Researchers found that maternal antibodies can cross the placenta and trigger allergic reactions in foetal mast cells, leading to lifelong allergies. The study suggests a potential new intervention strategy to limit such transfer and reduce the incidence of neonatal allergies.
Bats use unique strategies to tolerate zoonotic viruses, preventing overactive immune responses that protect them from diseases. The team identified mechanisms that balance key proteins involved in immunity and inflammation, enabling bats to harbour pathogens without getting sick.
Researchers have developed a computational approach called EpiMogrify that can predict the molecules needed to keep cells healthy in laboratory cultures. The model successfully identified molecules to maintain healthy nerve cells and heart cells, and predicted molecules that trigger stem cells to turn into specific cell types.
A study of almost 4,000 older Singaporeans found that poor health is a significant barrier to internet use, affecting 57% of respondents. The research highlights the need for assistive technology and design to support older adults with health-related difficulties in using the internet.
A Singapore-US study found that bundled public health interventions increased bystander CPR likelihood nearly eightfold and survival over threefold in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The interventions included dispatch-assisted CPR, CPR training, and a mobile app, resulting in significant improvements in OHCA outcomes.
Researchers discovered that almost 20% of patients with unexplained intestinal polyps had tumors with mutations similar to those caused by colibactin, a bacterial toxin. Regular tooth brushing may have prevented the bacterial infection that triggered these cancer-causing DNA mutations.
Researchers reveal a novel paradigm in EBV-associated gastric cancer where the viral genome alters the host epigenetic landscape, promoting proto-oncogene activation and tumorigenesis. The 'enhancer infestation' model identifies a new mechanism of cancer development that does not require genetic alterations.
The sVNT can detect functional neutralising antibodies (NAbs) in an hour, differentiating them from binding antibodies (BAbs), without live virus or biocontainment facilities. It has high specificity and sensitivity, making it accessible for research and clinical applications.
Researchers found that recovered COVID-19 patients and even those infected with SARS 17 years ago possess virus-specific memory T cells, indicating long-lasting immunity. This discovery could lead to better understanding of cross-reactive immunity and potential therapeutic use of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells.
The study reveals that low levels of MBNL1 protein are associated with poor overall survival in various common cancers. Blocking the JNK protein can reverse this mechanism, providing a potential biomarker for selecting patients for treatment. Researchers plan to investigate MBNL1's role in colorectal cancer and explore anti-JNK therapies.
The current serotype of dengue virus in Singapore has the ability to transform its structure, evading the host's immune response and making vaccines and therapeutics less effective. This poses a significant challenge for developing effective treatments and preventing dengue infections.
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered a potential therapeutic target for treating sleep disorders. Targeted mutations in the PER2 protein can alter the balance of the biological clock and significantly lengthen the circadian period in preclinical models.
Researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School are exploring a new therapy using patient's own immune cells to target infectious diseases, including COVID-19. The therapy involves engineering virus-targeting receptors onto T lymphocytes, allowing them to recognize and kill infected cells.
A newly-discovered small protein in mitochondria is essential for energy production, according to a study by Duke-NUS Medical School. The protein, named BRAWNIN, was found to be necessary for the assembly of a critical molecular complex involved in oxygen-based energy generation.
A study by Singapore researchers found that underweight diabetics have an eight-fold increase in risk of contracting active TB compared to obese individuals. The study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and targeted screening for this vulnerable population.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore have identified a common therapeutic vulnerability for a genetically diverse and deadly form of leukemia. The study reveals that the polycomb repressive complex plays a critical role in driving progression to blast crisis, a nearly always fatal stage of the disease.
Scientists have identified several genes that may be involved in the development of diabetic kidney disease. By analysing Finnish samples with diabetes, researchers found connections between specific proteins and the condition. The study's findings suggest new potential targets for treating diabetic kidney disease.
A multi-country intervention trial found that community health worker-led care led to significant reductions in blood pressure and improved hypertension management. The study, conducted in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, showed a 5mmHg decline in systolic blood pressure and better BP control in the intervention group.
Researchers have identified 81 distinct mutational signatures in human cancer genomes that can help reveal the origins and development of various types of cancer. These signatures can provide insight into factors that have mutated a cell's genetic material and inform new strategies to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School and NNI discovered that misregulated potassium ion channel activity causes seizures in AS patients. Suppressing this activity could potentially resolve seizures, benefiting people with autism as well.
A study by Duke-NUS Medical School researchers has uncovered new insights into how individual cell types in the brain contribute to Alzheimer's disease progression. The study found distinct gene expression profiles and networks across different cell types, providing potential druggable targets for future drug development.
The Singapore Diabetes Study in Nephropathy and other Microvascular Complications (DYNAMO) aims to reduce DKD prevalence in Singapore by 30% over five years. The study, led by Professor Thomas Coffman, uses a multi-pronged approach to better understand the disease biology and risk factors behind DKD.
A study reveals that bats can transmit filoviruses to humans during bat-hunting festivals in Nagaland. The team found antibodies against two distinct filoviruses in human and bat blood samples, suggesting bats are the source of viral spillover events.
Researchers discovered four new strains of human adenovirus in Singapore, with two strains linked to severe respiratory diseases. The study highlights an increase in adenovirus types 4 and 7 among pediatric patients, emphasizing the need for antiviral therapies and vaccine development.
A faulty signalling pathway is linked to left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), a congenital heart condition where muscular projections fail to transform into compact heart muscle. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying LVNC and may lead to potential therapies.
A recent study reveals that dengue virus mutations in its E protein can render vaccines and treatments ineffective. The findings also suggest that lab-adapted strains may not accurately represent clinical strains, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a network of RNA-binding proteins that play a key role in the formation of disease-causing fibrous tissue in the heart. Inhibiting specific proteins may help prevent or treat cardiac fibrosis, which underlies many heart diseases.
Researchers discovered that tryptase enzyme causes blood vessel leakage in severe dengue, leading to shock and bleeding. A possible new treatment strategy using nafamostat mesylate is being explored to prevent hemorrhaging and reverse shock.
Research found that people with sensory impairments can expect fewer years of remaining life with limited physical function and ADLs. Those with both vision and hearing impairments had the greatest reduction in health expectancy, spending nearly one-third of their life with limitation in physical function.
Researchers found that stress on immune cells and altered metabolism lead to different outcomes in individuals infected with the same virus, with potential targets for new treatments identified. Preventing conditions causing increased stress may also prevent disease from viral infections.
Researchers discovered that bats have higher levels of ABCB1 protein, which reduces DNA damage and cancer incidence. Blocking ABCB1 in bat cells triggers toxic chemical accumulation, leading to cell death. This finding could lead to future therapies for humans to prevent or treat cancer.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered that a protein complex called CRL4 is essential for reactivating dormant neural stem cells in fruit flies, which can then generate new neurons. This finding could lead to therapeutic treatment of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
Researchers discovered a signalling protein, semaphorin3d (Sema3d), that protects parathyroid glands from excessive activity, providing insights for drug development. Sema3d's protective role could also be relevant to other tumour types.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School and NHCS found that deactivating IL11 with therapeutic antibodies reverses inflammation and scarring in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This breakthrough has implications for the development of drugs to treat NASH, a common condition affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School found that older adults with obesity can expect 6 more years of remaining life with physical limitations and 5 less years without them at age 60. They also observed similar patterns at ages 70 and 80, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or education status.
Researchers developed a chemical probe that enables live-imaging of microglia in the brain, crucial for understanding brain development and disease. The probe, CDr20, labels microglia in both human- and primate-derived cells, allowing for clinical-relevant studies.
A study found a potential link between autistic-like behaviour in adult mice and exposure to fluoxetine, a common antidepressant, in the womb. The researchers identified a treatment that improved memory loss and social interactions.
Researchers found that Integrator complex proteins regulate Earmuff, a transcription factor that prevents dedifferentiation. This process is critical for healthy brain development. Mutations in human Integrator genes are associated with neurodevelopmental syndrome.
Researchers have engineered HBV-specific T cells to treat Hepatocellular carcinoma, a commonly occurring liver cancer. The treatment was individualised and showed promise in reducing tumour size in patients with HBV-related liver cancer.
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have made a breakthrough in heart muscle regeneration by priming stem cells to become heart tissues. The novel method uses the laminin protein to promote differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into cardiovascular precursor cells, which can then differentiate into cardiac muscle fibers.
Researchers found that mothers infected with Zika also had dengue antibodies led to worse fetal brain damage. An immune complex forms when dengue antibodies attach to the Zika virus, recognized by a receptor on placental cells, allowing the virus to travel across the placenta.
A research team identified molecular and genetic mechanisms allowing bats to host multiple viral pathogens without suffering diseases. Bats have a unique ability to limit inflammation, which may be key to their long lifespans and virus reservoir status.
Researchers found that split sleep schedules with short night duration but longer afternoon nap improved alertness, vigilance, working memory, and mood compared to continuous sleep. In contrast, continuous sleep schedules were better for glucose tolerance, but this doesn't necessarily mean a higher risk of diabetes later in life.
A study by Duke-NUS Medical School researchers has identified a key player in the early fight against dengue virus infection: an interaction between two types of immune cells. The discovery sheds light on how the immune system recognizes viruses and could lead to the development of better vaccines for this and similar diseases.
Research from the Singapore Chinese Health Study found that high-quality diets rich in plant-based foods and low in red meat and sugar-sweetened beverages were inversely associated with risk of diabetes. Participants who followed these healthy dietary patterns had a 16-29% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have identified a new genus of filovirus from a Rousettus bat in China, which shares genetic similarities with Ebola and Marburg viruses. The M?nglà virus poses a potential risk of interspecies transmission and has only been detected in bats so far.
Moderate-to-large weight gain and loss among middle-aged and elderly Chinese Singaporeans are linked to increased risk of death, with weight loss associated with higher risk than weight gain. The study suggests that maintaining stability in body weight within the non-obese range may reduce mortality risk.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School developed a method to non-invasively collect and identify three respiratory viruses from aerosol samples on Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using bioaerosol sampling for disease surveillance in crowded public areas.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that closely replicates human diabetic nephropathy, revealing a key role for immune and inflammatory responses in promoting kidney damage. This finding suggests targeting these pathways may be useful for preventing or slowing the development of diabetic nephropathy.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School and Singapore General Hospital develop a fully human system to cultivate skin cells for grafting, eliminating the need for animal-derived products. This breakthrough method uses specific laminin proteins to support the growth of human keratinocytes in the laboratory.