Category: Features
Dengue cases, deaths double in Malaysia
Malaysia has been plagued by dengue once again – as of August 3, 2019, some 80,000 cases and 113 deaths have been reported in the country, nearly twice as many as last year. Over 70% of cases occurred in urban […]
Scientists turn breast cancer cells into fat, halts deadly spread
In an innovative approach to cancer therapy, Swiss scientists have successfully coaxed human breast cancer cells to turn into fat cells, to prevent them from metastasising and taking over the body. Typically, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), when the epithelial cells change […]
US study finds plant-based diet is better for heart health
A diet consisting of more vegetables and less meat has been associated with better heart health and a lower risk of dying from a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular complications, according to an observational study by the American Heart […]
Scientists invent smartphone-controlled device to study the brain
Conventional methods used by neuroscientists to study brain diseases like Alzheimer’s or depression usually involve rigid physical connections to deliver drugs. However, these routinely cause lesions in soft brain tissue over time and are not suitable for long-term implantation. To […]
Research finds select proteins that could restore hearing
Most hearing loss is caused by problems with hair cells lining the inside of the ear or damage to the auditory nerves that connect the hair cells to the brain. Unfortunately, as human hair cells cannot regenerate like that of […]
Functional dizziness tied to physical perception disorders
Functional dizziness is often misdiagnosed and is not easily resolved. But, it may be better understood following research from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany, which has identified problems with the processing of sensory-motor signals in the brain, resembling […]
Study points to tart cherry juice for better senior brain function
Mental acuity is a good indicator of senior cognitive performance, but not much is done to actively maintain it. American researchers from the University of Delaware (UD), Newark, have recently found that Montmorency tart cherry juice may help seniors in […]
Indian herb-in-capsule shows anti-diabetic properties in mice
Plant-based medicines, including medicinal teas, have newfound popularity thanks to organic lifestyle changes. Although these “natural” sources can be used to aid chronic illnesses, the therapies/treatment must be first tested for their efficacy, dose-related toxicity, active compound delivery, as well […]
Finns similar DNA provides hints to major disease risks
The predisposition of certain individuals in Finland to diseases may be insightful to genetic research. A recent study conducted by Washington University School of Medicine, US, identified 26 potentially harmful DNA variations in about 20,000 Finnish participants – such variations […]
