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.”

Kerala has recently seen a sharp increase in hepatitis A cases, drawing national attention after media reports revealed more than 31,000 infections and 82 deaths recorded by the end of December 2025, according to NDTV. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that Hepatitis A leads to mild or severe illness in around 1.4 million people each year, while nearly 113 million individuals get infected without showing symptoms. Globally, the disease claimed an estimated 7,134 lives in 2016. With numbers climbing in Kerala, here is a closer look at what hepatitis A is, how it spreads, and the precautions people should take.

Kerala Sees A Rise In Hepatitis A Cases

Kerala has reported its highest number of hepatitis A cases so far, raising renewed worries around drinking water quality, sanitation standards, and disease monitoring. As per The Hindu, the state logged 31,536 confirmed and suspected cases along with 82 deaths as of December 30, 2025. Health specialists say the outbreak did not happen overnight. It reflects long-standing pressure on early detection systems, sanitation facilities, and public water supply networks. Since Hepatitis A tends to be more severe in older age groups, the growing number of infections among adolescents and adults has become a major concern.

What Is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It spreads mainly through contaminated food or water, or close personal contact with an infected person. The infection can cause liver inflammation, jaundice, extreme tiredness, and stomach pain. In most cases, it is a short-term illness that clears on its own without specific treatment, though severe cases can occur. Unlike hepatitis B or C, hepatitis A does not lead to long-term liver damage. The WHO notes that vaccination remains the most reliable way to stay protected.

Symptoms Of Hepatitis A

Symptoms of hepatitis A usually show up a few weeks after exposure to the virus, though some people never develop noticeable signs. According to the Cleveland Clinic, those who do may experience:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Sudden nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen, near the liver
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Reduced appetite
• Mild fever
• Dark-colored urine
• Joint aches
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice
• Severe itching

These symptoms are often mild and disappear within weeks. In some cases, however, the illness can be intense and last for several months.

Why Is Kerala Witnessing A Surge In Hepatitis A Cases?

Kerala has faced several hepatitis A outbreaks in recent years, but the current rise is notable for its scale and severity. Reports cited by The Hindu link the spread to contaminated groundwater, poor sanitation, and unhygienic surroundings, particularly in crowded localities. Investigations suggest that inadequate environmental hygiene and unsafe water sources have played a key role in allowing the virus to spread more widely.

Can Hepatitis A Be Prevented?

Yes, prevention is possible. The Cleveland Clinic states that vaccination against hepatitis A is the simplest and most effective safeguard. Doctors recommend the vaccine for children older than 12 months and for adults who:

• Are at risk of exposure at home or at work
• Plan to travel to regions where the virus is more common
• Have existing liver conditions

Basic hygiene also goes a long way in preventing infection. Regular handwashing and careful food handling can reduce the risk significantly. Outbreaks often worsen when simple safety habits are ignored. Small daily choices can protect your liver. Drinking boiled or bottled water, avoiding food from unhygienic sources, and peeling fruits at home can help lower the risk.

If someone in the household is infected, cleanliness becomes even more important. Surfaces should be disinfected, food prepared carefully, and personal items not shared. Safe sexual practices also matter, as the virus can spread through oral-anal contact. On a broader level, preventing future outbreaks requires more than short-term fixes. Improving water quality, repairing sewage systems, and strengthening public health surveillance are essential to stop the cycle from repeating.

What looks like a simple biological process of being born, living, and then dying, may have another layer that not many know. Between life and death, your cells could be conscious, or what scientists call "third state of life".

Human body is made of 30 trillion human cells and microbes. They all function together to maintain life. Research show that in the near death experience, there may be a "third state of life". What does it mean? It means that cells are able to continue and in fact, reorganize even after an organism dies. Does it mean that human consciousness also does the same even when we are not aware?

There are reports of survivors of near-death experiences who see vivid dream. These are tunnel vision of light, or a feeling of calm. But, what happens to those who do not come back? Could their cells be undergoing a change and also be reorganized in ways we do not understand?

What Does It Mean For Cells To Be In A "Third State"?

This concept gained momentum with the emergence of xenobots, which is AI-created multicellular creatures that exhibit autonomy outside their initial biological purpose. These mall biological robots are constructed from frog embryo cells, which, when introduced into new environments, spontaneously reconfigure and assume new functions. For instance, instead of employing their hair-like cilia to move mucus as they would in a living frog, xenobots redirect these structures for mobility.

This phenomenon proves that cells are capable of being reassembled into new shapes and functions even after the death of an organism. Researchers opine that this postmortem cellular plasticity is not exclusive to xenobots. Human cells, or "anthrobots," also display such actions, proving the ability for posthumous cellular reorganization and transformation.

Are Cells Alive After Death?

At the heart of the debate is a provocative question: can cells be conscious? Physician and evolutionary biologist William Miller explores this idea in The Sentient Cell, where he argues that cells possess a basic form of awareness. His Cellular Basis of Consciousness (CBC) hypothesis suggests that cells don’t simply follow genetic instructions on autopilot. Instead, they can make decisions, adapt to changing conditions, and act to preserve themselves, traits that resemble a primitive kind of consciousness.

This challenges the traditional view of genes as the sole masters of biology. Miller proposes that genes function more like tools, while intelligent cellular behavior drives cooperation, mutual support, and problem-solving. In this view, life evolves not just through “survival of the fittest,” but through collaboration and adaptability.

Historically, death has been defined as irreversible loss of organismal biological activity. Yet such medical procedures as organ donation illustrate that some organs, tissues, and cells maintain their functional properties even after death—sometimes for hours, days, or weeks under optimal circumstances.

A number of factors will decide whether cells survive after death. Environmental parameters, the state of metabolism, and methods of preservation are all important. Human white blood cells, for instance, can last between 60 and 86 hours from the time of death, while those of mice skeletal muscle can regenerate two weeks after death. Some fibroblast cells in sheep and goats have even been grown up to a month following the organism's death.

In addition, researchers have discovered that certain human lung cells are capable of self-assembling into small multicellular structures that can move and heal themselves. These "anthrobots" exhibit a capacity to explore their environment and repair injured neurons, abilities that contradict traditional assumptions about cellular behavior following death.

If flu symptoms such as fever, chills, coughing, a sore throat or a pounding headache start to creep in, many people assume the best option is to stay in bed and let it pass.

But even if you have managed the flu on your own in the past, this time it may be worth calling your doctor. That’s because antiviral flu medicines, including Tamiflu, can sometimes make a real difference.

Certain prescription drugs can shorten how long the flu lasts and lower the risk of serious complications, but timing is critical. Here’s how to work out whether flu antivirals could help you or someone close to you.

What Are Flu Antivirals?

Flu antivirals are prescription medicines designed to help the body fight off the influenza virus. “They work by stopping the flu virus from multiplying and spreading through the body. Influenza is the virus that causes the flu,” explained Deon Pilkington, PharmD, a clinical pharmacy coordinator as per Banner Health.

These medications do not cure the flu, but they may:

• Reduce how long symptoms last
• Lessen the intensity of illness
• Lower the risk of complications such as pneumonia or hospital admission
• Common flu antivirals taken by mouth include:
• Tamiflu (oseltamivir)
• Relenza (zanamivir)
• Xofluza (baloxavir)
• Another option, Rapivab (peramivir), is given through an intravenous (IV) infusion.

All flu antivirals require a prescription and are most effective when started within the first one to two days after symptoms appear. That’s why reaching out to a healthcare provider early can matter.

Antibiotics should not be used to treat the flu. “Because influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help,” said Mallory Yan, PharmD, a pharmacist with Banner Health.

Who Is Most Likely To Benefit From Flu Antivirals?

Not everyone who gets the flu needs prescription treatment. “These medications are generally reserved for people who have confirmed flu and are at higher risk for complications,” Dr. Pilkington said.

You should contact a doctor promptly if you or someone you care for falls into one of these categories:

• Adults aged 65 and older
• Children under 5, especially those younger than 2
• Pregnant women or those who have recently given birth
• People with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• Residents of nursing homes, group homes or long-term care facilities
• Anyone whose symptoms are severe or worsening

Even healthy individuals may be prescribed antivirals if they live with someone at high risk. Limiting the spread of flu in households where complications could be serious is important.

When Should You Call Your Doctor?

If you are at higher risk, it’s best to contact your doctor as soon as flu symptoms begin. Starting treatment within 48 hours offers the greatest benefit.

Warning signs may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Fever that does not improve with over-the-counter medication
• Chills
• Body aches
• Extreme tiredness or weakness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination or a dry mouth

If you test positive for flu or feel seriously unwell, do not delay. Beginning antiviral treatment within the first two days gives you the best chance of recovering faster and avoiding complications.

Early Action Makes A Difference

If you’re wondering, “Do I need Tamiflu?” remember that flu antivirals are most helpful when taken early, ideally within the first day or two after symptoms begin. Acting quickly can change how the illness unfolds.