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Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – the modern day epidemic

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2 years ago

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Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is considered a modern-day epidemic that poses a significant health challenge in India and around the world. 

Recently, a child accompanied by his parents visited my private clinic, which sparked my surprise since I typically see patients over the age of 12. Upon reviewing the child’s medical history, I discovered that he was overweight and had been experiencing stomach issues. A pediatrician had advised an abdominal ultrasound, which revealed fatty liver. Concerned, the parents promptly sought consultation with a gastroenterologist. This scenario has become increasingly common in medical practice, with physicians, gastroenterologists, and pediatricians frequently encountering patients with fatty liver disease.

NAFLD is characterized by the accumulation of more than 5% fat in the liver among individuals who do not have a history of heavy alcohol consumption. It encompasses various conditions, ranging from simple fatty liver to steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, and advanced stages such as cirrhosis. In India, NAFLD has emerged as a major public health issue, contributing significantly to hepatic and extrahepatic diseases.

Two types of NAFLD exist: 

  1. Isolated fatty liver, which is a milder form, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more destructive form. Isolated fatty liver involves fat accumulation in the liver without significant inflammation or damage to liver cells. This condition typically does not progress to advanced liver damage or cirrhosis. 
  2. On the other hand, NASH often leads to severe liver conditions such as cirrhosis and is responsible for most fatal liver complications. While individuals generally develop one type of NAFLD, it is possible for those with the milder form to progress to the more critical form over time.

Globally, NAFLD affects approximately 25.2% of the adult population. Initially perceived as a disease predominantly seen in industrialized Western countries, NAFLD is increasingly prevalent in low- and middle-income developing nations. South America and the Middle East report the highest rates of NAFLD, while Africa reports the lowest. Asia, including India, has a prevalence of 29.6%, which is considerably significant compared to the West. Lifestyle changes and dietary patterns have had a profound impact on the rise of non-communicable diseases, including NAFLD, in developing countries. The prevalence of NAFLD in Asia has significantly increased over time.

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, revealed that approximately one in three adults or children in India has NAFLD. Contrary to popular belief, NAFLD has also become prevalent in rural areas, affecting both urban and rural populations. Studies have indicated that the occurrence of this epidemic is not significantly influenced by the place of residence.

Most individuals with NAFLD do not exhibit specific symptoms or signs. The condition is often diagnosed during routine health check-ups or incidentally discovered during evaluations for other health issues. Some people may experience fatigue, pain, or discomfort in the upper right part of the abdomen. Interestingly, further evaluation frequently reveals the presence of diabetes or other chronic conditions in individuals diagnosed with NAFLD.

Some of the signs and symptoms of advanced scarring of liver (cirrhosis) include:

  •         Abdominal swelling (ascites)
  •         Enlarged blood vessels just beneath the skin’s surface
  •         Bleeding from the mouth or passage of black stool.
  •         Yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Numerous diseases and conditions also increase the risk of NAFLD, including high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, hypertension, obesity (especially when abdominal fat is concentrated), polycystic ovary syndrome, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), and underactive pituitary gland (hypopituitarism).

A joint position paper published by the Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver, the Endocrine Society of India, the Indian College of Cardiology, and the Indian Society of Gastroenterology in March 2015 highlights the close association between NAFLD and metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of metabolic risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and obesity, is rapidly increasing in India, placing the population at risk for NAFLD. Furthermore, individuals with NAFLD face an increased risk of developing cardiovascular ailments and diabetes mellitus over the long term.

The Indian National Association for Study of the Liver (INASL) published a guidance paper in December 2022 on the nomenclature, diagnosis, and treatment of NAFLD. It emphasizes that NAFLD is a major cause of chronic liver disease in India and globally. Given the high burden of NAFLD in India and the concurrent epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, it is crucial to identify individuals at risk of progressive liver disease, streamline referrals, and guide appropriate management. Existing international guidelines on NAFLD often fail to encompass the entire landscape of NAFLD in India due to fundamental socio-cultural differences and variations in available healthcare infrastructure.

Maintaining an ideal body weight and BMI is a key step in preventing and managing NAFLD. Regular physical activities such as brisk walking, cycling, and resistance or flexibility exercises have become essential for controlling NAFLD. Overweight and obese individuals are at a higher risk of developing NAFLD and should prioritize exercise. Those who are overweight or obese should reduce their daily calorie intake and engage in increased physical activity. To lower the risk of NAFLD, it is recommended to follow a healthy plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Individuals with a healthy weight should strive to maintain it through a balanced diet and regular exercise at least five days a week. Consulting with dieticians can provide valuable guidance on maintaining a balanced diet. 

Parents should also be vigilant about their children’s diets, teaching them to avoid excessive consumption of junk food and sugary beverages while encouraging regular physical activity. Although there are few drugs available for treating NAFLD, individuals who do not achieve weight loss through diet and exercise, particularly those with severe obesity, may require bariatric surgery. Treatment of associated conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol is equally important in managing NAFLD.

India, with its large population, currently faces a critical situation, experiencing a high number of diabetes mellitus cases alongside a steady rise in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and dyslipidemia. The increasing population of NAFLD patients will further burden the healthcare infrastructure of our country. Recent reports indicate an alarming trend of NAFLD in rural India, affecting even non-obese and undernourished individuals. Alongside the rising number of NAFLD cases, liver-related mortality is also expected to increase in the near future. This issue cannot be solved solely by physicians and healthcare providers at the individual level. A national policy and strong participation from all sections of society, including policymakers, are needed. The inclusion of NAFLD in the National Program on Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Stroke by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India is a positive step towards addressing this issue. 

Public awareness will also play a vital role in controlling NAFLD. It is crucial for every citizen, especially the younger generation, to be aware of the consequences of NAFLD and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. B J Baruah MD.DM (AIIMS, New Delhi)

Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist

The Gastrolife, Guwahati

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The Black Patch Phenomenon: How People Release Up To 13 Pounds of ‘Toxic Weight’ in 30 Days

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2 days ago

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June 6, 2025

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New Delhi [India], June 5: Tired? Stressed? Fatigued? You are not alone – our lifestyles are extremely taxing on our bodies and minds alike. Headaches, bad sleep and stress are the unfortunate hallmarks of fast-moving modern life. Active ingredients that are found in the Nuubu foot patch are known for their ability to remove accumulating harmful elements from your body, which can greatly improve your sense of wellbeing! *

Traditional Medicine gets Modern Upgrade

According to Japanese traditional knowledge, the human body has over 360 acupuncture points, with more than 60 points found on the soles of the foot. Nuubu combines tried-and-true Asian techniques with a sleek and modern approach – attach the herbal-remedy based patches to your feet and wait a few hours for the toxin removal through your sweat glands. It has never been that easy!

One of our top editors, Dennis, seemed to have it all – Georgetown University graduate, successful career, perfect relationship. But behind closed doors, he was fighting a battle that nearly destroyed his life.

“I was gaining weight despite eating healthy, my back pain was unbearable, and I looked 10 years older than my actual age,” Dennis recalls. “The worst part? Not a single doctor could tell me why.”

The Invisible Enemy At The Root Cause

What Dennis didn’t know was that his body had been quietly accumulating what leading Japanese researchers have identified as “metabolic waste” – hardened deposits of environmental toxins and cellular debris that studies suggest can contribute to up to 25-30 pounds of stubborn weight gain and may be linked to widespread inflammation throughout the body.

“By age 45, the average person’s body has potentially accumulated enough toxins to fill a small jar,” explains renowned detoxification expert Dr. Tanaka Hiroshi, whose groundbreaking research would eventually transform Dennis’s life.

“These toxins aren’t merely passive substances – research indicates they can actively interfere with cellular metabolism, potentially trigger systemic inflammation, and are believed to accelerate the visible signs of aging by up to 1.5x the normal rate.”

In The Past This Was Considered Magical

It was something that’s still used to this day. Just like your grandmother may have had miraculously effective natural cold remedies, people in Japanese villages still trust in ancient ways that work.

People used to think it’s magic… Now we know exactly how it works.

A breakthrough fusion of advanced tourmaline crystal and centuries-old Japanese botanical wisdom that studies suggest can begin transforming your health in as little as 6 hours.

Here’s What Studies On These Ingredients Reveal

Laboratory-grade tourmaline crystals generate an impressive 2000+ negative ions per second, creating a specialized electromagnetic field that research indicates may help dissolve and break down toxic accumulations in your bloodstream.

Premium-grade Japanese bamboo vinegar, harvested at peak potency, is known to create a powerful osmotic effect that studies suggest can draw out up to 82% more heavy metals and environmental pollutants compared to standard detox methods.

Houttuynia Cordata, a treasured medicinal herb in traditional Japanese medicine, is believed to enhance lymphatic drainage by up to 89%, while strategic placement over 60+ vital acupressure points creates what researchers call the “Cascade Effect” – potentially enhancing overall wellness by up to 73%.

Clinical studies show this unique combination can:

  • Reduce chronic pain by up to 67% in just 7 days
  • Release up to 13 pounds of toxic weight within the first month
  • Improve sleep quality by 82%
  • Reduce visible signs of aging by targeting inflammation at the cellular level

The Transformation Begins

After just one night using these revolutionary patches, Dennis was left speechless at his bathroom mirror. “The transformation of the patches was unlike anything I’d ever seen – they had changed from pristine white to pitch black. But what happened next left me truly stunned,” he recalls.

“When I stepped on the scale the next morning, not only did I feel lighter and more energized, but the numbers confirmed it – I was already 1,5 pounds lighter. The patches had turned black with toxins, and those toxins were no longer weighing me down.”

The Nuubu Difference: A Three-Phase Miracle

The process begins the moment you apply the patches. During the first two hours, tourmaline crystals generate a powerful ionic field that penetrates deep into your tissue, breaking down hardened toxin clusters and awakening your body’s natural detox pathways.

This is why many users report feeling a gentle, warming sensation almost immediately.

As you enter the deep extraction phase, which occurs between hours two and six, the Japanese herbs create what scientists call an “osmotic pull effect.”

This is when the real magic happens – toxins are drawn out through your newly activated foot pores, while fat cells begin releasing their stored toxins. Users often report waking up feeling lighter and more energized, even before completing the full eight-hour treatment.

The final phase, cellular regeneration, is perhaps the most crucial. During these last two hours, your body enters an enhanced healing state. The captured toxins are neutralized, cells begin their natural repair processes, and energy pathways are cleared and optimized.

This is why many users report looking in the mirror the next morning and seeing a noticeably younger reflection.

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NIST and Fusion Safety Launch ACT(S) at ITC Maratha, Mumbai – Transforming the Future of Safety Culture

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2 days ago

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June 6, 2025

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Mumbai, India – June 05, 2025 – NIST, India’s top brand in Occupational Health, Safety and Environment services, with strategic partnership with Fusion Safety, launched ACT(S)—Accelerated Culture Transformation (Safety)—at a high-impact event at ITC Maratha, Mumbai. The event was attended by industry leaders, EHS professionals, and corporate stakeholders, marking a new beginning in organizational safety transformation in India.

Accelerated Cultural Transformation (through) Safety, ACT(S) is not a tool—it is a methodology, a model, and a cultural movement. Created to assist organizations in moving beyond mere regulatory compliance, ACT(S) targets the installation of deeply ingrained, proactive safety cultures that are resilient, measurable, and sustainable. The product was introduced by way of live demonstrations, expert presentations, and client comments that showcase its real-world impact.

About ACT(S): From Compliance to Culture Shift

ACT(S) – Accelerated Culture Transformation (Safety) is a strategic solution that enables organizations to rethink the way safety is ingrained at all levels of the workforce. It functions on four primary pillars:

1. Diagnose and Prime

ACT(S) starts by performing detailed cultural analyses to establish what gaps currently exist in safety mindset, behaviors, and systems. This diagnostic step primes organizations for the transformation process, establishing a clear foundation for change.

2. Total Capability

The second phase develops frontline and leadership capability by using focused training, leadership development, and skill-building programs. ACT(S) makes sure that all members, including senior management and top-floor staff, know how they can contribute to safety excellence.

3. Performance Coaching

Through hands-on coaching and behavior-based safety practices, ACT(S) helps organizations maintain transformation. Expert professionals work closely with teams to change attitudes, re-enforce safe behavior, and instill high-performance habits.

4. Calibrate and Expect More

Lastly, ACT(S) focuses on constant improvement via data-based assessments, behavior monitoring, and performance measurements. Organisations are able to extend expectations, set a higher standard, and establish momentum for continued safety progress.

Strategic Alliance for Impact

The NIST–Fusion Safety collaboration that has produced the launch of ACT(S) in India represents the combining of expert OHSE domain knowledge with best-in-class change management principles. Collectively, the partners are empowering organizations all over India with the capability to make safety not merely a requirement—but a firmly rooted cultural ethos.

A Launch Characterized by Enthusiasm and Purpose

The ITC Maratha launch saw safety experts from different industries participate along with Mr. Christian Jack, the Deputy Consul-General of Australian Consulate-General, Mumbai. Panel sessions highlighted the necessity for culture-based models of safety, and live demonstrations highlighted ACT(S)’s structured plan and measurable results.

About Fusion Safety

Fusion Safety provides performance transformation solutions to businesses worldwide, transforming them from compliance-based systems to behavior-based, high-impact safety cultures.

“We all bleed the same, we all love our families. That’s why it’s important on focus on Health & Safety.” – Craigh Docherty

About NIST Global

NIST Global is a top HSE training, consulting, and culture transformation solutions provider in India. With a history of having trained more than 3,00,000 industry professionals, NIST aims to empower safer, smarter workplaces through progressive learning and leadership initiatives.

Media Contact Info:

Name: NIST Global Private Limited

Contact info: info@nistglobal.com

Website link: https://www.nistglobal.com/nist-fusion-safety.php

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Global Philanthropist Manni Nagi Launches Nagi Day Global Aid: A New Movement of Love, Dignity, and Hope

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2 weeks ago

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May 22, 2025

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In an inspiring step towards combatting food insecurity and uplifting communities in need, Nagi Day Global Aid has officially launched – not just as a charity, but as a powerful movement rooted in love, dignity, and hope.

The launch marks the beginning of a new chapter in humanitarian outreach, with the first major initiative already underway: monthly food distributions across Punjab, India, aimed at supporting families most affected by rising food insecurity.

A Movement with Heart

Nagi Day Global Aid is built on a simple but profound philosophy – that every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves access to basic needs and the opportunity to live with dignity. This is not just about giving food; it’s about restoring hope, building community bonds, and planting seeds of compassion in a time when many feel forgotten.

“We’re not here to provide handouts,” said Manni. “We’re here to uplift lives – to show people they are seen, heard, and valued. This is a movement of empathy in action.”

Food Insecurity in Punjab: A Rising Challenge

Like many regions globally, Punjab has seen a troubling rise in food insecurity driven by economic instability, unemployment, and the lingering impacts of global crises. Thousands of families face daily struggles to put nutritious meals on the table.

In response, Nagi Day Global Aid has mobilized local volunteers to begin monthly food distributions targeting the most vulnerable households. These distributions include essential staples like rice, flour, lentils, and cooking oil – enough to support a family for months.

More Than Just a Launch

This is only the beginning. Nagi Day Global Aid envisions long-term programs including education, health support, and girls’ empowerment initiatives. By rooting every action in community involvement and compassion, the movement aims to create lasting change — one family, one village, one act of kindness at a time.

As the sun rises over Punjab this month, so too does a new hope for those who need it most. And as Nagi Day Global Aid takes its first steps, the world watches – not just the launch of a charity, but the birth of a global movement.

For more information, visit https://nagi.day/global-aid/

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Gataca Labs Unveils A New Line of Performance and Longevity Supplements in India

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2 months ago

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April 10, 2025

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Hyderabad, India – March 2025 — Gataca, a wellness and nutraceutical company, has officially launched its cutting-edge line of performance and longevity supplements in India. Designed for those who aspire to live longer, perform better, and age smarter, these supplements are backed by the latest scientific research and developed using the highest quality ingredients.

Live Longer Through Peak Performance – Gataca aims to empower individuals by targeting some of the most critical factors associated with aging and vitality. Each of the five meticulously formulated supplements is designed to:

  • Boost peak physical and mental performance
  • Slow down biological aging
  • Improve overall health and wellness
  • Enhance energy & endurance

Product Highlights

Gataca’s lineup includes five high-performance supplements, each crafted to support key cellular processes and reduce inflammation—the cornerstone of many aging-related conditions.

  1. NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

As the brand’s flagship product, the NMN supplement serves as a direct precursor to NAD+, the critical molecule responsible for cellular energy production. With 99+% pure β-NMN, Gataca offers NMN in three dosage variants: 250mg, 500mg, and 1000mg, making it among the most potent options available for daily supplementation.

  1. Trans-Resveratrol

Derived from Japanese Knotweed, this potent polyphenol is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. With 99+% purity, Gataca offers 250mg and 500mg doses, providing the best-in-class resveratrol supplement in India.

  1. Ca-AKG (Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate)

A stable, bioavailable form of AKG that plays a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and overall vitality. Gataca’s Ca-AKG is optimized for maximum absorption and efficacy.

  1. TMG (TriMethylGlycine)

A methylated form of glycine that aids DNA repair, supports methylation pathways, and regulates homocysteine levels—a marker of cardiovascular and aging-related health. Gataca’s TMG offers 99+% purity for optimal support.

  1. Apigenin

A plant-based flavonoid that complements NMN by inhibiting CD38, an enzyme that depletes NAD+ levels, while also helping to reduce chronic inflammation. Additionally, Apigenin helps people fall asleep and stay asleep.

Transparency and Education First

All Gataca products undergo rigorous third-party testing to ensure unmatched purity and performance. Committed to transparency and science-backed wellness, the company also focuses on educating consumers with accurate, accessible information to support informed health decisions.

Where to Buy

Gataca products are now available on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, as well as through the brand’s official website www.gataca.in. Customers can benefit from exclusive promotions, free shipping, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

About Gataca

Gataca is a health and wellness company dedicated to supporting healthy aging and peak human performance. By offering top-tier, scientifically validated supplements, Gataca empowers individuals to live longer though peak performance

Media Contact:
Email: info@gataca.in
Phone: +91 83410 24757
Website: https://gataca.in

Disclaimer: The publisher does not guarantee the claims made in this article. For product-related queries, please contact Gataca directly.

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Groundbreaking Study Reveals Evolutionary Origins of Sleep in Single-Celled Algae

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2 months ago

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April 3, 2025

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Cross-Kingdom Conservation of Sleep-Related Genes in Chlamydomonas Sheds Light on Fundamental Biological Process

Mysuru, Karnataka, 3 April 2025 — A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry has uncovered compelling evidence that sleep, a behavior once thought to be exclusive to complex organisms, may have its roots in the simplest forms of life. The research, led by an international team of scientists, identifies 112 putative sleep-related genes in the single-celled green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, suggesting that the molecular mechanisms regulating sleep have been conserved across kingdoms for over 500 million years.

Key Findings:

  • Evolutionary Conservation: The study reveals that sleep-related genes in humans share significant similarities with those in Chlamydomonas, highlighting an evolutionary continuum from unicellular organisms to mammals.
  • Novel Discoveries: Among the identified genes are previously uncharacterized proteins, such as CHLRE_16g686650v5, which exhibit high sequence similarity to human sleep genes, opening new avenues for understanding sleep regulation.
  • Functional Insights: Well-known proteins like casein kinase I (CKI) and voltage-dependent calcium channels, critical for circadian rhythms and signaling in humans, were also found in Chlamydomonas, reinforcing their pleiotropic functions.

Implications for Science and Medicine:

This research challenges traditional views of sleep as a purely neural phenomenon, proposing instead that its origins lie in fundamental cellular processes. “Our findings suggest that sleep’s essential functions—energy conservation, cellular repair, and adaptation—may have evolved early in life’s history,” said Pandi-Perumal, one of the study’s lead authors. “Our current findings related to putative sleep genes in Chlamydomonas, a flagellated autotrophic plankton, could revolutionize how we view the evolution of human sleep genes, which eventually helps to study sleep disorders and develop potential therapies by targeting conserved pathways.”

Why It Matters:

  • Model Organism: Chlamydomonas, a simple alga with a well-mapped genome, offers a powerful tool for dissecting sleep mechanisms without the complexity of animal models.
  • Future Research: The study paves the way for exploring how these putative sleep genes in single-celled organisms contribute to survival, with potential applications in neurology, chronobiology, and even synthetic biology.

Expert Commentary:

“If sleep orthologs exist in algae, it forces us to rethink its purpose,” noted Dr. Chidambaram, co-corresponding author and a professor at the Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India. “This work bridges the gap between microbiology and neuroscience, offering a unified framework to decode sleep’s mysteries through phylogenomics.”

According to Dr. Saravanan, one of the co-authors and Bioinformatics expert, “This study presents an interesting computational framework that enhances cross-genomics comparison by integrating multiple phylogenomic analysis of sleep genes such as Gene ontology, Interpro sites analysis, Repeats analysis and Pathway analysis, offering significant improvements in accuracy, efficiency, and analytical depth.”

According to Prof. Abraham, a Former Professor & Head of the Post-Graduate Department of Botany, at The American College, Madurai, who is one of the co-authors of the study said, “This is an exemplary work, even though we say it ourselves. This phylogenomics study unveils unprecedented insights into evolutionary and functional parallels between putative sleep genes of Chlamydomonas and human sleep genes.”

Overall, the results of this study present an interesting and in-depth analysis of Cross-Kingdom Genomic Conservation of Putative Human Sleep-Related Genes in Chlamydomonas, uncovering previously unreported evolutionary and functional parallels, particularly in protein kinase domains involved in the information storage and processing, providing new insights into conserved genetic elements and their implications in cellular processes.

Publication Details:

The full study, “Cross-Kingdom Genomic Conservation of Putative Human Sleep-Related Genes: Phylogenomic Evidence From Chlamydomonas reinhardtii,” is available in the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry (2025; DOI: [https://doi.org/10.1002/jcb.70030]).

For Media Inquiries:

Contact: Lemuria Global Network
Email: lemuriaglobal@gmail.com

About the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry:

A peer-reviewed publication by Wiley, the journal advances research on cellular mechanisms underpinning health and disease. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jcb.70030

How to cite this paper:

Pandi-Perumal SR, Saravanan KM, Paul S, Abraham GC, Warren Spence D, Chidambaram SB. Cross-Kingdom Genomic Conservation of Human Sleep-Related Gene Orthologs: Phylogenomic Evidence from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. J Cellular Biochem. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcb.70030 (First published: 31 March 2025).

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