TOI Health News Morning Briefing: Diabetes drug lowers blood cancer risk, FLiRT COVID cases surpass 300 in India, microplastics discovered in human testicles, surprising health benefits of desi mango pickle, and other updates.

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of New Mexico has revealed a shocking discovery – harmful microplastics have been found in every single human testicle. The study, published in the journal Toxicological Sciences, identified 12 different types of microplastics in the testes of men ranging from 16 to 88 years old at the time of their death.

This finding has raised concerns about the potential consequences for male fertility, as the presence of microplastics in such a sensitive area of the body could have detrimental effects on reproductive health. The researchers collected the testes from post mortems performed in 2016, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue.

In other health news, a new study has found that the popular diabetes drug metformin may have cancer-preventive properties. Danish researchers discovered an association between metformin use and a reduced risk of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), a rare type of blood cancer. This promising finding could have significant implications for cancer prevention and treatment in the future.

Meanwhile, in India, cases of the FLiRT COVID variant have crossed the 300 mark, with unusual symptoms being reported beyond the typical cough and cold. Understanding the effects of extreme temperatures on ocular surface disorders and the warning signs of vitamin B12 deficiency are also important health topics to be aware of. Additionally, the lesser-known health benefits of desi mango pickle and the potential of Omega-3 supplements in managing heart disease are worth exploring for overall well-being.