Researchers discover that cortical tension plays a key role in clustering proteins and establishing cell polarity. This force-driven mechanism allows cells to establish polarity without wasting energy by actively transporting proteins or cellular components.
Researchers at NUS found that the brain changes the activity of neurons when distracted, but retains information by reorganizing the 'code' used to store it. This discovery could inspire novel artificial neural network architectures and improve our understanding of brain function.
Researchers from NUS have developed a novel organic thin film that stores and processes data for 1 trillion cycles, significantly outperforming existing flash memory devices. The new device consumes 1,000 times less power and has the potential to be made even smaller.
Researchers from National University of Singapore invented a novel converter that can harness the speed and small size of plasmons for high frequency data processing and transmission. The converter has an efficiency of over 10% and can potentially make microprocessor chips work 1,000 times faster.
Researchers at NUS combine artemisinin, an anti-malarial drug, with Aminolaevulinic acid (ALA), a photosensitiser, to enhance its anti-cancer properties. This novel combination therapy kills colorectal cancer cells and suppresses tumour growth with fewer side effects.
Researchers discovered how oxygen alters MoS2's electronic and optical properties, enabling tunable optical band gaps. This knowledge sheds light on modifying the material's properties for various applications.
A NUS study found a strong association between deforestation in Cambodia and increased risk of diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections, and fever in children under five. The study suggests that conserving forests could help mitigate health burdens and inform policy decisions on land use planning.
The study identified the Atlantic Forest, Gulf of Guinea, and Thailand as regions where agricultural conversion provides higher benefits than environmental costs. In contrast, Latin America, insular Southeast Asia, and Madagascar are considered economically viable conservation targets due to low agricultural benefits and high environme...
Researchers have developed a novel method to propagate spin wave signals in multiple directions at the same frequency, without external magnetic field. This ultra-low power approach enables energy-efficient operation and paves the way for non-charge based information processing
Researchers have found that liver cells can eliminate excess bile from blocked ducts through a mechanism involving the internal structure of the cell, which allows bile to be packaged inside vesicles for transport. This discovery could potentially improve the prognosis for infants with rare liver disease.
A NUS study found that plants selectively kill part of their roots to withstand cold weather conditions, allowing them to recover faster when temperatures rise. This discovery could lead to novel strategies to improve crop growth and yield under environmental stress.
Researchers discovered ZBTB48 regulates both telomeres and mitochondria, contributing to a better understanding of the human ageing process. The protein limits abnormal telomere lengthening in cells, while activating genes involved in mitochondrial function.
A research team at NUS developed an app to deliver postnatal educational programmes and provide supportive care on-the-go. The 'Home-but-not-alone' app improved parenting confidence, perceived social support, and satisfaction among new parents, highlighting a gap in existing postnatal care in Singapore.
Researchers from the National University of Singapore have discovered novel properties of strontium niobate, a material that displays both metallic type conduction and photocatalytic activity. The material exhibits an intrinsic plasmonic absorption, allowing it to absorb visible photons, which is exceptional among metals.
Researchers discovered that plastin, an actin-bundling protein, plays a crucial role in facilitating polarisation and cytokinesis in embryonic cells. The study revealed that plastin functions as a molecular rivet, enabling the cell cortex to withstand forces generated during filament contraction.
Scientists discover that physical arrangement of cells drives cell death and removal, with topological defects causing cells to realign and leading to extrusion. This finding provides new insights into tissue development and control of cell growth.
The Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) has developed the world's first full-size IBC bifacial solar module, capable of producing up to 400 Watts of electric power. The module features a double-glass structure, low-temperature interconnections, and high-efficiency ZEBRA solar cells.
Researchers from NUS develop a novel ultra-thin multilayer film that harnesses the properties of tiny magnetic whirls, known as skyrmions, as information carriers. The invention could lead to more energy-efficient and faster data storage devices.
Researchers at NUS identified weak spots on the surface of the dengue virus that can be targeted with therapies and vaccines, providing a promising avenue for treating the disease.
Researchers discovered ordered arrangement of myosin-II filaments in actin cables of non-muscle cells, enabling slow contractility and movement through connective tissue. This organisation allows for dynamic assembly and disassembly of protein cables, providing the necessary strength to interact with the microenvironment.
A recent study by National University of Singapore researchers found that yellow taxis have significantly fewer accidents than blue taxis due to their higher visibility. This could lead to substantial cost savings for taxi operators, with an estimated annual savings of S$2 million.
Researchers used super-resolution imaging to map the organization of cadherin-based adhesions in cells. The study revealed a multi-layered structure with compartments separated by an interface layer containing vinculin, which plays a key role in fine-tuning mechanical properties.
Dying cells must be detached from their neighbors to avoid causing further damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The study reveals a carefully choreographed sequence of molecular events that revolve around an interplay between cell adhesions and protein-based contractile cables.
Researchers from NUS develop high-performance and low-power driven THz emitters that can be mass-produced at low cost and function on flexible surfaces. These advancements accelerate the application of THz technology in various fields, including safety surveillance, disease diagnosis and imaging.
NUS researchers have made a breakthrough in developing conducting polymer films that can provide unprecedented ohmic contacts, enabling superior performance in plastic electronics. The breakthrough allows for the creation of high-performance devices such as organic light-emitting diodes, solar cells and transistors.
Researchers discovered that cadherin clusters prevent cortical deformation by acting as structural anchors in the cell membrane. This new function of non-junctional cadherin clusters regulates cortical movement and stability, allowing for essential processes like cytokinesis to occur without dramatic changes.
Researchers identified a molecule called AXL which triggers the spread of an aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Blocking AXL may be an effective treatment option for patients with Mes subtype ovarian cancer.
Researchers at NUS have found that controlling TIP60 protein levels could prevent breast cancer cell spread. TIP60 interacts with DNMT1 and SNAIL2 to inhibit metastasis, suggesting a potential new strategy for treating various cancers.
Researchers found that high levels of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD) trigger aggressive breast cancer cell behavior. By targeting MnSOD, scientists hope to develop effective therapeutic strategies against triple-negative breast cancer.
Researchers discovered two distinct mechanisms of cell extrusion from epithelial sheets, with low-density cell crawling and lamellipodia extension being the predominant mechanism at low cell density, while purse-string contraction takes over at high densities.
Researchers from NUS have unraveled the molecular story of FHL2 and its relocation to the nucleus in response to ECM stiffness, influencing protein synthesis and cell proliferation. This study provides new insights into the regulation of cell growth in soft environments.
Scientists have found that cell boundary elongation is driven by the activity of actomyosin networks in neighboring cells, not within the same cell. This discovery sheds light on the complex processes involved in tissue development and organ specialization.
A NUS study found that tropical butterflies are more likely to be flower specialists, preferring native plants and having shorter proboscis. Urbanization threatens these specialized species by reducing native plant availability, necessitating conservation intervention measures.
Researchers at CSI Singapore found that inhibiting protein BMI1 can stop lung cancer growth. Low levels of C/EBPa protein result in poorer survival and high expression of BMI1.
Researchers at NUS have developed a novel technique to implant high-performance magnetic memory chips on flexible plastic surfaces, overcoming performance challenges. The new device uses magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) and demonstrates excellent data storage and processing capabilities.
Scientists at NUS Cancer Science Institute discovered that phosphorylation of the tumour suppressor gene RUNX3 promotes cancer progression by allowing cell division. The study's findings suggest a potential way to increase the effectiveness of cancer therapy by targeting Aurora Kinase, an enzyme involved in the modification.
Researchers developed a novel super-resolution imaging method to monitor dynamic protein binding, such as talin and vinculin, in living cells. The study revealed clustered binding of vinculins to talin, with five or more molecules binding in one second.
Researchers have identified a snitch that reveals cancer cells to the immune system by producing interferon, activating macrophages and T cells to kill cancer cells. MUS81 enzyme plays a crucial role in this process, triggering an immune response in cancer cells.
Researchers at NUS have developed a method to enhance the photoluminescence efficiency of tungsten diselenide, a two-dimensional semiconductor material. By incorporating gold plasmonic nanostructures, they achieved a 20,000-fold enhancement, paving the way for novel optoelectronic devices.
A new hybrid drug combines parts of chloroquine and a chemoreversal agent to counteract malaria resistance. The dual-acting mechanism kills the parasite by concentrating the drug in its stomach.
A NUS-led research team has discovered a new method for transferring magnetic information between two thin layers of magnetic materials by adding a special insulator. This breakthrough enables faster data transmission rates and paves the way for the development of devices that operate in the terahertz frequency range.
A recent NUS study found that international trade causes significant economic losses in tropical countries, with annual losses totaling US$1.7 trillion. The researchers suggest implementing measures such as an ecosystem services tax or price premiums for environmentally friendly agricultural produce to reduce deforestation and environm...
A new species of narrow-mouthed frog, Microhyla laterite, has been discovered in laterite rock formations of southwest India. The frog, which is distinct from closely related species, is classified as Endangered due to its narrow geographic range and fragile habitat.
A team of scientists from Singapore and France has revealed the underlying mechanism for the formation and growth of epithelial tubes. They found that the shape and size of these tubes are governed by mechanical forces arising from cell interaction with the extracellular matrix, influencing lumen morphology and elongation direction.
Researchers at the National University of Singapore and Yale-NUS College have established the mechanisms for spin motion in molybdenum disulfide. This discovery resolves a research question on electron spin properties in single layers of 2D materials, paving the way for next-generation spintronics devices with lower energy consumption.
Cells form early adhesions from integrin clusters, a consistent size of 100 nanometres, even on soft or hard surfaces. These modular units enable cells to sense and migrate on surfaces with different rigidity, a hallmark of metastasis.
A recent NUS study examines the factors leading to mangrove deforestation in Southeast Asia between 2000 and 2012. The researchers found that rice agriculture in Myanmar and oil palm plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia are major drivers of this deforestation, posing future threats to the region's mangrove ecosystems.
Researchers at NUS have discovered a method to manipulate electrons in thin semiconductors by encapsulating them in atomically thin materials and applying external electric and magnetic fields. This technique enables reversible control of electron behavior, paving the way for new applications in high-temperature superconductivity.
A team of NUS researchers discovered over 120 protein targets of artemisinin in Plasmodium falciparum, the most pathogenic malaria parasite. The study found that haem is the main activator of artemisinin, which targets essential biological processes in the parasite.
Researchers at NUS Cancer Science Institute found that USP15 protein regulates the TGF-β pathway by interacting with SMURF2. This interaction enhances stability of the TGF-β receptor and leads to increased cancer progression. The study suggests USP15 as a novel therapeutic target for treating cancers with hyperactivated TGF-β pathways.