Medicine

Results compare favorably with conventional microscopic method, with added benefit of shorter operative times, less blood loss

Researchers from Osaka University have identified that the loss of the Men1 gene is key in the development of osteoporosis, fragile bones occurring with age. They developed a mouse model of age-related cellular aging, or ‘senescence’, in the bone for the first time. This showed that cellular senescence of bone-forming osteoblasts leads to osteoporosis due to an imbalance between the activities of bone formation and bone resorption, opening avenues for drug intervention and novel treatments.

Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are how to reach your 100th birthday, a (slightly unnerving) robot covered in human skin, and a feline urine test.

Researchers from Tohoku University and Kyoto University have succeeded in developing a DNA–based molecular controller. Crucially, this controller enables the autonomous assembly and disassembly of molecular robots, as opposed to manually directing it.

Researchers from Osaka University found that germ cells, which develop into eggs and sperm, drive sex-dependent differences in lifespan in vertebrates. Female and male germ cells increase and reduce lifespan, respectively. These effects are controlled via estrogen and growth factor hormones in females and vitamin D in males. Vitamin D supplementation extends lifespan in both males and females. The results clarify the link between reproduction and aging and show that vitamin D may improve longevity in vertebrates.

Blue energy future, Off switch for brain cells, New Japanese lily species, Generative AI in motion, Economies take off with new airports and Braille-shaped electrodes for retinal implants. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice. Plus SciCom Coffee with Catriona Child.

Osaka University researchers discovered a correlation between high GDF15 levels in steatotic liver patients and increased liver cancer risk. Steatotic liver disease cases, fueled by lifestyle-related issues, have surged globally, with Japan reporting a significant prevalence. Elevated GDF15 levels also signify complication risks associated with liver cirrhosis. Combining GDF15 levels and FIB-4 index aids efficient liver cancer detection, potentially improving prognosis through early intervention.

The largest graduating class in Duke-NUS’ history saw 90 graduates, including the first-ever Master of International Translational Medicine cohort, receive their degrees. Collectively, this cohort published 99 academic publications, underscoring Duke-NUS’ role as a leader in innovation and academic rigour in medical education. Celebrating diverse pathways to a career in healthcare, the graduates’ first degrees reflect diverse backgrounds, including architecture, communication studies and engineering, among others.

A flexible two-layer polymer membrane allows safe, steady, and targeted release of a drug over weeks and months.

New genetic tool developed by Duke-NUS could help investigate brain function and psychiatric disorders.

Novel real-time PCR method might become diagnostic tool targeting emerging bacterium responsible for food poisoning outbreaks

Promising results of helium plasma jet therapy on rats after surgery widen scope of method’s medical applications

Researchers undertook a study of older adults to examine the connection between a sense of economic insecurity and a person’s participation in social activities.

Researchers from Osaka University have used a novel combination of short-read and long-read RNA sequencing to identify the different isoforms of genes expressed in the crustacean Daphnia magna. Males and females are genetically identical, but using this technique the team revealed genes that switch the predominant isoform in a sex-dependent manner. This study contributes to our understanding of Daphnia’s sexual dimorphism and helps further advance technologies in crustacean aquaculture.

- A research team led by DGIST Professor Sohee Kim has touted the electrodes’ potential for large-area retinal stimulation given that they closely adhere along the retinal curvature to ensure a wide field of view. - The electrodes are expected to be used in retinal implants to restore partial visual function to patients with blindness.

Researchers from Osaka University have found that a brain disorder associated with flu (influenza-associated encephalopathy, or IAE) can be caused by the influenza virus entering the brain from the blood via endothelial cells. In these cells, the researchers observed viral protein accumulation, suggesting that antivirals targeting viral transcription/translation may be useful treatments for some patients. Given the lack of effective treatments for IAE, this finding will likely improve patient care and reduce IAE-related deaths worldwide.

Osaka University researchers discovered liver resident macrophages' pivotal role in defending against gut bacteria and related substances entering via the portal vein, particularly under compromised intestinal barrier conditions. Identified as "sentinel macrophages," they are activated by isoallo-lithocholic acid. This finding holds promise for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies for liver chronic inflammatory diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), by enhancing the function of these macrophages to mitigate inflammation and improve treatment efficacy.

The enzyme PI3K plays a critical role in cell migration. Scientists have long understood this function. But researchers have recently unveiled that a subunit of this enzyme also has the ability to slam on the breaks to this process.

Researchers from Osaka University examined how specific types of contextual changes, such as government recommendations and perceived behavior of others, influenced mask-wearing behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found a complex relationship between societal norms and individual behavior during the pandemic, indicating that future strategies for public health crises interventions should consider various factors and contexts, including cultural predispositions.

Researchers from Osaka University found that a new activator called L687 induces cancer cells to accept delivery of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs. These drugs can treat cancer by blocking the transfer of messages from genes that encourage cancer growth. Previous methods to deliver ASOs into cells had only limited success. This research will help accelerate the development and delivery of novel ASO cancer therapies.

A recent study by Tohoku University researchers has shed light on the association between dairy product consumption and odd-number carbon chain fatty acids (odd-FA) within the Japanese population, a correlation previously confirmed in Europe and Oceania but understudied in Asian countries.

Duke-NUS study reveals why some pancreatic and colorectal tumours resist targeted anti-Wnt drugs and suggests how to overcome it, offering new hope to patients with fully treatment-resistant cancers

New research could pave the way to develop cancer drugs targeting an enzyme that inhibits ferroptosis, a type of cell death. Cancer cells that are resistant to anticancer drugs are known to be vulnerable to ferroptosis. Therefore, agents that effectively induce or enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to ferroptosis are expected to become novel anticancer agents.

Rapid, responsive, and readily-available antigen-antibody testing is crucial in the fight against infectious diseases, something driven home by the COVID-19 pandemic. To improve these tests, a Tohoku University research group has created a new method to form polymer particles that are adorned with gold nanoparticles.

May prove to be therapeutic target in breast cancer treatment

Researchers from Osaka University used machine learning to identify subgroups of trauma patients who are more likely to survive their injuries if treated with tranexamic acid. This treatment controls bleeding and thereby prevents death from hemorrhage. The team also identified subgroups of trauma patients who do not benefit from tranexamic acid. These findings should help guide treatment decisions after traumatic injury and provide trauma patients with more personalized care.

Two rare skin conditions with similar symptoms can be mistaken for each other, so a scoring system has been formulated to aid physicians in distinguishing two diseases

Ancient Mars biomolecules, Gargling away bad bacteria, Molecule glasses magnify life-chemical observations, Cholesterol and cancer link, Quantum electronics leap, Plus our updated Experts for Media: Women list & Asia Research News 2024 is here. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

Peptides are short strands of amino acids that are increasingly used therapeutically, as biomaterials and as chemical and biological probes. The capacity to isolate, manipulate and label peptides and larger proteins is limited, however, by the ability to reliably attach functional molecules, such as fluorescent compounds, to peptides in locations that won’t affect the three-dimensional structure and function of the short amino acid strand. Researchers have developed a unique chemical reaction to attach two distinct functional molecules to the N-terminus of a peptide in an efficient, robust reaction under mild conditions.

Magnetic nanorobots delivering nerve cells to targeted tissues could potentially be used to repair damaged brain tissue, as well as other organs.