Medicine

News

03 Mar 2026
The University of Osaka
Diastereomers are molecules with identical structures that are not mirror images of each other, described as anti or syn for molecules without rings. Researchers at The University of Osaka developed a strategy for using a rigid cage-like molecule to produce an anti-diastereomer in high yield. This diastereomer can only be obtained as a minor byproduct by traditional methods. The strategy is expected to become a key technology for making medicines and other bioactive substances.
03 Mar 2026
National Taiwan University
Pink1-mediated Parkin activation is insufficient to allow Parkin binding to dysfunctional mitochondria in NME3-defective cells. NME3-regulated lipid signal separates mitochondria from endoplasmic reticulum tethering for PINK1-mediated Parkin binding on depolarized mitochondria.
02 Mar 2026
Duke-NUS Medical School
Discovery reveals how drug-resistant tumours can shift into a state that responds better to chemotherapy.
27 Feb 2026
The University of Osaka
Researchers from The University of Osaka have found that a specific signaling pathway, the integrin αV–YAP–CTGF axis in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, may be associated with the development of liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, and liver cancer in patients with chronic liver congestion. These findings have important implications for the development of therapies aimed at preventing more severe forms of liver disease.
26 Feb 2026
The University of Osaka
Researchers from The University of Osaka have developed a mouse model for achondroplasia. The model identified the importance of a signaling molecule called FGFR3 and a pathway called CREB in regulating bone growth. This pathway is also at least partially responsible for the pathology associated with achondroplasia and impaired bone growth. Their findings advance our understanding of the process of bone growth and provide novel therapeutic targets for achondroplasia.
mouse model in glutamine cancer experiment
26 Feb 2026
Osaka Metropolitan University
Glutamine transporter inhibition has been found to suppress cell growth
25 Feb 2026
Ateneo de Manila University
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.
Winners of the Sony Women in Technology Awards 2026
20 Feb 2026
Springer Nature
Three early- to mid-career researchers across science and engineering, recognised at second awards: Zhen Xu, Ellen Roche, and Xiwen Gong.
A drawing of a physical therapist helping an elderly patient
18 Feb 2026
Osaka Metropolitan University
Rehabilitation on weekends and public holidays may improve post-surgery recovery for hip fractures
18 Feb 2026
Springer Nature
Supported by Nature Portfolio’s in-house editorial expertise, Nature Progress journals will expand access to high impact publishing to more researchers. The journals in the series will be published open access.
06 Feb 2026
Tohoku University
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.
global cancer awareness
04 Feb 2026
Springer Nature
Nearly 40% of new cancer cases worldwide in 2022 may be associated with modifiable risk factors, according to an analysis of 36 cancer types from 185 countries, published in Nature Medicine. The findings suggest that reducing exposures such as tobacco smoking, certain infections, and alcohol use remains essential for cancer prevention.
The three essential components of nursing practice supporting fertility preservation decision-making (Kazuaki Tanabe).
02 Feb 2026
Hiroshima University
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.
Asia Research News Editors Choice
29 Jan 2026
Asia Research News
Sticky life beginnings. Precarious pitcher plant, Breaking the cobalt "cage", Toxic algae killer & “Pure-bred” stem cell medium. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice. Plus Asia Research News 2026 is out now and SciCom Coffee talk by Rachael Smith at Wellcome Sanger Institute.
26 Jan 2026
National Taiwan University
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy before surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may produce major pathological response in about one-third of the surgical patients. The clinical and pre-clinical research highlighted that the formation of organized immune hubs within the tumor (tertiary lymphoid structure) after ICI therapy is critical for the induction of antitumor immunity.
tobacco and Long COVID survey results
26 Jan 2026
Osaka Metropolitan University
Smokers could be at higher risk of post-COVID symptoms
26 Jan 2026
National Taiwan University
Scientists at the National Taiwan University Cancer Center and National Taiwan University Hospital have shed light on rare but important situations where radiotherapy to one tumor is accompanied by cancer growth or metastasis at untreated sites.
26 Jan 2026
The University of Osaka
An international research team led by The University of Osaka has demonstrated that two-faced Janus nanoparticles can restore the effectiveness of antibiotics against drug-resistant bacteria. These particles disrupt the protective outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, which normally blocks antibiotics. This allows conventional drugs to regain access and kill the once-resistant microbes. This synergistic strategy restores the effectiveness of existing antibiotics, offering a new line of defense against the growing threat of superbugs and extending the utility of our current medical arsenal.
26 Jan 2026
The University of Osaka
A study by The University of Osaka reveals that people who have had COVID-19 are more likely to wear masks. This is driven not by fear, but by an increased awareness of being a potential "silent carrier." The finding suggests that public health messages based on patients' real experiences, highlighting the risk of asymptomatic spread, could be more effective in encouraging preventive behaviors in the general population for future pandemics.
21 Jan 2026
Tohoku University
Macrolide antibiotics like azithromycin rely on a complex ring structure that’s powerful but notoriously hard to control. Researchers have uncovered how bacterial enzymes shape this ring during the biosynthesis of the antibiotic pikromycin, revealing new ways to fine-tune macrolide structures. Their findings could open the door to designing improved antibiotics through smarter biosynthetic engineering.
woman breathing freely
21 Jan 2026
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
A simple tablet could change the way deadly breathing disorders are treated, with no need for electricity, machines, or gas tanks.
21 Jan 2026
Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST)
DGIST is creating AI that can physically collaborate with people, truly personalised healthcare, and quantum sensors which will perceive the world in entirely new ways.
paint
21 Jan 2026
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
A glowing test strip offers real-time protection against formaldehyde exposure in homes, workplaces, and labs.
cells
21 Jan 2026
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
A fast and efficient tool could change the way researchers collect tiny therapeutic packages from cell cultures, offering a low-cost approach that avoids lengthy processing and complex procedures.
clock and neurons
21 Jan 2026
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Innovative approaches in cancer screening, drug development, and radioactive hazard protection are accelerating healthcare solutions.
researchers collaborating in Malaysia
20 Jan 2026
From icy seas to humid forests, research collaborations between the United Kingdom and Malaysia are helping to advance our understanding of diseases, develop vaccines and antibiotics, preserve precious habitats and address the challenge of plastic waste.
16 Jan 2026
National Taiwan University
Researchers at National Taiwan University have developed a modular platform to reprogram tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), transforming them from oncogenic messengers into safe, customizable drug delivery vehicles through precise molecular editing.
12 Jan 2026
National Taiwan University
A new study suggests that the gut may play a surprising role in childhood migraine. Researchers found that improving gut health could help reduce headache pain and frequency in some children.
05 Jan 2026
National Taiwan University
National Taiwan University study reveals how intracellular bacteria co-opt mitochondrial transporters to evade immune defenses, suggesting that blocking this pathway could sensitize drug-resistant pathogens to host immunity.
02 Jan 2026
National Taiwan University
An AI system that learns from experienced endoscopists and pathologists helps doctors in low-resource areas quickly check stomach health using standard endoscopy images.

Events

24 Sep 2019
The leading event that brings together Asia’s pharmaceutical companies and supplies all in one place
06 Nov 2019
The 5th Annual Biopharma Development & Production Asia Pacific is back with a 360˙ view on industry trends, new therapies, technical innovation and many more.
04 Nov 2019
We bring together distinguished cancer researchers with complementary knowledge and expertise from across the globe for the exchange of ideas and information.
14 May 2019
China’s leading event, BioPharma Development and Production (BDP) Week in Shanghai returns from 14-16 May 2019 with 5 co-located conferences and a trade show!
03 Jul 2019
B-to-B exhibition specialised in regenerative medicine technologies!
23 Apr 2019
Disruptive Innovation for Value-Based Healthcare
14 Nov 2019
The goal of this conference is to address the emerging technologies and themes in Microfluidics, Lab-on-a-Chip and Organ-on-a-Chip fields as these areas are expanding and evolving.
11 Nov 2019
The conference addresses the whole ecosystem of Cell & Gene Therapy and 3D-Bioprinting with a focus on 3D-Culture, Organoids, Bioprinting and Technology Platforms being developed to bring cell therapy, gene therapy and regenerative medicine to the clinic.
09 Sep 2019
This conference brings together a focus on technology development as well as applications for biomarker analysis in cancer, cardiovascular disease and other disease classes.
30 Mar 2019
Organized by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), 30 March 2019
03 Jul 2019
Asia's leading pharma industry event
09 Oct 2019
Asia's Premier Partnering Event for the Global Biotechnology Industry
25 Nov 2018
The Presidents of HKUST and the ICRC exchanged insights for the first time in an open dialogue today.
05 Mar 2019
Accelerate your pathway to partnerships in Asia
19 Mar 2019
Innovation. Access. Commercialisation.
12 Nov 2018
Hear innovative science and benefit from the vast knowledge shared at the FCS 2018!
04 Sep 2018
The 2-day conference, with the theme "DIGITAL HEALTHCARE: THE JOURNEY TOWARDS SUCCESS" will cover a wide range of topics and addresses key challenges faced today such as: Innovative Care Models, Healthcare Finance, Cyber Security, Healthcare Innovations, and many more.
05 Nov 2018
Topics will include: digital transformation, health information exchange, data to knowledge, consumer engagement and many more.
24 May 2018
Guest of Honour confirmed! Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Thailand
21 Apr 2018
Organized by the Student Executive Council, Tun Dr Ismail College, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
05 Aug 2018
The 8th International Multidiscipline Conference on Optofluidics 2018 will be held at Baolong Hotel, Shanghai, P.R.China on 5th – 8th August 2018
19 Mar 2018
An exclusive, customized partnering forum that brings together U.S. and European drug development companies with Asian biotech and pharmaceutical companies interested in research and licensing collaborations.
27 Jun 2018
As Asia's leading Bio Event, BIOtech Japan 2018 is expected to gather 420 exhibitors and 41,000 visitors from around the world.
06 Jun 2018
Discover the machine intelligence tools & techniques set to revolutionise healthcare applications, medicine & diagnostics.
01 Mar 2018
Revamped and revitalised from BioPharma Asia Convention, we’re focusing on the hottest trends to bring you Asia’s most exciting pharma event.
24 Oct 2017
Conference, and SERIS (Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore) Workshops, lab tour and visit to the world’s largest Floating PV testbed
03 Nov 2017
Symposium on oral health related quality of life "Measuring outcome beyond clinical indicator" will take place on 3-4 November at University of Malaya, Malaysia.
02 Sep 2017
The project is a collaboration between Singapore-based photographer, Pearl Gan with Professor J.Kevin Baird in association with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Vietnam; Eijkman Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Jakarta and The Welcome Trust.
30 Nov 2017
SELECTBIO Asia is launching its Point-of-Care Diagnostics and Global Health Asia 2017 Conference to be held November 30-December 1, 2017 in Taipei, Taiwan.

Researchers

Prof. Tomoharu Yasuda
Hiroshima University
Prof. Tomoharu Yasuda's laboratory studies how immune system is regulated through the antigen receptor, intracellular signaling and lymphocyte programming.
Picture of Prof. Antonio Bertoletti
Duke-NUS Medical School
Prof. Antonio Bertoletti's current research focuses on the development of new immunological based therapies (TCR-redirected T cells, HLA-peptide specific antibodies) for the treatment of HBV and Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the characterization of human intra-sinusoidal hepatic immune system.
Picture of Anthony Tanoto Tan
Duke-NUS Medical School
Dr. Anthony Tan is actively involved in clinical trials in Singapore and China to test the safety and efficacy of adoptively transferring T cells engineered against HCC with HBV integration in collaboration with Lion TCR Pte Ltd.
Picture of Goh Bee Tin
Cl A/Prof Goh Bee Tin is Head and Senior Consultant in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS), Research Director and Deputy Director (Research and Education) at the National Dental Centre of Singapore (NDCS)Education. Her research interests include bone tissue engineering and mandibular reconstruction.
Picture of Ken Yung Kin-Lam
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
Professor Ken's current research mainly focuses on the causes and treatments of neurodegenerative diseases. His lab has developed a nanomaterial-based technology for harvesting autologous neural stem cells from the brain of living subjects.
Dr. Yuichi Ohya
Dr Yuichi Ohya’s research fields are functional polymers and biomaterials, especially biodegradable polymers and drug delivery systems.
Ana Carina Manjua
Ana Carina Manjua's current PhD work is in the design and fabrication of a biological inspired artificial microfluid platform for drug screening.
Dr. Indika Neluwa-Liyanage is a senior 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 .
Currently a research assistant in the laboratory of green energy in Zhejiang University of Technology.
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)
Associate Professor Hajin Kim is a biomedical engineer at the Single Molecule Biophysics Laboratory, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
Dr Paul Cliff Simon Divis is the director of Malaria Research Centre at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
Picture of Durriyyah Sharifah Hasan Adli
University of Malaya
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.
My PhD research entitled "No harm done? The experiences of women who inject drugs accessing harm reduction in Indonesia" examines the role of social, political and economic impacts on women who use/inject drugs and the correlation with increase rates of HIV/HCV and incarceration.
I do research on dysmennorrhoea and gender-based violence. I am a pioneer in registered clinical trials on indigenous and Ayurveda medicines in Sri Lanka. I have approval for a herbal preparation, for COVID patients.
Picture of Audrey Chia
National University of Singapore
I work at the intersection of Business, Medicine and Environment. Many of the world’s current problems are best addressed from multiple perspectives. I examine issues ranging from sustainable development, pandemics, diversity, environment, social innovation and philanthropy, and suggest how we can do better.
Picture of Sravya Tekumalla
Nanyang Technological University
Dr. Sravya Tekumalla is currently a Principal Investigator in Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, where she works as a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow. In addition, she also leads a small team of staff and students working in the domain of metal additive manufacturing (commonly known as 3D printing).
Tohoku University
I am engaged in the development of a new device for embryo evaluation which measures embryo oxygen consumption and a new medication for infertility. Recently, I focused on causative genes of disorders of sex development and searched pathogenic variants using a whole-genome reference panel constructed by Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization.
Prof. Babita Madan
Duke-NUS Medical School
Babita Madan is an assistant professor at the Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
Duke-NUS Medical School
David Virshup, M.D., is Director of the Programme in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology (CSCB) and Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School and is jointly appointed as Professor of Pediatrics at Duke University in North Carolina.
Dr NK Prasanna
Dr NK Prasanna is currently working as Principal Scientist & Editor, Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Research Journals Division at CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, New Delhi. Before joining CSIR (NIScPR), she was at IIT Guwahati. Dr Prasanna completed her Ph.D from Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. In CSIR-NIScPR, She served one important flagship journals viz. Indian journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IJBB; ISSN: 0301-1208). IJBB is a premier Scopus-indexed monthly peer-reviewed research journal that publishes original research articles in the subject area of biochemistry and biophysics
Linfa Wang
Duke-NUS Medical School
Professor Linfa Wang is a Professor with the Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme at Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
Associate Professor Sophia Archuleta is the Head and Senior Consultant of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the National University Hospital, Singapore.
Nimanthi Jayathilaka is a professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Hira Khalid is an associate professor at the Department of Chemistry of Forman Christian College University, Lahore, Pakistan.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Dr Heo is currently a senior lecturer at the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Duke-NUS Medical School
Dr. Tazeen Jafar is a global health leader and expert with a focus on implementation research in hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.

Giants in history

Henriette Bui Quang Chieu (1906 – 2012) was inspired to follow in her brother’s footsteps and become a doctor after losing her mother to tuberculosis. She studied in France and became the first Vietnamese woman to receive a medical degree. Upon her return to Vietnam, Bui was appointed head of the Department of Midwifery at Cho Lon Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. A pioneer in gynaecology, she applied acupuncture techniques that she had learned in Japan to obstetrics. As Vietnam was still a French colony, Bui also lobbied for the rights of Vietnamese doctors, nurses, and patients.
Japanese biochemist Akira Endo (1933 – 2024) discovered the first statin, called mevastatin, which lowered cholesterol levels in the blood by inhibiting a key enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. His work laid the foundation for the development of statins to help patients lower their blood cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of heart disease or stroke.
Tu Youyou (born 30 December 1930) is a Chinese pharmaceutical scientist who was awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her work on extracting artemisin from sweet wormwood to treat malaria.
Filipina paediatrician and scientist Perla Santos-Ocampo (25 July 1931 – 29 June 2012) made important contributions to treatments and policies that curbed debilitating and sometimes deadly diarrhoea-related diseases and malnutrition in children.
Singaporean physician Oon Chiew Seng (1916 – 31 March 2022) advanced dementia care and research in Singapore, and co-founded the Apex Harmony Lodge, the nation’s first nursing home for residents with dementia.
Vietnamese surgeon Tôn Thất Tùng (10 May 1912 – 7 May 1982) developed a pioneering technique that reduced the risks and mortality rate of liver operations.
Michiaki Takahashi (17 February 1928 – 16 December 2013) was a Japanese virologist who developed the first chickenpox vaccine.
Irene Ayako Uchida’s (8 April 1917 – 30 July 2013) strides to understand genetic diseases such as Down syndrome paved the way for early screening of chromosomal abnormalities in foetuses.
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.
Husband and wife team, Kimishige (3 December 1925 – 6 July 2018) and Teruko Ishizaka (28 September 1926 – 4 June 2019) discovered the antibody class Immunoglobulin E (IgE) that triggers allergic reactions. They also discovered that IgE antibodies attach to white blood cells, known as mast cells, releasing histamine, which causes allergic reactions.
Husband and wife team, Kimishige (3 December 1925 – 6 July 2018) and Teruko Ishizaka (28 September 1926 – 4 June 2019) discovered the antibody class Immunoglobulin E (IgE) that triggers allergic reactions. They also discovered that IgE antibodies attach to white blood cells, known as mast cells, releasing histamine, which causes allergic reactions.
In 1915, Koichi Ichikawa along with pathologist Katsusaburo Yamagiwa became the first to prove that chronic exposure to chemicals can cause cancer.
In 1915, pathologist Katsusaburo Yamagiwa and his research assistant Koichi Ichikawa became the first to prove that chronic exposure to chemicals can cause cancer.
Ogino Ginko (3 March 1851 – 23 June 1913) was the first registered female doctor to practise modern medicine in Japan.
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.
Salimuzzaman Siddiqui (19 October 1897 – 14 April 1994) was an artist and chemist from Pakistan whose research focused on natural products from plants.
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.
Barry Paw (29 August 1962 – 28 December 2017) was a biologist and oncologist who discovered several novel genes and their functions in red blood cells.
Chika Kuroda (24 March 1884 – 8 November 1968) was a Japanese chemist whose research focussed on the structures of natural pigments.
Indian organic chemist Asima Chatterjee (1917 to 2006) studied the medicinal properties of plant products, especially compounds known as vinca alkaloids.
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.
Wu Lien-teh (10 March 1879 – 21 January 1960) was a Malaysian-born doctor who invented a mask that effectively suppressed disease transmission. Winning the prestigious Queen’s Scholarship enabled Wu to become the first Chinese student to study medicine at the University of Cambridge.
Minoru Shirota (April 23, 1899 – March 10, 1982) was a Japanese microbiologist who invented the popular fermented drink Yakult.
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.
Fe Villanueva del Mundo (27 November 1911 – 6 August 2011) was a Filipina paediatrician who founded the Philippines’ first paediatric hospital.
Korean parasitologist Seung-Yull Cho (16 November 1943 – 27 January 2019) is remembered largely for his pioneering works to control infections caused by helminthic parasites and his contribution to journal publishing.
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.
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.
Thai physician and conservationist Boonsong Lekagul (1907 – 1992) made major contributions to the preservation of his country’s wildlife.
The research of Filipino pharmaceutical chemist Luz Oliveros-Belardo (3 November 1906 – 12 December 1999) focussed on essential oils and other chemicals derived from native Philippine plants.
Ground-breaking cancer researcher Kamal Jayasing Ranadive (8 November 1917 – 11 April 2001) advanced the understanding of the causes of leukaemia, breast cancer and oesophageal cancer through the use of animal models. She was also among the first to recognise how susceptibility to cancer is linked to tumour-causing interactions between hormones and viruses.
Japanese chemist Takamine Jokichi (3 November 1854 – 22 July 1922) founded the Tokyo Artificial Fertilizer Company, where he isolated a starch-digesting enzyme (named takadiastase) from the fungus Aspergillus oryzae.
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.
A Japanese surgeon, Tetsuzo Akutsu (20 August 1922 – 9 August 2007) built the first artificial heart capable of keeping an animal alive.
Min Chueh Chang (10 October 1908 – 5 June 1991) was a Chinese-American biologist who studied fertilization in mammalian reproduction.
Esther Park (1877-1910), born Kim Jeom-dong, was the first female Korean physician to practise modern medicine in Korea and trained the first generation of Korean female doctors.