A study by Duke-NUS Medical School researchers analyzed tens of thousands of student data to determine the impact of early class start times on attendance, sleep behavior, and academic performance. The findings suggest that students who attend early morning classes often lose an hour of sleep and experience lower grades.
A trial by researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School found that the Nutri-Grade system encourages consumers to purchase beverages with lower sugar content, especially those with chronic conditions. The study showed a significant increase in purchases of A-rated drinks with 1.5g less sugar per serving.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have devised a way to rapidly and precisely measure the length of a single telomere, opening doors to developing lifestyle interventions that slow ageing and prevent disease. The novel approach uses DNA sequences called 'telobaits' to latch onto the ends of telomeres in large pools of DNA fragments.
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School and NHCS have discovered that blocking an immune-regulating protein called interleukin-11 enables damaged kidney cells to regenerate, restoring impaired kidney function. This breakthrough suggests a new approach for treating chronic kidney disease.
Researchers studied the lung immune responses of cave nectar bats to Malacca virus, identifying unique white blood cell behaviors and gene signatures that help limit inflammation. The findings could lead to better ways of combatting human viral infections.
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found a clear association between tiny air pollution particles and sudden cardiac arrests in Singapore. Researchers identified a short-term effect, with reduced risk of cardiac arrests after exposure to lower PM2.5 concentrations.
A new study led by Duke-NUS Medical School scientists found that inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines elicit a broad immune response against different proteins on the virus, while mRNA vaccines stimulate a single spike protein response. This broader T-cell response may be beneficial in preventing severe COVID-19 disease.
The Omicron variant escapes the immune response better than its ancestors, but has also facilitated the transition to a society that can live with COVID-19. The study found that vaccinated individuals develop broader immune responses and experience milder infections.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a protein called Spns1 that transports broken-down phospholipids out of lysosomes and into the cytoplasm, where they can be recycled. This finding further understanding of the role of lysosomes in lipid metabolism and disease, particularly in rare genetic disorders.
A preclinical study suggests that spermidine can help alleviate the pathological features of NASH, a condition associated with cardiac and kidney disease. The compound improves mitochondrial function, reduces inflammation, and prevents scar tissue formation.
Researchers have identified two NLRP sensors, NLRP1 and CARD8, as key players in Coxsackievirus B3-induced heart inflammation. Targeting CARD8 may prevent CVB3 infections from progressing to heart failure. The study provides new insights into the inflammatory response triggered by this common viral cause of viral myocarditis.
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered the critical role of small microproteins in assembling larger protein complexes inside energy-generating cell components known as mitochondria. The study highlights how microproteins regulate energy supply and mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction, a feature underlying various diseases.
Healthcare researchers caution against misusing AI algorithms in clinical research, highlighting concerns about bias, transparency, and data quality. The team advocates for evaluating ML methods against traditional statistical approaches and ensuring clinician decision-making is complemented, not replaced.
Researchers found virus-specific T cells in the noses of people who received vaccines and later became infected with SARS-CoV-2, providing an additional layer of protection. These cells persisted for at least 20 weeks and could recognize various viral proteins, including those from the Omicron variant.
A study by Duke-NUS Medical School and collaborators found that cooler ambient temperatures increased the risk of a specific type of myocardial infarction (heart attack) in Singapore. People aged 65 and above were particularly vulnerable to this risk, with a 20% higher risk compared to younger individuals.
Researchers have identified nearly 8,000 short RNA sequences that code for microproteins and peptides, opening new avenues for disease research and drug development. The technique used to discover these sequences provides a comprehensive map of human smORFs, highlighting overlooked functional components of the genome.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School found that high levels of homocysteine in the liver correlate with severity of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Supplementing vitamin B12 and folic acid reversed inflammation and fibrosis in preclinical models.
A global team of researchers, including Professor Stuart Cook, has won £30M to develop an injectable cure for genetic heart conditions. The team aims to pioneer gene therapy technologies to silence or edit faulty genes causing deadly conditions.
A cluster-randomised trial in Singapore showed a low-cost, multi-pronged intervention improved BP control, reduced cardiovascular risk and increased use of antihypertensive medications. The intervention could cut hypertension-linked morbidity and mortality globally with rapid scalability.
A study at Duke-NUS Medical School found that inhibiting IL-11 can reduce kidney damage, inflammation, and scarring in Alport syndrome mice. Combining this therapy with ACEi treatment increased lifespan by over 400%.
A study of over 56,000 cases across nine Asian communities found that women were less likely than men to receive lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from a bystander in public locations. In contrast, when cardiac arrests occur at home or in private places, the chances of receiving layperson bystander CPR increased considerab...
A study published in PNAS reveals that dengue-infected mosquitoes are more attracted to mammals and bite more often, increasing disease transmission chances. The research found that infected mosquitoes have difficulty locating blood vessels for feeding, leading to increased biting attempts and transmission events.
Researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School found that Zika virus infection disrupts the glucose metabolism pathway in infected foetuses, leading to birth defects and death. A potential supplement, pyruvic acid, may protect foetuses from these impacts.
The Parallel Amplified Saliva rapid POint-of-caRe Test (PASPORT) has been developed with a two-stage process, producing results in minutes and enabling sensitivity comparable to laboratory-based PCR tests. The test's sensitivity was 97% in a clinical study involving over 100 participants.
Scientists from Duke-NUS and Xylonix are developing novel immunotherapies for treating cancer and COVID-19 complications using liposome drug formulations. The goal is to enhance the uptake of 010DS-Zn by tumours for improved therapeutic effects.
A new patient decision aid developed by Duke-NUS Medical School's experts empowers patients with ESKD to choose care strategies consistent with their values and goals. The tool provides a balanced overview of dialysis, kidney supportive care, and other treatment options.
Researchers created tiny human midbrain-like organoids that mimic the major pathological features of Parkinson's disease. These organoids enable scientists to study how the human brain develops and communicates, providing insights into the progression of the disease and potential new treatments.
Researchers have discovered a simple and rapid method to measure the T-cell immune response to SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. The Cytokine Release Assay (CRA) test can reliably identify and quantify specific T cells in vaccinated individuals or those who have recovered from the disease.
A new study found that vaccinated SARS survivors can produce antibodies capable of neutralizing not only current but also future coronavirus threats. The breakthrough could lead to the development of an effective, broad-spectrum vaccine against different coronaviruses.
A study by Duke-NUS Medical School finds that lonely older adults can expect to live a shorter life than their peers, forfeiting potential years of good health. In Singapore, where collectivistic culture and rapidly ageing population make loneliness more detrimental, loneliness among seniors has become a social and public health concern.
Researchers found that high serum levels of human IL-11 in mice with paracetamol toxicity led to liver cell death. However, blocking IL-11 signalling protected against liver damage and promoted survival. The study suggests a restorative effect when using anti-IL11 therapy.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the transport of omega-3 fatty acids across the blood-brain barrier. The study revealed the structure and function of a protein called MFSD2A, which plays a crucial role in delivering essential fatty acids to the brain.
A team of scientists has found the gene expression signatures underlying microglia associated with amyloid plaque phagocytosis. The findings suggest a new target for interventions to address the underlying disease mechanism of Alzheimer's Disease.
A new mitochondrial peptide called MOCCI regulates inflammation of blood vessels and immunity after viral infection. Researchers discovered that MOCCI dampens the activity of Complex IV in mitochondria to reduce inflammation.
A low-cost hypertension management intervention was shown to be cost-effective and scalable for rural communities in low- and middle-income countries. The study found that scaling up the program could save governments $10.70 per participant treated, with costs decreasing over time.
Professor David Matchar and his team received the Stroke Rehabilitation Award from the American Stroke Association for their project investigating incentives to improve outpatient rehabilitation services among stroke patients. The study found that providing incentives significantly increased the uptake of these services, highlighting a...
A study published in The Lancet Microbe found that SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody immunity can vary greatly in duration, ranging from mere days to decades. The research also showed that individuals with low levels of neutralizing antibodies may still be protected if they have a robust T-cell immunity.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School and A*STAR discovered that inhibiting the Wnt signalling pathway with ETC-159 can reverse PARP inhibitor resistance in several cancer cell lines. This breakthrough could lead to novel anti-cancer treatments for cancers with overactive Wnt signalling, such as colorectal cancer.
A study found that asymptomatic COVID-19 patients have similar T cell responses to symptomatic patients, but with higher IFN gamma and IL-2 levels. This suggests a key role for T cells in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection without triggering severe symptoms.
Researchers have identified a brain enzyme that activates dormant neural stem cells, enabling them to proliferate and generate new neurons. The study found that the enzyme Pr-set7 plays a crucial role in maintaining genome stability and regulating cell cycle, leading to reactivation of neural stem cells.
A new study has detected high levels of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses (SC2r-CoVs) in bats and pangolins in Southeast Asia. The discovery suggests that more SC2r-CoVs may be present in the region, with potential implications for future pandemics.
Researchers found that patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms have an early induction of IFN-γ secreting SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells, which plays a crucial role in rapid viral control and disease clearance. The study's findings have implications for vaccine design and monitoring.
A recent study found that COVID-19 is associated with increased psychological distress among adults, particularly women, younger adults, and those of lower socioeconomic status. The study suggests that outreach programs targeting these groups are crucial for mental health support during the pandemic.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have designed armoured immune cells that can target hepatocellular carcinoma, a common type of primary liver cancer, without being affected by immunosuppressive drugs used to prevent organ rejection. The T cells remain effective for up to four days before regaining sensitivity to the drugs.
Researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore and Columbia University in the US have solved the molecular structure of Wnt proteins and their dedicated transporter protein, Wntless. The study reveals a promising drug target for cancer treatment, with a made-in-Singapore anti-cancer drug, ETC-159, showing potential.
Researchers discovered that Wnt signalling enables steady cancer growth by balancing RAS-MAPK signalling. Inhibiting Wnt signalling can cause premature ageing and cellular senescence, leading to cancer cell death.
Researchers found that displaying PAE labels alongside the Healthier Choice Symbol reduced its effectiveness in encouraging consumers to buy healthier options. The Healthier Choice Symbol alone led to a 5% increase in purchasing healthier products, but combining it with PAE labels had little impact.
Patients with chronic kidney disease can proactively manage their health by receiving tailored guidance on diet and lifestyle. Effective communication with doctors and strong family support are also crucial in empowering patients to take a more active role in their care. This study highlights the importance of clearer information, bett...
Researchers have identified RNF43 as a potential biomarker to predict which cancers will respond to Wnt inhibitor therapies. This discovery brings personalized medicine in cancer therapy closer to reality, offering new hope for targeted treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in pancreatic cancer development by modifying cell growth. The study highlights the importance of investigating lncRNAs in living organisms and provides potential new targets for precision cancer therapies.