Health

A research team at National Taiwan University has developed a new stem cell-based vaccine that could help prevent and treat colorectal cancer.

A group of researchers led by The University of Osaka have identified a novel genetic mutation in Streptococcus pyogenes, a common bacterium which causes strep throat, significantly associated with severe invasive infections. A single mutation in the bacterial ferric ion transporter enhances bacterial growth in human blood. This mutation, unique to Japanese isolates, indicates a novel pathogenic mechanism. This world-first discovery offers a potential new target for treatments and preventive measures.

Researchers from The University of Osaka have used a miniature heater positioned over a nano-sized opening to gently unzip DNA’s double helix into a single strand for quick, efficient analysis. The device enables detection of longer DNA strands than before while using less power and improving accuracy. The technology could be used in handheld medical devices, helping doctors to diagnose disease and tailor treatments based on patients’ genes.

A research team from National Taiwan University, Academia Sinica, and National Taiwan University Hospital has uncovered a critical connection between a unique RNA molecule and human aging, including early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Singapore-led study shows specialised support cells in the gut form direct, neuron-like connections to deliver precise instructions to stem cells; Overturns long-held beliefs about how gut cells communicate; Opens new paths for treating colon cancer and IBD

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A 3D paper-based analytical device (3D-osPAD) with in situ gold signal amplification enables one-step, highly sensitive detection of anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies within 10 minutes, showing 10-fold improved sensitivity and high clinical accuracy for adult-onset immunodeficiency..

A team from The University of Osaka found that the intestinal flora works together with the OTUD3 and STING genes to aggravate ulcerative colitis, a disease with no cure that causes major intestinal pain and bloody diarrhea. When the OTUD3 gene is mutated, microbes in the intestinal flora trigger STING signalingOTUD, leading to inflammation in the colon. The intestinal flora and STING signaling may be important new targets for ulcerative colitis treatment.

When fermented with plant-derived bacteria, stevia leaf extract is toxic to pancreatic cancer cells but not to healthy kidney cells

Protein aggregation inhibitor shows lower levels of cell death and paralysis in mice with acute strokes

SUTD researchers leveraged their expertise in microfluids to develop a novel method for deforming cells mechanically to facilitate intracellular delivery, revolutionising personalised treatments at the cellular level.

Researchers from The University of Osaka have identified key genetic mutations linked to extracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), a rare and potentially serious vascular disorder. They have revealed that these mutations activate the RAS/RAF/MEK signaling pathway and that the MAP4K4 gene may drive pathological angiogenesis. This may mean that existing cancer drugs that target the same pathway could be effective for AVM treatment, potentially paving the way for novel therapies.

A new real-time monitoring system captures minute-by-minute changes in toxic metals resulting from traffic pollution. Research indicates that non-exhaust sources, including brake wear, significantly contribute to urban health risks.

This research introduces a soft, injectable material designed for use in the eye to help protect and support damaged retinal tissue. It offers a gentle, biocompatible way to stabilize the inner eye environment and may assist future treatments like cell therapy and drug release.

A new way to grow stem cells may help them release more of the signaling proteins they use to repair tissue, potentially improving future treatments.

Cell sheet preparation for use in tissue engineering and regenerative therapies could be significantly improved with the use of thermo-responsive polymer brushes, adjusted in length and density according to specific cell types

Findings based on efforts in Sera Town, Japan showed the pneumococcal vaccination support program reversed the previously increasing trend in pneumonia mortality rate in the community.

A new nanoparticle capable of carrying much higher doses of drugs while staying stable for extended periods could make treatments more effective

Barth syndrome is a rare genetic disorder with no known cure. Researchers at Tohoku University examined a new oral drug called MA-5 that could provide life-changing relief to these young patients.

The high recurrence rate of bladder cancer is often attributed to inadequate tumor visualization and localization. To address this limitation, the Hotliposome group at National Taiwan University has developed a mucoadhesive nanoplatform, HMSN(E)-SH, which selectively targets tumor tissue and enhances imaging precision, supporting the advancement of non-invasive diagnostic strategies.

Chinese and Australian scientists have reported the discovery of twenty new bat viruses in research published this week.

Lifesaving deep learning model developed using standard radiographs

A groundbreaking study led by a global research consortium offers new hope for patients with mycetoma, a neglected tropical disease. Researchers using an insect model and transcriptome analysis have unravelled the mechanism of iron regulation between host tissue and the mycetoma grain, a fungal mass characteristic of the disease. This discovery illuminates how the causative fungus invades and develops these protective grains within subcutaneous tissue, paving the way for new drug development and less invasive treatment strategies beyond surgical removal, potentially reducing the burden on patients significantly.

It’s common knowledge that preventing diabetes decreases the chance of mortality. But even within those with “normal” blood glucose levels, is there an optimal number for reducing the risk of other diseases such as heart disease or cancer? A small farming community in the Tohoku region may have provided medical researchers with the clues they have been looking for.

Researchers from The University of Osaka found that both inhibitory and activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptors on natural killer (NK) cells were able to bind repetitive interspersed family proteins expressed on the surface of malaria-infected red blood cells. The role of these proteins in triggering both inhibitory and stimulatory responses from NK cells makes them extremely promising targets for the development of therapies and vaccines for malaria.

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The study reveals that uneven buildup of amyloid beta between the eyes may cause thinning differences in the retina, appearing early in cognitive decline. This eye-based asymmetry could offer a simple, non-invasive way to detect cognitive frailty at its earliest stages.

Research groups from National Taiwan University (NTU), and City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) developed a new class of small organic molecules for efficient cancer photothermal therapy.

University of the Philippines – Diliman researchers tested various artificial intelligence prediction models to determine the antimicrobial resistance of E. coli using genetic data and laboratory test results from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database.

Lingnan University’s Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing in Place Project has received the highest 3-Star Certificate in the Elderly Care Award Scheme 2024-25 for the second consecutive year. Organised by the Co-ordinating Committee for Elderly Service of the Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing Districts Social Welfare Department, the 3-star rating represents the top award, acknowledging the project’s excellence in community outreach and elderly care innovation.