Monash-created zebrafish model to aid epilepsy research
Reading Time: 2 minutesA recently concluded workshop on communicating research hosted by Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (Mabic) and Monash University Malaysia, found potential “science journalists” among researchers. The articles published here is also a testimony of the success of the first home-grown science communication teaching module created by Mabic. The writers were given an opportunity to write popular […]
How does cancer spread?
Reading Time: 2 minutesHOW does cancer spread? While studying human brain tumour cells, a team of scientists at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) found some answers to this crucial, yet so far unanswered question. They looked at a gene called EGFRvIII, which is present in patients with glioblastoma – a highly aggressive form […]
Bidayuh folk consume medicinal plants worth RM32k
Reading Time: 2 minutesTHE value of traditional medicinal plants consumed by the Bidayuh native community in Sarawak each year is notably substantial at about RM32,300 (US$7,600) annually. This is according to a survey carried by a team of researchers from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas). “This figure is quite significant and reflects the importance of the resources provided by […]
The Lion’s Mane mushroom, culinary and curative
Reading Time: 3 minutesBY DR WONG KAH HUI EDIBLE mushrooms represent an untapped source of nutraceuticals. They are treasured as functional food that can improve our health and quality of life. Mushroom-based functional food are products from mycelia or the fruiting bodies of mushrooms and are being utilised by traditional physicians, herbalists, naturopathic practitioners, chiropractors, acupuncturists and herbal […]
Cellphone technology developed to detect HIV
Reading Time: < 1 minuteINVESTIGATORS from Brigham and Women’s Hospital have designed a portable and affordable mobile diagnostic tool, utilizing a cellphone and nanotechnology, with the ability to detect HIV viruses and monitor its management in resource-limited regions. The novel platform is described in a paper published recently in Nature Communications. “Early detection of HIV is critical to prevent […]
Skills for the 21st century
Reading Time: < 1 minute
Human retinas grown in a dish explain how color vision develops
Reading Time: < 1 minuteBIOLOGISTS at Johns Hopkins University grew human retinas from scratch to determine how cells that allow people to see in color are made. The work, set for publication in the journal Science, lays the foundation to develop therapies for eye diseases such as color blindness and macular degeneration. It also establishes lab-created “organoids” as a […]
INFOGRAPHIC: Vaping vs smoking- Which is the lesser evil?
Reading Time: < 1 minute
Research leads to a healthier bowl of rice
Reading Time: 2 minutesRESEARCHERS in Sri Lanka have discovered a simple way of cooking the grain that dramatically cuts its calories by as much as 50 per cent, and also offers some other important health benefits. And we’re never going to cook rice any other way again. According to the study, all you need to do is get […]
Scientists develop novel vaccine for lassa fever and rabies
Reading Time: 2 minutesA NOVEL vaccine designed to protect people from both Lassa fever and rabies showed promise in preclinical testing, according to new research published in Nature Communications. The investigational vaccine, called LASSARAB, was developed and tested by scientists at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia; the University of Minho in Braga, Portugal; the University of California, San […]