Research
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 […]
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 […]
Malaysian experts stress why right diagnosis in cancer matters
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but today there is more reason for hope than ever before – survival and recovery are increasingly possible. At the heart of this progress is technology that not only delivers new treatments but also […]
What those “eye floaters” might be warning you about your eye health
Retinal detachment may sound rare, but it is a real risk, especially if you are over 40, highly myopic, or have a family history of eye problems. Once it happens, time is your most critical ally. Dr Peh Khaik Kee […]
Technology & Devices
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 […]
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 […]
Robot-assisted neck incision technique “least-invasive” aortic valve surgery
Four patients who underwent robot-assisted aortic valve replacement (AVR) through a small incision in the neck were able to resume unrestricted activity within a week, reporting minimal pain during recovery. Cleveland Clinic cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Marijan Koprivanac, who performed the […]
WHO member states finalize draft for global pandemic agreement
After three years of tough negotiations, WHO Member States have wrapped up talks on a draft pandemic agreement aimed at improving how the world handles future health crises. The final proposal will head to the World Health Assembly this May, […]
Pharmaceutical
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 […]
Queensland pill testing detects dangerous synthetic drugs
CheQpoint, an Australian pill testing service, has identified multiple cases of dangerous synthetic opioids and novel benzodiazepines disguised as pharmaceutical medicines. Experts warn these findings may indicate a broader issue, as financial pressures drive more people to seek unregulated drugs […]
Wellness and Complementary Therapies
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, […]
From midlife wellness to pregnancy, diet awareness lowers health risks
Weight loss does not have to rely on cosmetic procedures, synthetic drugs, or costly fads. Studies show that simple, sustainable habits, such as being mindful of food choices, eating the right portions, and maintaining an active lifestyle can go a […]
Breathe, Laugh, Live: 8 Healthy Things to Do in Asia on a Budget
If you’ve ever thought getting healthy meant dropping serious cash, Asia might just change your mind. Across the region, there are plenty of ways to stay active, eat well, and care for your mental health without blowing your budget. From […]
Malaysia’s digital lifestyle is wrecking posture—Here’s how
Text-neck syndrome: bad posture from tech habits From classroom to office, the everyday habit of looking down at screens are making Malaysians suffering from text neck syndrome, a preventable condition causing long-term neck and shoulder pain, and threatening the neurological […]
Knee pain: When to worry and what comes next
By Dr Abdul Razak Hussin, Consultant Orthopaedic and Sports Surgeon, Ara Damansara Medical Centre (ADMC) Who is at risk? Knee injuries can affect anyone, not just athletes. Whether you run, play sports on weekends, or hike, a sudden twist or […]
Community health
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 […]
Singapore’s HMI Medical to build a new 300-bed hospital in Sarawak
HMI Medical has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Ibraco Berhad, a Sarawak-based property developer listed on Bursa Malaysia, for the acquisition of land to build its third hospital in Malaysia. The new facility, to be named Regency Hospital Kuching, […]
DOH ramps up medical aid in evacuation centers after typhoon Nando
In the Philippines, typhoon season has begun. The recent Typhoon Nando (international name: Ragasa) affected several areas even after exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility. In response, the Department of Health (DOH)- Central Luzon Center for Health Development launched immediate […]
WHO: US$3 per person investment could save millions of lives
The World Health Organization (WHO) infers that a modest investment of just US$3 per person annually in preventing and treating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) could yield more than US$1 trillion in economic benefits by 2030. The finding comes in a new […]
Health alert
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, […]
Global mental health crisis looms as over 1 billion live with disorders – WHO
More than 1 billion people worldwide are living with mental health disorders, according to new data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which warns that anxiety, depression, and related conditions are exacting an immense human and economic toll. The findings, published […]
TB top cause of death among people with HIV – DOH
The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) recently reported that one in five deaths among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) is caused by tuberculosis (TB). The agency said TB remains the leading cause of death among PLHIV but stressed […]
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 […]
Research collab sets sights on MASLD diagnostics advancement in Singapore
Siemens Healthineers and the National University Hospital (NUH) Singapore have launched a research collaboration to advance diagnostic solutions for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which affects nearly 40% of adults in Singapore, exceeding the global average of 30%. Formerly […]
Reclaiming the voice: Let’s talk about holistic care in head, neck cancer
Resource person: Dr Ben Yap Beng Khiong, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at OncoCare Cancer Centre Malaysia Cancer’s impact to identity, dignity For patients, a diagnosis of head and neck cancer goes beyond medical treatment. It affects daily activities many take for […]
Asia’s patients say healthcare access is burdensome – Study
Complicated access to healthcare and a lack of guidance are keeping patients from receiving the care they need, when they need it, according to research from Economist Impact commissioned by Prudential, a life and health insurance and asset management company […]
U.S. announces US$250 million health support for the Philippines
According to a press statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Trump Administration, working with Congress, plans to allocate US$250 million in new assistance to the Philippines to address acute public health challenges. “Through this assistance, both governments […]
Japan faces alarming shortage of cancer surgeons by 2040 – report
Japan is heading toward a severe shortfall in gastrointestinal surgeons, raising concerns over the future of cancer care as the country’s population ages. A report by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery, presented to the health ministry, projects that the […]
Multidrug-resistant bacteria linked to war injuries – study
A new study from the University of Helsinki and HUS Helsinki University Hospital has revealed that refugees hospitalized for war injuries carry a significantly higher risk of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Researchers found that nearly 80% of Ukrainian patients treated for war-related […]
First-of-its-kind RNA-based tool developed for cancer and infectious disease research
Researchers at the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have created a tool that can scan thousands of biological samples to detect transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications. These tiny chemical changes regulate how cells grow, adapt to stress, and respond […]
Cells “shed waste” to speed healing, aid recovery – study
When injured, cells deploy regulated responses to promote healing. These include a long-studied self-destruction process that clears away damaged cells and a more recently described phenomenon that helps older cells revert to a younger, regenerative state. Now, a study in […]
WHO-UNICEF report: Billions still lack safe water, sanitation
A joint study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, “Progress on Household Drinking Water and Sanitation 2000–2024: Special Focus on Inequalities”, found that scores of people across the globe remain without reliable access to clean water, sanitation, and […]
Indonesia dispatched humanitarian aid and new medical team to Gaza
Indonesia has dispatched its fourth medical task force to Gaza to provide uninterrupted care for victims of the ongoing Israeli assault. The 25-member team, composed of surgeons, nurses, internists, pharmacists, and specialists in anesthesiology, orthopedics, radiology, and rehabilitation, departed on […]
