The School received over $30 million in funding to support advanced medical research and education. A significant $5.5 million donation from the Estate of Khoo Teck Puat will focus on developing new tools for diagnosing cardiometabolic diseases.
Scientists discovered that T cells can prevent acute viral infections, challenging traditional views on sterilising immunity and herd immunity. The study found that T cells controlled viral loads and antibodies produced, and were effective in preventing infection to undetectable levels in some participants.
A recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School has discovered that foetuses possess a functional immune system capable of combating infections before birth. This breakthrough finding suggests that fetuses are not defenceless against diseases and infections like Zika, which can cause serious health conditions such as microcephaly.
Researchers create a simple and innovative test that enables real-time monitoring of modified T cells in patients with cancer. The test, which requires only a small blood sample, helps clinicians track the function of these cancer-fighting cells over time.
Researchers have developed a simple and innovative test to monitor the function of cancer-fighting T cells over time. The plug-and-play approach requires only a small blood sample and can be adapted for use in various viral infections and cancer therapies.
Scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a genetic variation common among East Asians that contributes to drug resistance in cancer cells. The team's pioneering approach involves inhibiting the action of protein MCL-1, showing promising results in effectively killing resistant cancer cells.
Researchers uncover role of SUMOylation in reactivating dormant neural stem cells, allowing brain development and repair. Absence of these proteins hampers neuronal growth and leads to microcephaly-like phenotype.
A new algorithm, Modified Metroticket, has been developed to predict overall survival and recurrence-free survival in patients with intermediate-stage liver cancer. The tool takes into account tumour burden, biological aggressiveness, liver function, and age, and has been validated using local and international datasets.
Researchers identified a protein called Casein Kinase 1 delta (CK1δ) that regulates our biological clock by tagging other proteins to fine-tune circadian rhythms. The discovery highlights how a small part of CK1δ can greatly influence its overall activity, opening new avenues for treating disorders related to the body clock.
The new pictograms are designed to make medication instructions clearer and safer for older adults. Developed with a team of researchers and collaborators, the pictograms will be used across public healthcare institutions and pharmacies in Singapore.
A Duke-NUS study proposes a new treatment for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) by blocking glucagon's activity, which raises blood sugar levels. This breakthrough could provide quicker relief to millions of heart patients.
Researchers found that maintaining optimal levels of DEAF1 is crucial for muscle repair and regeneration, and that restoring balance with DEAF1 may counteract some effects of aging on muscle tissue. This could lead to improved treatments for sarcopenia and cachexia, conditions affecting millions of older adults and cancer patients.
A study by Duke-NUS reveals that only half of South and Southeast Asian countries have genomic sequencing initiatives in their national plans. The study identifies key priorities to enhance preparedness against future pandemics, including strengthening partnerships, financing, and guidelines.
Researchers found that natural killer T (NKT) cells influence the immune response to dengue virus, potentially reducing the severity of subsequent infections. NKT cells drive dengue-specific Th1 responses, leading to the production of protective antibodies.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation that impairs virus replication in human cells, leading to asymptomatic infections. The same mutation enhances transmission in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, allowing the virus to spread without triggering an outbreak.
A new study reveals that cellular protein Gα13 acts as a tumour suppressor in oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, potentially slowing or stopping cancer cell growth. Lower levels of Gα13 are associated with poorer patient survival outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a novel pathway to wake up dormant neural stem cells, which can produce new neurons aiding brain repair and growth. The study, published in Science Advances, reveals that astrocytes play a key role in reactivating neural stem cells, offering potential new therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers found that adding behavioural nudges and financial incentives improved diet quality by 14% when consumers saw front-of-pack nutrition labels and how their peers' baskets compared. The combined effect was akin to moving average nutritional quality from C grade to B grade, resulting in significant sugar and sodium reductions.
A team of scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School has identified interleukin-11 as a principal factor in ageing, linked to increased fat accumulation and muscle loss. Blocking the effects of IL11 could potentially increase healthy lifespan by up to 25%.
A new study by Duke-NUS Medical School reveals that individuals with cognitive impairment spend an additional S$700 per year on healthcare bills, mainly due to emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The researchers emphasize the need for proactive monitoring and care strategies to mitigate this growing burden.
A new Duke-NUS study found that nearly half of caregivers reported using physical restraints on family members with advanced dementia living at home. The study highlights the need for better guidance and support to prevent the use of restraints, which can impact older adults' physical and psychological health.
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified how mast cells release bioactive chemicals after encountering allergens, a critical step in anaphylactic shock. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs to prevent severe reactions and offers new hope for millions with asthma and food allergies.
A clinical trial found that SGLT2 inhibitor drugs improve cardiac outcomes and heart health by activating a defence mechanism that abolishes potential diuretic effects. The study suggests alternative mechanisms of action, such as metabolic changes that improve organ function.
Researchers have discovered a new class of light-sensitive proteins that can turn off brain cells with light, providing an unprecedentedly effective tool to study brain function. This breakthrough offers exciting opportunities for applying optogenetics to understand the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.
Researchers discovered a key resistance mechanism to Wnt inhibitors in pancreatic and colorectal cancers, identifying FBXW7 mutations as the culprit. This breakthrough could lead to personalized treatments for cancer patients who have previously been unresponsive to existing therapies.
Researchers identified the WWP2 gene as crucial for regulating energy supply to cells responsible for renal failure. Inhibiting this gene may slow kidney damage and halt disease progression.
A recent study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine discovered that Zika virus vaccine strains can eradicate brain tumour cells while leaving healthy ones intact. The vaccine candidates were found to target rapidly proliferating cancerous cells, making them an ideal option for treating fast-growing brain cancers.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered a novel enzyme, FAXDC2, that plays a pivotal role in cholesterol synthesis and cancer progression. The study highlights the potential vulnerability of cancer cells to targeted therapeutic intervention. Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting FAXDC2 i...
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered a potential intranasal vaccine candidate that provides improved, longer-lasting immunity against COVID-19. The vaccine boosts mucosal antibody response and enhances long-term immune protection through preferential induction of airway-resident T cells and central memory T cells.
Researchers have discovered a new control mechanism that drives the maturation of human stem cell-derived heart muscle cells, providing fresh insight into cardiac regenerative therapy and disease modeling. The study identifies RBFox1 as a key intrinsic regulator of heart muscle cell maturation.
Scientists have successfully grown neurons from stem cells that can repair damaged brain tissue after stroke, offering new hope for treatments. The technology also holds promise for studying neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and spinal cord injury.
Researchers identified 26 'driver genes' that play a pivotal role in the transition to stomach cancer, providing a critical window for early detection and targeted prevention. The study's findings offer new insights into the mechanisms governing the transformation of intestinal metaplasia into stomach cancer.
Duke-NUS scientists have discovered a universal pattern in macrophages that form scars across various organs. They found two groups of macrophages with opposing roles: one promoting fibrosis and another dismantling it, which could lead to new therapies for fibrotic diseases.
Chronic wounds in Singapore result in a significant economic burden of SGD$350 million each year. The study found that hospital admissions and decline in quality of life contribute to these costs.
A large Asian cohort study identified systolic blood pressure targets below 130 mmHg and diastolic targets between 80-89 mmHg as key to reducing cardiovascular mortality. The findings underscore the need for cautious blood pressure management in patients with diabetes.
A recent study led by Duke-NUS Medical School found that prior maternal dengue immunity substantially increases the risk of severe birth defects induced by Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Pregnant mothers with pre-existing dengue antibodies are more likely to experience microcephaly and brain damage in their foetuses after Zika ...
A study found that Singapore's extended smoking ban led to a monthly fall in heart attack cases, especially among seniors and men. The research suggests that the ban reduced exposure to second-hand smoke, resulting in fewer heart attacks among the elderly population.
Researchers developed a new framework to measure metabolic health, introducing the concept of metabolic elasticity. The study found that metabolic elasticity declines with age and obesity, affecting the body's ability to adapt to changing energy needs.
A global team of scientists emphasizes the need for collaboration between experts in AI, medicine, ethics, and beyond to develop fair models. They argue that focusing on equity rather than complete equality is a more reasonable approach, considering factors like race, gender, and patient preferences.
New research reveals that disrupted energy production in the kidneys contributes to progressive kidney disease in diabetes. Monitoring urinary lactate levels may help predict prognosis and guide management for diabetic kidney disease.
Researchers identified 9 distinct swine influenza A virus groups, including new strains with genes from North America and Asia. Systematic surveillance is crucial to detect early warning signs of disease emergence.
Scientists identify three distinct serotypes of SARS-related coronaviruses, suggesting broad-spectrum vaccines necessary for effective immunity against future variants. The study found that pre-existing immunity is insufficient to prevent current and future infections.
Researchers isolated antibodies from a vaccinated SARS patient that can stop nearly all related coronaviruses tested. The most powerful antibody, E7, neutralizes SARS-CoV and Omicron variants, showing a unique mechanism of binding to the virus's spike protein.
Researchers from Singapore have identified a potential dietary supplement that may improve recovery following acute kidney injury (AKI). LPC-DHA has been shown to restore the structure of damaged S3 proximal tubules and reduce inflammation in preclinical models.
Research at Duke-NUS Medical School suggests that a specific mechanism involving the omega-3 transporter protein Mfsd2a prevents the liver from storing excess fat, which could lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Dietary supplements containing this lipid may help prevent the condition.
Researchers developed a stem cell-based regenerative therapy that repairs damaged tissue and improves heart function in preclinical trials. The treatment involves transplanting non-beating heart cells into the damaged heart, reducing the risk of adverse side effects and improving the chances of recovery for heart failure patients.
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered a protein called ASC2 that inhibits inflammasomes, thereby limiting inflammation in bats. This discovery could lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs for human diseases, including those caused by viral infections and ageing.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a special transporter protein that regulates the formation of myelin sheaths in the brain, which protect nerves from damage. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acid lipids play a crucial role in directing oligodendrocyte development, a process critical for brain myelination.
A study by Duke-NUS Medical School and the Institute of Mental Health found that anxiety and depression in Singapore cost 2.9% of the GDP, or nearly S$16 billion, due to healthcare resource usage, absenteeism, and reduced productivity.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have achieved significant vision recovery in experimental models of damaged retinas using stem cells. The study marks a promising step towards potentially restoring vision in eye diseases characterized by photoreceptor loss.