Press releases

A research team from Chiang Mai University (CMU) have developed a simpler, less-expensive Detection Kit for monitoring Hyaluronan using purified protein from the waste cartilage of a variety of species from the meat processing industry. The research won the team the National Research Council Invention Award, 2011.

A mouthwash that may help prevent mouth cancer has been developed by researchers at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The plant based product could provide a non-alcoholic alternative to conventional products for the Islamic market.

The impact of crude oil prices has far reaching impacts on the direct and indirect costs involved in rice production. Researchers have mapped crude oil, rice and soybean oil prices between 1970 and 2008 and demonstrate the implications of world crude oil prices on the agriculture sector, in particular on rice production.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has recently received a software and system donation worth more than HK$700,000 from Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Limited (HAESL), with further support from Metrology Software Products Limited (MSP).

Professor Osamu Soda of Waseda University examines how best to proceed with reconstruction in the areas affected by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

On April 12, Dr. Naoyuki Taniguchi, Group Director of RIKEN Advanced Science Institute was awarded the Japan Academy Prize for the following achievements.

Summaries of newsworthy papers - Nature: Role of microRNA uncovered for HIV control; Medicine: A new target for chronic asthma; Physics: Quantum effects of gravity probed; Geoscience: The source of toxic mercury; Nature: Targeting RORs to ameliorate autoimmune disease; And finally…Materials: Killer carriers for malignant cells

A group of researchers from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) successfully produced Cardio-mate or a salt substitute from plants with low sodium content which proves to be friendly for heart, diabetes and high blood pressure patients who are at risk of food salt.

Located at the headquarters of MIGHT (Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology), Datuk Rosdi Mahmud, the CEO of CTRM Sdn Bhd, and who is also the Executive Director of Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC) has declared that UPM is selected as the Lead University for AMIC.

A Professor with the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ismail was appointed President of the Academic Officer of Universiti Putra Malaysia (PPAUPM) which came into effect March 3rd, 2011.

The recently held 2011 Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Day, held at Universiti Putra Malaysia, has allowed opportunities for professional groups within the government sector, private sector as well as the academic experts to share ideas and expertise to further advance the GIS system.

On 7 March 2011, the RIKEN Advanced Science Institute (ASI) welcomed Ada Yonath from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel to present a special lecture at RIKEN’s Wako Campus

‘Pincer’ molecules trap reactive rare earth elements into previously unseen hydrogen-infused structures

Mercury-containing oxides offer a new perspective on the mechanism of superconductivity

The teaching and learning process (P&P) using the interactive smart board, an innovation by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), can help overcome the problem of boredom, especially among school students.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) warmly congratulated its alumna Ms Vivienne Tam for being honoured by Sing Tao News Corporation as the 2010 Leader of the Year in the Commerce and Industry/Finance category.

Prof. Shigeki Nakauchi of the Computer Science and Engineering Department, Toyohashi University of Technology, has received the 2011 Award for Science and Technology (Development Category) from Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology(MEXT).

Summaries of newsworthy papers - Language: Keeping linguistic variation in the family; Neuroscience: Creating human neurons that model schizophrenia; Fossils: A fresh start for early eukaryotes; Physics: Atomic currents in a spin; Physics: Simulating quantum magnetism; And finally… Ear evolution caught in the act

A silicon-based microfluidic chip that distinguishes different viral strains shows potential for the quick on-site diagnosis of infectious diseases

The use of a different resonance in atomic force microscopy enhances resolution

An electromechanical switch using a single magnetic plate delivers superior performance in a tiny package

New substrates boost the sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the detection of glucose at physiological concentrations

A*STAR researchers are devising a variety of low-cost photovoltaic materials to develop the next generation of solar cells.

SINGAPORE, April 13, 2011 – Applied Materials Inc., the global leader in manufacturing solutions for the semiconductor, flat panel display and solar photovoltaic industries, today signed a research collaboration agreement with A*STAR’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME), to set up a Center of Excellence in Advanced Packaging in Singapore.

The president of Chiang Mai University (CMU) signs a joint memorandum promoting research in higher education and the development of 9 National Research Universities in Thailand.

Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University: Gamma ray radiation measurement system installed as one of eight in Thailand by the Office of Atoms for Peace to monitor radiation levels in the air.

Researchers and industry players from around the world have been invited to take part in The National Cloud Computing Workshop 2011 (Cloud2011), starting today at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The workshop is the first of its kind in Malaysia to focus on this up-and-coming area of ICT.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) hopes to continue in its efforts towards creating a sustainable campus, including efforts towards creating an animal-friendly university.

RIKEN and the Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI) have cut the ribbon on a new cutting-edge X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) facility in Harima, the first such facility in Japan and only the second in the whole world.

Summaries of newsworthy papers - Neuroscience: Learning to see; Chemical Biology: Antimicrobials from all sides; Methods: Simplifying stem cell culture; Geoscience: Tropical Pacific warms West Antarctica; Immunology: Inflammation drives diabetes