🧠 Beyond anxiety, rethinking cancer care mental health

Mental health care in oncology has traditionally focused only on distress, anxiety, and depression. Emerging research suggests this approach misses many important psychological challenges faced by patients. Dr Darren Haywood's team is exploring HiTOP, a dimensional framework for mental health. This framework aims to capture the full complexity of living with cancer instead of just using diagnostic labels. The focus in psycho-oncology is shifting to understanding what the person is actually experiencing.

⚽ India gears up for tough friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay

India has announced a 26-member squad for upcoming international friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. Head coach Khalid Jamil named the team for the intense three-match schedule in Bengaluru and Kolkata. The matches are scheduled from September 26th to October 6th, featuring high-profile opponents. This series offers a major test for the young Blue Tigers against decorated World Cup teams. The squad includes four goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and six forwards. 🇮🇳

🔬 PCOS to PMOS: A Big Change

A long-awaited change has been documented in the field of pediatrics. This shift involves the transition from PCOS to PMOS. The study outlines these changes within the context of contemporary pediatric research. This transition is significant for understanding adolescent hormonal health. Researchers are expected to further explore the implications of this change soon.

🧊 Halogen trick tunes magnetic cooling in 2D materials

Researchers found that halogen substitution effectively tunes the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in 2D transition-metal phthalocyanines. This work was conducted by scientists at Southwest University and South China Normal University. The study, published on August 31, 2026, detailed various MCE types in these materials. Halogen atoms cause lattice changes, enabling inverse, rotating, and conventional MCE in one family. These findings present rare-earth-free candidates for future cryogenic magnetic refrigeration. 🧊

🔬 Testing immune response for COVID prophylaxis

Scientists evaluated cellular responses in immunocompromised patients considering monoclonal antibody prophylaxis. This study was conducted on 146 individuals between June and September 2022 in Spain. Only 38.3% of those with negative serology showed a cellular response, versus 55.6% of those who were positive. Previous COVID-19 boosted the IFN-γ response, while corticosteroid use lowered it significantly. Evaluating these cellular responses can help pinpoint patients needing extra immune protection. 🔬

😴 Carbs and sleep: what the research found

A cross-sectional study investigated the link between carbohydrate intake quality and sleep quality in 1904 participants. The study was conducted by researchers, including Azadeh Aminianfar, across various institutions. Data was collected using a 106-item FFQ and PSQI, with a mean age of 39.63 years on August 31, 2026. Higher fiber intake showed better sleep outcomes, while higher Dietary Glycemic Load was linked to daytime issues. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these associations. 😴

🔬 New Nano-Drug Fights Skin Parasite Infection

Researchers developed a dendrimer-based nanostructure combining fluconazole and chitosan to fight cutaneous leishmaniasis. This study was conducted by scientists in Iran, investigating the drug's mechanism using NMR-based metabolomics. The formulation achieved a 97% reduction in lesion size in a murine model as of August 31, 2026. Metabolomic profiling showed major disruptions in amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid pathways due to the treatment. This new system shows strong potential for managing CL, prompting further biological investigation. 🔬

⛽ Seven names shortlist for ONGC's next chairman role

Seven candidates are shortlisted for the Chairman and Managing Director position at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). This list includes leaders from Oil India Limited and ONGC Videsh Limited, alongside several serving ONGC directors. The candidates were selected based on guidelines after eligibility rules were revised ahead of this selection round. The Search-Cum-Selection Committee, chaired by the PESB head, will recommend the final appointment. The chair post will be vacant starting December 7th, as the current incumbent's tenure ends.

⚖️ SC Collegium names new CJ for Rajasthan HC

The Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal for Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court on August 31, 2026. This move came following controversy regarding alleged misuse of powers by Acting CJ Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma in Rajasthan. Justice Sandeep Mehta had previously sent letters raising serious maladministration concerns about Justice Sharma's tenure. Meanwhile, Rajasthan High Court lawyers protested and halted work demanding a permanent CJ. Justice Sharma has since taken leave until September 5, with his retirement set for September 26.

💧 Nepal Principal Saved 900 Kids From Flood

A principal in Nepal recounted how he managed to save 900 children from severe flooding in a very short timeframe. This heroic act took place in a specific location within Nepal during a recent monsoon season. The rescue operation involved swift action by the principal and local staff on the specified date. The situation was dire due to the unexpected and rapid rise of floodwaters threatening the students. Authorities are now reviewing the protocol used to ensure future safety measures are in place.

🔬 New gene found boosting plant root partnerships

Researchers discovered that OsIDD7 is a key regulator in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis between plants and fungi. This gene was found to be strongly induced in arbuscule-containing cells in rice. Its absence significantly decreases fungal colonization and messes up arbuscule development. IDD7 works with transcription factors SLR1 and PHR2 to activate nutrient transport and signaling genes. This makes OsIDD7 a central player in these crucial plant-fungi interactions. 🌿