Research
HK and US scientists identify new gene linked to rare neurodevelopmental disorder
Researchers from the LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) and international genetic scientists have identified a new gene, DDX39B, linked to a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. Using multi-omics analysis, they discovered that mutations in this gene […]
HKUMed’s oral arsenic trioxide gains global recognition for treating leukaemia
Researchers from the LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) have developed a breakthrough in leukaemia treatment. Their oral formulation of arsenic trioxide (Oral-ATO; Arsenol) for acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) , an incurable disease, is the […]
NUS researchers develop DNA-tagged gold nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy
A team from the National University of Singapore (NUS), led by Assistant Professor Andy Tay, has introduced a DNA-tagging method to improve the precision of gold nanoparticle-based cancer treatments. Their approach, detailed in Advanced Functional Materials, published on November 24, […]
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 […]
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
ITRMC acquires Philippines’ first helium-free MRI in Gov’t healthcare
The Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) in the Philippines has become the first government hospital in the country to acquire a helium-free magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, enhancing diagnostic precision while promoting sustainability. The state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla MRI, […]
Learning challenges in Malaysian children and their wider impact
Learning difficulties in children are challenges that extend beyond academics, often affecting their emotional well-being, social skills, and ability to navigate daily life. In Malaysia, approximately 7.4% of children experience developmental delays, as reported by the National Health and Morbidity […]
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 […]
Health alert
Japan’s flu cases surge; travel warnings and treatment options take focus
“Flu” takes the spotlight Before Korean pop, or K-pop, there was the Flower 4, or F4—a group of four wealthy, handsome, yet haughty boys from the internationally acclaimed 2001 TV series,Meteor Garden, a live-action adaptation of the Japanese manga, Boys […]
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 […]
Other health News
Dementia Among Asians: What’s Behind the Growing Cases?
Dementia is a significant concern in Asia, with the highest number of cases reported in the region. Asia is currently reporting the highest number of dementia cases, with 22.9 million individuals affected, which is more than double the number reported […]
Less Imports, More Local: Indonesia’s Pharma Game Plan
Indonesia is ramping up efforts to reduce its reliance on imported pharmaceutical raw materials and strengthen its local drug industry. The government is rolling out policies to encourage domestic production, but challenges remain as the country continues to depend heavily […]
Advancing ASEAN Public Health Through Effective Regional Disease Management, Partnerships
Southeast Asia continues to face pressing health challenges, with diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria remaining prevalent in several nations. In response, regional governments and organizations are intensifying efforts to strengthen disease control and prevention measures. Notably, partnerships with countries […]
Malaysia to host Asean Safety and Health Workers Summit this year
Malaysia will host the Asean Safety and Health Workers Summit 2025, scheduled to take place from Aug 4 to Aug 5 this year, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said. He said the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) […]
hMPV: A Rising Health Concern That Experts Say Isn’t Cause for Alarm
Covid-19 2.0? Several countries, including the US, UK, India, and several other Asian countries are reporting a rise in human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cases, with the US recently seeing a doubling of infections. This has sparked global concern, especially amid rising […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
