The ICZN has set up an endowment fund to protect its long-term viability, receiving gifts totaling S$1.35 million from the Lee Foundation and other benefactors. This will support the operations of the ICZN Secretariat, with the goal of fully funding its office in Singapore for perpetuity.
Researchers from NUS developed a new hybrid magnetic sensor that is more sensitive to low and high magnetic fields, tunability, and temperature. The sensor has been shown to be more than 200 times more sensitive than commercially available sensors.
A collaborative study led by NUS scientists has identified a universal mechanism that regulates forces during epithelial tissue repair. The researchers found that cells respond to the shape and geometry of gaps in the tissue, with convex edges facilitating faster movement than concave edges.
A team of scientists has discovered a new magnetic phenomenon by growing perfectly-crystalline atomic layers of a manganite on a nonmagnetic substrate. The discovery shows that adding just one extra layer can transform the magnetism, validating the polar catastrophe model.
A research team from NUS Medicine has demonstrated that applying an external source of hydrogen sulphide can protect testicular germ cells against heat-induced injury, a major cause of male infertility. The findings provide a potential therapeutic value for H2S in treating male infertility.
A team of scientists from NUS discovered that blue LEDs can effectively kill major foodborne pathogens, especially when combined with chilling temperatures and mildly acidic conditions. This technology has the potential to replace chemical treatments for preserving acidic foods.
Researchers from Yale-NUS, NUS and UT Austin develop a theoretical framework to understand the elastic and electronic properties of graphene. The findings provide insights into creating hybrid materials with band gaps necessary for semiconductors.
Cells make decisions based on environmental stimuli, with cytoskeleton dynamics playing a key role. A recent study found that inherent 'handedness' in molecular structures directs cell behavior and confers the ability to sense left and right differences.
A NUS-led study found that protected areas in Indonesia are ineffective in slowing down deforestation, instead suggesting the implementation of road monitoring, logging control, and alternative livelihoods to support conservation. The research highlights the need for more effective measures to tackle deforestation in the country.
A recent NUS study found that online news articles about climate change and charismatic mammals are more likely to be shared or liked on Facebook and Twitter. Conservation researchers highlight the importance of engaging with the general public through effective online content delivery.
A team of NUS researchers developed a novel strategy to prevent inflammation-associated cancers by targeting the interaction between FAT10 and MAD2. This approach facilitates the development of cancer drugs with fewer side effects, as it targets specific pathological functions without affecting other physiological functions.
Researchers at National University of Singapore discover that cells exert directional forces to close gaps in protective epithelial barriers, even when underlying layers are damaged. This 'tug-of-war' mechanism drives mechanical forces responsible for gap closure.
Researchers found that attaching chemotherapy drug Epirubicin to nanodiamonds effectively eliminates chemoresistant cancer stem cells. The study demonstrates the use of nanotechnology to repurpose existing chemotherapy drugs as effective agents against chemoresistant cancer stem cells.
E-cadherin molecules form small clusters of about five molecules, which then recruit more molecules and organize into the adherens junction. The actin cytoskeleton fences these clusters, preventing them from merging to form a belt.
Researchers at National University of Singapore have found new interactions between STAT3 and PRL-3, two molecules involved in acute myeloid leukaemia, which may offer a new therapeutic target. The study suggests that disrupting the STAT3-PRL-3 regulatory loop could lead to an attractive anti-leukaemia therapy.
Scientists at the National University of Singapore identified a novel mechanosensitive regulation of epithelial tube contraction using the C. elegans spermatheca as a model. The study revealed that SPV-1 protein maintains regular cycles of actomyosin contractility, which helps maintain tube integrity.
Researchers at the National University of Singapore have comprehensively described the network of proteins involved in cell-cell adhesions. The study reveals 561 proteins associated with E-cadherin, including adaptor proteins and those involved in cellular transport and protein synthesis.
Researchers found a new type of immune T helper cells called TH-GM cells play a crucial role in the immune system and pathogenesis of neuronal inflammation. Blocking IL-7 or STAT5 could provide significant therapeutic benefits for MS.
Researchers at NUS and their collaborators developed a novel scoring scheme that predicts the ability of cancer cells to spread. The system monitors epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanism, a key process in metastasis, and has shown good correlation with previously published EMT signatures.
Researchers from NUS observe a new reproductive mode in critically endangered white spotted bush frogs, breeding and laying direct-developing eggs in live bamboo. The discovery sheds light on the unique behavior of these frogs and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect their habitats.
A research team led by NUS scientists has identified several potent inhibitors that selectively target FTO, a gene strongly linked to obesity. The discovery paves the way for the development of novel anti-obesity drugs and treatments.
A novel study by Singapore researchers found that an increase in the Leo1 gene affects genes directly implicated in acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML), increasing cancer incidence. Inhibition of Leo1 and downstream signalling pathways offer a targeted treatment approach.
A team of scientists discovered that a drug originally designed for DNA repair defects could potentially be used to treat leukemia and other cancers. Combining PARP inhibitors with standard chemotherapy drugs showed promise in combating the disease, with potential applications for other common cancers.
A NUS study shows that artesunate, a common anti-malarial drug, can effectively control asthma with improved treatment outcomes and lesser side effects. The research reveals artesunate's ability to suppress airway inflammation and produce anti-inflammatory effects similar to those of dexamethasone.
Researchers from NUS use a focused laser beam to 'draw' micropatterns on nanomaterials, enhancing electrical conductivity and photoconductivity by over 10 times. This technique has potential for advanced applications in electronics and optoelectronics.
A team of scientists discovered a protein named IL23A that is produced as an immune response to bacterial infection, which leads to gastric cancer. The production of IL23A by stomach cells requires the tumour suppressor gene RUNX3.
Researchers discover distinct mutational signature and nine significantly mutated genes associated with nasopharyngeal cancer. The findings provide an enhanced road map for studying the molecular basis of this disease, which has limited understanding compared to other cancers.
Researchers at NUS have successfully demonstrated a 'photosalient effect' driven by photochemical reactions in solids, converting light into mechanical motion. This phenomenon has potential applications in harnessing solar energy to power light-driven actuators and mechanical devices.
A study by NUS researchers found that the Chiromantis hansenae treefrog exhibits unusual parental care behavior to increase offspring survival. This behavior is crucial for preventing egg desiccation and buffering environmental pressures.
Researchers at National University of Singapore identify cancer-specific stem cell causing gastric cancer, opening possibility of developing new drugs to treat this disease. They discovered a cancer-specific variant of a cell surface protein, CD44v8-10, marks gastric cancer stem cells but not normal cells.
Researchers at NUS have developed a technique to study the interface between materials, revealing new properties that arise when two materials are combined. This breakthrough opens doors to the development of better solar cells, novel superconductors, and smaller hard drives.
Researchers at National University of Singapore create molecular electronic devices that can operate at hundreds of terahertz frequencies, ten times faster than current microprocessors. The breakthrough uses quantum plasmonic tunnelling and has potential applications in ultra-fast computers and single molecule detectors.
Researchers discovered several novel genetic defects that cause oesophageal squamous carcinoma, a type of aggressive cancer prevalent in Singapore and Southeast Asia. The study provides insight into the molecular basis of this disease and potential new therapies for treatment.
Researchers from NUS have developed a novel fluorescent sensor, GHB Orange, to identify the presence of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in beverages. The sensor can detect GHB in under 30 seconds, making it a valuable tool for preventing drug-facilitated sexual assault.
Researchers propose a coordinated response plan to study the impacts of biomass burning and haze on Southeast Asian marine ecosystems. The study aims to gather baseline information to inform effective management of threatened marine ecosystems in the region.
Researchers at NUS created a highly sensitive fluorescence probe to detect Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO-B) activity, which is elevated in patients with Parkinson's disease. The probe can monitor the progression of the disease and has potential as a biomarker.
Researchers from NUS have discovered laminin-5 gamma-2 as a potential target for treating anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), a highly aggressive and untreatable form of cancer. The protein's silencing inhibited tumour growth, cell migration, and invasion in ATC cells.
Researchers at NUS have discovered a biomarker called adenosine deaminase acting on RNA-1 (ADAR1) to diagnose and treat esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). ADAR1 over-expression promotes tumor development, with clinical implications for early detection and treatment.
A team of NUS scientists developed a new method to exfoliate molybdenum disulfide crystals into high-quality monolayer flakes with higher yield and larger flake size than current methods. The breakthrough method can be made into a printable solution, which can be applied in printable photonics and electronics.
The NUS team has developed a new Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM) technology that can store data for at least 20 years, increasing storage space and enhancing memory. This innovation has the potential to change the architecture of computers, making them easier to manufacture and reducing costs.
Researchers discovered that Neurexin2 dysfunction contributes to neurodegeneration in Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a devastating genetic disease affecting infant and young adults. A restoration of Neurexin2 activity partially recovers neuron function in SMN deficient zebrafish, offering a new direction for therapy of neurodegeneration.
Researchers at NUS have discovered that outer skin cells can form suspended bridges during wound healing, paving the way for better wound treatment and artificial skin design. The study sheds light on how skin cells migrate over regions devoid of support from the extracellular matrix.
The NUS team has successfully developed a one-step method to grow and transfer high-quality graphene on silicon substrates, opening up opportunities for its use in photonics and electronics. The 'face-to-face transfer' method enables the technological application of graphene in optoelectronic modulators, transistors, and biosensors.
Researchers discovered Sox4 as a potential therapeutic target and histone deacetylase inhibitors as candidates in the treatment of AML. The studies also found that targeting Sox4 effectively perturbs major leukemogenic phenotypes and reactivates expression of genes responsible for blocking growth of healthy blood cells.
Researchers at NUS found that activating Rho protein suppresses liver malignancies, providing evidence for signalling crosstalk between proteins in regulating liver overgrowth and cancer. The study paves the way for developing targeted therapeutics for liver cancer.
A study spanning two decades reveals that species in forest fragments are more likely to disappear than previously thought. Habitat fragmentation and invasive species like the Malayan field rat contribute to the rapid decline of native wildlife populations.
Researchers at NUS have developed novel water purification methods using apple and tomato peels, showing promise for economically disadvantaged communities. The techniques can remove various pollutants from water, including dissolved organic and inorganic chemicals.
Researchers found that current costs of forest conservation are low, but future agricultural yields could increase dramatically, rendering financial incentives ineffective. This threatens the long-term viability of conservation programs in tropical developing countries.
Researchers from NUS have successfully created a 'superheated' water that can corrode diamonds by attaching a layer of graphene. This novel discovery has wide-ranging industrial applications, including environmentally-friendly degradation of organic wastes and laser-assisted etching of semiconductor or dielectric films.
Researchers led by NUS Associate Professor Yan Jie identify three new distinct overstretched DNA structures caused by mechanical stretching, resolving a long-standing scientific debate. The discovery has implications for understanding DNA damage repair and gene transcriptions, with potential applications in designing new DNA devices.