Health

News

30 Dec 2022
Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are a team trying to decipher dolphins’ secret language, why babies move so much in the womb, and a small enzyme that can control our sleep.
28 Dec 2022
Taking Hong Kong’s famous Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak offers stunning views of its central business district, Victoria Harbor, and the surrounding islands. But a team of international scientists has recently discovered that the trams winding journey provides a previously unrecognized situation where our vertical perception gets distorted.
23 Dec 2022
Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are how a wasp uses its genitals to defend itself, a compound commonly found in mushrooms that could delay cognitive decline, and sunshine as a cure for myopia.
Mechanism by which CREB-Regulated Transcription Coactivator 1 (CRTC1) suppresses overeating
23 Dec 2022
Scientists reveal genetic mechanism associated with high-calorie food-fueled obesity
Hiroshima University Hospital orthopedist Yuko Nakashima speaks about ultrasound-guided diagnosis
23 Dec 2022
The ability to see what’s happening inside the body in real-time and at a high resolution is a capability that ultrasound grants orthopedists at a low cost to patients. Ultrasound-guided diagnosis, however, remains relatively new in the field. Dr. Yuko Nakashima is here to change that for Japan with the help of her fellow “e-girls.”
22 Dec 2022
A research team led by Osaka Metropolitan University has revealed a difference in neural activity in response to visual food stimuli, depending on whether those stimuli are presented consciously or unconsciously. Using a questionnaire to assess the study participants, the team found that this difference was associated with their scores on eating behaviors, including emotional eating and cognitive restraint of food intake. These results indicate that eating behavior cannot be understood without taking into account both unconscious and conscious neural processes.
22 Dec 2022
Wearing face masks has been recognised as one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, even in its coming endemic phase. Apart from the conventional function of masks, the potential for smart masks to monitor human physiological signals is being increasingly explored. A research team led by the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) recently invented a smart mask, integrating an ultrathin nanocomposite sponge structure-based soundwave sensor, which is capable of detecting respiratory sounds of breathing, coughing and speaking.
The sphaerimicin analogs (SPMs) inhibit the activity of MraY, and hence the replication of bacteria, with different degrees of effectiveness. The potency of the analog increases as the IC50 decreases (Takeshi Nakaya, et al. Nature Communications. December 20, 2022).
20 Dec 2022
Researchers have designed and synthesized analogs of a new antibiotic that is effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria, opening a new front in the fight against these infections.
19 Dec 2022
Researchers from Osaka University found that the “belief in just deserts”, which is the idea that infected individual deserves to be infected, was associated with attitudes about government restrictions during public health emergencies in the context of the COVID-19 global pandemic. This information could lead to new strategies for combating discrimination, prejudice, and stigma against COVID-19 patients.
19 Dec 2022
An Osaka Metropolitan University scientist measured the light transmittance of the eyelids when the eyes are closed, and found that perceived closed-eye brightness is significantly stronger than previously reported. The influence of color was also observed, with red light perceived as brighter and blue light perceived as darker. Additionally, there were significant differences between experimental participants; for some, their perception of brightness barely differed between open- and closed-eye conditions.
15 Dec 2022
In baseball, even the smallest detail can tip the scales in favor of the batter or the pitcher. A recent publication has highlighted how rosin powder helps maintain a more constant friction when pitching, something that could bring about a fairer playing field in Major League Baseball.
14 Dec 2022
Researchers led by Osaka University generated a time-stamping method to trace the development and survival of plasma cells in the bone marrow and spleen. Using a mouse model in which plasma cells were fluorescently labeled in an inducible manner, they found that plasma cells were continuously replenished by new cells, a small portion of which differentiated into long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs). These findings may aid in the development of new vaccines that efficiently induce LLPCs.
12 Dec 2022
Revelations about the mechanisms of two key proteins which maintain the asymmetric distribution of cholesterol within the cell membrane could help understand and treat diseases linked to its imbalance
09 Dec 2022
Silencing the gene, called WWP2, in patients in the early stages of cardiomyopathy could delay progression to heart failure by controlling immune cell infiltration and activation, and halting the formation of excessive scar tissue, preclinical data suggest.
09 Dec 2022
− The European Commission Approved QDENGA (TAK-003) for Use in Individuals Four Years of Age and Older [i] − QDENGA Becomes the Only Dengue Vaccine Approved in the EU for Use in Individuals Regardless of Previous Dengue Exposure [i]
JHSSR Vol.4, Issue 2 (Dec. 2022) Now Published!
08 Dec 2022
Greetings from JHSSR, and hello from sodden Malaysia, Horizon is proud to announce the highly acclaimed publication of the latest issue of 2022, Vol.4, Issue 2 (Dec. 2022). The issue is now live at the Journal’s webpage. You may explore our range of contributions within this Issue. Explore this issue, click the links below.
Flossie Wong-Staal
08 Dec 2022
Giants in History: Chinese-American virologist and molecular biologist Flossie Wong-Staal (27 August 1946 – 8 July 2020) was the first scientist to clone HIV and determine the function of its genes.
06 Dec 2022
World's first research into relationship between rich-in-biodiversity garden greenery and health/well-being launched by University of Tokyo and Sekisui House Ltd.
02 Dec 2022
Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are a “smart ranch” featuring connected cows, a way to see what a 1 600-year-old woman looked like, and a new bird-like dinosaur.
02 Dec 2022
What if you could tell if your surroundings contained COVID-19 particles or droplets the moment they or you entered the vicinity? This is now closer to reality. A research group has engineered a battery-less, self-powering device that can wirelessly transmit the detection of coronavirus in the air.
Hiroshima University-MSC trial-post-stroke therapy-press conference
01 Dec 2022
Therapeutically superior mesenchymal stem cells derived from the cranial bone offer hope in reversing paralysis and language impairment in moderate to severe cases of stroke.
30 Nov 2022
Some mixed halogenated dioxins are more toxic than TCDD
25 Nov 2022
Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are a new planet that orbits a dying star, a map of all the airborne microbes, and the potential to protect our organs by hibernating during surgery.
Kristina Paukshtite via Pexels
22 Nov 2022
New study finds that "HUG Your Baby" — a program developed to help parents understand their baby’s behavior — could help reduce postpartum depression in mothers.
21 Nov 2022
Intestinal bacteria composition is crucial to driving the recovery of neutrophils counts in the blood of mice following treatments such as stem cell transplants or chemotherapy.
18 Nov 2022
Exploring virtual human-agent relationships, A fly protein gives clue for human cancers, Rare earth elements formed in neutron star mergers 💥, One-stop process for hydrogen production. Read all in the November's Editor's Choice plus Upcoming event K4DM KNOWLEDGE MARKETPLACE – Bangkok 2022: Exchanging Ideas for a Democratic Myanmar.
18 Nov 2022
Disturbed transmission via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in chick fetuses impairs the hatchlings’ preference for animate objects—similar to what is seen in autism spectrum disorder in humans.
11 Nov 2022
Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are a bioinspired tiny jumping robot, evidence of gender stereotypes in young children, and the first sighting of a new species of crab.
A cross-section of an LNP-RNA
10 Nov 2022
A novel branched lipid that has a high stability in storage and a high efficiency in the delivery of mRNA to cells has been developed.
10 Nov 2022
Giants in History: Indian scientist and physician Upendranath Brahmachari (19 December 1873–6 February 1946) is best known for creating a drug called Urea Stibamine, used to safely and reliably treat visceral leishmaniasis (or Kala-azar), a severe infection caused by the Leishmania parasite.

Events

23 Sep 2020
Adapting to COVID 19, and driving a pivotal change in drug trials, market penetration, pricing and regulatory compliance
02 Sep 2020
Celebrating and learning from COVID 19 success stories to shape new frontiers in patient experience, healthtech and innovation.
14 Oct 2020
Asia's Premier Partnering Event for the Global Biotechnology Industry. This year’s exhibition will be held as originally planned at Pacifico Yokohama. BioJapan partnering is available both physically and virtually. Plus some seminars will be available online.
22 Jul 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting international travel, this year's event will be a unique blend of online and live gatherings — BIO Asia–Taiwan 2020 Online + Live, to be held July 22-26 in Taipei, Taiwan.
09 Dec 2020
Singapore's long-running Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry learning and networking event, featuring a stellar profile of C-suite experts and firms.
03 Nov 2020
Your go-to event to reach out to key decision makers in the pharmaceutical industry. The event will be delivered digitally from 3-5 November 2020.
17 Jul 2020
Asia’s annual premier healthcare platform CAREhab 2020 and conference element 6th Singapore Rehabilitation Conference, will now be held online on the 17 – 18 July 2020.
07 Jul 2020
IMAPAC is bringing to you 3 focus areas: Bio-Manufacturing, Bio-Analytics, and Cell Therapy Bioprocessing as part of Asia's biggest, most focussed annual bioprocessing virtual conference!
09 Dec 2019
The ASEAN Emerging Researchers Conference is a flagship programme of the ASEAN Young Scientists Network; the official platform for young researchers in the region.
08 Dec 2020
Asia's pharma & biotech virtual festival - Phar-East is the premier meeting place for senior executives from Asia’s pharma and biotech industry.
26 Nov 2019
Vaccine World Asia 2019 will bring together leading experts to discuss the latest technological advancements and spearhead scientific innovation in the development and manufacture of vaccines for key diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, Malaria, Tuberculosis etc.
02 Oct 2019
Launching on 2nd October 2019 in Singapore
13 Jan 2020
Duxes is pleased to announce the launch of the Smart Wearable Device Asia Pacific Summit 2020 (SWAP), that will take place in Shenzhen, China. January 13-14. This upcoming event aims to meet the latest demands of companies in the smart wearable device market, shedding light on current hot topics, industry concerns and the latest innovations.
07 Oct 2019
Tracks include: Sustainability & Growth; Patient Experience; Unlocking the Value of AI; Value-based Care.
24 Sep 2019
The leading event that brings together Asia’s pharmaceutical companies and supplies all in one place

Researchers

Osaka City University
Takashi Hashimoto's major expertise is clinical and basic research for both autoimmune bullous diseases and hereditary skin diseases.
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
Professor Chou has wide research interests in areas concerning geriatric psychiatry, elderly policies, population policy especially immigrant policy, poverty, welfare reform, income inequality and health policy.
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Dr. Salizar Binti Mohamed Ludin is an Assoc. Prof at the Kulliyyah of Nursing of International Islamic University Malaysia.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Department of Microbiology / Biomolecular Sciences Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
Dr. Louisa Chung is a Registered Nutritionist of Association for Nutrition (UK) with ten years experience in weight management and physical fitness projects. She is now working on an innovative dietary intake method which aims better result in weight loss and nutrition education.
Osaka City University
Dr. Akira Kaneko
Akira Kaneko was appointed as Professor of Parasitology of Osaka City University in 2010. Since then, he has conducted global health research with a particular focus on malaria elimination on islands in Vanuatu, Oceania and Lake Victoria, Kenya.
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
Dr. Esther Lau Yuet-ying
Dr Esther Lau specializes in clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology. Currently, her primary line of research aims to uncover some of the complex relationships between sleep, emotional and cognitive functioning.
Osaka City University
Picture of Prof. Jun-Seok Oh
Prof. Jun-Seok Oh is currently working at the Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka City University, He does research in Experimental Plasma Physics and is currently interested in atmospheric pressure plasma applications, 'Plasma Medicine' and 'Plasma Agriculture'.
Osaka City University
Picture of Prof. Eriko Kage-Nakadai
Eriko Kage-Nakadai is a professor at the Graduate School of Human Life Science of Osaka City University.
Osaka City University
Kazuhisa Asai
Kazuhisa Asai is currently an associate professor at the Graduate School of Medicine of Osaka City University.
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
Picture of Dr. Anna Kam Chi-shan
Dr.Anna Kam's research interests include advanced technologies in aural rehabilitation, automated hearing screening, tinnitus management and auditory processing.
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
Dr. Yuen has dual professional qualifications as an audiologist and a speech-language pathologist (or speech therapist). He is also an experienced cochlear implant clinical specialist audiologist.
Duke-NUS Medical School
Prof. Patrick Tan's research focuses on developing genomic approaches to unlock the molecular and clinical diversity of gastric cancer (aka stomach cancer)- a leading cause of global cancer mortality.
Duke-NUS Medical School
Picture of Prof. David Bruce Matchar
Prof Matchar's research relates to clinical practice improvement - from the development of clinical policies to their implementation in real world clinical settings
Duke-NUS Medical School
Picture of Prof. Gavin James Smith
Prof Smith’s research programme primarily investigates the ecology and evolution of zoonotic viruses and the molecular epidemiology of human respiratory pathogens.
Duke-NUS Medical School
Prof. Ooi Eng Eong
Professor Ooi Eng Eong is a clinician-scientist by training and his research on dengue is positioned at the interface between clinical epidemiology, virology and immunology. His laboratory is interested in how antibodies either protect against or enhance dengue virus infection and what viral factors influence epidemic dengue activity.
Hiroshima University
Yohei Kawano is currently and Associate Professor at the Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University.
Hiroshima University
Prof. Kiyomi Shitaoka's research aims to obtain effective antibody genes and T cell receptor genes by single-cell analysis of B cell and T cell receptors on lymphocytes. In addition, to apply these genes to develop new treatments for overcoming infectious diseases and cancer.
Duke-NUS Medical School
Picture of Semra Ozdemir Van Dyk
Semra Ozdemir is an Assistant Professor at Lien Centre for Palliative Care and the Signature Programme in Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS. Her main research areas are medical decision making and health economics
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
Picture of Dr. Ren Kangning
Dr. Ken is currently an assistant professor in the department of Chemistry at HKBU. His current research interests center on advanced analytical chemistry technologies, with particular emphasis on creating and applying novel instrumental analysis technologies based on microfluidics and materials engineering.
Hiroshima University
Prof. Tomoharu Yasuda
Prof. Tomoharu Yasuda's laboratory studies how immune system is regulated through the antigen receptor, intracellular signaling and lymphocyte programming.
Dr. Yuichi Ohya
Dr Yuichi Ohya’s research fields are functional polymers and biomaterials, especially biodegradable polymers and drug delivery systems.
Dr. Indika Neluwa-Liyanage is a lecturer in Biochemistry at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of University of Sri Jayewardenepura. His research focuses on the metabolic alterations underlying autism spectrum disorders and inherited metabolic disorders.
Dr. Mohammed N. Abdulrazaq is currently an Assoc. Prof. at Department of Engineering & Technology, Management & Science University (MSU), Malaysia.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Dr. Connie Cassy Ompok is an early childhood education expert and a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology and Education, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. She Started her career in Early Childhood Education as a preschool teacher (2004-2007), a lecturer in early childhood education at the Malaysian Institute of Teacher Education (2008-2016) before serving as a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at UMS (2016 until now).
University of Malaya
Assoc Prof Dr Loh Siew Yim is a senior lecturer at the faculty of Medicine in University of Malaya, Malaysia Her research interest is cancer survivorship, and behavioural medicine .
Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), Tokyo Institute of Technology
Tony Z. Jia is a researcher at Japan’s Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), based at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. His research focuses on astrobiology, prebiotic chemistry, and origins of life.
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
Yoon-Kyoung Cho is currently a group leader in the Center for Soft and Living Matter at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and a full professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in the Republic of Korea.
Prof. Khader has spent more than 30 years researching economic empowerment of Rural, Farm, Fisher and Tribal Women. Gender aspects underpins her research on livelihoods, food and nutrition security, growth and well-being of community.
University of Malaya
Picture of Durriyyah Sharifah Hasan Adli
The Neuroscience Research Group is a multi-disciplinary team investigating the nervous system. They are focusing on animal behavioral models for memory in the laboratory. They are studying the effects of food, such as Habbatus Sauda/Black cumin (Nigella sativa) and honey, on brain microstructures and memory. They also compare Islamic and neuroscience perspectives on issues like learning and sleep for children with and without autism spectrum disorders.

Giants in history

Baron Kitasato Shibasaburo (29 January 1856 – 13 June 1931) was a Japanese physician and bacteriologist whose work led to a new understanding of preventing and treating tetanus, diphtheria and anthrax.
Maggie Lim (5 January 1913 – November 1995) was a Singaporean physician who promoted family planning and expanded the access to clinics to improve the quality of life for mothers and children in Singapore’s early days.
By isolating soil microorganisms and studying the compounds they produce, Satoshi Omura (born 1935) discovered almost 500 organic compounds with unique properties that were produced by these microorganisms, including many new antibiotics.
The founder of the Adyar Cancer Institute in India, Muthulakshmi Reddy (30 July 1886 – 22 July 1968), fought to uplift women and girls from impoverished situations.
Chinese-American virologist and molecular biologist Flossie Wong-Staal (27 August 1946 – 8 July 2020) was the first scientist to clone HIV and determine the function of its genes.
Maharani Chakravorty (1937 – 2015) was one of India’s earliest molecular biologists whose research paved the way for advances in the treatment of bacterial and viral infections.
Archana Sharma (16 February 1932 - 14 January 2008) conducted research into plant and human genetics that expanded the understanding of both botany and human health. In relation to botany, she uncovered the means by which asexually-reproducing plants evolve into new species.
The first Thai woman to receive a degree in medicine, Margaret Lin Xavier (29 May 1898 – 6 December 1932), is best remembered for her compassion towards her less privileged patients.
In 1915, pathologist Katsusaburo Yamagiwa and his research assistant Koichi Ichikawa became the first to prove that chronic exposure to chemicals can cause cancer.
Filipino chemist and pharmacist Manuel A. Zamora (29 March 1870 – 9 July 1929) is best remembered for his discovery of the tiki-tiki formula to combat beriberi, a disease caused by Vitamin B1 deficiency.
After witnessing death and suffering as a youth in his home village during World War II, Nguyễn Tài Thu (6 April 1931 – 14 February 2021) set his sights on alleviating pain by becoming a doctor. After studying Traditional Chinese Medicine in China in the 1950s, Thu returned to Vietnam to serve in military hospitals. Eventually, he became the country’s foremost practitioner of acupuncture, a technique he first learned by inserting needles into himself.
David T. Wong (born 1936) is a Hong Kong-born American neuroscientist who is best known for discovering the antidepressant drug fluoxetine, better known as Prozac.
Indian organic chemist Asima Chatterjee (1917 to 2006) studied the medicinal properties of plant products, especially compounds known as vinca alkaloids.
Hsien Wu (24 November 1893 – 8 August 1959) is widely regarded as the founder of biochemistry and nutrition science in China. He was the first to propose that protein denaturation was caused by the unfolding of the protein, instead of chemical alteration.
Umetaro Suzuki (7 April 1874 – 20 September 1943) was a Japanese scientist best remembered for his research on beriberi, a disease caused by vitamin B1 deficiency, characterized by limb stiffness, paralysis and pain.
Syed Qasim Mehdi (13 February 1941 – 28 September 2016) was a Pakistani molecular biologist who was a founding member of the Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP), which assessed human diversity by studying human migration, mutation rates, relationships between different populations, genes involved in height and selective pressure.
Tsai-Fan Yu (1911 – 2 March 2007) was a Chinese-American physician and researcher who was the first female full professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She discovered that gout, a condition characterized by the painful inflammation of joints, was caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the bloodstream.
Min Chueh Chang (10 October 1908 – 5 June 1991) was a Chinese-American biologist who studied fertilization in mammalian reproduction.
A Japanese surgeon, Tetsuzo Akutsu (20 August 1922 – 9 August 2007) built the first artificial heart capable of keeping an animal alive.
Ogino Ginko (3 March 1851 – 23 June 1913) was the first registered female doctor to practise modern medicine in Japan.