Research
Researchers uncover brain mechanisms behind chronic pain management
Chronic pain, often overwhelming and debilitating, can sometimes be alleviated by stress, fear, or hunger. Scientists at the Center for Neuroscience (CNS), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), have identified how neurons across brain regions collaborate to manage chronic pain in […]
US study links leaded gas exposure to mental health issues; Gen X mostly affected
A new study estimates that lead exposure from car exhaust has caused 151 million psychiatric disorders in Americans over the past 75 years. The research, led by Aaron Reuben, a postdoctoral scholar at Duke University, and colleagues at Florida State […]
Researchers uncover key mechanism linking cellular stress to Alzheimer’s progression
Researchers at New York-based Advanced Science Research Center of the CUNY Graduate Center (CUNY ASRC) have identified a crucial mechanism that connects cellular stress in the brain to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The study, published in Neuron, describes […]
New Research and Dietary Approaches for Gut Health in Asia
Previous studies estimated that the incidence of IBD in Asia is generally less than 5 per 100,000 people, with specific rates ranging from 0.5 to 3 per 100,000 across various countries. Over the years, significant yet varying increases have been […]
What a Face Can Reveal About Melancholic Depression
Imagine this: you’re watching a funny movie with a group of friends. Everyone’s laughing, grinning ear to ear—except for one person. They sit quietly, expressionless, seemingly untouched by the humor lighting up the room. This is not just a bad […]
Technology & Devices
China’s diabetes device market projected to double by 2032 – report
A new report from Renub Research forecasts that the diabetes device market in China will grow from US$6.22 billion in 2023 to US$12.74 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% between 2024 and 2032. Urbanisation, […]
Lenovo unveils an AI-powered 3D avatar to support dementia care
Chinese-American multinational technology company, Lenovo, in collaboration with UK-based community interest company (CIC), Innovations in Dementia, has launched Alzheimer’s Intelligence, an innovative proof-of-concept project featuring a photorealistic 3D avatar designed to assist individuals diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s. The AI-based […]
Innovative Wheelchair Design Developed for Ease, Energy Efficiency and User Comfort
Navigating manual wheelchairs on uneven pavements can be an exhausting and joint-straining task. However, two researchers from ETH Zurich , Reto Togni and Stefan Villiger, have come up with an innovative solution that could make steering manual wheelchairs much easier […]
Panasonic tackles Southeast Asia’s haze with innovative air quality solutions
Japanese-headquartered electronics company Panasonic, through Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd , a sales, service and marketing company for the Panasonic brand , is taking a proactive approach to combat Southeast Asia’s recurring haze problem with innovative indoor air quality solutions. In […]
Asians flock to medical trade fair in Singapore; upbeat optimism on healthcare
With Southeast Asia’s ageing population and expanding middle class being key drivers of growth in the region’s healthcare industry, the medical fairs held in Singapore recently for the medical, healthcare, and medical technology (MedTech) sectors, the 15th edition of Medical […]
Pharmaceutical
Alpro Foundation initiates safe medication disposal campaign in Malaysia
Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals and expired medicines, such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, contaminates water sources, according to the Alpro Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Alpro Pharmacy—Malaysia’s largest prescription pharmacy […]
Japanese pharma firm denounces “defamatory” vaxx claims; Launches Taiwan subsidiary
Tokyo-headquartered pharmaceutical company, Meiji Seika Pharma has filed a lawsuit against Kazuhiro Haraguchi, a Lower House member of Japan’s Constitutional Democratic Party, for reportedly spreading unsubstantiated claims about its mRNA-based Covid-19 replicon vaccine. The company is seeking 10 million yen […]
WHO pushes for sustainability measures in pharma sector
The World Health Organization (WHO), through its Department of Regulation and Prequalification, has launched an initiative titled “Greener Pharmaceuticals’ Regulatory Highway” to address the environmental impact of the pharmaceutical sector. This initiative emphasizes the need for innovative regulatory practices to […]
Basic Do’s and Don’ts of antibiotic use
Antibiotics are vital in treating bacterial infections, but they are not effective against illnesses caused by viruses. Misusing these medications not only diminishes their effectiveness but also contributes to a growing global health threat: antibiotic resistance. Related: Discovery of a unique […]
WHO Greenlights LC16m8 Mpox Vaxx for Emergency Use
The World Health Organization (WHO) has granted Emergency Use Listing (EUL) for the LC16m8 mpox vaccine, marking it as the second mpox vaccine endorsed by the agency. This approval follows the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of […]
Wellness and Complementary Therapies
Take charge of your health to fight diabesity
By Dr Alex Teo, Director, Research Development and Scientific Affairs, Asia Pacific, Herbalife Diabetes is on the rise 1 in Asia-Pacific (APAC) and the region is expected to become the largest contributor to the global economic burden of diabetes by […]
Balancing Emotions: TCM Approaches to Emotional Health & Wellbeing
By Dr Ong Siew Siew, Senior Lecturer , Centre for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, IMU University Health has rhythm and rhyme Ever wondered about the subtle dance of your mood and energy? While most days unfold with steadiness, when the […]
Is Coaching in Palliative Care Necessary?
By Dr Jesrina Ann Xavier, member of the Active Ageing Impact Lab at Taylor’s University/ Dr Liew Kean Yew, Palliative Care specialist at Hospital Ampang Globally, the need for palliative care is on an upward trend due to the ageing […]
Reforms Urged to Support Aging Population in Asia-Pacific – Report
Challenges that come with age Developing Asia and the Pacific are facing significant challenges in securing the well-being of its rapidly aging population. A recent report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), “Aging Well in Asia,” highlights the pressing need […]
12 simple steps to a healthy lifestyle
Now that the world has returned to normalcy following the pandemic, everyone is back to their daily routines and encounters with stress. Some people may prioritize living a healthy lifestyle over others. A healthy lifestyle is built on a well-balanced […]
Community health
Thai experts warn against eating raw meat after tapeworm case
Thailand’s medical experts have issued a warning following a recent case of beef tapeworm infection linked to consuming “Soi Ju,” a Thai dish made from raw minced beef. Dr Natkaphat Rattanapithun, consultant at the Parasitic Disease Research Centre and chairman […]
Philippine’s Cebu integrates Chinese medicine into healthcare training
The Philippine provincial government of Cebu has partnered with Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to train local doctors in alternative healing practices. This collaboration aims to introduce traditional Chinese medicine, including herbal treatments, acupuncture, and naturopathy, to government and […]
Taiwan introduces digital GMP certificates to bolster pharma competitiveness
Taiwan has fully implemented international PIC/S GMP standards to ensure the safety and quality of its medicinal products. Pharmaceutical manufacturers in Taiwan can now apply for GMP certificates from the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) after undergoing inspections and […]
Philippines’ Health Dept urges public to stay warm as cold weather illnesses surge
The Philippines Department of Health (DOH) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has issued an advisory urging the public to stay safe and warm amid a significant rise in cold weather-related illnesses. Cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI), including cough, colds, […]
Singapore Supports Africa CDC in Mpox Outbreak Response with Diagnostic Aid
Singapore’s Ministry of Health has pledged a support package that includes diagnostic kits and testing supplies capable of conducting up to 50,000 tests to bolster the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s (Africa CDC) response to the ongoing mpox […]
Health alert
Rising contamination in India’s groundwater, uranium and nitrate as key pollutants
India, the world’s largest consumer of groundwater, uses 87% for irrigation and 11% for domestic purposes. However, groundwater quality is deteriorating, with nearly 20% of samples exceeding safe pollutant limits, according to the 2023 Annual Ground Water Quality Report by […]
AHF calls on ASEAN to lead efforts to end AIDS in Asia-Pacific
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest nonprofit provider of HIV/AIDS medical care, has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take a leading role in eradicating AIDS as a public health threat in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) […]
Hepatitis Awareness in Malaysia: A Quick Guide to Prevention and Management
Resource Person: Dr Chua Siew Houy, general physician and rheumatologist at IMU University. Many people do not realise that the hepatitis virus can cause chronic liver disease and even lead to liver cancer. When it comes to one’s health and […]
Critical Need for Education on Cyberbullying
Resource person: Lai Mun Onn, Senior Lecturer, School of Law and Governance, Faculty of Business and Law, Taylor’s University Cyberbullying is not a matter that children face but adults can be victims too. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that there […]
Healthy Habits to Combat Fatty Liver Disease
The Hepatology Society of the Philippines reiterated the importance of food discipline and regular exercise in combating Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). At a Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) forum, Dr. Jennielyn Agcaoili-Conde, Vice President of the society, highlighted […]
Other health News
Hypertension is a growing threat in Malaysia – What you can do about it
by Dr Jolene See Su Chen, Consultant General Physician (Internal Medicine), Wellness Centre, Sunway Medical Centre Hypertension: the “silent” killer among us Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition where the blood force against artery walls is consistently […]
Perennial Holdings opens first wholly foreign-owned private hospital in Tianjin, China
Perennial Holdings has launched Perennial General Hospital in Tianjin, making it China’s first wholly foreign-owned private tertiary general hospital. The hospital received approval from the city’s Municipal Health Commission after passing a rigorous inspection and obtaining its Medical Institution Practice […]
Global medical costs to remain high in 2025, survey finds
Medical costs are expected to rise globally at an average rate of 10.4% in 2025, continuing the double-digit growth seen in 2024 and 2023, according to the WTW global medical trends survey that covers 348leading health insurers and 90 markets […]
New Year’s Resolution for Health: Managing Weight with Medical Solutions
Weighing in on obesity: it is a complex condition Obesity is one of the most pressing health concerns in Malaysia and across Asia. Malaysia has the second- highest adult obesity rate in Southeast Asia, with a prevalence of 19.7%. According […]
Protect your blood pressure: balancing sitting and standing at work
A recent Finnish Retirement and Aging study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise journal sheds light on the potential downsides of standing for extended periods at work, especially when it comes to blood pressure. While standing itself […]
Indonesia and US Sign Health Cooperation Agreement
The Indonesian Ministry of Health (MOH) and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance bilateral health collaboration. This agreement, building on a long-standing partnership, focuses on addressing health challenges […]
Survey Reveals Cost , Lifestyle Challenges Affecting Young Filipinos’ Health
A recent study by life insurance company, Manulife Philippines, entitled “In Wellness and In Health: Navigating the Landscape of Health, Well-being, and Financial Preparedness in the Philippines,” reveals that cost is a major barrier to healthier lifestyles for Filipinos. The […]
Indonesia Aims for Regulations to Ban Harmful Trans Fats
The Indonesian Ministry of Health has called for regulations to eliminate partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) from food, citing their role as the main source of harmful trans fatty acids (TFAs). Director of non-communicable disease prevention, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, reportedly stated […]
China Expands Public Health Program; Adds COPD to Raise Awareness, Diagnosis
China has added chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to its basic public health service program, a move that is expected to raise awareness and improve treatment capabilities at the grassroots level. COPD, a chronic condition that impairs airflow and breathing, […]
Study: Rising diabetes in Malaysia; food costs, social pressure hinder healthy choices
As Malaysia grapples with a soaring diabetes rate — the highest in the Western Pacific and among the highest globally — Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG) is stepping up with its “Know Diabetes” campaign. The initiative, launched in conjunction with World […]
