Research
Sick again? Reasons why young children get sick more often
Resource: Dr Ch’ng Tong Wei, Consultant Pediatrician and Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist, Sunway Medical Centre, Malaysia Vulnerability to illness It may start with a cough, a rash, or a low-grade fever. Before you know it, your child is home sick […]
Genetic study explains overlap among common psychiatric conditions
Large-scale genetic analysis across disorders An international study has identified extensive genetic overlap across 14 psychiatric disorders, helping explain why multiple diagnoses are common over a person’s lifetime. The research, published on December 10 in Nature, analyzed genetic data from […]
MIT’s single-pull structures enable rapid field hospital deployment
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (MIT) have developed a method for designing three-dimensional (3D) structures that transform from a flat layout into a curved, fully formed shape with a single pull of a string. The model is suitable […]
Singapore researchers find new phage DNA modification that may combat superbugs
Scientists from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) group, together with the University of Otago and collaborators from Nanyang Technological University, Delft University of Technology, University of Canterbury and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, have […]
Nestlé pursues open innovation, nutrition research for health and longevity
US-headquartered Nestlé Health Science, a wholly-owned health-science subsidiary of Nestlé, has entered a strategic collaboration with the University of California, Davis Innovation Institute for Food & Health to advance nutrition and health innovations, support startup development, and explore research and […]
Technology & Devices
Singapore-MIT initiative develops wearable ultrasound for chronic disease monitoring
Patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension and heart failure could soon be monitored continuously outside hospital settings, as a new Singapore-led research initiative works toward wearable ultrasound imaging for home and community care. The effort aims to move healthcare […]
New app offers menopause support for Asian women
A new health platform aims to change how menopause is understood and managed across Asia. Sol (Spring of Life) Menopause, now available on iOS, provides evidence-based and culturally relevant guidance for women navigating this stage of life while helping companies […]
Philippine healthcare sees rise of AI tools
The Philippines is expanding its adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to advance key sectors, with healthcare emerging as one of the most active areas of integration. In the medical field, AI is being used to improve disease detection, speed up […]
Enhancing well-being with Kraiburg TPE’s sustainable material solutions for medical devices
Kraiburg TPE, a global manufacturer of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds for various industries, offers material solutions that meet advanced medical technology standards for devices used in ostomy care, skin health, personal hygiene, and anti-snore applications for quality sleep. Comfort and […]
Robotic-assisted surgeries in endometriosis treatment advances women’s health
Spokesperson: Dr Thow Sun Ta, Obstetrician, Gynecologist, & Fertility Specialist, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City. According to World Health Organization (WHO), one in ten women in the world is diagnosed with endometriosis, a chronic disease associated with severe, life-impacting pain […]
Pharmaceutical
Australia flags “counterfeit” rabies vaccine in India; manufacturer refutes claims
Australia has issued an advisory warning travellers about counterfeit batches of the rabies vaccine Abhayrab circulating in India since November 2023. The alert, issued by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), states that individuals who received the fake […]
GSK and Empirico ink US$745 million deal on experimental COPD drug
Global biopharma company GSK has entered a worldwide exclusive license agreement with US-based clinical-stage biotechnology company Empirico for EMP-012, an experimental small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy being tested for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The deal includes an US$85 million […]
Asahi Kasei launches new excipient grades for injectable drugs
Asahi Kasei expands its Sonanos excipient portfolio with two new specialty grades designed to improve injectable drug formulations. Sonanos is a next-generation excipient that enhances sustained drug release and solubility, helping pharmaceutical developers address formulation and delivery challenges for biologics, […]
India approves first-of-its-kind pediatric eyedrop as myopia rates surge
In a significant development for paediatric eye care, India has become the first country to approve a new formulation of eye drops specifically designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. The approval, granted by the Central Drugs Standard […]
Microparticle technology brings new Hope for vitamin A deficiency
MIT researchers have developed a new method to fortify foods with vitamin A, a breakthrough that could help combat deficiency-related blindness and health issues affecting millions worldwide. The innovation involves encapsulating vitamin A in a polymer, protecting it from degradation […]
Wellness and Complementary Therapies
New Year’s wellness goals: what works and what fails
As the year turns another page to 2026, millions across Asia and around the world are starting their New Year’s resolution lists, most often committing to health and wellness goals. From weight loss goals to digital detox plans, these intentions […]
Palm oil: A Malaysian ingredient poised to support gut
By Dr Malar Santhi Santherasegapan MD CSMU (Ukr), MBA in Healthcare Management – HONS (UTM), PDAM (IIWAM), IES (London) In recent years, gut health has emerged as a central focus of wellness, with probiotics, fiber-rich foods and fermented products becoming […]
Why the holidays can be hard on your health—and how to stay safe
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And indeed, the holiday season is here. Festivities are just around the corner, and while merry-making will fill each one’s holiday calendar, minding one’s health must not take a backseat. Here are […]
Child allergies: expert shares support tips for kids and parents
Resource person: Dr. Noor Zehan Abdul Rahim, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Respiratory Specialist, Sunway Medical Centre, Malaysia In Malaysia, where urban living and vibrant cityscapes define daily life, an unsettling trend is emerging – an increase in childhood allergies. What […]
Feed the brain with Thiamine
Chocolate is good for the brain – and this has never been truer than today, when many of us need a respite from the stress, fatigue, and emotional strain that affect our mental health. Chocolates are rich in B vitamins, […]
Community health
New flu variant detected in the Philippines; no immediate threat – DOH
The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) said a flu variant informally referred to as super flu is not a cause for alarm, while surveillance continues. According to Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, the variant has been detected in the Philippines but […]
US and Cambodia strengthen health cooperation
The Cambodian and US governments have expanded bilateral health cooperation through new projects aimed at improving accountability, resource management and shared public health outcomes, including the elimination of infectious diseases and the strengthening of surveillance systems. Discussions on the proposed […]
Health secures investment priority in 2026 Philippine budget
Health takes the spotlight in the Philippines’ investment priorities as the government moves to allocate a significant share of the proposed 2026 national budget to key sectors, including health, education and agriculture. The Philippine government has set the 2026 national […]
Philippine city eyes landmark alcohol harm ordinance
The Philippines’ public health advocates voiced support for the Quezon City government after a public consultation on 17 December on a proposed ordinance aimed at preventing alcohol-related harms, which could become the country’s first comprehensive local policy of its kind. […]
WHO lists Australia and Indonesia as Medical Products Regulatory Authorities
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the medical products regulatory authorities of Australia and Indonesia as WHO Listed Authorities after they met the organization’s highest international standards. Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority now […]
Health alert
Asia sees spike in respiratory, flu-like illnesses as cold season persists
Not quite the festive news for Asia, where countries are reporting rising cases of super flu. Health authorities have noted an increase in respiratory and seasonal flu cases across the region and are urging the public—especially vulnerable groups such as […]
EU gives more teeth to mercury dental filling regulation with global ban
The United Nations has adopted a global ban on the manufacture and trade of mercury-added dental amalgam, with the rules set to take effect on 1 January 2035. The decision was announced on 7 November at the sixth Conference of […]
Flu on the rise: How Asia is managing a widespread seasonal threat
Flu rages across Asia, schools suspend classes In Asia, reports of influenza cases are rising. For countries like the Philippines, it is the downside of the incoming holiday season when the weather turns cooler, while for others like Thailand, the […]
From reel to real: A K-drama star’s health battle spotlights disease awareness
For fans of Korean dramas (K-dramas), the protagonists — their favorite actors or “biases” — often seem to embody our fantasies of a perfect world, where a perfect relationship leads to a perfect life. But what if these K-drama heroes […]
Tattoo: biases, health risks run skin deep
From cultural relevance to breaking the stigma In many countries, tattoos are seen as fashion statements and personal expression, especially among the youth. While reflecting social trends that value individuality, they also carry cultural weight, marking honor, rites of passage, […]
Other health News
SEA Healthcare and Pharma Conference 2025: Pioneering the future of healthcare in the region
Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., the organiser of SEACare 2025, is proud to announce the inaugural SEA Healthcare and Pharma Conference 2025, co-organised by the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and Five Pillar Venture Capital Sdn. Bhd. This event marks […]
Floods disrupt lives of children in Indonesia – Report
Floods and landslides across parts of Sumatra, Indonesia, have left children facing ongoing health risks and extended disruption to their education, even as floodwaters begin to recede in some areas. Needs remain high, especially in remote and cut off communities […]
Financial strain grips Singapore as regional well-being trails global levels – Report
Singapore residents report steady vitality and overall well-being compared to last year, yet financial pressure continues to erode their quality of life. Findings from the Cigna Healthcare International Health Study 2025, which surveyed more than 11,000 people across 13 markets, […]
Thai border hospitals shut as border clashes continue
Thailand has closed ten district hospitals and 173 tambon units along the Cambodian border as fighting continues, prompting patient transfers and reliance on emergency telemedicine. The Public Health Ministry ordered two additional closures on Wednesday, affecting Ban Kruad Hospital in […]
Hong Kong’s high HFMD activity in children prompts call for vigilance
Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health reminded parents and schools anew to stay vigilant as hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) activity continues to rise among children. The agency urged schools to report any […]
Nursing delisted as a “Professional Degree” under new Trump bill
The administration of US President Donald Trump has removed nursing from the list of “professional degree” programs as the Department of Education prepares for major reductions in federal student loan offerings. The details are laid out in President Trump’s “One […]
Thailand’s stricter alcohol law draws flak among tourists and businesses
Thailand has started enforcing tougher alcohol rules that impose fines on anyone caught drinking during restricted hours, a change that places accountability on consumers for the first time since the country introduced its afternoon sales ban more than 50 years […]
Taiwan recalls 150,000 eggs contaminated with pesticide
More than 150,000 eggs potentially contaminated with high levels of pesticide residue have entered the market in 10 administrative regions in Taiwan, the Food and Drug Administration has cautioned consumers. The agency has issued an emergency recall of eggs in […]
Family Medicine recognized as Singapore’s 36th medical specialty
Family medicine has been officially recognized by the Specialists Accreditation Board as Singapore’s 36th medical specialty from November 1, with support from the Ministry of Health (MOH). MOH described the move as a major step in acknowledging the contributions of […]
Trachoma eradicated in Fiji, WHO confirms
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated Fiji for eradicating trachoma, a significant public health threat to the country, making it the 26th country to achieve this recognition. Trachoma, a leading cause of blindness globally, is caused by the […]
Singaporeans moving toward healthier lifestyles – Survey
Singaporeans are adopting healthier habits, with more people exercising and getting screened while smoking rates fall to a record low, according to the Ministry of Health’s National Population Health Survey 2024. The recently published survey also reported a strong recovery […]
