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National University of Singapore


NUS researchers develop probabilistic spintronic processors for faster and greener optimization

Researchers have developed novel spintronics-based probabilistic processors that accelerate complex optimisation tasks while consuming less energy. The systems achieved significant speedups and energy savings compared to conventional computers, highlighting a promising route towards faster and more energy-efficient optimisation.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

DNA ‘barcodes’ help NUS researchers pinpoint gold nanoparticles that can strike cancer at its power source

The study uses DNA barcodes to track and compare dozens of gold nanoparticle designs in living tumour models, identifying those effective at reaching mitochondria. Two formulations emerged as standout performers, achieving high tumour regression when combined with RNA therapy and photothermal treatment.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 11, 2026

NUS scientists unveil a faster way to “train” bacteria for complex tasks, like munching plastics

Researchers at NUS create Lytic Selection and Evolution (LySE) platform, harnessing modified bacteriophage to rapidly create and test genetic changes. After five cycles, plastic degradation improved by over 50%, demonstrating a faster and more controllable method for training bacteria to consume plastics.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2026

NUS scientists devise AI model that “reads” protein pairs, unlocking new insights into disease and drug discovery

Researchers at NUS have developed a paired protein language model (PPLM) to predict protein interactions, improving accuracy by up to 17% over leading methods. The model has strong performance across multiple tasks and can capture biologically meaningful relationships between proteins.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026

Frustrated Lewis pair chemistry enables dual atom insertion to build bioactive molecules

Researchers from NUS developed a boron-catalysed method to transform oxetanes into larger, medicinally relevant 1,3-oxazinanes with selective insertion of two building blocks, carbon and nitrogen units. This approach harnesses frustrated Lewis pair activation to upgrade cheap starting materials into bioactive compounds.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

NUS scientists show dragon fruit peel extract boosts bread nutrition and lowers glycaemic potential

A research team from NUS has shown that compounds extracted from red dragon fruit peel can be incorporated into bread to increase antioxidant activity and slow starch digestion, offering a potential pathway to healthier staple foods and reduced food waste. The study found that optimal fortification levels of 0.75 per cent improve dough...

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2026

Molecular target drives immunogenicity in cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have identified tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) as a key molecular target in immunogenic cell death (ICD), a type of regulated cell death that activates the immune system against cancer cells. Two platinum-containing compounds, Pt-NHC and PlatinER, trigger ICD by blocking PTP1B's enzymatic activity.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

New Center for Computational Social Science and Humanities at NUS to advance interdisciplinary research on complex societal challenges

The Centre for Computational Social Science and Humanities (CSSH) at NUS combines computational methods with social science and humanities to better understand complex social phenomena and develop solutions. CSSH aims to generate research that improves lives, strengthens institutions, and shapes more inclusive societies.

Photocatalysis enables direct coupling of native sugars and N-heteroarenes

A new 'capping-and-coupling' strategy transforms native sugars into compounds known as C-heteroaryl glycosides in one step through photocatalytic carbon-carbon bond formation. This breakthrough enables simple and efficient coupling of diverse nitrogen-containing aromatics, offering a powerful avenue for late-stage glycosylations.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2026

NUS researchers achieve breakthrough in stabilizing vapor-deposited perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, paving the way for real-world deployment

The new vapour-deposition method delivers unprecedented durability in perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells, achieving over 30% power-conversion efficiency and operating stability exceeding 2,000 hours. This breakthrough paves the way for real-world deployment of tandem solar modules.

Over a decade in the making: Illuminating new possibilities with lanthanide nanocrystals

Scientists at NUS and partner universities demonstrated highly efficient electroluminescence from lanthanide nanocrystals, marking an unprecedented level of control over exciton dynamics. The breakthrough enables devices to shift their color output across the visible to near-infrared spectrum with great efficiency.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2025

NUS-SCELSE researchers uncover hidden plant–microbe strategy that boosts crop growth under nutrient stress

Scientists have discovered a surprising strategy plants use to thrive in sulphur-deficient conditions by releasing glutathione, which enhances plant growth but reduces bacterial growth. This 'trans-kingdom fitness trade-off' has implications for designing better microbial solutions for resilient crops.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

Mechanisms for bacterial lipid transport

Researchers at NUS have successfully applied cryo-EM to study two protein machines that transport lipids in bacterial cells, maintaining the outer membrane barrier. The OmpC-MlaA-MlaC complex deforms local membranes and loosens misplaced lipids, while the TolQ-R2A complex acts as a molecular motor to transmit force for lipid balance.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2025

Doping induces charge density wave in two-dimensional semiconductor

Scientists have observed a doping-tunable charge density wave (CDW) in single-layer semiconductor Chromium(III) selenide. The CDW phenomenon is extended to semiconductors, allowing for reversible tuning via surface charge transfer doping. This discovery provides insights into emergent orders in quantum materials and potential device ap...

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2025

Triggering RNA activation on demand

Researchers have devised a method to safely and temporarily 'switch off' and then 'turn on' ribonucleic acid (RNA) inside cells using disulfide-containing chemical groups. This strategy could potentially open new avenues in more precise RNA-based therapeutics and gene editing.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2025

Natural archives in coral skeletons show sea-level rise began accelerating earlier than previously thought: NUS-led study

A NUS-led study analyzed coral samples from the Maldives, extending the sea-level record by 60 years and revealing an acceleration of rising sea levels since 1959. The findings show that the Indian Ocean has been highly responsive to climatic changes, with significant sea level rise of 30cm since the mid-20th century.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 12, 2025

Lifestyle interventions reshape gene regulation in skeletal muscle of Asians

Researchers from NUS have tracked changes in gene expression and splicing patterns in skeletal muscle after a 16-week lifestyle intervention program involving supervised exercise and dietary changes. The study found that participants lost weight and improved insulin sensitivity, with specific genes showing evidence of G x L interaction.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalCell Genomics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 1, 2025

Fully π-conjugated carbon nanobelts: Synthetic breakthroughs and electronic innovation

Researchers from NUS develop non-alternant carbon nanobelts featuring five-membered cyclopentadienyl units, allowing for improved electron flow and new electronic properties. The novel structures emit bright red light and exhibit small energy gaps, making them suitable for organic light-emitting diodes and solar cells.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2025

Lower dose of abiraterone acetate as effective for prostate cancer treatment

Researchers have found that a lower dose of abiraterone acetate, 500 mg daily, is as effective in treating prostate cancer as the standard regimen, but with fewer side effects. The study involved nine men with metastatic prostate cancer and showed comparable cancer suppression through reduced PSA levels and hormone suppression.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalCancer Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025