Author: Helen Okechukwu

A recent study has suggested that a widely used diabetes drug, taken by millions of people, may reduce the aggressiveness of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a type of blood cancer. Researchers from the University of Cambridge discovered that metformin, an inexpensive and commonly prescribed treatment for type 2 diabetes, may help prevent AML, based on studies conducted on mice. The study highlighted that individuals who take metformin often share a common genetic mutation linked to AML. The research team focused on a genetic change in a gene called DNMT3A, which is responsible for about one in six cases of AML.…

Health Canada has officially approved NanoSpeed Diagnostics’ Test4D Serum, a rapid point-of-care test designed to detect vitamin D levels from blood serum, marking a significant milestone for the Alberta-based biotech company. It was made known on Tuesday following its announcement of obtaining approval. The approval follows last year’s ISO 13485 Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) certification of NanoSpeed’s manufacturing facility in Alberta — a crucial step in meeting regulatory standards and securing domestic clearance. Test4D Serum uses NanoSpeed’s proprietary technology to assess 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH vitamin D), offering both qualitative and quantitative results. It was originally launched in 2013 as…

About 3 million children are said to receive the polio immunization vaccine during the campaign period scheduled to take place between April 26 and 29. According to Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCA) Executive Secretary, Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, this was revealed in Katsina while speaking with newsmen, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), government officials along with other partners in an interview. To commemorate World Immunisation Day, he said the exercise aims to create awareness and save children from preventable death, while urging parents to engage. Also he also encouraged media to propagate the gospel to sensitize parent about the…

To mark the Easter Day celebration for Christian believers, the Federal Government (FG), while urging Nigerians to pray for peace and unity, declared Friday and Monday as public holidays. This information was shared on Tuesday by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who noted the significance of the celebration, highlighting the sacrifice and teachings of Jesus Christ. Easter is usually celebrated to commemorate the resurrection of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, after his death. Read Also,: FG declares holidays for Christmas, new year Among the requested prayers, the statement signed by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry,…

Following the fall of MMM in December 2016 after it was introduced in Nigeria in 2015, among other Ponzi schemes, Nigerians have again fallen for another allegedly fraudulent scheme known as Cbex, a digital trading asset platform. Cbex, a digital trading asset platform that promised investors a 100 percent return on investment in 30 days with a structure similar to that of MMM, has left many Nigerians in shock, as users were restricted from accessing their wallets and making withdrawals on Monday. Cbex, which aimed to create a secure, transparent environment for transactions, has reportedly eloped with over N1.3 trillion…

Amid the ongoing fight against Lassa fever in the country, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has revealed that the death toll has risen to 127, with Taraba and Ondo States recording the highest numbers. The health organization noted that between January and April 6, 2025, approximately 674 cases were confirmed out of 4,025 suspected cases across 18 states and 93 local government areas. According to the Nigerian health organization on Tuesday, the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was recorded at 18.8 per cent. However, there has been a decline in the number of suspected cases compared to…

A study conducted by China’s Xinjiang Medical University has revealed that individuals who frequently consume salt are by 40% more likely to develop anxiety and depression. In contrast, those who occasionally add salt to their food have a lower risk—between 5% to 8%. The study, which examined data from more than half a million British adults, also found that excessive salt intake could accelerate biological aging, potentially leading to mental health issues. Read Also: Daily egg consumption increase diabetes risk, study finds One theory proposed by the researchers is that high salt consumption may disrupt mood-related hormones such as serotonin…

As political tussle continues to escalate in Rivers State, stakeholders and residents knock the continuous development regarding the matter. This followed the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and 27 lawmakers, the state has witnessed rising tensions. These tensions stem from the removal of Local Government Chairmen, the appointment of a Sole Administrator, and protests by women and various non-partisan organisations. On March 18, the governor, his deputy, and the 27 lawmakers were suspended following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State—a move that was seconded through a voice vote by…

Nigeria is currently battling a growing outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), particularly caused by the serogroup C strain of meningococcus. The disease, which has long been a seasonal threat in parts of West Africa, has intensified in severity over the past year, emerging as one of the most urgent public health challenges the country faces today. Between 2024 and 2025, the epidemic has swept across multiple states, with the northern region reporting an overwhelming 94 percent of the country’s suspected cases. The situation has reached alarming levels. Punch reported that out of 1,826 suspected cases, 126 have been confirmed, and…

The Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Uche Nwokwu, disclosed that men with large breasts are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Nwokwu revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja. He said that men undergoing hormone therapy to alter their body physiology to appear more feminine are also at elevated risk. He explained that because men had breast tissue, they could develop breast cancer, although the condition was rare. Confirming that such cases had been recorded in Nigeria, the NCCP coordinator…