Researchers identified distinct patches of disorganized brain development in ASD brain organoids, suggesting a new model for autism pathogenesis. This study provides a new perspective on autism, highlighting the importance of understanding how brain cells assemble into tissues.
Scientists at A*STAR Quantum Innovation Centre create a levitated, millimetre-scale rotor that spins freely for over 10 hours, demonstrating commercial-grade gyroscope sensitivity. The device uses rotational symmetry to achieve record-low energy loss, paving the way for precision navigation in GPS-denied environments.
A local research study found that only a minority of tested DNA switches were active in living liver tissue, with many linked to genes involved in metabolism and immune responses. The activity of these switches shifted in response to changes in the gut microbiome.
A new AI tool, HERRO, corrects errors in nanopore sequencing reads to produce high-quality complete genome assemblies. This innovation enables researchers to build more accurate and complete genome maps with a simpler workflow, unlocking potential for precision medicine advancements.
Researchers developed a new method called sm-PORE-cupine to study individual RNA molecules and reveal how their structures influence gene regulation. The technology provides deeper insight into how RNA structure affects cellular function and could help identify new therapeutic targets for diseases such as viral infections.
Researchers identified how Mycobacterium abscessus evades treatment and proposed a strategy to overcome resistance, offering a pathway towards more effective treatments. A combination therapy targeting both smooth and rough variants proved more effective than single-phage treatment.
A Singapore study reveals that a specific gene called SERPINE1 drives resistance to chemotherapy and cancer spread in colorectal cancer patients. The findings also identify a molecular signature called RESIST-M, which can predict poorer survival and higher relapse risk, supporting earlier intervention and more targeted follow-up care.
Researchers identify a molecular target that enhances treatment for EGFR-mutant lung cancers prevalent in Asia. Disrupting this protective system can shrink tumors in laboratory models.
Children exposed to high levels of screen time before age two showed changes in brain development linked to slower decision-making and increased anxiety by their teenage years. Parent-child reading may offer protection against these effects.
Researchers from A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology discovered that Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) reliably marks gastric cancer stem cells, which drive tumour growth, spread, and recurrence. Eliminating these cells prevents tumours from growing, even in advanced disease with organ metastasis.
The French-Singapore quantum ecosystems have signed three new research agreements to strengthen their collaboration in quantum computing, energy-efficient technologies and photonics. This will advance quantum research and move discoveries closer to real-world applications.
The partnership aims to co-develop and evaluate next-generation self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines targeting seasonal and pandemic influenza. Apriori's Octavia platform will be combined with A*STAR IDL's saRNA delivery technology to develop improved H5 influenza vaccines that anticipate infection in humans.
A*STAR researchers discovered that mosquito saliva not only transmits the virus but also influences how the body's immune system responds to chikungunya infection. Sialokinin, a bioactive peptide in Aedes mosquito saliva, binds to neurokinin receptors on immune cells and suppresses monocyte activation.
Researchers from A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology have identified two critical stem cell populations that drive colorectal cancer formation in different colon regions. The study reveals how NOX1 and NPY1R proteins mark distinct stem cell populations, providing new targets and models for developing region-specific cancer t...
A comprehensive study of Singaporean women in their 20s-30s found that nearly one in four healthy-weight Chinese women already have low muscle mass and weaker bones, despite appearing healthiest by BMI standards. The study highlights the need for healthcare approaches that consider body composition beyond simple weight measurements.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment approach for two leading causes of blindness worldwide, using a Singapore-developed cancer drug. The study found that intravenous delivery showed an 86% greater reduction in abnormal blood vessel leakage compared to traditional eye injections.
The Phase 1 study of EBC-129 has shown encouraging signs of efficacy in heavily pre-treated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients, with an overall response rate of 25% and disease control rate of 87.5%. The drug also demonstrated a manageable safety profile, with no major treatment-related adverse events.
The Experimental Drug Development Centre's EBC-129, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting pancreatic cancer, has received FDA fast track designation. The treatment is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials and aims to provide new treatment options for patients with solid tumours.
A Phase II trial demonstrates the safety and clinical benefit of PRL3-zumab, a novel humanised antibody therapy targeting PRL3 in advanced solid cancers. The treatment has shown promising results, slowing disease progression in patients with no response to existing treatments.
A study using precision medicine platform QPOP identified effective drug combinations for soft tissue sarcomas, including the combination of AZD5153 and pazopanib. This approach showed improved response rates and reduced toxicities compared to standard treatment.
A team of Singaporean scientists has released a comprehensive long-read RNA sequencing dataset, SG-NEx, to accelerate biomarker discovery and precision medicine. The dataset offers deeper biological insights into RNA complexity, enabling researchers to detect clinically relevant biomarkers and develop better treatments.
The A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology has achieved international recognition for research excellence while developing local scientific leaders. The institute's significant contributions include the discovery of protein kinases and phosphatases crucial to cell signalling, and the mapping of the fugu fish genome.
Researchers have created the world's first Asian Immune Diversity Atlas, profiling healthy immune systems of diverse Asian populations. The study identified unique molecular properties and refined biomarkers for diagnosing diseases, which could help develop targeted therapies tailored to Asian patients.
Researchers develop innovative MSOT-AI technology to improve basal cell carcinoma diagnosis and surgical planning, reducing repeat procedures and improving patient outcomes. The technique captures detailed 3D views of tumours, enabling clearer insights into tumour boundaries.
A collaborative research effort has provided new insights into the likelihood of mpox spreading by airborne respiratory particles, comparing it to SARS-CoV-2 and smallpox. The study suggests that future viral evolution could alter this dynamic, underscoring the need for continued surveillance.
The Shimadzu – DxD Hub Diagnomics Centre aims to accelerate the development of high-quality, cost-effective diagnostic solutions. It focuses on three key areas: infectious diseases, cancer, and metabolic disorders, with efforts to develop solutions for early disease detection and precision medicine approaches.
NalaGenetics' nationwide genetic screening program will screen up to 16,000 leprosy patients annually for the HLA-B*13:01 biomarker. This initiative builds on a successful pilot test and marks a significant step forward in global efforts to eliminate leprosy.
Singapore has joined the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers (GNOME) to search for signals of dark matter and exotic astrophysical fields. The Singapore station, hosted at A*STAR, will use advanced quantum sensors and machine learning algorithms to analyze magnetic field signals and potentially uncover dark matter's presence.
P4HA1 enzyme disrupts energy production in immune cells, weakening their ability to fight cancer. Inhibiting P4HA1 restores healthy immune cell function and sustains long-term immunity, showing promise in treating solid tumors.
Researchers found significant differences in immune cell populations between healthy individuals and people with schizophrenia, with the CD4/CD8 ratio emerging as a potential biomarker for predicting treatment response. Lower levels of mucosal-associated invariant T cells may signify immune dysregulation in schizophrenia.
Researchers integrate metasurfaces into devices like LEDs, lasers, and photodetectors to enhance performance, efficiency, and compactness. This progress can lead to advancements in industries such as AR/VR, renewable energy, and healthcare.
The Monell Chemical Senses Center and A*Star SIFBI are exploring the unique sensory differences between Asian and Western populations to develop products that resonate with local consumers. They aim to create sensory testing protocols specific to Asians, transforming food and nutrition strategies for companies globally.
Researchers identified Nr1h2 as a critical transcription factor for early embryo development, enhancing the fidelity of stem cell-based embryo models. Activation of Nr1h2 improves blastoid formation, expressing canonical markers and generating both embryonic and extra-embryonic lineages.
A global research team has developed an advanced diagnostic kit for detecting the highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus, allowing for rapid detection of both high and low pathogenic strains. The kit's swift detection enables timely responses to outbreaks, reducing transmission risks and preventing devastating epidemics.
Researchers developed a new method to create ultra-responsive thin films, enhancing wireless communications, electronics, and other technologies. The approach enables faster data transmission speeds and reduced latency, paving the way for next-generation 5G and emerging 6G networks.
A new study found that gut bacteria may promote healthy aging by replacing declining gut bacteria species with alternative substrates. Researchers identified key microbial species associated with aging and their potential effects on health.
The non-GMP NATi mRNA BioFoundry in Singapore is a first-of-its-kind facility dedicated to mRNA manufacturing. It will support the country's ambition of becoming a leading hub for biomedical innovation and strengthen its leadership in nucleic acid therapeutics.
A new study reveals that high levels of dietary iron from red meat reactivates telomerase, driving colorectal cancer progression. A promising small molecule, SP2509, blocks this reaction, offering hope for targeted therapies in Singapore and globally.
Researchers have discovered a promising new target to combat fatty liver disease, a chronic and progressive condition that triggers inflammation. A protein called Rbpj plays a critical role in the Notch signalling pathway, which controls the conversion of monocytes into inflammatory macrophages.
A recent review of 57,470 patient cases shows that rare cancer patients are nearly three times more likely to develop anxiety and depression compared to common cancer patients. The study highlights the need for early identification and intervention to address mental health risks in this group.
A recent study has discovered a significant connection between Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and liver dysfunction, with fatty liver disease appearing in mild and severe forms of the condition. The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggests that SMA patients may face additional health problems over time.
Scientists have generated a comprehensive map of gene targets regulated by HNF4A and HNF1A in human pancreatic beta cells and liver cells. The study identified novel gene targets in pancreatic beta cells that may play roles in regulating insulin secretion, providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for diabetes.
BANKSY, a new AI software tool, automatically recognises cell types in tissues with high accuracy. It considers both molecular profiles and tissue surroundings, enabling faster and more precise analysis of diverse diseases.
A new study has uncovered the crucial role of immune cell interactions in driving Chikungunya disease. The research found that synergistic interactions between macrophages and CD4 T-cells drive joint pathology during CHIKV infection, providing key insights into potential novel treatment targets.
Researchers developed novel pre-clinical models to examine the behavior of Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) strains, revealing differences in aggressiveness between hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections. These models provide a platform for assessing novel drugs and interventions to combat Kp-related diseases.
Researchers found that cancer reprograms neutrophils to promote tumour growth, enabling targeted therapeutic approaches. By understanding this process, scientists can develop new treatments to block tumour growth and improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.
Researchers have developed a new method to sequence single-cell RNA structures, revealing biomarkers crucial for human development and disease. This approach identifies cell types based on RNA shape, offering new insights into cellular fate and potential treatments against RNA viruses.
A Singaporean study found that children exposed to elevated levels of early life adversity exhibit an accelerated pattern of brain development during preschool years. This accelerated pace may lead to adverse cognitive and mental health outcomes. The study suggests that early intervention may be effective in preventing these consequences.
Elevated blood glycerol levels are linked to increased TB disease severity in experimental models with Type 2 diabetes. The study identifies glycerol kinase as a crucial enzyme driving TB disease severity.
Scientists have found that microglia play a crucial role in regulating the number of cells that become neurons in the brain, enhancing our understanding of brain development and disorders. The discovery also reveals a unique pathway through which microglia interact with other brain cells, involving cholesterol transfer.