Scientists have discovered the transporters responsible for delivering essential nutrients choline and ethanolamine to human cells. The study sheds light on the atomic structure of these transporters and their role in distributing micronutrients throughout the body, providing a foundation for new therapeutic approaches.
A team of scientists has developed a novel vaccine approach that induces long-lasting protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 virus in pre-clinical models. The Clec9A-RBD antibody construct targets specific dendritic cells, leading to exceptional durability of immune responses and potential to address shortcoming of current mRNA vaccines.
Researchers found that T cells and memory B cells provide durable protection against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, with levels attainable after two doses of mRNA vaccination. The study suggests a two-dose vaccination regimen for children against COVID-19.
A study found that older adults have weaker T cell responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations, resulting in poorer antibody responses and SARS-CoV-2 immune protection. The study suggests a relative deficiency in interferon-gamma-secreting CD4+ T cells may explain this response.
A recent discovery reveals that the natural molecule trigonelline can increase NAD+ levels and improve muscle function during ageing. Lower levels of trigonelline were found in older people with sarcopenia, a condition where muscles weaken and mass is lost.
A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore has found a potential way to treat conditions like depression and anxiety with fewer side effects. They modified the relaxin-3 molecule to selectively activate specific signalling pathways in the brain, reducing unwanted side effects.
Researchers discover how S1P molecules are released from SPNS2 protein via small cavities, enabling potential treatment for inflammatory diseases. The study provides a foundation for designing future drugs targeting the protein.
Researchers discovered a new role for Mfsd7c in exporting excessive choline from the brain. The study suggests that targeting this protein could lead to therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.
Researchers from NUS Medicine and University of Oxford applied engineering techniques to improve creativity in healthcare, identifying 100 potential blockchain-based solutions for ethical goals. The methods, called Innovation Enhancing Techniques, help overcome psychological barriers to generate innovative ideas.
Researchers at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine discovered that certain breast tumour cells sacrifice their own growth to aid other cells in resisting chemotherapy, leading to higher chances of recurrence. Disrupting this cooperation could lead to more effective treatments.
Researchers from National University of Singapore have synthesised a redesigned yeast chromosome XV, comprising 1.05 million base pairs. The novel technology, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mitotic recombination with endoreduplication (CRIMiRE), speeds up the assembly process, allowing for rapid reconfiguration of the synthetic chromosome.
A study evaluated sleep tracking performance of various wearable devices against a reference system, considering user needs. Non-EEG wearables showed superior performance for healthy individuals who want to monitor sleep habits.
A recent study found that nearly all pregnant women have low levels of essential vitamins and minerals, with some developing deficiencies in late pregnancy. Supplementing with over-the-counter multivitamins significantly reduced nutrient deficiencies before and during pregnancy.
Researchers at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine discovered that extracellular vesicles can curb the viral infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other infectious diseases. The study showed that these nano-sized particles are effective carriers of drugs targeting viral genes precisely.
The Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health found that a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats can reduce the risk of gestational hypertension and preterm birth. The study also linked narrowing of retinal arterioles before conception to reduced fetal growth during pregnancy.
A study of over 50 years found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy is associated with greater postpartum weight retention and increased risks of pregnancy complications and death. The researchers estimated associations between gestational weight gain and loss and mortality, including all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease.
A proposed AI-centric medical curriculum aims to educate future healthcare practitioners in digital technology, with a focus on technical concepts, validation, ethics, and appraisal. The curriculum caters to varying student levels, from consumers to developers, promoting interprofessional collaboration and adaptable learning.
The team created a glycoengineering platform that simplifies the production of customized sugar carbohydrates, known as glycans, which play a crucial role in various therapeutic applications. This innovation enables the engineering of new glycans with unprecedented flexibility, addressing limitations in existing approaches.
Researchers found that longer nights of better sleep correlate with improved mood, motivation, and reduced sleepiness. Irregular sleep patterns had a negative effect on mental well-being, while daytime naps may alleviate inadequate nocturnal sleep's effects.
A Singapore study found that drinking coffee and tea at midlife is associated with reduced likelihood of physical frailty in late life. The study, led by Professor Koh Woon Puay, analyzed data from over 12,000 participants aged 45-74 years old.
A NUS study found that Blastocystis ST7 produces indole-3-acetyldehyde, which binds to immune cells, reducing gut tolerance and causing inflammation. Probiotic bacteria like lactobacillus may help negate its effects.
A new study analyzing over 220,000 people's sleep data shows that those in Asia have shorter sleep duration and lower quality, with more variable sleep timing on weekdays. In contrast, people in other regions tend to have longer weekend sleep extension, suggesting a cultural impact on sleep habits.
Chronic disease medications impair the body's ability to regulate core temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related illness in elderly patients. Exercise and improved fitness levels can help mitigate these effects, but bodily impairments from chemotherapy and medications may limit exercise capacity.
Researchers discovered that red blood cell particles can reduce fat deposition in arteries by inducing multiple changes in macrophages, including decreased inflammation and increased protection against oxidative damage. This finding offers potential new methods for treating atherosclerosis.
Researchers at NUS have developed a new treatment method that reduces the size and increases the stability of atherosclerotic plaques in arterial walls. The treatment involves injecting omega-3 fatty acids into the bloodstream via nanomedicine, which helps to reduce inflammation and prevent plaque rupture.
Researchers at NUS and Imperial College London have discovered a new way bacteria share genes, enabling rapid evolution. Lateral cotransduction enables SaPIs to transfer themselves intact with bacterial DNA, making them potent transducing agents.
Researchers at NUS developed a new photodynamic therapy that selectively kills breast cancer cells without damaging surrounding tissues. The treatment uses a biocompatible silicone implant loaded with nanoparticles activated by near-infrared light, reducing the risk of toxicity and improving tumour control.
A review and analysis of 52 studies found childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients and survivors are at an increased lifetime risk of developing depression and anxiety even after cancer remission. Higher education, income, and social support lower the risk of these mental health disorders.
Peruvoside has been discovered to prevent up to 12 medically important viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), and Influenza. The compound acts on GBF1 protein, disabling its functionality and stopping virus production.
ChatGPT achieved high scores in clinical reasoning and demonstrated rapid response times to evolving questions. However, its lack of local ethnic knowledge and limited medical references hindered its performance in highly contextual situations.
A study from the National University of Singapore predicts that obesity will be the main metabolic risk factor underlying acute myocardial infarction (AMI) onset and AMI-related deaths by 2050. By then, overweight/obesity related AMI-mortality is expected to increase four-fold, with Malays facing a five-fold rise.
Researchers at NUS found that vesicles released by red blood cells can deliver RNA-based drugs to increase muscle growth and suppress cancer-associated skeletal muscle weakening. The study showed improved efficacy compared to traditional delivery methods without inducing toxicity or inflammatory reactions.
Researchers from NUS Medicine discovered that specific CPS structures and sugar combinations help Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the human respiratory tract. The study sheds light on the importance of CPS structure in bacterial survival, which will inform future vaccine development.
Scientists discover that milk-derived extracellular vesicles can repair damaged gut barriers and prevent bacterial toxins from leaking into the bloodstream. The study shows promising results in treating leaky gut syndrome and related diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
A study published in Nature Immunology found that antibodies from previously infected patients can neutralize variants of the COVID-19 disease, including the Omicron variant. These broadly neutralizing antibodies have unique biochemical and structural features that enable them to block the virus from entering human cells.
Research found that pregnancy complications such as preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, and gestational diabetes are associated with increased risk of mortality. Women who experienced these complications had a higher risk of all-cause mortality, with some complications linked to specific causes of death like cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers have developed a new imaging approach to diagnose advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH). The enzyme-sensitive nanoprobe emits signals that can be detected by MRI techniques, providing more accurate and sensitive data for diagnosis. This breakthrough aims to improve the treatment outcomes of NASH patients.
A groundbreaking study found that a new TB treatment strategy can shorten treatment duration while maintaining effectiveness. The TRUNCATE-TB trial showed that an initial 8-week treatment period followed by retreatment for those not cured was as effective as the standard 6-month treatment but halved the average total time on treatment.
Researchers found that a 30-minute mid-afternoon nap had the best balance of practicability and benefit, while shorter naps still improved mood, alertness, and memory encoding. The study suggests allocating at least 40 minutes for sleep to fall asleep.
Researchers identified two Blastocystis strains, ST4 and ST7, with contrasting effects on the gut microbiome, promoting or disrupting a healthy balance. The study's findings suggest that geographical prevalence may influence the strain's impact on intestinal disease.
Researchers found that metabolites associated with the Mediterranean diet may serve as an objective measure to assess adherence among pregnant individuals. The study identified several key metabolites linked to maternal physiology and outcomes, including gestational diabetes and chronic diseases.
Researchers have discovered that inhibiting conventional signalling pathway by disrupting LCK allows more efficient tumour cell killing, using FYN protein instead. This approach enhances T-cell function and reduces graft-versus-host disease, making CAR-T therapy more accessible to patients.
A novel form of chemoimmunotherapy has been proven to be a promising treatment for canine cancer, extending the lives of terminally ill dogs. The therapy uses modified Mesenchymal Stem Cells carrying a potent 'kill-switch' that induces anti-cancer immunity and improves quality of life.
A study found that drinking caffeinated coffee daily can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 10-53% in women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Replacing sugary drinks with coffee also shows a 10-17% reduced risk.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that using hearing aids can decrease the risk of cognitive decline by 20%. The study, conducted by researchers at NUS Medicine, analyzed data from over 130,000 participants and found a significant association between hearing aid use and reduced cognitive decline. The findings suggest that t...
Researchers have developed a polymeric carrier for mRNA vaccines that reduces inflammation and maintains efficiency, potentially offering better cancer treatment options. The new carrier, tested in preclinical studies, shows promise for low-side-effect cancer therapy.
Researchers found that individuals with CYP8B1 loss-of-function mutations have improved insulin sensitivity and better glucose regulation, reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests a potential new treatment approach using bile acid modulators to target this gene.
Researchers identified Spns2, an S1P transporter, as a novel drug target for Multiple Sclerosis treatment. Targeting this protein may improve safety profiles and reduce side effects associated with current therapies.
A team of scientists has discovered a novel non-invasive method to predict and reduce the relapse of childhood cancers, particularly neuroblastoma. The new approach analyzes genes in blood samples to determine the likelihood of cancer spread, allowing for early interventions to prevent relapse.
Research by NUS led by Professor Zhang Cuilin found that maternal physical activity before pregnancy is associated with placental DNA methylation patterns affecting fetal growth. Additionally, optimal fatty acid intake in early pregnancy optimizes fetal growth throughout pregnancy.