🔬 New ways to fight lung infections beyond antibiotics

Researchers are exploring host-directed therapies and phages for stubborn lung infections, moving past just killing microbes. Experts discussed these novel approaches at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) 2026 Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Various agents like MMP inhibitors and anti-inflammatory drugs are being studied for different infection stages and types. Current clinical use of these advanced therapies remains low, despite strong biological backing. Future research needs standardized outcomes to properly evaluate these promising treatments. 🔬

🔬 New in-body CAR T therapy helps autoimmune diseases

An experimental in vivo CAR T therapy called JY231 showed promise in a small early-stage trial for neurologic autoimmune disorders. The therapy was administered to 16 patients across MS, MOGAD, and others at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China. After 6 months, patients showed reduced disability and improved function in various conditions. This method bypasses complex manufacturing and chemotherapy, making treatment potentially more accessible. Investigators plan to further study its effectiveness and safety profile moving forward. 🧠

👶 Preterm BPD Infants: Respiratory Outcomes Are Similar

Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) showed comparable respiratory outcomes between extremely preterm and later preterm groups after hospital discharge. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania studied infants with BPD born before 26 weeks between September 2018 and February 2025. The study compared 231 extremely preterm infants with 532 infants born at 24-25 6/7 weeks of gestation. Although the extremely preterm group had higher severe BPD rates, their rates of sick clinic visits and readmissions were not significantly different. This research highlights the need to better understand outpatient respiratory paths across the gestational age spectrum. 👶

🦠 COVID's long shadow: more than just a faded memory

Six years after SARS-CoV-2 was identified, COVID fear has lessened because current variants are milder and the population has built immunity. National health authorities have adjusted recommendations, now advising routine vaccination only for older adults. Despite this, the virus caused 7.1 million confirmed deaths, with WHO estimating it reached 22 million globally. Long COVID and PCS remain significant challenges, with up to 10% of symptomatic cases developing persistent symptoms. The economic impact is huge, with OECD projecting an extra $11 billion annual cost to healthcare systems. 😥

🌧️ TN set for heavy rains, temps to stay cool

Widespread rainfall is expected across Tamil Nadu until September 21 due to an active Southwest monsoon system. Dindigul district recorded the highest rainfall at 13 cm during the 24-hour period ending Tuesday morning. The Regional Meteorological Centre predicts heavy rain with gusty winds in six districts on Wednesday. This wet weather should prevent further temperature spikes in interior areas currently facing heat. The monsoon is expected to start retreating from parts of the country starting September 19. ☔

🩺 Methotrexate use in IBD: real-world findings

A new cohort study examined methotrexate use in over 1100 IBD patients outside of clinical trials. Researchers analyzed data from 15 French centers covering January 2015 to December 2022. Methotrexate was mostly used as combination therapy, with a median treatment duration of 12.3 months. While adverse events occurred, serious toxicity was uncommon in the group. The study suggests real-life data is key to understanding this treatment's role. 🩺

📚 AI model launched to boost Sanskrit heritage

The Sanskrit Heritage Model and Platform was launched at Madras Sanskrit College on Tuesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The event took place in Mylapore, Chennai, in collaboration with Articul8. This new initiative aims to make literary treasures more accessible globally, referencing ancient texts. The Finance Minister stressed AI's role in helping people understand complex works like those of poet Kalidasa. The platform is designed to evolve, potentially extending its use to other Indic languages.

💧 Water Woes: Residents Protest in Tiruvannamalai

Residents gathered to protest the non-supply of drinking water to their households on Tuesday morning. This protest took place in Keel Pudupakkam, near Cheyyar town in Tiruvannamalai. The village of approximately 2,500 families has been facing irregular supply for several weeks. The panchayat officials cited defunct motor pump sets from the borewells as the reason for the disruption. Efforts are underway to supply water via private tankers until the necessary pump repairs are completed.

🎬 'Toxic' box office takes a dip on Tuesday

The Yash starrer 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups' earned Rs 13 lakh net on its third Tuesday, September 15th. This performance was recorded in India, where the film had 248 shows with an occupancy rate of 14 percent. The movie's India net total has now reached Rs 249.37 cr, building on its first-week earnings of Rs 239.30 cr. The film is set in Goa during Portuguese colonial rule, featuring Raya played by Yash and Kiara Advani. The movie will continue its theatrical run with these ongoing collections. 🎬

💸 UPI MDR changes: 0.4% on big payments

The National Payments Corporation of India announced a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. This fee applies to merchants across India starting from October 15, with a cap of Rs 300. Person-to-person transfers and small vendors earning under Rs 1 lakh monthly are exempt from this charge. The Finance Ministry stressed that this MDR is not a tax but supports the UPI ecosystem infrastructure. Larger retailers and online platforms will likely absorb the cost of this new fee. 💸

🧐 Russian Oligarch Pays for Trump Jr.'s Bahamas Wedding

US Congress has started an investigation into reports that a Russian oligarch funded Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding celebrations. The probe targets Umar Kremlev, a wealthy Russian businessman connected to the Russian government, who allegedly paid for the May event in the Bahamas. This action follows a ProPublica report detailing the financial support given to the Trump family. Democratic leaders are questioning the motive behind a Putin ally financially backing the President's son. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called the arrangement potentially a bribe threatening national security. 🧐