Schematic of the fluorescent nanosensor platform showing rapid detection of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) and differentiation between healthy and diseased samples. (Photo: NIE/NTU)

Researchers from the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University (NIE NTU) Singapore, and the Singapore- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) in collaboration with clinicians from the National University Hospital (NUH) and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), have developed a new fluorescent nanosensor capable of rapidly detecting indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), an emerging biomarker linked to gut health and disease.

IPA is a metabolite produced by gut bacteria during the breakdown of dietary tryptophan, an amino acid essential for protein synthesis. It plays an important role in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress and has been associated with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), type 2 diabetes, and liver disease. However, current detection methods rely on mass spectrometry-based analytical techniques that are costly and time-consuming, making them impractical for routine screening or point-of-care use.

Pioneering optical nanosensor for IPA detection

The newly developed platform is the first reported optical nanosensor specifically designed to detect IPA, addressing a long-standing gap in gut metabolite sensing. Using a fluorescence-based approach, the sensor produces a rapid optical readout within minutes, providing a significantly faster and more accessible alternative to conventional analytical techniques.

The nanosensor demonstrates high selectivity, distinguishing IPA from closely related metabolites commonly found in the gut. This enables accurate detection even in complex biological environments such as blood serum.

According to Assistant Professor Mervin Ang of NIE, who is a co-first author and was formerly Associate Scientific Director at SMART DiSTAP when the research began, the technology represents the first direct and rapid optical measurement of IPA levels in biological samples. He explained that moving beyond traditional mass spectrometry could lead to faster and more accessible approaches for monitoring gut health in real-world settings.

From agricultural sensing to human health

The breakthrough nanosensor, which was detailed in the paper , Fluorescent Nanosensor for Indole-3-Propionic Acid Detection in Gut Health Monitoring, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, builds on research conducted by SMART’s Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP) interdisciplinary research group. Originally developed to monitor plant health, including plant growth signals and stress responses, the technology was adapted for human health applications by redesigning the nano- and optical-sensing platform to detect IPA.

Professor Michael Strano, SMART DiSTAP Lead Principal Investigator and Carbon P. Dubbs Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, stated that the technology originated from molecular recognition techniques previously used to measure hormones and metabolites in living plants. Applying these techniques to the human gastrointestinal system enabled researchers to address a long-standing challenge in gut health monitoring.

Strano added that focusing molecular recognition on IPA had demonstrated a promising tool that could eventually support proactive and personalized healthcare by providing near-instant insights into gut wellness and chronic disease status, including IBD.

Dual-mode sensing capability

A key innovation of the technology is its dual-mode sensing capability. The nanosensor operates in a visible fluorescence mode, enabling rapid, low-cost, and high-throughput screening of biological samples. It also functions in a near-infrared mode, with wavelengths capable of penetrating deeper into tissues.

This near-infrared capability creates opportunities for in vivo applications and integration into wearable devices for home-based testing or continuous monitoring. Such applications could help patients with chronic conditions, including IBD, detect flare-ups earlier and manage their health more independently.

The platform’s flexibility enables use in a variety of settings, ranging from laboratory testing and hospital bedside diagnostics to wearable devices for real-time health monitoring.

Clinical validation

To assess its clinical relevance, the research team collaborated with clinicians from NUH to evaluate the nanosensor using 125 human plasma samples from multiple patient groups, including healthy individuals and patients with gastrointestinal diseases.

The study revealed significant differences in IPA levels between healthy individuals and patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Patients experiencing active gut inflammation exhibited lower IPA levels, consistent with established clinical findings.

Adjunct Associate Professor Jonathan Lee, Senior Consultant in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NUH and NUS Medicine and a co-first author of the study, indicated that a rapid and minimally complex method for assessing metabolites such as IPA could be highly valuable in clinical settings. He suggested that the technology could complement existing diagnostic tools and provide additional insights into patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Potential for personalized healthcare

The research may pave the way for faster and more accessible gut health testing. Rather than relying on complex and time-intensive laboratory methods, the nanosensor could support rapid screening in clinics and potentially enable portable or home-based testing. Such capabilities may facilitate earlier disease detection and simplify treatment monitoring.

Unlike conventional microbiome tests that focus on identifying which bacteria are present, the nanosensor measures what those microbes are actively producing. This provides a more direct and functional assessment of gut health. Measuring metabolite output rather than bacterial composition alone may generate more meaningful insights into overall health and support personalized healthcare strategies.

Broader applications

Apart from clinical diagnostics, the technology could be used to evaluate the immediate effectiveness of dietary interventions. Users may be able to determine quickly whether specific foods or probiotics are promoting the production of anti-inflammatory molecules such as IPA.

The sensor also demonstrated reliable performance in complex biological fluids, including serum and plasma, marking an important step toward clinical deployment and broader translational applications.

In pharmaceutical and therapeutic research, the nanosensor could facilitate rapid functional testing of new therapeutics and probiotics. By providing immediate IPA measurements, the platform may allow researchers to confirm biological activity and effectiveness in real time, potentially accelerating drug screening and dosage optimization.

Assistant Professor Ang shared that the transition from laboratory discovery to a point-of-care clinical tool is already underway. With further development, the platform could be translated into clinical applications and, over the longer term, adapted into portable systems for routine health monitoring.

Photo: University of Nottingham

Weakened tooth enamel can lead to tooth decay, infections, and tooth loss. It has also been linked to conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Unlike other tissues in the body, enamel does not naturally regenerate once it is lost. Current treatments, including fluoride varnishes and remineralization products, only manage the effects of enamel damage rather than restoring it.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham School of Pharmacy and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering have developed a bioinspired material that could help regenerate damaged enamel, strengthen healthy teeth, and prevent future decay. The study, conducted with an international team of researchers, was published in Nature Communications.

The protein-based gel is fluoride-free and can be applied in the same way dentists use standard fluoride treatments. According to the researchers, the material mimics the natural proteins involved in enamel formation during infancy.

When applied to teeth, the gel forms a thin protective layer that fills small holes and cracks. It then acts as a scaffold, drawing calcium and phosphate ions from saliva to promote the controlled growth of new minerals through a process called epitaxial mineralization. This process allows the new mineral layer to integrate with existing tooth tissue while restoring the structure and properties of healthy enamel.

Researchers also found that the material can be applied to exposed dentine, where it forms an enamel-like layer. According to the study, this may help treat tooth sensitivity and improve the bonding of dental restorations.

Dr Abshar Hasan, a Postdoctoral Fellow and leading author of the study said dental enamel has a unique structure that protects teeth from physical, chemical, and thermal damage throughout life. He added that the new material promotes organized crystal growth on damaged enamel and exposed dentine, helping recover the architecture of natural healthy enamel.

Elena Suvorova and Mrinalini Batra

Toxoplasma gondii, a widespread parasite found in humans and animals, infects nearly one-third of the global population, yet its microscopic size has made it difficult for scientists to study.

Toxoplasma gondii is commonly spread through undercooked meat and contaminated produce. Once inside the human body, it causes toxoplasmosis, an infection that is often mild but can become serious in pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. If detected within the first two weeks of exposure, it can be treated.

To better understand how it functions, infectious disease researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine adapted a fluorescent imaging system usually used for human cells to track the parasite’s growth in real time. The method is being used to support future treatment development.

Photo by: USF

Tracking a stealthy cell cycle

The research aimed to go beyond basic observation and support efforts to stop the parasite from multiplying. To do that, the team needed to map its cell cycle in order.

To adapt the fluorescent system for Toxoplasma gondii, researchers first identified proteins that appear at specific growth stages. These proteins also had to be located in visible structures such as the nucleus and needed to produce signals strong enough to detect in a single-celled organism under a microscope.

Because the parasite lacks many proteins common in human cells, the process involved repeated testing. The team applied red and green, fluorescent tags, but many markers either failed to produce strong signals or were too scarce to be useful.

A key protein reveals the cycle

The team eventually identified a protein called PCNA1, located in the parasite’s nucleus. This protein changes position as the organism moves through its growth cycle.

Mrinalini Batra, a research scientist in the Suvorova Lab said that when two copies of a bright neon green tag were attached to this protein, the signal became strong and clear. She explained that this enabled researchers to determine the parasite’s stage by observing how the glowing protein behaved. She added that, for the first time, the full cell cycle of Toxoplasma gondii was mapped.

The findings show that the parasite progresses normally through the first part of its cell cycle, but later stages overlap instead of occurring in sequence.

Developing treatment for an evasive organism

USF Associate Professor Elena Suvorova said that while the parasite can be suppressed during the acute stage, treatment often relies on drugs that may be toxic if used long term. If infection is not treated early, it can become chronic. In this stage, the parasite hides in brain tissue and forms cysts, for which there are currently no cures.

Developing treatments has been difficult because of the parasite’s unusual cycle. A typical cell cycle involves growth, DNA replication and division into two identical cells.

Suvorova said these later stages resemble a fork, while the parasite begins with a single strand and then branches. She explained that up to three stages can occur at the same time. This pattern allows rapid multiplication and helps the parasite avoid the immune system before forming brain cysts.

However, with the cell cycle now mapped through fluorescence imaging, the team is identifying weak points that could disrupt parasite growth. They are also testing how different drugs affect specific stages, with the aim of developing safer and more effective treatments.

The World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia region has raised an important healthcare issue that could save lives, calling for sustained efforts to expand vaccine access while warning that millions remain unprotected despite decades of progress in immunization.

It said that over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 154 million lives worldwide, including about 38 million in the region. Immunization has also contributed to a 22% decline in infant mortality.

Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia said vaccines are among the most effective and affordable health investments, according to the agency, and added that their full impact depends on reaching all populations.

Coverage missing the mark

In 2024, more than 14 million infants globally received no vaccines, while nearly 20 million missed at least one essential dose. These figures point to ongoing challenges in access, particularly among vulnerable and underserved groups.

Boehme said maintaining high immunization coverage is critical, warning that uneven coverage can increase the risk of outbreaks. She cited the measles situation in Bangladesh, where the government, with partner support, is expanding a nationwide measles and rubella campaign targeting 18.03 million children aged six months to five years, including more than 182,000 children in Cox’s Bazar, according to the agency.

Reaching the “Zero-Dose” children

It has been found that about 1.9 million children in the region remain “zero-dose,” meaning they have not received any vaccines. Many live in remote or underserved areas, including informal urban settlements and border regions, and face barriers such as distance, cost, and lack of documentation.

The WHO said reaching these populations requires targeted, data-driven strategies, stronger last-mile delivery systems, and services tailored to community needs.

Boehme said equity remains central to immunization efforts, stressing that reaching underserved populations is a key measure of health system performance.

She also pointed to the importance of trust and community engagement, with health workers serving as the most reliable source of vaccine information and playing a central role in maintaining public confidence.

More diseases covered

The South-East Asia region, home to about a quarter of the global population, has made steady advances through sustained investment. More than 94% of children now receive three doses of DTP-containing vaccine, compared to just 5% during the early years of the Expanded Program on Immunization in the 1970s.

Immunization programs have expanded from covering six diseases to 13 antigens. These efforts have helped eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, maintain polio-free status since 2014, and advance measles and rubella elimination. Countries have also introduced newer vaccines, including inactivated poliovirus, human papillomavirus, pneumococcal conjugate, and rotavirus vaccines.

The region has become a major global vaccine production hub, supplying nearly half of the world’s vaccines.

Wider immunization sought

As countries face pressures from climate change, urbanization, migration, and financial constraints, immunization remains a foundation of resilient health systems. Vaccines help prevent disease, strengthen emergency preparedness, and reduce antimicrobial resistance by lowering infection rates and the need for antibiotics.

Looking ahead, Boehme called for expanding vaccination across all age groups, including adolescents, adults, and older people, to address shifting health needs.

She said vaccines save lives and added that ensuring universal access is both achievable and necessary for stronger and more resilient societies, according to the WHO.

Hepatitis B and C, responsible for 95% of hepatitis-related deaths, caused 1.34 million deaths in 2024. Transmission remains widespread, with about 4,900 new infections each day, or 1.8 million annually.

Progress since 2015

The 2026 global hepatitis report outlines gains made over the past decade. New hepatitis B infections have dropped by 32%, while hepatitis C-related deaths have declined by 12%.

Among children under five, hepatitis B prevalence fell to 0.6%, with 85 countries meeting or exceeding the 2030 target of 0.1%.

These improvements follow coordinated action after countries adopted hepatitis elimination targets at the 2016 World Health Assembly. Still, the report states that progress is too slow to meet all 2030 goals, with prevention, testing, and treatment efforts needing rapid expansion.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General at WHO said countries are demonstrating that hepatitis elimination is achievable with sustained political commitment and domestic funding, according to the report. He said progress remains uneven, with many people undiagnosed or untreated due to stigma, weak health systems, and unequal access to care, and added that scaling up prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is urgent to meet 2030 targets.

Ten countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Nigeria, and the Philippines, accounted for 69% of hepatitis B deaths. Hepatitis C deaths were more widely distributed, with countries such as China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the US among those with the highest totals.

Global numbers rising, limited access to care

In 2024, an estimated 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C.

Hepatitis B accounted for 0.9 million new infections, with 68% occurring in Africa. Only 17% of newborns in the region received the birth-dose vaccine.

Another 0.9 million people were newly infected with hepatitis C. People who inject drugs made up 44% of these cases, pointing to gaps in harm reduction and safe injection services.

Treatment coverage remains limited. Fewer than 5% of the 240 million people with chronic hepatitis B received treatment in 2024. For hepatitis C, only 20% of patients have been treated since 2015, despite the availability of a 12-week therapy with a cure rate of about 95%.

Limited access to care contributed to 1.1 million deaths from hepatitis B and 240,000 from hepatitis C in 2024. Most deaths were caused by liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, with many hepatitis B-related deaths occurring in Africa and the Western Pacific.

Ten countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Nigeria, and the Philippines, accounted for 69% of hepatitis B deaths. Hepatitis C deaths were more widely distributed, with countries such as China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the US among those with the highest totals.

Solutions for expanded treatments

Countries such as Egypt, Georgia, Rwanda, and the UK show that eliminating hepatitis is possible with sustained investment.

Existing tools include vaccines that protect more than 95% of people against hepatitis B, long-term antiviral treatment to manage chronic infection, and short-course therapies that can cure over 95% of hepatitis C cases.

Tereza Kasaeva said the data shows both progress and gaps, according to the report. She said missed diagnoses and untreated infections lead to preventable deaths and stressed the need to integrate hepatitis services into primary care and reach affected communities.

The WHO report calls for expanded treatment for hepatitis B, especially in Africa and the Western Pacific, and wider access to hepatitis C care in the Eastern Mediterranean. It also urges stronger political commitment, improved vaccination coverage at birth, expanded measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission, and safer injection practices, particularly for people who inject drugs.

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Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition globally, and its impact is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. In Malaysia, cases are expected to rise five-fold by 2040 from an estimated 20,000 in 2018, highlighting the need for greater awareness, early diagnosis, and timely care.

Parkinson’s disease is more than just a tremor. Affecting millions worldwide, it is a progressive neurological disorder that disrupts movement, independence, and daily life, rather than simply an inevitable consequence of ageing.

While Parkinson’s disease remains a lifelong condition, advances in care are changing how patients experience the journey. What was once seen as a gradual and inevitable decline is now being changed by approaches that offer greater control, independence, and quality of life.

Malaysia’s SJMC successfully performed its first DBS surgery in late March 2026, symbolizing  a step forward in expanding access to specialised neurological care in Malaysia.

Timely medical assessment

Dr Phua Chun Seng

“Parkinson’s is not just about tremors,” explains Dr Phua. “It is a condition that can affect how a person moves, thinks, and functions in daily life.”

While tremors are a recognizable sign, they are not present in all patients. The condition is defined by motor symptoms like muscle stiffness and slowness of movement, often starting on one side of the body.

As the condition progresses, symptoms begin to interfere with daily tasks such as walking or dressing, while later stages may bring balance issues or falls. Parkinson’s can also affect mental wellbeing, with fatigue, anxiety, low mood, and difficulty concentrating being common experiences.

Individuals are encouraged to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or change over time. Early assessment allows for more accurate diagnosis and timely management of the condition.

“Raising awareness is important because many people still do not fully understand Parkinson’s,” Dr Phua adds. “Some patients delay seeking medical treatment due to stigma or misconceptions. Early diagnosis allows us to manage the condition more effectively and support patients throughout their journey.”

Beyond medication and the DBS option

While medication remains the main treatment, particularly in the early stages, managing Parkinson’s disease is rarely straightforward. Over time, many patients begin to experience fluctuations in how well their medication works.

One such option is DBS, which is considered for patients experiencing significant motor fluctuations despite medication, but who still respond well to levodopa, the main medication uses to treat Parkinson’s symptoms. Patient selection is important, with factors such as overall health, cognitive function, and age carefully considered.

Patients are generally considered more suitable for DBS at a younger age (under 70 years old) as outcomes tend to be more consistent, although suitability ultimately depends on overall health, cognitive function, and response to medication.

DBS is an advanced therapy that delivers controlled electrical stimulation to specific areas of the brain involved in movement. Unlike earlier surgical techniques, it does not destroy brain tissue, and its settings can be adjusted or reversed over time, allowing treatment to be tailored as symptoms change.

For suitable patients, DBS can be life-changing. Dr Phua recalls a patient in his late 50s who had lived with Parkinson’s for more than a decade. Daily activities, from dressing to eating, had become increasingly difficult, and tremors made simple tasks like writing or handling objects nearly impossible.

“After undergoing DBS, he was able to regain independence in many aspects of his life,” Dr Phua shares. “He could eat and dress on his own again, return to gardening, and even enjoy better sleep. It made a meaningful difference to his confidence and quality of life.”

“Studies have shown that DBS can improve quality of life by up to 70% in suitable patients,” Dr Phua adds.

Addressing fears around brain surgery

Dr Kalai Arasu Muthusamy

Despite its benefits, the idea of brain surgery can be daunting for many patients. Concerns about safety, risks, and long-term effects often create hesitation.

“Modern neurosurgical approaches are designed to be highly precise and minimally invasive. The procedure typically involves a small incision of about 2cm, with electrodes placed in highly targeted areas of the brain measuring just a few millimeters,” explains Dr Kalai. “They are aimed at managing symptoms, while helping patients regain independence and function in their daily lives.”

“It is important for patients to understand that DBS is not a cure. It does not stop the disease from progressing, but it can significantly reduce symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement,” he added.

Unlike older surgical approaches, DBS is non-destructive and reversible. The stimulation can be adjusted over time, and the device can even be turned off or removed if necessary.

“When performed by an experienced team, DBS is considered a safe and standard procedure with a low risk of complications. The mortality rate for elective brain surgeries in top hospitals is less than 1%,” says Dr Kalai.

More precise, personalized care

The treatment of Parkinson’s disease has evolved significantly over the years, moving from more invasive approaches to increasingly refined and adaptable methods of care.

“Previously, management relied heavily on medication,” explains Dr Kalai. “In certain cases, older surgical techniques involved creating permanent changes in specific areas of the brain to control symptoms. While these could be effective, they were irreversible and carried a higher risk of long-term side effects.”

Today, advances in medical technology have transformed how the condition is managed. Rather than relying on one-time, destructive procedures, modern approaches focus on neuromodulation and precision-based treatment strategies that are designed to be both adjustable and responsive to a patient’s needs over time.

“Current techniques allow us to target specific areas of the brain involved in movement control, such as the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or globus pallidus interna (GPi), with a high level of accuracy,” he says. “With the support of enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging, as well as intraoperative monitoring methods like microelectrode recording, we can customise treatment more precisely while reducing the risk of complications.”

Similarly, unlike earlier surgical approaches, modern therapies can be adjusted over time to reflect the patient’s changing condition.

“This level of adaptability is important because Parkinson’s disease progresses differently in each individual,” Dr Kalai adds. “Being able to fine-tune treatment allows us to better manage symptoms while supporting long-term quality of life.”

Collaborative care

Successful Parkinson’s disease management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Neurologists, neurosurgeons, and other healthcare professionals work closely together to ensure patients receive comprehensive care at every stage of their journey.

Patients being considered for advanced treatment undergo careful evaluation to determine suitability. Factors such as diagnosis, response to medication, cognitive health, and overall expectations all play an important role in decision-making.

“It is important for patients to have open discussions with their care team,” Dr Kalai shares. “Understanding the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes helps them make informed decisions about their treatment.”

Even after intervention, care continues through long-term follow-up, ensuring that treatment remains effective as the condition progresses.

Reproduction challenges in space

Human reproduction in space is starting to look like a real possibility as interest grows in exploring and settling on other planets. Still, new research suggests it may be more complicated than expected, with microgravity creating challenges for fertilization.

Researchers from the University of Adelaide have found that microgravity conditions can disrupt sperm navigation, raising new questions about human reproduction beyond Earth. The study examined how space-like environments affect fertilization and early embryo development.

The research, conducted by the Robinson Research Institute and collaborators, tested sperm samples from humans and other mammals using a device that simulates zero gravity. According to the team, the system disorients cells to replicate the conditions experienced in space.

Loss of direction, not movement

The study showed that sperm exposed to simulated microgravity were less successful in navigating a maze designed to mimic the female reproductive tract. Dr Nicole McPherson, senior author of the study, said the results confirmed that gravity plays a role in guiding sperm toward the egg.

She explained that fewer sperm were able to reach their target under microgravity, even though their movement remained unchanged. This suggests that the issue lies in orientation rather than motility.

Hormone may help restore navigation

Researchers found that adding progesterone improved the ability of human sperm to navigate under simulated microgravity. According to Dr McPherson, the hormone may act as a guiding signal released by the egg, helping sperm locate the site of fertilization. She noted that this potential solution requires further investigation.

Impact on fertilization and embryo development

The study also examined how microgravity affects fertilization outcomes. Researchers observed a 30% drop-in successful fertilization rates in mouse eggs after four hours of exposure to simulated zero gravity.

Dr McPherson said longer exposure led to more serious effects, including delayed development and fewer cells involved in forming the fetus during early stages. She added that the findings show how sensitive early development is to changes in gravity.

Implications for future space missions, space reproduction

The research is part of a broader effort to understand how humans could reproduce in space. Associate Professor John Culton, director of the Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources, said understanding reproduction in microgravity is important as space exploration expands.

He explained that future research will examine how different gravity levels, such as those on the Moon and Mars, affect reproduction. Scientists are also studying whether changes occur gradually or only after a certain threshold is reached.

Despite the challenges, the findings offer some optimism. Dr McPherson said that healthy embryos were still able to form under simulated space conditions, suggesting that reproduction beyond Earth may be possible with further research.

The study was published in Communications Biology and marks one of the first to examine sperm navigation under controlled microgravity conditions.

Photo: SMART AMR

Researchers from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) and partner institutions have identified how a common bacterium disrupts the body’s immune response, contributing to persistent and hard-to-treat wound infections.

The study focused on Enterococcus faecalis, a bacterium frequently found in chronic wounds. According to the research team, the microbe releases large amounts of lactic acid, which lowers the pH of its surroundings and interferes with immune signaling. This process prevents immune cells from mounting an effective response, allowing infections to persist.

As described in the study published in Cell Host & Microbe, the acidic environment suppresses the activation of macrophages, which are key immune cells responsible for detecting and clearing infections. The lactic acid disrupts internal signaling pathways, including the NF-κB pathway, which is essential for triggering immune defenses.

The researchers explained that the bacterium uses a two-step mechanism. Lactic acid enters immune cells through a transporter known as MCT-1 and also binds to a receptor called GPR81 on the cell surface. By acting on both pathways, the bacterium effectively shuts down immune signaling and reduces inflammation, enabling it to survive longer in the wound.

Findings from a mouse model showed that strains of E. faecalis unable to produce lactic acid were cleared more quickly and triggered stronger immune responses. The study also found that in mixed infections, the weakened immune environment allowed other bacteria such as Escherichia coli to grow more easily, which helps explain why chronic wounds often involve multiple bacterial species.

According to Dr Ronni da Silva, the study suggests that chronic wound infections persist not only because of antibiotic resistance but also because the immune system is suppressed at the infection site. He said that the buildup of lactic acid effectively silences key immune signals, preventing macrophages from responding properly.

Professor Kimberly Kline added that the findings improve understanding of how bacteria interact with the host immune system and may inform new treatment strategies. She said targeting the bacterium’s ability to suppress immune responses could support better infection management and recovery outcomes.

The researchers said the findings point to new approaches that go beyond antibiotics, including therapies that reduce acidity in wounds or block the pathways used by lactic acid to inhibit immune cells. Future work will focus on validating the results in human samples and advancing toward preclinical studies.

The committee directed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to take strict action against institutions that violate the fee limit.

Lawmakers also called on the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination to explore ways to increase the number of medical seats in the country. Committee members discussed the current centralised admission policy for private medical colleges and expressed concern about the existing 50 percent allocation under the system.

According to officials familiar with the meeting, senators said regulators must ensure that private colleges follow the fee structure set by the government. The committee said it aims to protect students and their families from excessive financial pressure linked to medical education.

The meeting ended with a request for the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to strengthen oversight, while lawmakers urged the ministry to explore ways to expand access to medical education across Pakistan.

The study was supported by Smart’s Antimicrobial Resistance research group and conducted in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the National University of Singapore.

Regenerative therapies aim to repair damaged tissue rather than manage symptoms. However, manufacturing MSC-based treatments remains challenging because the cells’ chondrogenic potential – their ability to develop into cartilage — can vary during laboratory production. Even under controlled conditions, MSCs may lose this capacity, leading to inconsistent treatment outcomes.

Current methods for testing cartilage-forming potential are destructive and require up to 21 days of cell growth. These limitations can delay decision-making, extend production timelines and render tested cells unusable. Researchers therefore sought a faster and reliable way to evaluate MSC quality early in the manufacturing process.

In a study published in the journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine, the team described a technique that measures iron flux by analyzing spent culture media. Using a benchtop micromagnetic resonance relaxometry device, the method tracks changes in iron concentration in real time without harming the cells. Because the device is relatively inexpensive and easy to integrate into laboratory workflows, it could enable routine quality monitoring without major infrastructure changes.

Iron homeostasis plays an essential role in cell function, balancing the need for iron with the risk of toxic accumulation. The researchers found that increased iron uptake and buildup in MSCs reduced their ability to form cartilage. They also observed that supplementing cell cultures with ascorbic acid helped regulate iron levels and improve cartilage-forming potential.

With the new approach, scientists collect spent media samples and treat them with ascorbic acid before using the device to detect subtle iron changes. These measurements reveal how MSCs absorb and release iron, providing an early indication of whether a cell batch is likely to produce high-quality cartilage.

According to Dr. Yanmeng Yang, postdoctoral associate at Smart Camp and the study’s first author, the method introduces iron flux dynamics as a novel critical quality attribute for MSCs. He said the approach enables early detection of suboptimal cell batches, improving quality control, lowering manufacturing costs and accelerating clinical translation.

Professor Jongyoon Han, co-lead principal investigator at Smart Camp and corresponding author of the study, said the research makes it possible to observe a biological process that has been difficult to measure. He noted that real-time iron monitoring offers actionable insights into cartilage-forming potential and supports the use of micromagnetic resonance relaxometry as a practical quality control strategy for MSC-based therapies.

Beyond manufacturing benefits, the technique contributes to broader research on iron biology by enabling real-time measurement of iron flux. The findings may also support the development of more consistent and clinically viable regenerative treatments for cartilage repair.

The team plans further preclinical and clinical studies to expand the use of the technology beyond manufacturing quality control and evaluate its potential as a validated tool for clinical translation of MSC-based therapies. The research was supported by the National Research Foundation Singapore under its CREATE program.