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Transforming Pain into Power: Succeeding with PTSD Through a Positive Mindset

Opinions

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July 31, 2025

Transforming Pain into Power: Succeeding with PTSD Through a Positive Mindset

Mark lost his innocence during four and a half months in a Turkish jail. He felt helpless and horrified, as no one was aware of his condition. He witnessed brutality beyond human perception, so extreme that, by the time he was released, he felt like nothing more than a puppet. Initially, he was unaware that he was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Upon returning to Australia, he experienced anxiety, nightmares, and constant fear.

He lost his job, home, and family, yet he remained unaware of the true nature of his mental struggle. In a society that considered him a coward, he endured the “Prozac era,” during which doctors heavily medicated him with sedatives. It was an equally horrifying experience as his time in the Turkish jail. He is now gradually improving, and Picking Up the Pieces has become an important part of his life. This is an Australian non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting early recognition and support for PTSD.

“You cannot heal what you cannot feel”. ~John Bradshaw

The world is progressing at a rapid pace, and we witness the charisma of science and technology all around us. While many aspects of life have become easier with the aid of science, managing human emotions remains a significant challenge. It is widely accepted that, alongside advancements in living standards, experiences of depressive phases have also increased. The growing emotional distance between individuals, the pressure to meet societal expectations, and various personal stressors have made PTSD a common condition experienced by many.

PTSD is a deeply personal and often invisible struggle. It typically develops after exposure to traumatic events and is marked by a range of symptoms that can severely affect daily functioning and overall quality of life. These symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, emotional numbness, irritability, avoidance behaviours, and persistent, distressing thoughts related to the trauma.

Such experiences can leave lasting psychological and physical scars, ultimately disrupting behavioural patterns. Understanding PTSD is essential for recognizing its impact and ensuring that appropriate support and treatment are provided to those affected.

Young children often exhibit symptoms such as fear, sleep disturbances, and regression. Elementary-age children may mis-sequence memories and hold the false belief that the traumatic event could have been predicted. In adolescents, symptoms closely resemble those of adult PTSD, with impulsivity, aggression, and traumatic reenactment being particularly prominent.

According to George Bonanno, Professor of Clinical Psychology, resilience after trauma is common, not a rare phenomenon. He emphasizes adjusting responses according to the situation and highlights the importance of flexible coping strategies. Bonanno also challenges the assumption that everyone needs therapy, asserting that many individuals recover naturally.

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a Dutch psychiatrist, emphasizes the importance of working with both the body and mind to overcome trauma. He advocates not relying solely on talk therapy but incorporating somatic and experiential therapies for a more holistic approach to treatment.

PTSD does not eliminate the possibility of a successful life, especially when strong willpower and the right support systems are in place. Many public figures and everyday heroes have shown that, with effective treatment and coping techniques, life can be rebuilt. Managing symptoms through therapy, self-care, and mindfulness can empower individuals in their careers, build thriving relationships, and enhance their creativity.

We often rely on certain parameters of happiness that are commonly associated with success. However, traditional metrics such as money, fame, or promotions may not align with the true sense of success defined by your inner voice. Begin by asking yourself reflective questions such as: What truly makes me feel content? What brings me lasting happiness? What strengths do I possess that can help me achieve my version of success?

Celebrities with PTSD Journey

Celebrities who rule over the hearts of many often have darker aspects to their lives. Some have shared their journeys through PTSD, and these stories serve as a powerful source of motivation to rise above difficult times.

Lady Gaga, at the age of 19, experienced sexual harassment, which led to multiple hospitalizations to treat the mental and physical anxiety caused by PTSD. Dr Paul Conti treated her through talk therapy and medication. She eventually co-authored a book entitled Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic with Dr Conti, highlighting the multifaceted nature of trauma.

Jason Kander, a former Missouri Senate candidate, exhibited political strength, but deep down, he struggled with horrifying memories from his deployment in Afghanistan. He stepped away from his position to seek Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD treatment. His healing journey was featured in the 2023 award-winning documentary HERE. IS. BETTER.

Dorit Kemsley experienced a haunting turn in her life when she was robbed at gunpoint by multiple intruders in her Encino Hills home. This traumatic incident shook her sense of security and triggered PTSD symptoms. She found relief through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a therapy aimed at diverting the mind from disturbing memories. She even filmed an EMDR session to showcase the therapy’s transformative power.

PTSD and Lady Gaga — Lady Gaga, at the age of 19, experienced sexual harassment, which led to multiple hospitalizations to treat the mental and physical anxiety caused by PTSD.

Jaime Lowe experienced a similar trauma to Lady Gaga’s, but at the age of 13, and its effects lingered for decades. She turned to Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), which helped neutralize her traumatic memories. Moreover, she recorded ten of her therapy sessions for the famous NPR show This American Life, transforming from a person full of voids into an empowered individual.

Ariana Grande, a renowned pop star, suffered from intense fear after the suicide bombing at her concert in Manchester, UK, which took 22 lives. Brain scans revealed the deep impact of PTSD on her mind. Recognizing the need for help, she sought therapy, later claiming that treatment saved her life. This experience inspired her to think beyond herself and launch a $2 million initiative to provide therapy for her fans.

Darrell Hammond, known for his comedy on Saturday Night Live, was diagnosed with complex PTSD stemming from childhood abuse. He underwent Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to transform maladaptive thinking patterns, which he later discussed in the documentary Cracked Up.

Similarly, Prince Harry developed PTSD following the death of his mother, Princess Diana, which he addressed through EMDR therapy. Gabrielle Union, who survived a brutal sexual assault, found healing through talk therapy.

Four Risk Pathways for PTSD

There are four risk pathways for PTSD: pre-trauma risk factors, trauma characteristics, peri-trauma processes, and post-trauma processes.

Pre-trauma risk factors include demographics, prior trauma, psychological history, and personality traits, for instance, being female, having lower educational attainment, a history of childhood adversity, and high levels of neuroticism.

In PTSD, trauma characteristics, such as the type, severity, and context of the trauma, are of prime importance. Examples include interpersonal trauma, a high perceived threat to life, experiences of betrayal, and unpredictability.

Peri-trauma processes encompass psychological and biological responses that occur during or immediately after the traumatic event. These include dissociation, peritraumatic panic, physiological arousal, and the way the trauma is cognitively processed.

Post-traumatic processes refer to factors that sustain or worsen PTSD symptoms after the trauma has occurred. Examples include a lack of social support, negative coping strategies, feelings of guilt or shame, and ongoing stressors.

PTSD- Professional Support

No mental health condition can be conquered in isolation. While willpower plays a vital role, therapy significantly accelerates progress toward well-defined goals. Trauma-focused therapies are superior to non-trauma-focused treatments for PTSD.

Trauma-Informed Therapy: Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help reframe negative thoughts; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a promising technique for trauma recovery; Somatic Experiencing (SE) assists in relieving stress stored in the body; Exposure Therapy supports individuals in confronting fears and reducing avoidance behaviours; and Imagery Rescripting enables individuals to rescript their past experiences to change their response towards them.

Group Therapy: This form of psychotherapy offers individuals a safe space to share their experiences with others who face similar challenges. Guided by a therapist, group sessions complement individual therapy, fostering a shared understanding and healing.

Medication: In some cases, professional intervention is necessary to prescribe medications such as antidepressants (SSRIs), anti-anxiety drugs, or sleep aids. Some medications, like prazosin, may aid in nightmares. Regular medical check-ups are essential to ensure proper dosage and monitor side effects. Combining medication with psychotherapy may benefit complex cases.

Healthy Relationships and Boundaries

Finding understanding, easygoing people is a true blessing when dealing with PTSD, as it helps limit toxic interactions. If you’re surrounded by toxic individuals, it’s best to set firm boundaries or, when possible, walk away. Sometimes, having just one person in your life, someone who respects your pace, understands your trauma journey, encourages your growth, and provides emotional safety, can bring significant positivity to your life.

Empowering Self-Worth

PTSD often leads to heightened people-pleasing tendencies due to the trauma experienced by individuals with the condition. In such cases, personal empowerment becomes essential. This can be achieved by learning to say “no” to unwanted commitments and “yes” to opportunities that promote healing and growth. Setting these boundaries is vital for fostering inner growth and peace.

Small Wins mean Big Progress

Survivors of PTSD can thrive in their lives, even with occasional focus challenges, by setting small, achievable goals. This step-by-step approach helps build confidence. Engaging in meaningful activities, such as writing, journaling, playing music, or volunteering, can add purpose to their lives. Practicing self-compassion by acknowledging and celebrating their progress is also crucial for healing and growth.

Brain fog and energy fluctuations are common challenges faced by individuals with PTSD. In such cases, adhering to a rigid 9-to-5 work schedule may not be effective. Tasks should be time-framed based on available mental energy, breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps. This approach is a wise way to address the concerns linked with PTSD. It’s essential to remember that this strategy may not be effective every day. You are not giving up; you are simply regaining your lost energy.

Spiritual Growth

Spiritual awakening can offer comfort during times of stress and anxiety. Individuals experiencing painful situations often learn to accept pain as a natural part of personal growth. Spiritual development brings benefits such as improved relationships, a deeper sense of purpose, and greater meaning in life. It also strengthens resilience and contributes to overall well-being.

Pain to Purpose Journey

Many individuals who overcome PTSD go on to become artists and healers. Their painful journey often empowers them to serve as advocates and educators, as it fosters deeper insight and empathy. Trauma can awaken heightened intuitive abilities and mental resilience, providing the strength to rise as leaders.

Celebrate Small Successes

Individuals with PTSD should learn to find happiness in small, everyday successes. Simply battling the symptoms each day and preparing for the next is an achievement in itself. Completing daily tasks at home or work, without letting things slip, deserves to be celebrated, even if only within the heart.

References:

https://www.pickingupthepeaces.org.au/ptsd-disorder/ptsd-symptoms/living-with-ptsd/
https://www.nemahealth.com/blog-posts/8-celebrities-with-ptsd
https://seattleanxiety.com/psychology-psychiatry-interview-series/2023/5/19/psychologist-george-bonanno-on-trauma-ptsd-amp-resileince?
Vogt, D. S., D. W. King, and L. A. King. “Risk pathways for PTSD: Making sense of the literature. 293 In: Friedman MJ, Keane TM, Resick PA, eds.” Handbook of PTSD: Science and practice294: 99-115.
Wampold, Bruce E., et al. “Determining what works in the treatment of PTSD.” Clinical psychology review8 (2010): 923-933.
Hamblen, J., and B. Erisn. “PTSD in children and adolescents: National center for PTSD.” Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry49 (2012): 980-988.
Van der Kolk, Bessel A. “Clinical implications of neuroscience research in PTSD.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences1 (2006): 277-293.
Cukor, Judith, et al. “Emerging treatments for PTSD.” Clinical psychology review8 (2009): 715-726.
Kearns, Megan C., et al. “Early interventions for PTSD: a review.” Depression and anxiety 10 (2012): 833-842.
Foa, Edna B., Terence M. Keane, and Matthew J. Friedman. “Guidelines for treatment of PTSD.” Journal of Traumatic Stress (2000).

More from this author: Equipping Children with Survival Strategies in War Emergencies

When Nature Strikes: The Devastating Human Cost of Pakistan’s Flood Crisis

Zoha Imran

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July 28, 2025

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When Nature Strikes: The Devastating Human Cost of Pakistan’s Flood Crisis

“I went to Chakwal to interview people about how their lives were being affected by climate change. While I was there, the weather suddenly changed, and it rained heavily, 443 mm, which was the highest recorded rainfall. A few days later, it rained in Islamabad, and Saidpur village was badly hit by urban flooding, said to be caused by a cloudburst.

My own area, near the Margalla Hills, was also drowned in rain. It came down so fast that in minutes, water was up to my knees. Roads were blocked, whole areas were cut off, the River Sawan flooded, and the Nullah Lai in Rawalpindi overflowed.

This kind of urban flooding is terrifying for ordinary people because unplanned constructions and housing societies block natural water flow and push the flood into homes and streets. That night, I was stuck outside until 12:30 a.m. and only made it home with the help of friends.

I had interviewed many people about climate change, but this was the first time I experienced it myself. Now I truly know what it feels like,” recalls Saadeqa Khan, Editor-in-Chief of Scientia Magazine.

Her experience reflects what millions across Pakistan are now facing as climate disasters escalate. The helplessness of people in these moments is beyond words. It is no longer just the rural communities, like those devastated by the 2022 floods, who are at risk. This time, the floodwaters have reached the cities, threatening the very core of Pakistan.

As Anatol Lieven writes in Pakistan: A Hard Country, “In the long run, the greatest threat to Pakistan’s existence is not insurgency, but ecological change.” He was not wrong.

The numbers from 2022 alone reveal the scale of devastation. That year’s floods displaced eight million people, killed more than 1,700, and injured over 13,000. Yet despite disasters of this magnitude repeating year after year, serious measures to prepare for and mitigate such crises remain largely absent. The pattern has not changed but has intensified three years later.

By mid-July 2025, relentless monsoon rains and flash floods had already claimed 163 lives across the country. The Twin Cities and several districts of Punjab, including Chakwal and Babusar Top in KPK, were submerged by sudden cloudbursts, with entire neighborhoods drowning in a matter of hours.

Survivors in remote areas are left with invisible wounds that rarely heal. For families who have lost everything, survival inevitably takes precedence over therapy or counseling.

Pakistan contributes less than one percent to global carbon emissions, yet it ranks as the eighth most vulnerable country in the world to climate-related disasters, according to the Climate Risk Index (UNDP, n.d.). The injustice is stark. Those who contribute the least to the crisis are the ones who pay the heaviest price. Part of the reason lies in Pakistan’s geography. Its vast network of glaciers, which feed the Indus River, is melting at unprecedented rates. These overfilled rivers fuel destructive flash floods, while ever-intensifying heat waves, driven by global greenhouse gas emissions, kill hundreds each year (Energy Tracker Asia, n.d.).

Adding to this, cloudbursts, once rare, are now becoming more frequent in Pakistan. Warmer temperatures caused by climate change increase the amount of moisture the air can hold, and when this moisture is suddenly released, it triggers intense downpours within a short span, overwhelming drainage systems and natural waterways. The result is instant, destructive flooding in both rural and urban landscapes.

We all saw the tragedy in DHA, where a father and daughter were swept away in the floods. They were seen waving and calling for help, yet no one could save them. One video that spread rapidly online showed a family standing on a rock in the middle of a river in Swat, reportedly to take photographs, when a sudden surge of floodwaters swept them away within seconds. It left millions of Pakistanis asking themselves the same haunting question: Are we ever truly safe, even in our own homes?

These “what ifs” echo in the minds of survivors and witnesses alike, planting seeds of fear and lasting mental distress. For rural families, the toll is even heavier. Elderly people and children, already the most vulnerable, face a lifetime of anxiety and grief. They lose not just their homes but also the very sense of security that anchors their lives. Many can only ask themselves in despair: Where do I go now? Everything is gone. My farm, my cattle, and my children are scattered. I no longer even have a home to return to.

The voices of survivors reveal the human cost more than any number ever could. Obaidullah, a survivor of the 2022 floods, recalls the day he was stranded on a rock as floodwaters raged around him. One by one, his friends were swept away before his eyes. Villagers risked their lives to pull him to safety with ropes, but the memory still haunts him. “It was very painful to see that I couldn’t do anything for my friends”, he told Al Jazeera, his voice breaking as he relived the moment.

Another victim, Rustam, an 80-year-old farmer, described the despair he felt during the same floods. “There were extreme rains, and some people informed us about the surprise flooding. We did not know where to go. Our villagers took me with them to a safe place. It was like I had already died, and people were dragging me there, as I am blind. There was around five feet of water in our home at that time. This flood was like doomsday. Our lands, houses, and everything else got destroyed.” (ShelterBox, n.d.).

Asif Shehzad, another victim, spoke about how unrelenting rains destroyed his home and livelihood. “It rained like I had never seen before in my life. Some livestock died when the roof collapsed. We feared the whole house would fall, so we took refuge under trees. Since that day, we have been living under the open sky. The disease has spread. My children have no medicine, no help. I don’t know what I will do if they fall sick.” (Al Jazeera, 2022).

These stories echo the fear and devastation faced by millions. They also underline a haunting reality: as climate change accelerates, those who contribute least to the crisis will continue to suffer the most, left to rebuild their shattered lives with little support and no certainty about what disaster will come next.

But the damage left behind is not just physical. For many survivors, the fear does not end when the floodwaters recede. The trauma lingers in sleepless nights, in the constant fear of another disaster, in the grief of losing loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. This invisible suffering is rarely acknowledged, yet it is as real as the destruction itself.

In Pakistan, mental health is rarely part of disaster relief. Limited resources and a fragile healthcare system mean psychological support, when available, is confined mostly to large cities. Survivors in remote areas are left with invisible wounds that rarely heal. For families who have lost everything, survival inevitably takes precedence over therapy or counseling.

This is even though nearly 78 percent of adults with mental health conditions in Pakistan remain untreated, with rates even higher for children. When outbreaks of waterborne diseases and deadly heat strokes still go under-addressed after such disasters, mental health is left at the very bottom of the list.

Their voices, often drowned out by statistics, remind us that these disasters are no longer rare events but a recurring reality. They also highlight a deeper injustice. Pakistan stands on the frontlines of a crisis it did not create, yet the world offers far too little support, and domestic efforts to prepare for future floods and heatwaves remain slow and insufficient. Without urgent action from both the international community and Pakistan’s leadership, millions will continue to pay the price for a climate crisis they did little to cause.

Climate financing, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and accessible mental health services are not luxuries. They are matters of survival. The waters will rise again. The only question is whether we will be ready, or whether we will once again leave the most vulnerable to face the next deluge alone.

References:

Al Jazeera. (2022, August 30). Non-stop rains leave families homeless and stranded in Pakistan. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/30/non-stop-pakistan-rains-leave-families-homeless-stranded
BBC News. (2022, September 2). Pakistan floods: Climate change made rainfall up to 50% more intense. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-62758811
Energy Tracker Asia. (n.d.). Heat wave in Pakistan: A warning the world can’t ignore. Retrieved July 24, 2025, from https://energytracker.asia/heat-wave-in-pakistan/
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (n.d.). Climate Promise II: Supporting Pakistan’s climate action. Retrieved July 24, 2025, from https://www.undp.org/pakistan/projects/climate-promise-ii
(n.d.). Rustam’s story. Retrieved July 24, 2025, from https://shelterbox.org/impact/rustams-story/

A Celestial Discovery: New Images Uncover the Hidden Companion of Betelgeuse

Scientia

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July 22, 2025

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A Celestial Discovery: New Images Uncover the Hidden Companion of Betelgeuse

Cuddled with Betelgeuse, a bright red star in the constellation Orion, astronomers may have finally found the giant star’s long-sought companion. This close-orbiting partner, first postulated over a century ago, matches some predictions and adds another piece to the puzzle of the mysterious supergiant star.

The images, to appear in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, show the companion only faintly. Astronomers and others in the field agree that the discovery, while exciting, is not definitive.

“At this point, it is quite tough to say whether or not the detection is believable. We’ll have to wait and see if the companion can be confirmed with more instruments,” tells Sarah Blunt to Science News. She is an astronomer at the University of California and was not involved with the study.

If confirmed, the new star would conventionally be named α Orionis B. Previously, it has been informally called the Betelbuddy, and the astronomers behind the new work suggest the name Siwarha, meaning “her bracelet,” about the supergiant’s name, which translates from Arabic as “hand of the giant.”

The companion appears to orbit the supergiant at a distance just four times that between Earth and the sun, putting the companion within Betelgeuse’s expansive outer atmosphere — a perilous spot for a small star.

“The companion will have drag in its orbit,” says study coauthor Steve Howell, an astronomer at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif. As a result, the companion faces an astronomically imminent death: Within 10,000 years, it will be sucked into Betelgeuse.

The star has a mass around 1.5 times that of the Sun, and it is a hot blue-white star orbiting Betelgeuse at a distance equivalent to four times the distance between Earth and the Sun, fairly close for binary stars. That means it exists within the extended atmosphere of Betelgeuse. This represents the first time a companion star has been detected so close to a red supergiant.

Beyond this research’s implications for Betelgeuse and its ill-fated companion, it tells scientists more about why red supergiants undergo periodic changes in brightness how periods of many years.

When Science Meets Silence: Decoding Post-Mortem Techniques in the Humaira Asghar Investigation

Anam Ilyas

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July 15, 2025

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When Science Meets Silence: Decoding Post-Mortem Techniques in the Humaira Asghar Investigation

On 8^th July 2025, a court official broke a locked flat in the posh Defence Phase VI area of the city of Karachi and found nothing but bones and shredded pieces of garment, the skeletal remains of an actress, Humaira Asghar, who had disappeared in the eyes of the public a few months before. The house rent was not paid in months, she had left stale groceries in the fridge back in September 2024, and her phone settled into a period of silence in the first week of October.

An early report of the autopsy, published on July 11, 2025, the corpse was found in an advanced state of decomposition, and soft tissues were poorly preserved. The facial muscles were entirely decomposed, and the fingers and nails were rotten so that they were more than just bare bones. The muscle tissue was completely missing in several parts of the body, and the bones were so weak that they started crumbling when they were touched.

There was a full stage of decomposition in the brain by autolysis, and the internal organs had turned into a black colored mass. There was a complete absence of joint cartilage. Regardless of all this decomposition, bone fractures were not identified. The head and the spine were structurally intact, but the spinal cord was absent. There was also a sight of brown colored insects, especially in the hair, but there were no maggots perceived [1].

The timeline confusion was caused by the fact that early police suspicion was calculated as weeks, opponent to phone data analysis, pointing to October 2024. The investigators now tend to believe the latter, which is that the corpse was found after 9 months [2].

Buzz raged in the social media: “A post-mortem is useless! This late?”

Well, remains still provide a story after soft tissue has gone, even though our listening will have to be different. Let’s have a broader view of the role and occupation of modern forensics in linking up to the dead and being able to “hear” the dead much longer, after the secrets of the dead body have been dissolved by time.

Now few questions may arise in the mind of the reader. Like, what are the responses that one can get as a result of skeletonization? However, can we still have a useful autopsy? And why do we have cases on “cause of death reserved”?

Let’s find answers to your questions:

The decomposition of the body depends on the dependability of environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and exposure, as well as the enclosure of the body inside a room. But this degree of breakdown usually needs some weeks or a few months. Autolysis is the self-digestion of cells with the help of their enzymes of the body. The human brain is soft and rich in enzymes.

Thus, it turns into sludge very rapidly, liquefying in most cases during the initial stages of the decay. Various body parts decompose at varying rates. Protected structures such as the skull and spine, and hard tissues such as bones, take longer, and soft bodies like muscles and organs decompose sooner, both in warm weather as well as wet weather [3].

The missing maggots may indicate that the body had not been outside to the open for a long period, or the actions of the insects occurred earlier, and the larvae had already grown up and departed. It further indicates that the body was covered in a dry environment or a closed area [4].

Blackening of the organs depicts that the organs have lost their form and have turned into a liquid mass in the case of advanced decay. It is black due to the breakdown of tissues, bacterial activity, and the release of gas. The forensic scientists refer to the careful visual inspection, X-rays, or CT scans to search the evidence of trauma. In weakened bones, it is common to find breaks or old fractures still visible [5].

Cartilage is slower to decompose in comparison to soft tissue, but quicker as compared to bone. Its lack indicates the fact that the body has been decomposing already over a significant period of time, most probably months.

When flesh is gone, important clues such as bruises, hemorrhage, and organ pathology vanish. The surgeon reserves judgment until chemical lab tests return. Skeletonization is the last change in the human body during the process of decomposition, when all we are left with are bones (or, in rare cases, tendons or hair). Although not much information can be obtained when soft tissues are not present, a lot of data can still be obtained by forensic investigators.

Among important responses or insights that can be gained by using a skeletonized body are: DNA elements that can be derived from heavy pieces of bones (e.g., femur, teeth) to determine identity or blood kinship. Identity can be proved by matching the structures of the dentition to recognized dental records. It is possible to approximate the appearance of a person using skull characteristic features with the help of forensic artists or with the help of special programs.

The presence of bone fractures may refer to any blunt force or gunshot injuries, and sharp force (e.g., knife cuts). Bones can contain heavy metals, drugs, or poisons. Hair Analysis provides a time scale of drug and toxicant exposure by week or month. Activity of insects in the surrounding environment may give time-since-death estimations. Color, cracking, and wearing on bones contribute to estimating the period of exposure the body has had.

Although there is no more flesh except the skeleton remains, through the expertise of well-trained forensic scientists, the skeleton can testify. Each of the responses contains a very important piece of the puzzle to know who the individual was, how they lived, and how they died. It is not an impossible autopsy. To attempt to determine the cause of death, experts consider the bones, any injury patterns, toxicology, and DNA evidence, even in the absence of soft tissues [6].

Cause of Death!

Another common notation placed on the cases is the label of “cause of death reserved” in situations where the forensic pathologist cannot ascertain the cause of death immediately after the post-mortem report. There are cases when the body does not have any distinct external or internal damages.

In this instance, the pathologist would have to await a toxicology result (to drug, poison, etc.), a histology report (samples of tissue), or a microbiology report to make a final decision. Soft tissue evidence is destroyed in cases where the body is lying in a poor condition, stained with skeletal remains, or burnt, due to which it becomes hard to detect things like heart attack, suffocation, or internal bleeding. The cause of death can even be held pending by the experts to search elsewhere, like bone break, toxicology, or DNA.

In cases when there is no serious trauma, pathology, or possible defect during an autopsy, it is difficult to say that the person died because of a particular reason without further examination. Some of the results might demand the study of a forensic toxicologist, neuropathologist, or radiologist.

The pathologists withhold the cause until they get the expert opinion. Withholding the cause will spare the forensic team the need to make conclusions prematurely or inaccurately. A rapid verdict might lead investigators or the families, or a court astray, particularly in delicate or high-profile situations.

Science of Human Decomposition

Once death strikes, the biology of the body then follows a definite course, which is called as sequence of decomposition. Under the fresh stage (02 days), the body cools down, the body stiffens with rigor mortis, and the initial population of insects, most commonly flies, lay eggs. This is then followed by the bloat stage (2-7 days) when the gas produced by the bacteria accumulates to cause the swelling to be noticeable, the skin starts to take a marbled effect as the blood vessels break, and the outer skin can begin to peel off.

Then the active stage of decay (1-3 weeks) occurs, when tissues liquefy and seepages of body fluids and a powerful, unpleasant odor are emitted. At the advanced decay phase (1-6 months), a good portion of the body mass is lost, the inner worrying hollows out, bones are incipient, as soft tissues are being eaten.

At last, the dry or skeletal stage is achieved (months or years), by which bones, hair, and some dried tendons are left. This development may differ depending on the environmental factor, but in most cases, there is a fairly consistent route as reported by forensic materials such as the NCBI.

The coastal climate of Karachi is conducive to a rapid fulfillment of such steps through heat, humidity, and insect (worm) accessibility, but even in literal dry bones, there survive molecules. Drugs may adsorb into hair keratin, DNA may conceal itself in cortical bone, proteins and microbes take part in measured mutation.

The Post-Mortem Laboratory Toolbox

Many post-mortem techniques can be employed by a forensic scientist to find evidence, even where the soft tissue has been disintegrated. Traditional autopsies are good in detecting fractures, bullet injuries, and diseases of the organs, but they lose their value when there is loss of the soft tissues, bones, and teeth are still important sources of information. Compared to this, radiology methods such as CT or MRI, also known as Virtopsy, are much more effective in testing invisible fractures, metal or air embolisms, not to mention bones and even mummies [5].

Immunohistochemistry and histology depict cell-level damage and disease, but only when tissue is preserved, and so are not well suited to advanced decay. However, the body might have decayed, and yet toxicology could still detect drugs or poisons right down to those sources that are highly persistent, like hair, bone marrow, and adipocere [7].

Attributable to the preservation of dense skulls and teeth, the DNA profiling remains one of the most trusted methods of ascertaining individuality and kinship [8]. The use of forensic entomology and botany allows estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) as well as determining the relocation of a body since insect activations are observed even in the absence of soft tissues [9].

When people find a dead body in a situation of advanced decomposition, it could appear that it is not possible to reveal the truth about the history of the events. The skin, the muscles have disappeared, and essential organs have become sludge. What explanations are there left? However, this is where forensic science starts preaching on behalf of the dead.

Forensic science still speaks even after the flesh decayed long ago, suggested by the presence of bones, hair, insects, and even microbial remains. Whether it is a fragment of evidence full of degradation itself or otherwise, it potentially holds one truth that can satisfy justice, safeguard the health of people, and give closure to grieving families.

Forensic science can still interpret its deeper chapters that are captured inside hair, bones, and insects. It is with such ways that the dead proceed to testify, they do this in silence but it is powerful evidence when it comes to uncovering the truth.

Science can speak, even when the body can no longer speak.

References:

Also read: Cracking the Enigma of Crimes by Nanotechnology with Dr. Shahid Nazir Paracha

The Power of Numbers: How Population Trends Impact Our Future

Yameen Bin Yahya

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July 11, 2025

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The Power of Numbers: How Population Trends Impact Our Future

We live in a world where one part could be experiencing huge population growth, and the other could collapse because of its aging population crisis. For example, Japan, with its aging population, is struggling to find a new workforce; China and India, with their rapidly growing populations, are struggling to develop infrastructure at such a rapid pace. And countries like Pakistan have issues feeding their huge population.

The rapid urbanization stresses infrastructure, while the youth demand education. Declining birth rates necessitate policy shifts. Understanding fertility, migration, and age structures is crucial.

Population projections aid healthcare and education planning. Spatial analysis reveals resource inconsistencies, and statistical models link trends to economic growth.

Understanding the dynamics of fertility, migration, and age structures is no longer an academic exercise. It is essential for planning our future. Population projections shape everything from healthcare systems to educational frameworks, while spatial analysis exposes deep inequities in resource distribution. Statistical models reveal how demographic patterns are intimately linked to economic growth or decline. This is not a distant issue; the population crisis is unfolding now, and if ignored, its consequences will be devastating.

Global Warning Signs: We Can No Longer Ignore!

The global population surpassed 8 billion in 2022 and is projected to exceed 10 billion by 2050. Much of this growth is occurring in regions least equipped to handle it—sub-Saharan Africa will nearly double in population, South Asia will increase by nearly 10 percent, and parts of the Middle East.

In these areas, essential services like clean water, electricity, healthcare, and education are already strained or inaccessible. High fertility rates combined with poverty, weak governance, and limited infrastructure create a cycle of suffering. The bigger the population grows, the harder it becomes to climb out of poverty or provide opportunities.

At the same time, many high-income nations are experiencing a demographic downturn. Japan, Germany, South Korea, and Italy all face shrinking populations due to dramatically low birth rates, with the latter having the lowest birth rates of any country, with 5.62 births per 1000, and longer life expectancies.

An aging population brings major consequences. Fewer working-age individuals mean slower economic growth, social welfare systems become unsustainable, healthcare costs skyrocket, and innovation and labor productivity decline. Without significant immigration or radical policy reform, these countries are headed for economic stagnation and social stress.

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, over the past two decades, the population has grown rapidly from around 140 million in the early 2000s to over 240 million today. This explosive growth has placed immense pressure on the country’s already fragile infrastructure, society, and livelihoods. Major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are struggling to keep up with the demand for housing, clean water, education, and healthcare. Rural areas face persistent issues of poverty, limited access to services, and high birth rates.

Although the federal government has introduced family planning initiatives and awareness campaigns, progress has been slow due to inconsistent implementation, political neglect, and cultural barriers. With a large portion of the population under 30, the country faces mounting challenges in creating enough jobs, feeding its people, and preventing further social instability. Without serious long-term policy planning and investment in human development, the consequences of this unchecked growth will only deepen.

The Dual Demographic Crisis: Declining Fertility and the Politics of Migration

Over 50 percent of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, a figure that’s growing rapidly. But instead of prosperity, urbanization often brings overcrowding, pollution, and infrastructure collapse. Informal settlements grow faster than cities can build roads, homes, or sanitation systems. Housing crises, traffic gridlock, rising inequality, and social unrest are all symptoms of urban systems pushed beyond their limits. In many cities, the pace of population growth has long since outstripped the capacity for planning.

Countries like Spain, Italy, South Korea, and parts of Eastern Europe have fertility rates far below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. This creates a domino effect. Schools and childcare services downsize, housing markets weaken, workforces shrink, and consumer demand drops. Governments introduce incentives like tax breaks and paid parental leave, but so far, these efforts haven’t been enough to reverse the trend.

Migration has always been a tool to balance demographic imbalances—young workers from one region helping support aging populations in another. But today, migration is increasingly viewed through a political lens. Climate refugees, economic migrants, and asylum seekers often face hostile borders and xenophobic rhetoric.

Developed nations resist the very migration flows they need to sustain their economies. Meanwhile, low-income countries lose valuable talent to brain drain. Without coordinated global policy, migration will continue to be a source of division rather than a solution.

The Data Has Been Clear for Years

Demographers, scientists, and data analysts have been sounding the alarm for decades. The tools exist to predict and prepare for these shifts, but are largely underused or ignored. Census and household surveys provide long-term demographic trends in age, fertility, and household composition. Statistical models help forecast economic, environmental, and health impacts of population shifts.

With the rise of artificial intelligence and big data, it is now possible to track migration patterns, urbanization, and resource use in real time. Spatial analysis can pinpoint which regions are being left behind or overburdened. Longitudinal studies reveal how demographic changes compound over time and affect generational outcomes.

Despite the wealth of data and insight, political will remains weak. Decision-makers often delay action due to short election cycles, misinformation, or public resistance to unpopular reforms. The gap between what we know and what we do continues to grow, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

The Price of Inaction

If current trends continue without significant intervention, the cost will be enormous. Countries with aging populations face rising healthcare costs, pension shortfalls, and slowed economic growth. Such as Finland and Japan, meanwhile, nations with uncontrolled population growth remain locked in cycles of poverty and underdevelopment, unable to scale up services or generate sufficient jobs.

More people mean more consumption of energy, water, land, and food. Overcrowded cities become hotbeds of pollution and disease. Natural resources are depleted faster than they can be replenished, and environmental degradation accelerates. An aging population requires expensive, long-term care. In overpopulated regions, hospitals become overwhelmed and sanitation systems collapse. Public health emergencies become more common and harder to control.

Youth unemployment, climate migration, and social inequality are fertile ground for extremism. When people lose faith in institutions and the future looks bleak, authoritarianism gains appeal. Polarized politics, ethnic tensions, and nationalist ideologies feed off demographic pressures. Social cohesion fractures, and the risk of conflict increases.

What Can Be Done?

There’s still time to respond—if we act wisely and quickly. Developed countries must create legal, efficient pathways for immigration. These policies should attract young, skilled workers and support their integration into society. At the same time, governments must invest in young families. Making parenthood more affordable through housing support, childcare subsidies, and workplace flexibility is crucial to reversing declining birth rates.

Urban planning must become more forward-looking and inclusive. Cities need better public transport, more green space, and sustainable infrastructure to meet the demands of the future. Technological solutions like automation and artificial intelligence can help offset labor shortages, particularly in healthcare, logistics, and aging services. But technology alone is not enough.

International collaboration is essential; Countries must work together to manage migration, share data, support vulnerable regions, and invest in climate resilience. Demographic challenges do not respect borders, and global cooperation is the only way to manage them effectively.

The Clock Is Ticking

The population crisis is already reshaping our world. The data is clear, the impacts are visible, and the stakes are incredibly high. Whether it’s the collapse of an aging society, the strain of overpopulation, or the chaos of unmanaged migration, inaction is no longer an option. We can’t stop demographic change, but we can shape our response to it. With smart policy, global cooperation, and science-led strategies, we still have a chance to turn this crisis into a catalyst for renewal.

The question is not whether change is coming. It’s whether we will be ready when it does!

References:

Death, Resilience, and Hope: A Review of “As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow”

Khadija Tariq

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July 8, 2025

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Death, Resilience, and Hope: A Review of “As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow”

Most of us take safety for granted, but safety is not a universal reality, especially in our current world. Zoulfa Katouh’s novel “As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow” is a moving portrayal of survival, love, and resistance during the Syrian civil war. It is a deeply human story told through the eyes of Salama, a young pharmacy student who unexpectedly finds herself amid a revolution and is forced to become a surgeon.

The book does not merely recount the horrors of war—it reveals how war lives inside a person and shapes their everyday reality. It highlights the stark contrast between the comfort of peace and the chaos of conflict. It shows what it means to make impossible choices when your country is falling apart and safety is a rare luxury.

Anxiety, hallucinations, and PTSD dominate Salama’s life. Along with external battles—finding food, clean water, shelter, and physical safety—the book presents her internal struggles. Salama hallucinates a figure she names ‘Khawf‘, the Arabic word for fear. Khawf walks her through the worst-case scenarios, acting as a “safety mechanism,” as she speculates in the novel, used by her mind to scare her into choosing flight in a fight-or-flight situation. But how can a seventeen-year-old abandon her entire life—her home, her past, her family’s graves?

War forces decisions no one should ever have to make. Salama faces them every single day, whether at work in the hospital or her personal life.

Katouh says,

“Fear is a cruel thing. The way it distorts thoughts, transforming them from molehills into mountains.”

One day, Salama meets a boy whose sister she is treating at the hospital. A series of events leads to a bond of faith, trust, and emotional dependence between them. This relationship becomes a rare breath of fresh air for readers. Despite the heartbreak around them, their connection represents resilience and hope in a war-torn city.

When we talk about the mental toll of war, we must understand the severity of the decisions involved. Imagine choosing to let an eight-year-old die because your hospital has no neurosurgeon. Imagine deciding which incubator babies to save because you can only carry a few while fleeing a bombed hospital. War destroys not only buildings, it deteriorates the mental and emotional well-being of entire generations.

lemon trees — Salama, the story’s protagonist, is stricken by war and forced to be a surgeon to save lives in a time of need. Illustration credit: Judy Albarazi. As long as the lemon Trees grow

Blood, body parts, mutilated children—these images should be enough for the world to stop and pay attention. But they’re not. The world is mostly indifferent. People avoid politics until war knocks on their door.

The novel makes it painfully clear that there are no “correct” choices in such circumstances. For some, staying is an act of bravery. For others, leaving is an act of survival. Salama’s journey is both devastating and empowering because it captures the full emotional storm behind such choices.

Katouh says, “Survivor’s skin is a remorse we are cursed to wear forever.”

Despite the darkness, the book ends with a sense of hope. The lemon trees in the title are more than a plant—it is a powerful symbol. It reminds us that no matter how hostile the world becomes, life continues. The lemon tree stands for home, memory, and resilience. It tells readers that even in the harshest conditions, people can hold on to love, kindness, and strength.

Zoulfa Katouh doesn’t offer an easy resolution or a small enemy. But she does offer resistance—proof that as long as even a seed of it remains, hope is alive. In her words, the oppressor may be powerful, but they are not all-powerful. The story closes not with a victory, but with a quiet promise: survival itself is a form of defiance.

Also Read: Tracing the Blueprint of Life – A Review of The Gene: An Intimate History

Swat Flood Tragedy: A Wake-Up Call on Climate Change, not a Headline to Forget

Environment

Yasir Ahmad

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July 5, 2025

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Swat Flood Tragedy: A Wake-Up Call on Climate Change, not a Headline to Forget

I remember having a cup of tea that day with my colleagues beside a hotel along the road overlooking the Swat River. The water was calm, the scenery was photogenic, and tourist families were enjoying, taking selfies as a light breeze cooled the valley. I observed people having breakfast beside the hotel constructed on the riverbank, snapping pictures and even going into the water despite the unpredictable weather and numerous alerts.

Then, in a matter of moments, the sky darkened, the river turned muddy, the water roared, and the calm river started to transform into a flash flood. Many people still couldn’t restrain themselves from going out until it was too late. We heard about a family of 17 people who became trapped between the rising waters, and soon after, they were swept away by the merciless waves.

Later, social media showed visuals of a family—women, children, and elderly men—caught in the raging waters, crying out desperately for help as the flood surged around them. One by one, they were swept away by the merciless currents. As of now, rescue operations are ongoing: four people have been rescued alive, while 12 bodies have been recovered, and one person is still missing.

A resident informed me that this isn’t an isolated incident; many similar events have occurred in previous years, and this won’t be the last. Officials involved in the mismanagement have been suspended, and an inquiry is underway. However, this response feels more like a swift reaction rather than a genuine effort for reform or a prevention strategy.

Ali Ahmad, a climate change expert, emphasizes that incidents like these serve as a continuous reminder that climate change is a pressing reality and not just a random occurrence in nature. He points out that the Germanwatch Climate Risk Index Report for 2025 reveals that Pakistan ranked Number one on the Climate Risk Index for 2022. Ahmad further explains that our monsoon season has become increasingly unpredictable and extreme as a direct consequence of climate change, evident from the events of 2022 and the current situation in Swat.

Ahmad warns that the “rapid melting of glaciers combined with erratic rainfall contributes to massive flash floods that cannot be effectively managed with just sandbags and rescue operations; instead, they require comprehensive long-term planning”.

He stresses the need to redirect funds towards the construction of diversion channels and small dams. Additionally, he states, “Our efforts must include reforestation, the dissemination of accurate weather information, the establishment of community-level early warning systems, and restrictions on construction along riverbanks.”

Ahmad emphasizes that integrating climate change education and safety measures into the school curriculum is essential for raising awareness in future generations. He insists that the government must prioritize climate change as a top national issue rather than treating it as merely a seasonal concern.

Standing on the riverbank, watching the locals and rescue teams search for missing people, he views this as a natural warning. He added that we are among the most vulnerable yet least prepared for climate change.

“These floods are no longer surprising; rather, it is our inaction that is shocking.” He argues that if the tragedy in Swat doesn’t motivate us to take action, then the next flood undoubtedly will, and it will come at an even greater cost. We should transform the SWAT flood response into a national initiative rather than allowing it to become a forgotten headline. If we fail to act, tragedies like this will continue to impact our communities with even greater intensity.

The floods in Swat should mark the moment we finally take climate change and safety seriously, rather than allowing it to become just another disaster we choose to overlook.

Also Read: Role of Climate Change in Economic Uncertainty in Pakistan

Finding Your North Star: Dr Mohammad Mustafa on Passion, Purpose, and Careers

Interviews

Abeer Asif

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July 3, 2025

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Finding Your North Star: Dr Mohammad Mustafa on Passion, Purpose, and Careers

Dr. Muhammad Mustafa, a renowned science communicator, professor, and cancer researcher, has represented Pakistan nationally and internationally on multiple occasions and platforms. He has empowered thousands of students both inside and outside classrooms to be more. More passionate, more empathetic, and more vocal about science.

His passion is visible as he sits surrounded by children of all ages, social backgrounds, and interests, all smiling ear-to-ear, captivated by the words and scientific spectacles they see. His experience is reflected by the multiple lectures, teacher-training sessions, and guest talks he has given in university classrooms and conferences, both locally and internationally.

However, behind all the success, memories, and moments, he is simply a man who loves science.

And so, on 25th June 2025, I sat down with him at Hairat Manzil (KSS headquarters) to ask him about his journey in science and how he knew that teaching science was his calling. We talked about pursuing one’s passion, finding scope, and how students can learn from his experience.

He smiled as he mentioned that he was never good at studying; although he enjoyed learning, he didn’t particularly enjoy reading. He had memorized most of the concepts that came along with his Matric textbooks, and although he passed his Matric exams, he didn’t quite understand the concepts well.

It was only when two juniors found him sitting outside his house and asked him to explain some concepts to them, did he discovered his passion for science and teaching and began to understand things more deeply. With a pencil and a few sheets of paper freshly purchased from their small neighborhood shop, they huddled together, and a mini-lecture started. One conversation turned into a class, then a few classes, and soon he was taking on the role of a paid tutor.

Dr. Mustafa is a science communicator — Dr. Mustafa is an Assistant Professor at Forman Christian College and the Executive Committee Member of Khwarizmi Science Society. Credit: Dr Mustafa

He recalls smiling that teaching became his north star. The magic of conveying information, the chaotic environment as students gathered around their teacher, and the feeling of satisfaction that came from each session was what he held on to for a long time and looked for at every stage of his life. When asked about pursuing his passion, he said, “It’s not about knowing what to pursue, it’s about knowing what not to.

There were multiple stages in my life where I could’ve moved away from teaching, but I never got the satisfaction that teaching a class of students gave me, and so I always returned. I knew what not to pursue and narrowed it down to what I wanted to pursue.”

It’s not about knowing what to pursue, it’s about knowing what not to—Dr Mustafa

With his primary studies in Chemistry and a PhD in Medical Sciences, he mentions that his interdisciplinary path was quite non-traditional, but it allowed him to see things in ways biologists or chemists individually couldn’t.

When I questioned him regarding how he made the decision and whether there was sufficient scope for these subjects at that time, he said, “Scope is not in the subjects one studies but, in the person studying them”.

For those who are unsure of what they want to pursue, Dr Mustafa says, “Your career comes later. First, you need to identify whether you resonate with the subject.”

He encourages students to sit with different fields, explore them in depth, and see how their minds react to them. He elaborates using astronomy as an example, “Watch documentaries, study stars, see how radiation is measured, study how a telescope works—spend one week with these things and see how they sit with you. Don’t let other people decide for you.”

He further elaborates on Biotechnology, “If you want to try Biotechnology or any research-related field, find a way to be in a laboratory, talk to the people who are doing the research, ask them what their research is all about and the problems they come across—sometimes these basic things are the research we need to do.”

He mentions that his job as a mentor isn’t to change someone’s academic beliefs/interests. It’s to encourage students to ask different questions that lead them to their personalized path.”

science demo — When asked what he’d do if he had an unlimited amount of money, Dr. Mustafa said, “I will build a university and then start teaching in it. Credit: Dr Mustafa

When asked for his comments for people from different fields, he mentions, “You should be good at artificial intelligence…you should know how to use artificial intelligence tools that are relevant to your field, regardless of which field and what you do.”

Hearing how he came into teaching, how that drove his fascination towards science, and how he encourages students to realize their paths made me realize one thing: No single person has the same story.

With career prospects, predicted graduate salaries, and future scope predictions, one seems to think that all of us are on a similar trajectory. However, we forget that each of us is unique, and we think differently. No two people who are eager to grow and learn both in their classrooms and in their own time will ever bring the same thing to the table. What matters is not that you do well in what is asked of you, butthat you strive to do well because your heart tells you to.

Scope is not in the subjects one studies but, in the person studying them—Dr Mustafa

When asked what he’d do if he had an unlimited amount of money, Dr Mustafa said, “I will build a university and then start teaching in it. I’ve never had any regrets about teaching. I wish I could die teaching.” He wasn’t pushed to be outstanding at what he does; he yearned to be. Nobody asked him to clock in his hours and develop a work-life balance; his work WAS an essential part of his life, and it brought him happiness.

Therefore, whatever you may choose to do, think about the career prospects, financial benefits, and future scope, but don’t leave your heart out of it. Ask yourself, would I be able to do this for free?

Despite its lows and struggles, is this bearable enough for me to push through?

If it is, jump headfirst and see what story you build for yourself.

Typos, Slang Trip Up AI Medical Assessments

Technology

Scientia

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July 1, 2025

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Typos, Slang Trip Up AI Medical Assessments

Common human typing errors and slang can trip up artificial intelligence (AI) programs designed to aid health care workers by reviewing health records, a new MIT study says.

Typos and extra white spaces can interfere with AI’s ability to properly analyze patient records, researchers reported this week at an Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) conference in Athens, Greece.

The researchers pointed out that the missing gender references or the use of slang can also foul up an AI’s treatment recommendations. They were also more likely to change these treatment recommendations for women, resulting in a higher percentage who were erroneously advised not to seek medical care, researchers add.

“These models are often trained and tested on medical exam questions but then used in tasks that are pretty far from that, like evaluating the severity of a clinical case,” said lead researcher Abinitha Gourabathina. She’s a graduate student with the MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in Cambridge, Mass.

A growing body of research is exploring the ability of AI to provide a second opinion for human doctors, researchers said in background notes. The programs are already being used to help doctors draft clinical notes and triage patient messages.

This study began when Gourabathina ran experiments in which she swapped gender cues in patient notes, then fed them into AI. She was surprised to find that simple formatting errors caused meaningful changes in responses.

To further explore this problem, researchers altered records by swapping or removing gender references, inserting extra space or typos into patient messages, or adding colorful or uncertain language.

Colorful language might include exclamations like “wow,” or adverbs like “really” or “very,” researchers said. Examples of uncertain language include hedge words like “kind of,” “sort of,” “possibly,” or “suppose.”

The patient notes preserved all clinical data, like prescription medications and previous diagnoses, while adding language that more accurately reflects how people type and speak.

“The medical datasets these models are trained on are usually cleaned and structured, and not a very realistic reflection of the patient population,” Gourabathina said. “We wanted to see how these very realistic changes in text could impact downstream use cases.”

The team ran these records past four different AIs, asking whether a patient should manage their symptoms at home, come in for a clinic visit, or get a lab test to better evaluate their condition.

When the AIs were fed the altered or “perturbed” data, they were 7 to 9 percent more likely to recommend that patients care for themselves, results show. The use of colorful language, like slang or dramatic expression, had the greatest impact, researchers said.

The models also made about 7 percent more errors for female patients and were more likely to recommend that women self-manage at home, even when researchers removed all gender cues from the records.

Follow-up research currently under review found that the same changes didn’t affect the accuracy of human doctors, researchers added. Researchers plan to continue their work by testing records that better mimic real messages from patients. They also plan to study how artificial intelligence programs infer gender from clinical tests.

Researchers reported their findings at the meeting, which ends today. Findings presented at medical meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

References:

Crisis and Courage: Inside the Lives of Emergency Physicians in the War-torn Regions

Saadeqa Khan

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June 27, 2025

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Crisis and Courage: Inside the Lives of Emergency Physicians in the War-torn Regions

“I scroll aimlessly on my phone, stumbling onto video footage of Shaban Al-Dalou, a 19-year-old man engulfed in flames outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Gaza. I immediately recognize the hospital and nearby flimsy tents crammed with displaced families. I had worked as a doctor on those very grounds, which became a makeshift village with its subculture.”

“In my time working as a pediatrician in Gaza, I saw starving babies gasping for air and reaching for their mothers, who were buried under rubble. I treated an entire family who had sustained third-degree burns, eyes blistered shut, children’s genitalia scorched and disfigured from bombardment,” describes Dr Seema Jilani.

Dr Seema Jilani is a pediatric specialist with extensive experience working in Afghanistan, Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Sudan, Lebanon, Egypt, and the Balkans. Her radio documentary, “Israel and Palestine: The Human Cost of the Occupation,” was nominated for a Peabody Award.

“The war in Gaza has taken its toll on us as mothers. I chose to leave my seven-year-old daughter behind to treat war-wounded children who resembled her, except that their limbs hung by a thread of flesh and their bodies were charred black beyond recognition,” Dr Jilani writes while describing her painful experiences in Gaza.

WAR — Dr. Seema Jilani treats a baby at al-Aqsa hospital in Gaza. Photo, Tarneem Hammad/MAP

The world has been enduring violence for a long time, with regions such as Kashmir, Palestine, Southern Africa, Yemen, and Ukraine experiencing significant bloodshed. A large part of the population is at serious risk due to violence, bombings, and unlawful killings.

In 2025, we have seen a sudden rise in conflicts among various nations. In May 2025, India launched an attack on Pakistan, followed by Israel’s attack on Iran in June. The conflicts remain unresolved, and the region feels like a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment, putting the lives of billions in danger.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, nearly 58,400 people have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, as of June 2025. Hospitals in the region are facing a severe crisis due to the ongoing conflict, with many facilities either damaged or destroyed, and a critical shortage of essential supplies and staff. The situation has rendered hospitals barely functional, operating at dangerously high capacity, which severely impacts their ability to provide adequate care.

In May 2025, the World Health Organization published a new report following a renewed intensification of attacks on Gaza by Israel. The report reveals that 28 attacks on healthcare facilities and hospitals have been recorded. Of the 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip, only 19 remain operational. These hospitals include just one that is providing basic care to the remaining patients still inside. They are struggling under extreme supply shortages, a lack of health workers, persistent insecurity, and a surge in casualties, all while staff are forced to work in impossible conditions.

“We realized early on that we would likely be one of the last hospitals standing in southern Gaza,” says Dr. Michael Grady, a volunteer with the International Medical Corps who spent six weeks at one of our field hospitals in Gaza. “I worked at a field hospital that lacked CAT scanners and MRI machines, relying solely on basic diagnostic skills to examine patients.”

Dr Grady, who was born and raised in Massachusetts, has been recognized with the International Medical Corps’ Henry H. Hood Distinguished Service Award 2024 for his dedication and bravery as a volunteer. Over the past 30 years, he has actively volunteered to provide medical care and has previously worked in Haiti and West Africa with various non-profit organizations.

WAR — Dr Grady examines a patient at an International Medical Corps field hospital in Gaza. Photo, International Medical Corps.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Dr Grady sought an organization where he could offer his services. A close friend introduced him to the International Medical Corps. He was impressed by the organization’s focus on training and security and decided to join their team in Ukraine.

“Ukraine was different from other humanitarian work I’ve done,” Dr Grady explains. “It was more about teaching. The individuals who had been providing emergency care before the war were recruited to the front lines, leaving significant gaps in their healthcare system.”

Along with several volunteers and staff members, Dr Grady provided comprehensive emergency and trauma care training to Ukrainian healthcare workers, public safety personnel, and other community leaders.

Soon after, the International Medical Corps deployed a field hospital to Gaza to provide urgently needed healthcare to civilians affected by the war. Despite the dangers, Dr Grady felt compelled to help and joined the International Medical Corps’ initial field hospital in southern Gaza, where he stayed for over a month.

“Gaza was an extremely intense place to work,” he recalls. Initially, we anticipated treating a few dozen patients a day. But suddenly, the numbers skyrocketed to 100 patients daily, and then to 600. We expected only a couple of cases in the emergency department each day. Instead, we were overwhelmed with 30, 40, and then 50 critically injured patients arriving one after another due to explosions.”

Dr Grady shared the painful memories of patients and their families during his discussions with CNN and CBS News regarding the humanitarian crisis in Southern Gaza. He explained that working in a war zone is always challenging for doctors and physicians, but what he observed in Gaza was particularly painful and heartbreaking. At times, the medical staff would burst into tears, finding it difficult to offer compassion and hope to the patients and their families.

war — A destroyed hospital in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition is bombing the Haydan region daily. Photo, Yann Geay/MSF

When International War Laws Fail, and You Still Have to Deliver Services!

“International humanitarian law often feels like a meaningless phrase in these times. The indiscriminate attacks on hospitals and civilians—either directly targeted or conveniently labeled as collateral damage—add an extra layer of complexity to the situation.”

“Medical staff sometimes find themselves questioning whether their work in a war zone is worth the risks they take. The answer to this question should be obvious from the start; it is a question that should never have to be asked, especially given the severe humanitarian needs present.”

“Wartime doctors often face moments of helplessness. They understand that there will always be another surge of patients arriving at the hospital,” as Dr Alan de Lima Pereira noted. He served in Yemen during the war in 2016, which he described as another forgotten conflict where the most vulnerable and innocent suffered the most.

Humanity Over Personal Safety?

“I have never questioned my safety. As a doctor dedicated to humanitarian service, I have always felt secure; I have never felt at risk. In my view, my commitment to serving others and my profession as a humanitarian doctor provide me with protection,” says Dr Louise Koster.

“By using my medical expertise for the benefit of humanity, I experience the freedom and opportunity to fully trust in life. I find safety within my commitment; it is a sanctuary and a space of truth. I have learned to trust life by following my true path. By dedicating myself to humanitarian service, I am assured that life will protect and care for me.”

Dr Louis Koster has been a spiritual teacher, medical doctor, and coach in the self-help industry for over 30 years. He has worked with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) during the war in Liberia. He suggests that if you are an empath and want to test your strengths and beliefs, consider working as a medical doctor or volunteer in war zones. This experience will profoundly change your life!

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References:

References:

Cause of Death!

Science of Human Decomposition

The Post-Mortem Laboratory Toolbox

Global Warning Signs: We Can No Longer Ignore!

The Dual Demographic Crisis: Declining Fertility and the Politics of Migration

The Data Has Been Clear for Years

The Price of Inaction

What Can Be Done?

The Clock Is Ticking

References:

References:

When International War Laws Fail, and You Still Have to Deliver Services!

Humanity Over Personal Safety?

References:

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