Medicine & Healthcare

A team from Osaka University has developed scSPOT, a new technique that reveals how immune cells called Tregs simultaneously control the immune system. The team identified key immune cells controlled by Tregs and found that Tregs are targets for the cancer drugs ipilimumab and tazemetostat. They also found that Tregs are indicators of serious viral infection. This valuable technique may accelerate the development of treatments for cancer and other diseases.

· Microbes affect pathways in the brain that regulate our anxiety levels. · Microbe secreting metabolites—indoles—alleviate anxiety levels. · Indigenous microbes producing indoles open avenues for an alternative treatment therapy using probiotic microbes producing indoles to reduce anxiety attacks—thus a vision of next generation therapy to combat mental health disorders.

Researchers from Japan find that certain antioxidant enzymes, called selenoproteins, significantly contribute to fighting cell aging. The team used a gene knockout mouse model to help them study the effects of disrupting selenoprotein synthesis. This knockout negatively impacted hematopoietic stem cells and B cell-lineage immune cells, which was driven by the lack of selenoprotein-mediated fighting of lipid peroxides. These phenotypes mimic what is observed in age-related diseases, emphasizing the importance of selenoproteins in these disorders.

Amylase and mucin decrease the effects of ozonated water

Latest findings on the significance and interaction between cell death and cellular senescence in cancer

At Duke-NUS Medical School scientists are pioneering breakthroughs in precision medicine and regenerative therapies, targeting everything from muscle loss to dramatically extending our years of health.

Ultrasound charging for biomedical devices penetrates the body better and researchers have shown that the receiver’s shape improves energy transfer.

A new treatment with iron nanoparticles and nitric oxide gas shows promise in destroying oral cancer cells.

The study identifies gut microbes and genes that regulate TMAO production from L-carnitine, offering potential for personalized nutrition strategies.

Intermittent fasting, especially alternate-day fasting, provides an effective alternative to continuous energy restriction for improving metabolic health.

A research team proposes a method to assess cancer patients for their likelihood to either respond to treatment or relapse.

Crossing the uncanny valley, Batteries that don’t explode, Tiny climate change fighters, Liver-friendly mushroom & Foetal defence. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

• The legacy of Duke-NUS’ founding donor, the Estate of Khoo Teck Puat, continues with a transformative S$5.5 million gift towards research. • The HEAD Foundation steps up with a S$200,000 scholarship, underpinning Duke-NUS’ commitment to developing medical expertise.

Duke-NUS study findings challenge the longstanding reliance on neutralising antibodies for assessing viral immunity, and suggest that development of future vaccines must consider both antibody and T-cell responses for comprehensive protection.

Gut microbe isolated from infertile women disrupts progesterone metabolism, lowering progesterone levels and impairing ovarian follicular development.

Ateneo researchers are looking to turn milkfish skin, a common waste byproduct of the Philippine fishing industry, into an invaluable medical resource.

New formula for hyperfiltration and glomerular filtration rate takes natural decline into account

Early administration of AHCC at the stage of hepatitis might hold possibility of preventing onset of cirrhosis

Researchers have found that adding sugar or artificial sweetener to drinks with caffeine gives a significant boost to the sleep-wake period in mice

Use of automated system in upper extremity paralysis care proves beneficial for patients and medical staff

Researchers from Osaka University have revealed some of the precise mechanisms by which erroneous cells are recognized, marked for removal, and eliminated via apoptosis in developing zebrafish. Notably, they found that the protein Foxo3 may be a universal marker of cell competition in zebrafish and mice. These findings have important implications for congenital disorders, cancer, and aging, and may lead to novel treatments.

Utilizing pericellular and intracellular controlled-release of carboplatin to precisely synergize with reduced-dose radiotherapy, aiming to eradicate malignant gliomas.

Enhanced pedicled latissimus dorsi flap technique achieves 100% success rate in high-risk head and neck reconstruction

Amino acid serine inhibits Clostridium perfringens spore formation

New research suggesting a link between motor protein Kif23 and microcephaly may be the key to developing more effective treatments for this condition.

The hydrogen atoms of [4Fe-4S] type ferredoxin, one of the electron carriers, have been visualized and both experiments and calculations have revealed the mechanisms that control the redox potential. Aspartic acid (Asp64) located a distance away from the [4Fe-4S] cluster of ferredoxin, was found to be the control switch, an evolutionarily conserved mechanism.

Researchers at Osaka University have identified ARMC5 as a key regulator of fatty acid balance in adipose tissue. ARMC5 degrades non-SCAP-bound SREBP1, activating it to regulate stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), an enzyme essential for fatty acid desaturation. This discovery opens avenues for developing drugs targeting ARMC5 to manage fatty acid levels and improve health outcomes.

Although crackles have long been regarded as a hallmark finding in physical examinations, this study revealed their unreliability not only among human physicians but also in artificial intelligence systems.

A new simulator gives nursing students hands-on practice with vital procedures like mechanical ventilation and tracheal suctioning in children.

International integration of drug-drug interaction information through mapping of Japanese and international drug codes