, Shum called Betty with the news—her own HAQ-STING gene had protected her from the disease. He also informed Letasha and Kristina, who were overwhelmed with relief and joy.

“We always believed Dr. Shum would get to the bottom of it,” said Letasha. “This discovery is going to change lives.”

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. From regulating muscle and nerve function, to supporting a healthy immune system, to building protein, maintaining blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and aiding in energy production, magnesium plays an important role in our health.

Importantly, it helps in getting a good night’s sleep by promoting relaxation, calming the nervous system, and helping your body produce melatonin, the so-called sleep hormone. Magnesium supplements are among the most popular dietary supplements in America, the Washington Post reported.

“There’s a lot of interest in magnesium right now — all of my patients are asking me about it,” Bethany Marie Doerfler, a clinical research dietitian at the Northwestern Digestive Health Center, was quoted as saying.

“There’s a lot of insomnia in the United States, and many of my patients are saying, ‘Can I use magnesium, can it be helpful?’”

Studies have proven that high levels of magnesium in the diet can lower the risk of heart disease and strokes. It also increases bone mineral density, protecting against fractures and osteoporosis.

Yet despite its well-documented benefits, researchers have found that a majority of people consume less magnesium than the recommended amounts.

How Much Magnesium Do You Need?

According to the American health officials, women aged between 19 and 30 should consume 310 milligrams of magnesium daily (350 milligrams if they’re pregnant), and 320 milligrams if they are 31 or older.

For men, the recommendation is that they consume 400 milligrams if they’re 19 to 30 years old, and 420 milligrams if they’re 31 or older.

Doerfler noted that one can get plenty of magnesium simply by eating a few daily servings of the right plant foods.

According to the National Institutes of Health some top dietary sources of magnesium, include

• Pumpkin seeds
• Chia seeds
• Almonds
• Spinach,
• Cashews
• Peanuts
• Shredded wheat cereal
• Soymilk
• Black beans

Who Is At Risk Of Magnesium Deficiency?

Most people get enough magnesium from food, but certain groups are more vulnerable to deficiency. These include people with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease, those with type 2 diabetes, people who consume excessive alcohol, and older adults.

If you’re low on magnesium, you might notice symptoms such as muscle twitches, spasms, fatigue, low appetite, nausea, or an irregular heartbeat. However, the only way to confirm a deficiency is through a blood test prescribed by your doctor.

Can Magnesium Supplements Really Help?

While magnesium deficiency can lead to cramps, most cases of muscle cramps are not due to low magnesium. Research shows limited evidence that supplements prevent cramps, especially in older adults.

The link between magnesium and better sleep is also unclear. Some studies found it helped people fall asleep faster, while others found no significant difference.

When it comes to migraines, evidence is stronger. Studies suggest that taking 122–600 mg of magnesium daily for 4–24 weeks may reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in some people.

Are Magnesium Supplements Safe?

In general, magnesium supplements are safe when taken in the recommended amounts. However, too much can lead to nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, because magnesium draws water into the intestines.

Taking extremely large doses (around 5,000 mg daily) can cause magnesium toxicity, which is dangerous. Always check with your doctor before starting supplements, especially if you take other medications.

A 31-year-old Brazilian beauty queen, Maiara Cristina de Lima Fiel, has reportedly died after suffering a sudden heart attack.

de Lima Fiel, a young mother, was due to compete in a beauty pageant next week. She reportedly had no major health issues. Paramedics spent more than an hour trying to save her life but she tragically did not recover, The Daily Mail reported.

Her untimely death has sparked grief and shock among her community and followers, and has also reignited concerns over unexpected cardiac events in seemingly healthy individuals.

Who Was Maiara Cristina de Lima Fiel?

de Lima Fiel was crowned Miss Londrina last year in a prestigious regional beauty pageant and also came runner-up in the 2025/26 edition of Miss Sarandi, The Daily Mail reported.

"She was such a committed, dedicated young woman," the report quoted Vitor Tavares, organizer of the contest Maiara, as saying. She was due to compete on April 29.

"I had the pleasure of meeting her in person at the end of last year when she confirmed her participation as Miss Londrina. From that moment, it was clear how seriously she took this dream," he added.

While detailed medical circumstances have not been publicly disclosed, such sudden cardiac events in young adults are often linked to underlying, sometimes undiagnosed, heart conditions or acute cardiovascular episodes.

Also read: US Cardiologist Explains Why 2026 AHA Cholesterol Guidelines Recommend Starting Young

Heart Attacks Rising Among Younger Adults

Acute coronary syndromes, or heart attacks, are on the rise among young adults.

While there are some genetic predispositions for premature heart attacks, the majority of the risk is attributed to the increased incidence of conventional risk factors in young people, such as

• Obesity,
• Sedentary lifestyle,
• Diabetes,
• Hypertension,
• Dyslipidemia
• Smoking
• Substance abuse.

Who Is At Risk for Sudden Heart Attacks?

Also read: Ideal Blood Pressure Reading for Older Adults: Harvard Health Experts Have an Answer

Doctors are now seeing them in people as young as their late 30s and early 40s, especially those with high-stress jobs.

“They mistake early signs for lifestyle issues: acidity after a heavy dinner, shoulder pain from sitting at a laptop, or tiredness from long hours," Pankaj Vinod Jariwala, Interventional Cardiologist at Yashoda Hospitals, told HealthandMe.

Dr Krunal Tamakuwala, cardiologist at KD Hospital, Ahmedabad, pointed out that the real danger is not that these heart attacks are completely "symptomless," but that their symptoms are so common that they are easily ignored.

By the time a person finally sees a doctor, their heart may already be seriously damaged.

“Sometimes, it arrives silently, hidden behind complaints we consider minor. That is why doctors urge patients not to ignore symptoms that linger or feel unusual, even if they seem harmless at first,” Dr Tamakuwala told HealthandMe.

How To Reduce Heart Disease Risk In The 30s?

The experts shared that to boost heart health, the key is to

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet
• Avoid refined sugars, fats, and processed foods.
• Do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day, for five days a week.
• Stay away from smoking,
• Early screening and treatment
• Improving mental health.

Body odour is natural, but sometimes it may signify a health issue. When body odour is persistent, unusual, and/or changes suddenly, it could indicate a possible health problem. Sweat itself is odourless, but when it interacts with bacteria on the skin, it creates the odour that we associate with body odour. Some of the factors that may alter the way the body smells are medications, hormones, and lifestyle choices. Dr Pooja Kanumuru, a dermatologist at Apollo Clinic, Indiranagar, addressed this for Health and Me.

What does body odour indicate?

There are medical conditions that can cause body odour to be unusual or excessive: bromhidrosis; bacterial and/or fungal skin infections; and systemic diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. For example, a diabetic with poor management may have a fruity-smelling body odour, whereas an infected person may have a foul body odour due to bacterial activity.

Body odour becomes an issue when there is no improvement despite proper hygiene. If body odour is associated with other symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, and/or abnormal skin changes, these should be addressed to determine the cause and seek appropriate assistance. Medically associated body odour does not decrease with normal methods such as bathing and/or the use of deodorants but tends to persist.

Factors that affect body odour

Body odour can also be affected by the following:

Hormonal and metabolic changes during certain periods of life (for example, puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause) can change the amount of sweat produced, which can also alter the intensity of its smell.

Thyroid disorders, especially hyperthyroidism, can sometimes result in increased sweating.

Rare metabolic disorders, such as trimethylaminuria, can result in a strong, fishy-smelling body odour due to the inability to break down certain substances in the body.

Clinical insights of body odour

It is interesting how certain unusual odours can offer important clinical insights. For example, if a person has a fruity odour, this could indicate difficulties with diabetes control. A fishy smell could be a sign of a metabolic disorder, while an ammonia-like smell may indicate problems with kidney function. Meanwhile, musty or foul odours may suggest an infection or liver dysfunction. While these odours cannot be used as stand-alone diagnoses, they can help guide further medical evaluation.

Lifestyle changes to improve body odour

Diet and lifestyle choices significantly affect body odour. For example, foods such as garlic, onions, spicy foods, red meat, and alcohol can exacerbate body odour, while poor hydration, high stress levels, smoking, and obesity can worsen it further. Additionally, wearing very tight or non-breathable clothing may cause perspiration and bacteria to become trapped, thereby worsening body odour.

Keeping your body clean, applying the right type of antiperspirant, wearing breathable materials, and maintaining a healthy diet can all help in managing body odour. However, if body odour persists or worsens, you should consult a doctor. A prompt medical assessment can identify the cause and allow your physician to discuss possible treatments, including topical medications and procedures that reduce excessive sweating.