A large-scale international study found that maternal depressive symptoms can appear from early pregnancy and last up to two years after childbirth. The study emphasizes the importance of early interventions during pregnancy to mitigate symptoms and improve outcomes for both mother and child.
Researchers at A*STAR and NUS Medicine developed a CRISPR-Cas13 therapeutic that directly targets and eliminates EV-A71 RNA viruses in laboratory models. The treatment shows potent reduction of viral burden, clearing infection and preventing organ damage and mortality.
Researchers found that patients with persistent symptoms of long COVID experienced sustained inflammation and abnormal immune responses. However, after receiving a vaccine dose 12-16 months post-infection, these markers recovered to levels comparable to healthy vaccinated individuals.
Scientists have developed a new AI tool called Bambu that uses long-read RNA sequencing to identify and quantify novel transcripts, providing a better understanding of gene expression and function. This innovative tool can be used in both clinical and research settings to discover new genes and their roles in human diseases.
A team of researchers developed an AI-based method called m6Anet to accurately predict chemical modifications of RNA molecules from genomic data. This enables the detection of RNA modifications in clinical samples and understanding their role in diseases such as cancer.
A team of A*STAR scientists has successfully upcycled waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic into polymer electrolytes, key components for safer lithium-ion batteries. The study achieved room temperature conductivity comparable to existing commercial systems and showed promising performance in repeatedly charged and discharged ...
A longitudinal study found that excessive screen time in infancy is linked to detrimental outcomes in cognitive functions, which persist after eight years. Brain activity changes were observed in infants who spent more time on screens, indicating brain immaturity and poor self-regulation.
The genome of Singapore's National Flower, Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, has been decoded by a collaboration between A*STAR and SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine. The study reveals the presence of natural products with antioxidant properties, flavonols, and anthocyanins, which could be used for healthcare purposes.
A new study shows that COVID-19 booster jabs significantly improve immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants in elderly Singaporeans. The study found that a third vaccine dose boosts low antibody responses and T cell responses in older adults, providing better protection against severe disease.
A new study has discovered two distinct cell populations in Alzheimer's Disease: disease-associated microglia and disease inflammatory macrophages. The former exhibits beneficial functions, while the latter displays pro-inflammatory features.
Researchers found that Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) colonizes the gut without symptoms, depleting key bacteria and leaving tell-tale marks. Rebalancing gut bacteria may help promote CPE decolonization and prevent antibiotic resistance transmission.
A*STAR scientists have developed VarNet, an AI-based method that identifies cancer mutations in tumor samples with high accuracy. This breakthrough allows for personalized treatment strategies and better understanding of cancer.
Researchers have identified a link between mutations in the FOCAD gene and an early onset form of liver cirrhosis in children. The study suggests that the FOCAD gene plays a critical role in maintaining liver health, particularly in children.
Scientists from A*STAR and Fudan University found that placing 2D materials on substrates with bulged morphologies enhances carrier mobility by two orders, paving the way for competitive performance in field-effect transistors and thermoelectric devices. The discovery overcomes the intrinsic carrier mobility limit of the material.
Scientists from A*STAR and NUS Cancer Science Institute identified a key cancer progression mechanism that could lead to more effective treatments. The discovery involves reactivating the hTERT gene, which is responsible for prolonging telomeres in cancer cells.
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine found that higher levels of memory B cells are associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infection. Memory B cells selectively act against specific targets, providing long-lasting immunity and potentially protecting against diverse variants of the virus.
Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology developed a bio-functional thermogel that prevents retinal scarring in pre-clinical models. The thermogel modulates cellular behavior to prevent scar membrane formation, offering a novel therapy for proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
A team of scientists from A*STAR and NTU Singapore have developed technology to transform expired solar cells into enhanced thermoelectric material, which harvests heat and converts it into electricity. The technology achieved a record-high thermoelectric figure of merit of 0.45 at 873 K.
A study led by A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore has identified the gene KCNJ15 as a key player in helping the immune system fight tuberculosis. The research found that TB patients have altered acetylation levels at thousands of DNA regions, which helps to reduce the ability of bacteria to reproduce inside cells.
Researchers identified the CIROP gene, crucial for establishing proper left-right asymmetry during embryonic development, which is linked to congenital heart defects and misplacement of internal organs. The study provides insights into the development of left-right patterning and has implications for research on potential therapies.
Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology have discovered a novel protein therapy using Agrin to promote wound healing and repair. The study found that timely induction or exogenous supplementation of Agrin accelerates the healing process, preserving the mechanical architecture of injured skin layers.
Researchers have developed new preclinical models to understand gastric cancer development and spread. Using these models, they identified Lgr5-expressing tumour cells as responsible for driving gastric cancer growth and spread, establishing them as a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers created a disease map of genes involved in eye disorders, shedding light on how individual cells respond to external factors like injury. The study paves the way for regenerative medicine and cell replacement therapies for eye diseases.
Scientists have created sustainable face masks made from biodegradable PLA, which breaks down quickly under ambient temperatures. The study showed that the masks can be fully bio-mineralized without forming secondary microplastic pollution, paving the way for more eco-friendly alternatives.
A team of researchers has identified a previously unknown condition, 'Zaki Syndrome', affecting children worldwide and discovered a potential treatment using the drug CHIR99021. The drug was able to boost WNT signals and restore development in developing fetuses, potentially preventing birth defects.
Researchers identified a new cell type in human skin contributing to AD and psoriasis, highlighting potential therapeutic targets. The study revealed CD14+ type 3 dendritic cells co-producing IL1B and IL23A, essential for PSO pathogenesis.
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has developed a Fluid-supported Liquid Interface Polymerization (FLIP) 3D printer that can rapidly print hydrogel structures with complex geometry. This approach addresses the key nutrient supply issue in bioprinting, enabling the rapid fabrication of complex geometrical shapes.
Researchers identified live microbes in fetal organs, stimulating activation of fetal T-cells and priming the immune system before birth. The study has broader implications for understanding immune competency and tolerance, with potential applications in human health and immunity.
A team of researchers identified a genetic mutation associated with exfoliation syndrome, the most common cause of glaucoma. The study found that people with exfoliation syndrome are twice as likely to carry damaging mutations in the CYP39A1 protein, which plays a crucial role in cholesterol processing.
Researchers have created the first in-vitro patient-derived 3D organoid models of nasopharyngeal cancer, enabling them to predict optimal radiation treatment doses. These models mimic the hypoxic radioresistant sub-volumes of recurrent NPC and have shown that radiation dose escalation can improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore have developed a novel CRISPR-based gene editor, CGBE, to treat genetic disorders. The CGBE gene editor enables precise changes to single-nucleotide mutations in the human genome.
A comprehensive study has been published in Nutrition & Diabetes that provides glycaemic index (GI) values for a variety of non-Western foods. The research aims to widen the application globally and provide ways to reduce GI of carbohydrate-rich staples.
Coca-Cola has partnered with A*STAR to leverage the agency's research capabilities and tap into its expertise in advanced technologies. This partnership aims to optimize production processes, gain insights into consumer needs, and boost A*STAR's food and nutrition research activities.
The Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC) aims to understand the causes of metabolic diseases and develop products to reduce their risks, with a focus on nutrition in women, children, and the elderly. The centre will also conduct research on food and nutrition in Asia, leveraging partnerships with top universities and companies.
The agreement will enhance Nestlé's production processes and provide nutritional foods for its consumers. A*STAR's research capabilities in food and nutrition will be boosted through the partnership, making it a leading collaborator for the global food industry.
The elephant shark genome reveals insights into bone formation and adaptive immunity in humans, with potential implications for treating bone diseases. The study also found that the elephant shark's immune system is surprisingly robust despite lacking certain cell types.
Researchers at IBN and IBM have developed a novel biocompatible material from recycled PET that effectively kills drug-resistant fungi and their biofilms. The material targets fungal cells without harming surrounding healthy cells, displaying great potential as an antifungal agent.
Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Medical Biology and Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology have identified a gene encoding a hormone called ELABELA, which is crucial for heart formation in zebrafish embryos. The discovery holds great promise for the development of targeted therapies for heart disease and blood pressure control.
Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network discovered the exact mode of action of plerixafor, a drug that stimulates immune responses in patients with neutropenia. The study found that the inhibition of CXCR4 by the drug plays a dual role, increasing neutrophil count in the blood and promoting retention in the bloodstream.
Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology have discovered an enzyme, Wip1 phosphatase, that plays a critical role in regulating tumour growth. By inhibiting the action of this enzyme, cancer growth can be stunted and tumours can be cured without developing resistance.
The Singapore Centre for Nutritional Sciences, Metabolic Diseases, and Human Development (SiNMeD) will focus on fundamental, clinical, and translational research to understand the role of nutrition and early development in obesity and metabolic diseases. The center aims to improve knowledge of optimal nutrition and lifestyle in Asians.
Researchers at A*STAR have discovered a new personalized treatment strategy that utilizes a patient's own blood to treat chronic infections. By harnessing the power of monocytes, white blood cells can capture and utilize viruses to boost the immune response.
Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network have discovered a new mechanism involving p53, the famous tumor suppressor, to fight against aggressive cancers. The strategy works by sabotaging cancer cells' ability to hide from the immune system, opening a new avenue for targeted therapy.
Researchers at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network have discovered a novel protein called Butyrophilin 3A1 that activates human gamma delta cells, which then coordinate an immune response to clear infections. This breakthrough opens doors to developing new treatments for cancer therapy and infectious diseases.
Scientists at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore have discovered a protein mediator SON plays a critical role in the health and proper functioning of human embryonic stem cells. The study found that splicing factors, including SON, are key regulators of hESC maintenance.
IBN's novel technique allows researchers to incorporate different cell types into separate fibers, then assemble them into complex constructs with hierarchical tissue structures. This innovation enables the creation of prevascularized tissue constructs that have successfully integrated with the host circulatory system in a mouse model.
Scientists have discovered a new strategy that cripples the dengue virus's ability to escape the host immune system. By introducing a genetic mutation to deactivate the MTase enzyme, researchers created a weakened virus that generates a strong protective immune response while preventing the virus from spreading in mosquitoes.
Scientists have discovered a new biomarker that predicts how well cancer patients respond to cancer drugs. The biomarker, linked to PRL-3 protein levels, identifies patients who are most likely to benefit from existing anti-cancer treatments, reducing healthcare costs and potentially saving lives.
Singapore scientists have identified genes that are potential targets for therapeutic drugs against aggressive breast cancer. UBASH3B is a protein tyrosine phosphatase that promotes tumor growth and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer patients.
Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network discovered a new class of white blood cells that play a critical role in the first line of defense against harmful fungal and bacterial infections. The findings have significant impact on vaccine design and targeted immunotherapies.