Call / Whatsapp
+918447748545

Published on: Apr 06, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

MicroRNA That Makes Them Fight COVID Better ?

Recently you may have read a New Delhi based International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) sequenced the genome (genetic data) of SARS-COV-2 (coronavirus) from India, Italy, US, Nepal and Wuhan, China. They found that the Indian variant of SARS-CoV2 has the potential to be targeted by antiviral RNA within host cells, a feature that is unique to the Indian strain.

This amazing finding has been published on blogs, newspapers and other media as proof that Indians may not suffer as much as the rest of the world when the COVID-19 pandemic hits the country. One headline touted “MicroRNA in Indians may reduce severity of corona attack”, stating “Indians have comparatively better immunity compared to other countries”. Of course this article is being forwarded on WhatsApp, and enough people may take it as gospel. Is it true?

No.

If you want to know why, just look on the Journal’s website:

“these are preliminary reports that have not been peer-reviewed. They should NOT be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behaviour, or be reported in news media as established information.”

Research is not easy. I could write a very long explanation for why, but I have summarised it below.

SUMMARY:

- To prove x causes y up to a high scientific standard is incredibly difficult

- Even if you think x causes y, someone might find a flaw in your study

- Numbers can be manipulated by statistics to show what you want to believe

- Reporters might not understand the study and mis-report it

- We all want to believe there is a magic cure that will protect us, that makes us special, immune to this disaster so we can get on with our lives. Unfortunately there simply isn’t one. And believing in them without fact checking can cause more harm than good.

IMMUNITY AGAINST COVID

So what about this study? Firstly it is looking at one tiny mechanism in a cell, when a cell can have millions of proteins responsible for a billion different functions in just the cell itself. Secondly it is not peer reviewed. This means no one has fact checked the study to check whether the design is valid, whether the statistics hold up, whether they have missed something or are making incorrect conclusions based off their data. Peer-reviewing a recent paper showing SARS-CoV-2 and HIV were extremely similar disproved this paper as false.

In the authors defence he acknowledges this:

“In our study, which is a purely computational one, we predicted that this microRNA binds to the SARS-Cov2 genome submitted from India. However, it is too early to comment on it because there is only one high coverage sequence from India, so far,”

Thirdly, the news article says that Indians have better immunity because of this “microRNA”. This is wrong. The study sequenced the genome of the virus, not of the Indian population. Antiviral microRNA is found in all people. The study simply suggests that this might be more effective at targeting the Indian strain of COVID, but it does not make any concrete claims that Indians are protected from COVID.

Again, the journal even states this:

“These are preliminary reports that have not been peer-reviewed. They should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or be reported in news media as established information.”

But most importantly, even if the paper suggests that the Indian strain may be less potent, it does not give us an excuse to be reckless. We have to adhere to social distancing, hygiene, lockdown principles in order to prevent infection. Because what happens if you take the article stating “Indians have comparatively better immunity compared to other countries” as fact, use this as an excuse to go about your regular daily lives, and it actually turns out that the microRNA has little to no effect on COVID. This endangers yourself and those around you.

Be sensible. Listen to public health officials.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, UK, Chief Product Officer, Second Medic Inc

www.secondmedic.com

Read Blog

Digital Diagnostics in India: Revolutionizing Early Detection and Precision Healthcare | SecondMedic

Healthcare in India is going digital - and diagnostics are leading the charge.
From AI-enabled lab reports to smart imaging tools that can detect diseases early, digital diagnostics are redefining how Indians experience healthcare.

With over 1.4 billion people and a growing demand for quick, accurate medical results, India’s diagnostic revolution is being powered by platforms like SecondMedic, which are integrating AI, analytics, and telemedicine into one connected ecosystem.

What Are Digital Diagnostics?

Digital diagnostics use advanced algorithms, connected lab systems, and health data analytics to analyze medical information faster and more accurately.

Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on manual interpretation, digital diagnostics integrate:

AI image recognition (for X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
Machine learning lab analytics (to flag abnormal parameters)
Predictive modeling (to forecast risks like diabetes or heart disease)
Telehealth integration (for immediate doctor consultation post-report)

According to NASSCOM HealthTech Report (2025), 67% of diagnostic labs in India are adopting digital tools for report automation and AI interpretation.

The Rise of Digital Diagnostics in India

India’s diagnostic market is one of the fastest-growing globally, projected to reach USD 40 billion by 2030, with digital diagnostics accounting for over 35% of that growth.

Key Drivers Include:

Rapid digitalization of healthcare infrastructure.
Growing use of wearables and home diagnostic devices.
Increased awareness of preventive health.
Government programs like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) linking labs and EHRs.

In a country where every second counts, digital diagnostics cut waiting times from days to hours, enabling faster treatment and better outcomes.

How SecondMedic Is Redefining Diagnostics

At SecondMedic, diagnostics are not just about test results - they’re about insights that save lives.
Here’s how:

AI Report Analytics: Each report is processed through AI algorithms to highlight potential health risks.
Seamless Lab Integration: Partner labs upload digital results directly to patient dashboards.
Virtual Doctor Review: Instant consultations after report generation for interpretation and next steps.
Predictive Health Dashboard: Tracks historical data and provides early alerts.
Home Testing: Patients can schedule sample pickups and receive reports digitally.

“Our goal is to make diagnostics smarter - so diseases can be detected before they strike.”
- Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, Medical Director, SecondMedic

Data & Market Insights

Digital Diagnostics Market (India, 2025): USD 14.7 Billion (FICCI HealthTech Report)
Projected CAGR (2025-2030): 16.8% (IMARC Group)
AI Adoption in Labs: 67% of leading diagnostic centers (NASSCOM)
Turnaround Time Reduction: 45-60% improvement through automation (EY HealthTech Survey 2025)
SecondMedic Impact: 92% of patients reported faster diagnosis and clearer insights.

Benefits of Digital Diagnostics

Early Detection - AI identifies disease patterns before symptoms emerge.
Accuracy & Efficiency - Automated systems minimize human error.
Accessibility - Home diagnostics and virtual reports extend healthcare reach.
Predictive Care - Data integration supports preventive health management.
Affordability - Digital workflows reduce operational and patient costs.

Challenges & The Road Ahead

India’s diagnostic transformation still faces:

Uneven digital infrastructure in rural areas.
Data standardization and interoperability issues.
Need for robust data privacy frameworks.

Yet, with initiatives like ABDM and National Health Stack, the foundations for integrated digital diagnostics are rapidly strengthening.

The Future of Digital Diagnostics

By 2030, AI-driven diagnostics will be standard in every major Indian healthcare facility - not only for disease detection but also for continuous health monitoring.

Imagine your blood test results automatically analyzed by AI, cross-checked against your medical history, and instantly reviewed by your doctor - that’s SecondMedic’s vision for every Indian household.

Conclusion

Digital diagnostics in India are revolutionizing healthcare - transforming raw data into actionable health intelligence.
With AI, predictive analytics, and seamless integration, platforms like SecondMedic are bringing the future of healthcare to your doorstep.

Experience smarter diagnostics today at www.secondmedic.com

References

Request A Callback

+91

By using this website/app, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Declaration.