2015
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2015 Magazine articles
Mechanobiology provides insight into disease and healing processesMedicine, Science20 May 2015National University of SingaporeResearchers in Singapore are gaining further insight into how the mechanical environment of cells drives fundamental cellular processes such as motility, growth and survival. These processes are integral to many clinical challenges, from cancer prognosis to wound healing and skin repair. |
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Using ozone to protect papaya exportsScience20 May 2015The University of Nottingham Malaysia CampusMalaysian researchers are developing an ozone treatment to protect papaya and other exotic fruits from diseases and decay during storage and transportation. |
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Quail breeding discoveries shed light on human sexualityMedicine, Science20 May 2015Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya UniversityJapanese researchers are studying quail to understand the underlying mechanisms involved in their breeding behaviours. |
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Artificial enzymes to reduce carbon dioxide emissionsScience, Technology20 May 2015The University of Nottingham Malaysia CampusAn international team is developing artificial enzymes designed for industrial plants that could convert carbon dioxide into carbonates, with the ultimate aim of reducing CO2 emissions. |
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The true burden of tuberculosisMedicine, Science20 May 2015University of MalayaPrisons are common settings for tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks, yet screening and prevention services can be extremely limited. As the spread of drug-resistant TB increases, understanding and monitoring levels of the disease among vulnerable populations can minimise the delay of much-needed treatment. |
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Salt-tolerant herb rich in antioxidant compoundsScience20 May 2015Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)Researchers in Malaysia are exploring the link between antioxidant production in the herb purslane and the salinity of the soil where it grows. Their results suggest that salt-stressed purslane may be a potential source of bioactive compounds for commercial use. |
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Developing “greener” household productsScience, Technology20 May 2015The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore is working with a Japanese multinational company to develop safer, anti-odour and anti-bacteria household products that eliminate the use of harmful biocides. |
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Gamma ray camera may help with Fukushima decontaminationScience, Technology20 May 2015Waseda UniversityJapanese researchers have significantly improved the performance of a gamma ray-imaging “Compton” camera. The new technology has potential applications in scientific research, medical treatment and environmental monitoring, as well as radioactive decontamination work. |
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A non-invasive tool for diagnosing cancerMedicine, Science20 May 2015The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)Researchers in Singapore have developed an ultrasensitive method to detect micro-RNAs: tiny molecules that can indicate the presence of tumours. They are applying the technology toward a non-invasive screening test for gastric cancer. |
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First dolphins appeared millions of years earlier than previously thoughtScience, Technology20 May 2015Waseda UniversityJapanese researchers have described the earliest species of a true dolphin in the known fossil record: the oldest Miocene delphinid fossil including a skull. Their research has huge implications for our understanding of dolphin evolution. |