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Barkha Mathur leads health coverage for the Business Standard website. She reports on the intersection of medicine, policy, and health science, with a focus on stories that impact readers’ physical and mental well-being. When not tracking the latest developments in health, she’s often reading medical research or listening to hip-hop.
Barkha Mathur leads health coverage for the Business Standard website. She reports on the intersection of medicine, policy, and health science, with a focus on stories that impact readers’ physical and mental well-being. When not tracking the latest developments in health, she’s often reading medical research or listening to hip-hop.
As the govt considers increasing Lok Sabha seats, concerns are rising in southern states that a population-based delimitation could reduce their share and alter India's federal balance
From nut butters to excess fruit and sweeteners, smoothies can pack more calories than expected, making this "healthy" habit a hidden risk for weight gain and blood sugar spikes
New research shows that losing fat the wrong way can disrupt metabolism, trigger inflammation, and increase long-term disease risk, challenging the idea that less fat is always better
Is this a temporary slowdown driven by demand uncertainty, or the beginning of a structural change in how large IT firms build their workforce in the age of AI?
Actor Vijay's political debut may disrupt Tamil Nadu's two-party system, but analysts say converting popularity into votes remains a key challenge ahead of 2026 polls
If you feel stuck in a loop of falling off track and restarting plans, experts explain how behavioural patterns, emotional triggers, and mindset shifts can help you stay consistent
Anger over low wages and poor working conditions drove Noida's factory workers to protest, with tensions escalating into violence amid police action
In Tamil Nadu, delimitation is becoming a major poll issue, with concerns over fairness, representation, and whether southern states will lose political weight
As Botox gains popularity among people in their 20s, experts examine whether early use truly prevents ageing and explain who may benefit, potential risks, and when it is best avoided
The idea that humans use just 10% of their brain has persisted for decades; but, is it true?
As Tamil Nadu heads to polls on April 23, the Assembly election will test Dravidian politics, alliance cohesion, and the enduring impact of welfare-driven governance across regions
A six-year study tracking over 5,000 couples challenges the myth that narcissists inevitably damage relationships, revealing a more complex and nuanced emotional reality
Pollution, heat and inequality may significantly accelerate brain ageing, with a global study showing combined exposures can raise risk sharply and impact long-term cognitive health
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the West Asia conflict has raised risks to growth and inflation via oil, trade, and supply chains, but government steps on supply chains and exports may limit the imp
Just because a study reports a finding does not mean it applies to you; doctors explain how to interpret research, avoid misleading claims, and make better health decisions
World health day: Sleeping at different times each night may disrupt your body clock and increase heart attack and stroke risk, with new research showing consistency matters as much as sleep duration
A nationwide survey released on World Health Day 2026 shows rising awareness around healthy ageing in India, but only a small percentage are actively adopting lifestyle changes
A major Lancet study highlights persistent global inequalities in childhood cancer survival, with most deaths occurring in poorer countries and India among the worst affected
A single gene therapy injection has shown the ability to restore hearing in patients with a specific genetic mutation, with some beginning to respond to sound within weeks
Even a few minutes of vigorous daily activity such as brisk walking or stair climbing, may significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases and death, highlighting the power of exercise intensity