Research
Dual-action nanotherapy shows promise against cancer
Scientists at Oregon State University (OSU) have developed a new nanomaterial that selectively destroys cancer cells by triggering a dual chemical attack inside tumors while sparing healthy tissue. The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, describes a novel approach to […]
Opioid pain relief varies by patient; key gene identified – Study
A University of Calgary–led study has identified a genetic factor that may explain why opioid pain medications provide strong relief for some patients while offering little benefit—or greater risk—to others. Published in Neuron, the international research found that differences in […]
Singapore’s NUS launches Southeast Asia health research hub for population and sustainable health
The Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington have launched the NUS-IHME Global Burden of Disease Research Centre. The […]
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 […]
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 survey reveals how Malaysians manage diabetes in diverse ways
A new survey conducted by YouGov, a global public opinion and data company, and commissioned by global healthcare company Abbott, has found that while most Malaysians living with diabetes regularly monitor their glucose levels, significant gaps remain in understanding long-term […]
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. […]
Health alert
Bangladesh reports confirmed Nipah Virus case – WHO
Bangladesh has reported a confirmed case of Nipah virus infection in the Rajshahi Division, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The International Health Regulations National Focal Point for Bangladesh notified WHO of the case on 3 February 2026. The […]
Nipah Virus triggers health alerts in Asia
Kerala cases highlight localized risk Recent Nipah virus (NiV) cases in India have once again put the disease in the public eye, despite outbreaks remaining largely localized. The latest report from the Indian government confirmed two NiV cases since December […]
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 […]
Warning: Use of undefined constant yes - assumed 'yes' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/healthca/public_html/wp-content/themes/wp-clear/index3.php on line 455
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 […]
Pontian Hospital to be upgraded to minor specialist facility
Pontian Hospital will be upgraded to a Minor Specialist Hospital with a new 10-storey building, boosting capacity and healthcare services in southern Johor while allowing residents to access specialist treatment locally. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the […]
Melaka’s dengue fatality rate surpasses national threshold
Melaka’s dengue case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.29% last year exceeded the 0.20% threshold set by the Health Ministry. The state recorded three dengue-related deaths in 2025, an increase from two the previous year. A total of 1,046 dengue cases […]
88 TB clusters reported in 2025 – Dzulkefly
A total of 88 tuberculosis (TB) clusters involving 254 cases were reported nationwide in 2025, 35 of which remain active, says health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad. Dzulkefly said there were 13 active clusters in Selangor, followed by Kedah (six), Sarawak (five), […]
Malaysia faces shortage of oncologists, say Dzulkefly
Malaysia is currently facing a shortage of oncologists with only 184 doctors in the field serving nationwide, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the number is still not enough to meet the growing demand, hence the […]
RM5.5 million for cervical cancer screening targets 32000 women
The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has been allocated RM5.5 million by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) to implement cervical cancer screening using the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test this year. LPPKN chairman Datuk […]
Nurse receives Health Ministry recognition after viral act of compassion
A heartwarming act by a nurse feeding an elderly Indian patient, which recently went viral on social media, shows that compassion and humanity transcend differences in religion and belief. The commendable actions of nurse Nur Deena Nadzhiefa caught the attention […]
MMA urges parliament to tackle rising healthcare costs
Issues surrounding healthcare financing and rising medical costs must continue to be raised and debated in Parliament as they affect the wider public, said Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr R. Thirunavukarasu. He said the Malaysian Health Insurance and […]
UMass Chan launches new non-invasive postpartum depression therapy
A major milestone for maternal care, Massachusetts-based UMass Chan Medical School is one of four national sites testing a new, noninvasive therapy for treatment-resistant postpartum depression. The study is funded by the Department of Defense. The therapy, called SAINT neuromodulation, […]
Student vaping rises despite vape control act
The full enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 from Oct 1 was meant to curb smoking-related activities in Malaysia – including vaping – moving the country closer to a smoke-free “endgame generation”. But despite […]
Health Minister backs Sarawak’s proposal to restructure MTPMA63 for more effective MA63 delivery
Sarawak’s proposal to restructure the Technical Committee under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) should be considered, as it is an improvement towards more effective management and implementation of MA63, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. […]
