Author: Gerald Ng

A rare subtype of the world’s most common parasite, Blastocystis, has been found to produce a unique by-product of its metabolism, which can cause gut inflammation under normal gut conditions. Singapore, 29 September 2023 ⎯ The human gut—or gastrointestinal system—where food is broken down into nutrients for the body, is an ecosystem that harbours thousands of bacteria species. While some microorganisms are harmful, many are beneficial and help keep the human body in good health. Besides bacteria, the gut microbiota also consists of other types of microorganisms, including protists, yeasts, and viruses. Blastocystis, the world’s most common protist–a form of…

For the first time, general practitioners (GPs) in Singapore are being mobilised in the battle against breast cancer.  This is a part of Singapore’s Healthier SG preventive health initiative. With Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) beginning this October, the national campaign urges GPs to highlight the importance of early screening. Keeping Her In The Picture  This year’s BCAM rings in with the theme It’s a reminder to remember the vital women in our lives, to encourage and remind them of regular breast cancer screenings. The healthcare partners prompt women to proactively participate in screenings and conduct monthly self-examinations. Additionally, they advise…

In an interview with us, Singaporean host and former radio deejay Jamie Yeo bravely shares her battle with breast cancer, offering inspiration and insight into the critical need for early detection and emotional support. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of early detection and support for those affected by breast cancer.

In a decisive move to protect consumers, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has mandated the recall of mooncakes from two prominent food companies, Fragrance and Joymom’s. The recall follows the discovery of hazardous contaminants in two of their popular products, raising significant health concerns. It also happens on the week of the mid-autumn festival, which takes place today.

World Heart Day stands as a universal reminder for us to ponder upon the significance of our hearts, not just as an organ, but as a symbol of unity and life. It’s more than just hearing and feeling the heartbeat; it’s about understanding the vitality of making the right decisions and acting courageously for the betterment of humanity and nature. In a special way, “For Every Heart” becomes a mantra, bringing the spotlight onto the beneficiaries and personalising this noble cause.

Medical Channel Asia presents the weekly Asian medical news bulletin, bringing you essential healthcare news from across the region. This week’s bulletin covers Tuberlocosis in Malaysia, Non-Communicable Diseases in Indonesia and more.

In a world that is increasingly open about health, erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a somewhat taboo topic. Despite evolving societal norms, erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a topic shrouded in silence in many Asian communities. We get insights into erectile dysfunction with Dr Ronny Tan, consultant urologist and andrologist from Advanced Urology.

Today, 28 September 2023, marks World Rabies Day, a pivotal global health observance initiated in 2007 to bolster awareness around the world’s most fatal infectious disease. 

Millions of people suffering from long Covid now possess scientific proof confirming the reality of their condition. Scientists have identified clear differences in the blood of individuals with long COVID, a breakthrough highlighting the condition’s biological basis. This study, published in Nature, opens doors for developing diagnostic blood tests and bespoke treatments. Key Findings Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Yale School of Medicine examined blood samples from about 270 people between January 2021 and June 2022. Based on distinctive features in the blood samples, the research teams successfully differentiated between people with and without…

Close to two million individuals in Korea are formally choosing dignity over longevity, data reveals. The robust uptake of the “Death with Dignity Law” of February 2018 signifies a societal shift towards acknowledging individual choice in end-of-life decisions.