Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore


Scientists at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore catch evolving germs and cancer cells early

Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore have developed a novel technique called LoFreq, which allows them to detect microbe and cancer cell mutations in real-time. This breakthrough enables scientists to catch the development of resistance early on and investigate the effectiveness of new drugs.

IBN creates unlimited source of human kidney cells

IBN researchers successfully generated human kidney cells from human embryonic stem cells in vitro, providing a potentially unlimited source of cells for in vitro toxicology testing and regenerative medicine applications. The cells displayed similar gene and protein expression patterns to those isolated from fresh human kidney samples.

A*STAR scientists solve century-old mystery by finding stable haploid strains of Candida albicans

Researchers identified stable haploid strains of Candida albicans, enabling the targeting of individual genes for screening and speeding up the discovery of treatment targets. This breakthrough fills a 100-year gap in understanding this important pathogen's life cycle and may accelerate efforts to cure Candida infections.

Singapore scientists led by A*STAR's GIS identify 4 mechanisms that contribute to gastric cancers

Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore discovered four processes that cause mutations in gastric cancer, including one triggered by bacterial infection. These findings pave the way for diagnostics and targeted therapy, with potential implications for improving treatment outcomes.

Groundbreaking discovery of mechanism that controls obesity, atherosclerosis

Researchers from A*STAR have identified a novel signalling pathway controlling both obesity and atherosclerosis in mice. The study found that Wip1-deficient mice were resistant to weight gain and atherosclerosis through increased autophagy, highlighting a potential new approach for treating these conditions. Further investigation into ...

Groundbreaking discovery of the cellular origin of cervical cancer

A team of researchers identified a unique set of cells at the squamocolumnar junction that express biomarkers found in all forms of invasive cervical cancers linked to HPV. These cells do not regenerate when excised, which has significant implications for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cervical cancer.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2012

Mystery to the origin of long-lived, skin-deep immune cells uncovered

Researchers at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network discovered that long-lived, skin-deep immune cells called Langerhans cells originate from two distinct embryonic sites - the early yolk sac and the foetal liver. These cells play a critical role in initiating protective responses against harmful foreign invaders.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 6, 2012

A*STAR scientists discover 'switch' to boost anti-viral response to fight infectious diseases

Researchers from A*STAR identified the molecular switch Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) that triggers innate immunity and activates potent virus killers, enabling effective responses to dengue and influenza viruses. The discovery paves the way for developing anti-viral drugs targeting BTK.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2012

Scientists uncover exciting lead into premature aging and heart disease

Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Medical Biology found that reducing SUN1 levels in mouse models doubled the life spans of those with progeria and tripled it for those with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. This discovery opens up a possibility for therapeutic use of reduced SUN1 levels for other forms of heart disease.

A*STAR scientists discover special class of natural fats stimulates immune cells to fight diseases

Researchers identified a special class of fatty molecules essential for activating immune cells, offering new opportunities for therapeutic interventions. The discovery sheds light on how recognition of these stimulatory fatty molecules by immune cells protects against infection, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.

Breakthroughs in Chikungunya research from A*STAR spell new hope for better treatment and protection

Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network have made significant strides in understanding Chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne disease that can cause severe joint pains. Researchers discovered a direct biomarker, IgG3 antibodies, to identify patients at risk of the more severe form of the disease.

Singapore scientists lead in 3D mapping of human genome to help understand human diseases

Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore have made a groundbreaking discovery by mapping the human genome's three-dimensional structure, revealing how genes interact and influence each other. This study sheds light on the complex regulation of gene expression and its implications for understanding human diseases.

Researchers at GIS develop systematic approach for accurate DNA sequence reconstruction

Researchers at GIS developed a systematic approach for accurate DNA sequence reconstruction using the Opera algorithm, providing a quality guarantee and scaling to large datasets. This breakthrough enables more complete and accurate draft genomes, driving genetic studies of organisms of interest for human health and other areas.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of Computational Biology·DateDec 5, 2011

A*STAR scientists first to identify stem cell key to lung regeneration

Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore and Institute of Molecular Biology identify distal airway stem cells as the key to forming new alveoli, paving the way for novel therapies for respiratory diseases. The discovery provides insight into genes and secreted factors that can be used to enhance lung regeneration.

A*STAR scientists make headway for cancer treatment and cancer prevention with landmark discovery

Scientists at A*STAR's IMCB discover that antibodies can directly target intracellular oncoproteins like PRL-3 to suppress cancer growth. This breakthrough finding offers hope for cancer prevention and has the potential to expand the scope of tailor-made antibody therapy and cancer vaccines.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 8, 2011

A*Star scientists discover how to combat hospital-acquired infections and life-threatening toxins

A*STAR scientists have discovered a potential antidote for Ricin and Pseudomonas exotoxin, two deadly toxins responsible for hospital-acquired infections. The study identified ERGIC2 as a therapeutic target, paving the way for developing generic antidotes against these life-threatening toxins.

I2R Known-item-Search technology takes top honors at US standards annual TRECVID conference

The I2R team achieved high performance in both automatic and interactive search categories, showcasing the effectiveness of their Known-item-Search technology. With a mean inverted rank of 0.454 in automatic search and 0.727 in interactive search, they outperformed other teams and demonstrated the potential of their innovation.