Health

The possible existence of a new phosphate regulatory mechanism through estrogens biosynthesized by aromatase in adipose tissue

- Designed a novel peptide (MLPH) using computational modeling to extract only the active region that promotes hair growth - Overcomes the limitations of existing drugs, such as hormone-related side effects or skin irritation and gender limitations - Published in the internationally renowned pharmacology journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

Researchers from The University of Osaka studying simple cyanobacteria found that one protein keeps their internal clock ticking reliably, even outside a living cell. By testing over 20 variants with clock periods ranging from 15 to 60 hours, they discovered that timekeeping precision appears to be built directly into the protein itself, independent of cell activity or environmental changes.

This study shows that MFSD2A transports key lipids (fat molecules) from the blood into the skin, a process critical for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

- A research team led by DGIST Professor Junghyup Lee implements a core technology for a “high-resolution analog-to-digital converter (ADC)” that eliminates motion interference - Overcomes conflicting circuit design challenges such as low noise and ultra-low power consumption, with strong potential for next-generation medical device applications

A study, published in Small, has introduced a breakthrough solution in the form of a 3D-printed, auxetic hydrogel dressing known as MX/CPDs@PBGC.

A research team from CityUHK, in collaboration with researchers from the Chinese Mainland, has found that LCMs from household electronics and e-waste can bioaccumulate in marine life, including the endangered Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and finless porpoises. These compounds can penetrate the blood–brain barrier and accumulate in brain tissue, raising concerns about potential risks to the nervous system and other organs.

Through protein binding, molecular heavy drugs are effectively transported to cancerous tissues

More than 850 policymakers, researchers, development institutions, and civil society representatives from over 50 countries gathered in Bangkok to highlight the urgent need to accelerate action on air pollution across Asia and the Pacific.

The famed Japanese green tea powder may suppress nerve activity associated with sneezing in hay fever, according to a study in mice.

Changes in male hormones and excessive sugar intake work together in progressing liver damage

Kelli canines, Healthy fats in rice, Mercury and Earth in chorus, AI lights up materials discovery, Radiation detection with phones and Down to one. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice. Plus Women's Month 2026.

Researchers at Hiroshima University and Gifu Kyoritsu University identified Hepatitis B RNA serum levels as a biomarker that more accurately stratifies risk of liver cancer in individuals who have been functionally cured of chronic hepatitis B.

Study of 56 japonica rice varieties finds black and green rice to be healthier choices

Glutamine transporter inhibition has been found to suppress cell growth

The Ateneo de Manila University’Research on Optical and Electronic Systems (ROSES) Laboratory, the Philippines' first and only facility dedicated to locally designing Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and training PIC designers.

Rehabilitation on weekends and public holidays may improve post-surgery recovery for hip fractures

Specific types of malocclusion, or bite misalignment, are associated with tooth loss. A group of researchers recently investigated the effects of anterior crossbite and anterior open bite on tooth loss using one of the largest community-based cohorts, the Tohoku Medical Megabank Cohort Study (2013–2017). The study determined that anterior crossbite increases the risk of tooth and molar loss compared to adults with normal occlusion.

Researchers at Tohoku University discovered an intranodal lympho-venous shunt (a sort of bypass route) that could help us unravel the complicated, intertwined network of our body’s lymphatic system.

This research study assessing 23,000 mother-child pairs found that higher maternal depression around the period of birth may impair mother-infant bonding and increases the risk of autism in their daughters.

Study highlights the uniqueness of individual brain functional connectomes as a promising approach to identify biomarkers for major depressive disorder.

A new meta-analysis shows that when people eat may be as important as how long they eat. Eating earlier in the day appears to support better metabolic health than eating late, even within time-restricted eating patterns.

In recent years, marathons and ultradistance endurance events have grown in popularity, and are widely regarded as beneficial to both physical and mental health. A recent study conducted by the Department of Psychology at Lingnan University shows that individual personality traits play an important role in the psychological well-being derived from exercise. Contrary to common belief, individuals with higher levels of extraversion did not show a significant increase in subjective well-being as their participation in ultradistance endurance events increased. In fact, those more open to the experience were also more likely to translate such demanding trials into improved overall well-being. These findings offer new insights to people choosing exercise and activities that best suit their personalities.

ISGlobal, supported by Rockefeller Foundation, analyzed impact of severe global aid cuts in 93 countries, with 21 in Asia. New study published in The Lancet finds slashing global aid, particularly by US and European countries, will reverse decades of progress in fighting diseases.

Hiroshima University researchers developed a three-factor, 12-item, questionnaire-based scale to systematically assess nursing practices that support fertility preservation decision-making in women with cancer. They show that such decision-making can be clearly defined, measured, and improved.

More than 190 students from 13 local secondary schools will take part in a year-long programme to gain hands-on experience in preparing an extremely rare whale specimen for public exhibitions scheduled for 2027. The Environment and Conservation Fund “Sea” Through Cetacean: STEAM Student Ambassador Programme & Cetacean Conservation Exhibition, organised by the Division of Science of Lingnan University in collaboration with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Cetacea Research Institute, and Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong, was officially launched on 1 February 2026. This initiative builds on the rare stranding of a Longman’s beaked whale in Hong Kong in 2024, providing students with a unique opportunity to assist in the preparation of skeletal specimens of one of the world’s most mysterious marine mammal species. The project also promotes cetacean conservation and will educate the public in key marine environmental issues, including plastic pollution in the oceans.

With one in four Singaporeans expected to be 65 and above by 2030, Duke-NUS' inaugural ageing conference addressed themes such as technology, dementia care and social connectedness. Duke-NUS’ Centre for Ageing Research & Education marks its 10th anniversary, with the conference highlighting the need for innovative policies and practices to enhance the quality of life for Singapore's ageing population.

The University of Osaka study shows that declining clinical tests lead to an underestimation of COVID-19 cases. By analyzing wastewater, researchers found viral loads remained high even as reported cases dropped. This highlights wastewater surveillance as a crucial, objective tool for accurately monitoring community-wide infection levels. The findings advocate for a multi-layered public health approach that is not solely reliant on testing data, ensuring a more realistic assessment of infection risks.

Researchers from The University of Osaka report the development of two fluorescent indicators, Gachapin and Gachapin-C, that can be used to monitor cell–cell contacts and contacts between different processes of the same neuronal cell. Unlike split GFP indicators, the reversible and instant fluorescence from the Gachapin/Gachapin-C chromophore upon contact enables real-time imaging of dynamic contact events.

A low-cost, portable radiation dosimetry system uses a smartphone and radiochromic film to provide immediate on-site dose assessments of radiation.