A new gene, Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8), has been identified as having a probable role in human susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis. The study found that males are more susceptible than females.
Researchers at the GSK-IMCB Group in Singapore have made a groundbreaking discovery about how cells move, revealing a complex of three proteins that regulate the myosin network within a cell. This finding has significant implications for understanding various diseases, including cancer growth and developmental biology.
Researchers at Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology have invented a thixotropic nanocomposite gel that can liquefy on demand, facilitating safe and convenient 3D cell culture. The novel material supports the extracellular matrix secretions of cells and enables controlled differentiation of stem cells.
Scientists have identified distinct gene combinations that define different stem cell types, revealing a single key factor controlling their behavior. This breakthrough has significant implications for manipulating and engineering stem cells to treat human degenerative disorders.
A joint research study by IBM and the Genome Institute of Singapore found that microRNAs control stem cell differentiation through coding regions beyond the 3'UTR, challenging previous assumptions. The discovery has implications for novel diagnostics and therapeutics.
A Singaporean research team reports that the RUNX3 gatekeeper gene is inactivated at an early stage of colon cancer. The study suggests that reactivating this gene could lead to a diagnostic test and therapeutic target. This finding builds upon previous knowledge of tumor suppressor genes disrupting APC, leading to cancer development.
Researchers developed a novel method using human embryonic stem cell secretions to reduce tissue injury after a heart attack. The approach significantly improved heart function and reduced tissue death by 60%, offering a promising therapeutic option for heart attack patients.
Researchers found a gene enhancer, HACNS1, that may have contributed to the evolution of the human opposable thumb and adaptations for walking on two legs. The discovery provides significant insights into genetic differences between humans and chimpanzees.
Researchers at A*STAR's IMCB have identified peptidoglycan as a factor that causes Candida albicans to become infectious. The discovery may lead to the development of novel treatments for immunocompromised patients infected by the fungus.
Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore have identified over 3,000 genomic hotspots critical for maintaining embryonic stem cell state. These findings may lead to the development of an inexhaustible source of clinically useful cells for regenerative medicine.
Researchers at A*STAR have discovered a novel approach to kill colon cancer cells using a genetic regulator called DACT3. The team developed a pharmacological strategy to restore DACT3 expression, leading to effective inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and massive death of colon cancer cells.
Researchers found that viruses associated with microbialites are distinct from those in other environments and indicate the structures' connection to ancient ecosystems. The study provides insights into the evolution of life on Earth and the origins of these unique ecosystems.
A research team led by the Genome Institute of Singapore found that a molecular alliance between specific proteins known as transcription factors sustains the pluripotent embryonic stem cell state. The team identified Klf2 and Klf5 as redundant molecules that substitute for Klf4, maintaining the ES cell state.
Researchers have discovered how Candida albicans transforms from its benign form to an infectious, life-threatening state. The fungus changes shape and activates cellular machineries through specific proteins, revealing new therapeutic targets.
Researchers at A*STAR in Singapore discovered that epigenetic modifications influence gene expression in human embryonic stem cells. The study found that genes modified by H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 contain DNA recipes for protein proliferation and are crucial to sensory processes, immunity, and drug metabolism.
Researchers at IBN, IMCB, and GIS successfully developed a miniaturized device to detect the H5N1 virus in less than half an hour, showing promise for pre-emptive surveillance of avian flu epidemics. The device integrates multiple workflows into a single droplet-based system, offering potential advantages over existing tests.
Nicholas Tan Xue-Wei, an 18-year-old Singaporean student, will present his research paper on stem cells at two international conferences in the US and UK. He was nominated for a Best Paper Award at WCE 2007 for his work on growing Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a serum-free medium.
An international team of scientists has uncovered five common genetic variants that increase an individual's risk for breast cancer. The genes code for proteins crucial to biological activities and have a moderate impact on disease prevalence across a large population.
Singapore's top scientists recognized for their innovative contributions to biomedical sciences and quantum research. A team developed a sequencing technology to characterize the human genome, while others made breakthroughs in micro motors and robotic surgery.