A study by Duke-NUS researchers found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) affect social dominance in mice. The research sheds light on the neurobiology of aggression and bullying.
A new study among senior Singaporeans suggests that happiness is directly proportional with a reduction in mortality. Happy older people lived 15% longer on average compared to unhappy counterparts, with even small increments in happiness showing significant benefits for longevity.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered that gut stem cells have a unique population of cells with intrinsic toxin resistance, enabling them to withstand drugs and spicy foods. These 'drug efflux pumps' protect the gut from toxic compounds, promoting intestinal regeneration and overall health.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified CK1 as the priming kinase that 'switches on' the biological clock's phosphorylation process, shedding light on circadian rhythm regulation. This discovery may lead to treatments for circadian clock disorders and improve sleep-wake cycles.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified key regulators of the intestinal stem cell niche, including hormones R-spondins and Wnts. The team's study shows that subepithelial myofibroblasts are essential sources of these hormones, highlighting the close interaction between epithelial stem cells and their niche.
A Singapore-led team of Asian cancer researchers has won the prestigious AACR Team Science Award for their groundbreaking work on cancers prevalent in Asia. The team's research has identified new genes and pathways, translated findings into clinical trials, and informed government policies.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School investigated the role of phosphatidylinositol lipids and proteins in asymmetric cell division, a process vital for producing mature brain cells. They discovered a new protein called Vibrator, which plays a key role in this complex process.
A new study reveals that starvation of sugar can trigger a unique signaling function in cancer cells, leading to cell death. By manipulating this property, researchers propose a potential combination therapy to target cancer metabolism and selectively kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.
A new study establishes a decisive link between immune cells and systemic sclerosis, providing a starting point for developing new therapies. Hundreds of macrophage genes are identified as crucial for the development of the disease.
Scientists at Duke-NUS and National Heart Centre Singapore have made a major breakthrough discovering that interleukin 11 is responsible for fibrosis and causes widespread organ damage. This finding has the potential to transform treatment of millions worldwide, as inhibiting IL11 can prevent heart and kidney fibrosis.
A study by researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School and Taiwan found that liver cancers exposed to Aristolochic Acids have AA-related mutations, with high prevalence in East and Southeast Asia. The findings highlight the need for public education and awareness about the dangers of AA in herbal products.
A new study by Duke-NUS Medical School found that Alzheimer's patients with CeVD exhibit different brain network changes compared to those without CeVD, suggesting distinct underlying pathology. This finding may improve diagnosis, treatment, and management of neurodegenerative disorders.
A Singapore-based health study found that consuming red meat and poultry increases the risk of developing diabetes. The study suggests replacing these meats with fish, tofu, or legumes may help reduce the risk.
A breakthrough discovery in cardiovascular fibrosis research has led to a potential treatment for multiple fibrotic human diseases. The study identified a specific cytokine as a key driver of cardiac fibrosis, paving the way for the development of first-in-class therapeutics.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a critical role of spindle matrix proteins in regulating neural stem cell reactivation and proliferation. This discovery could lead to potential stem cell-based therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as microcephaly and Alzheimer's disease.
The DYNAMO study aims to identify genes and processes involved in diabetic kidney disease, with the goal of reducing DKD by 30% in Singapore within five years. The research collaboration will utilize multiple experimental approaches to develop new treatments for kidney complications from diabetes.
A new study published in Social Science and Medicine found that a rewards programme increased weight loss magnitude and duration by more than twice as much as a control group. The programme, which offered cash or lottery tickets for meeting monthly weight loss goals, also led to higher rates of sustained weight loss.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to detecting dengue infection using PET-FDG imaging, which tracks glucose uptake and predicts disease progression. This non-invasive method has the potential to transform the assessment of new treatments in clinical trials.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School and Genome Institute of Singapore have identified altered promoters in gastric cancer that change gene expression profiles, enabling tumors to evade the immune system. The study's findings may lead to new approaches for cancer immunotherapy treatment.
A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found that tailored physical therapy programs can significantly reduce the severity of falls and slow physical decline in elderly patients. Those with fewer medical conditions reported fewer falls overall.
A new optogenetic tool has been developed to inhibit neural activity in the Drosophila model, allowing researchers to study the relationship between neural circuits and behavior. This breakthrough could accelerate the development of therapies for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
A Singapore-based study found an association between insufficient sleep and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Short sleep duration was linked to increased risk of GDM, with the highest frequency among women who slept less than six hours a night.
A team of researchers has identified a network of genes in the brain that contribute to epilepsy, and predicts that a known anti-epileptic drug can restore its function. The study's 'network-biology' approach may provide a faster and cheaper way to discover new treatments.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered how the human antibody C10 prevents Zika infection by locking proteins into place, preventing viral DNA entry. Disrupting fusion with C10 may be more effective than targeting docking in preventing Zika infection.
Researchers discovered that gene mutations in titin protein can impact heart function even in healthy individuals, potentially affecting up to 35 million people globally. The study sheds light on the paradox of how some people with genetic mutations appear unaffected.
A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found that activity trackers alone or with rewards did not increase physical activity levels. However, those who received cash rewards showed significant increases in activity. The benefits of tracking were short-lived, and participants returned to their previous activity levels after the incentives...
Scientists have developed a rapid and robust protocol to generate functional human GABAergic neurons from stem cells in a single step. This allows for the creation of high-quality neuron populations for studying psychiatric disorders and rapidly screening drugs.
A large-scale study found that individuals with lower vitamin D levels were twice as likely to exhibit significant cognitive decline over time. Vitamin D is also associated with a reduced risk of neuron damage and loss, suggesting its potential role in preventing cognitive decline.
A new gene called Wars2 has been identified as a key player in blood vessel formation, providing a potential target for new therapies against cancer and heart disease. The discovery was made by researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School who found that inhibiting Wars2 function impaired blood vessel formation in rats and zebrafish.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have derived a structural model of the Mfsd2a transporter, which could help treat neurological disorders like glioblastoma by bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The study identifies new binding features and provides insight into the transport mechanism of Mfsd2a.
A recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School scientists has revealed the Zika virus structure and identified potential sites to target with therapeutics. The findings suggest that destabilizing the virus's structure may help reduce disease severity or limit transmission.
Researchers found that inhibiting Wnt secretion can prevent the build-up of scar tissue in kidneys and protect against renal fibrosis. This suggests a novel therapeutic approach to treating kidney disease.
A study published in Social Science & Medicine found that social support can reduce depressive symptoms but also lead to feelings of loss of control, increasing symptoms. This contradictory effect is more pronounced for women than men, highlighting the need for policy-makers to consider both positive and negative effects.
A study found that adolescents who slept only five hours a night for seven nights experienced significant cognitive degradation, including decreased sustained attention and working memory. Even after recovery sleep, residual effects persisted.
A study published in eLife identified a novel mechanism that causes abnormal brain development in autism, a group of highly inheritable behavioral disorders. The research reveals how a specific microRNA regulates gene expression to impair brain development, leading to the characteristic symptoms of autism.
Researchers developed an algorithm called Mogrify that predicts the unique set of cellular factors required for converting one human cell type to another. This breakthrough has significant implications for regenerative medicine and lays the groundwork for further research into cell reprogramming.
A recent study found a significant network of genes influencing cognitive abilities in both healthy individuals and those with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. The discovery provides an alternate starting point for developing therapies targeting these disorders.
Researchers found that patients with advanced cancer are willing to pay more for aspects of a good end-of-life experience compared to healthy older adults. Both groups highly value high-quality healthcare experiences, including being treated with respect and receiving coordinated care. The study suggests that health reform efforts shou...
A team of scientists discovered a molecular switch that regulates the body's circadian clock, allowing it to keep time. The 'phosphoswitch' maintains clock speed despite temperature changes and metabolic signals.
Research led by Duke-NUS scientists has linked abnormal behavior of BDNF and DTNBP1 genes to the underlying cause of schizophrenia. By understanding how these genes interact, researchers have identified potential treatments that could rescue signalling balance in the brain, offering new hope for schizophrenia patients.
A team led by Associate Professor Shee-Mei Lok at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered an antibody that neutralizes dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2), making it harder to kill. The finding could help develop dengue therapeutics and is a significant step towards addressing the global dengue pandemic.
Singapore researchers have identified specific molecular interactions in the dengue virus genome that allow it to manipulate human immune defenses and spread more efficiently. These genetic changes increase the virus's capacity for epidemic outbreaks, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance and response strategies.
Research at Duke-NUS Medical School reveals lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) are crucial for human brain development and function. Studies show that mutations in the protein Mfsd2a, which transports LPCs, lead to impaired brain growth and function.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered a long non-coding RNA that regulates brown fat development in mice. This finding holds promise for developing new therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat obesity.
A recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School researchers found an association between meals eaten away from home and high blood pressure in university-going young adults. The study, which surveyed over 500 participants, showed that pre-hypertension was prevalent in 27.4% of the population, with men more likely to be affected than women.
Patients with stage IV cancer prioritize pain management, home deaths, and quality of healthcare over life extension, while caregivers are willing to pay more for these services. The study suggests that patients' preferences should be directly elicited during treatment decision-making.
A Singapore-led study reveals that HBV exposure before birth matures infants' immune systems, countering bacterial infections. This paradigm shift may change treatment guidelines for chronic hepatitis B patients, especially young adults and potentially even children.
A team of Singapore-based scientists identified a new signalling pathway regulating cancer internal diet. The therapy combines an old anti-malarial drug with CK1α inhibition, effectively treating colon and bladder cancers. Researchers hope to develop more potent inhibitors for this treatment.
A potent dengue-neutralizing antibody, 5J7, has been identified with a tiny amount needed to stop the infection of dengue serotype 3 virus (DENV-3). This breakthrough finding offers hope for developing effective dengue treatments.
A new analysis of human influenza B viruses sheds light on the pathogen causing seasonal flu, suggesting targeted vaccines and potential eradication of a slower-evolving lineage by expanding quadrivalent vaccine use.