Medicine & Healthcare

Suppression of an enzyme might allow melanocytes to recover

Researchers from Osaka University have identified key immune cells that respond to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. These cells, known as activated atypical B cells, are increased in blood samples from people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, people with higher levels of these cells have more antibodies to fight the COVID-19 virus. These findings should help researchers assess how well people respond to the vaccine and help improve the design of new vaccines.

Feeder-free induced pluripotent stem cells hold hope in therapies for cats’ chronic kidney disease

A study highlights that children with ADHD frequently experience sleep problems, potentially linked to lower levels of melatonin, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep. Genetic variations that reduce melatonin levels at night are associated with more severe ADHD symptoms in children aged 8-9. The research suggests that improving sleep habits, such as increasing morning sunlight exposure and reducing evening screen time, could help manage ADHD symptoms. This underscores the importance of addressing sleep issues as a possible way to alleviate ADHD symptoms in children.

Survey of 10,000 Japanese adults reveal leading causes of burp-related disorders

Specific nucleosides hinder replication of tumor cells in step toward cancer prevention

Researchers from Osaka University found that voltage-sensing phosphatase (VSP) is activated by electrical signals during sperm maturation and is crucial for establishing the optimal phosphoinositide environment to generate functional spermatozoa. Modulating VSP function to promote appropriate sperm maturation could be used to develop clinical treatments for infertility in the future.

A nonirritant, antibacterial solution to prevent oral inflammation may lie in citrus and coconut chemical compounds

A pioneering study titled “Causal effect of video gaming on mental well-being in Japan 2020-2022,” published in Nature Human Behaviour, has conducted the most comprehensive investigation to date on the causal relationship between video gaming and mental well-being. This research, the first to demonstrate this relationship using real-life data, challenges commonly held views about the effects of gaming.

The surprising discovery that cellular protein Gα13 may actually protect against—rather than promote growth of—the most commonly relapsing type of breast cancer signals potential for more effective and innovative treatments.

This alliance by the student bodies of Singapore’s three medical schools continues to unify and represent the voice of the local medical student community through regular dialogue, engagement and collaboration with external stakeholders, including the Singapore Medical Association and Ministry of Health.

A newly developed compound that reduces harmful inflammation in rats caused by overactive neutrophils shows great potential as a safer treatment for various inflammatory diseases in humans.

ChatGPT’s diagnostic capabilities evaluated in comparison to radiologists

Researchers from Osaka University developed an antibody that prevents the activation of the Dickkopf 1–Cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (DKK1–CKAP4) pathway, which is important for tumor growth in several cancers, including pancreatic cancer. On the basis of an antibody derived from mice, the researchers developed an antibody that could be used in humans (Hv1Lt1). Hv1Lt1 successfully prevented tumor formation in experimental mice. When given in combination, it improved the effect of chemotherapy drugs.

A clinical trial conducted by Tohoku University researchers has lead to the approval of a treatment for patients with a rare, muscle-weakening disease called GNE myopathy.

Recent advances in medical science have complicated clinical decision-making, raising ethical issues. Hospitals have set up clinical ethics consultation systems, but their effectiveness is limited due to low awareness and communication difficulties. To address this, a research group initiated by Osaka University studied proactive ethics consultation practices, proposing strategies like “inter-professional ethics rounds" and "patient note reviews." These methods aim to resolve ethical issues, improve care, and alleviate moral dilemmas facing medical staff.

Collaborative study by Duke-NUS and NUS Mechanobiology Institute offers new hope for treating neurodevelopmental disorders by activating dormant neural stem cells and uncovering other mechanisms behind brain development.

Cell–cell adhesion-induced patterning in keratinocytes can be explained by just starvation and strong adhesion, Hokkaido University researchers find.

Ecklonia cava, a brown algae seaweed, is shown to have the ability to protect against neurodegeneration

A violinist, an athlete, engineers and architecture graduates highlight the diversity and drive of Duke-NUS Medical School’s 18th cohort of medical students.

Growing use of AI reveals the need for global sustainability initiatives

A research group led by Associate Professor Katsuya Sakai, Researcher Nichole Marcela Rojas-Chaverra, and Professor Kunio Matsumoto of the Cancer Research Institute and Nano-Life Science (WPI-NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University has developed a long-acting, subcutaneously injectable artificial hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mimetic molecule using a fusion technology of cyclic peptides and protein engineering. They demonstrated in a mouse model that it improves liver fibrosis, lipid accumulation, and inflammation caused by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This research result provides an option for the development of NASH therapeutics as well as a technology for creating growth factor and cytokine mimetic molecules with improved pharmacokinetics.

Researchers develop method to calculate the probability of a fall for older adults

Applied Microbiology International has announced that it has recruited 11 new Global Ambassadors from around the world.

A new treatment combining tiny iron particles and nitric oxide gas shows promise in targeting oral cancer cells for destruction.

The anti-tumor drug indisulam has shown promise both in cell cultures and in animal studies. However, clinical trials have shown fewer clear-cut results. Scientists from Hiroshima University Hospital have been researching the reasons behind this resistance to it.

A randomised trial conducted by health economists at Duke-NUS Medical School found that a bit of peer influence can nudge us to select healthier groceries.

- Recipient Associate Professor Lena Ho spearheads groundbreaking research to develop first- in-class therapeutics to target inflammatory diseases; Collaboration between 65LAB and Duke-NUS aims to advance promising innovation from academic institutions with potential to build new therapeutic companies from Singapore; S$1.85 million funding comprises US$1.5 million from 65LAB and US$350,000 from Duke- NUS' newly established incubator, LIVE Ventures

New scoring model enhances early prognosis prediction using prehospital resuscitation data only

Detailed analysis of bone density changes and stem-femur contact after total hip replacement