Research network to study ovarian ageing and its link to women’s health

​The NUS Bia-Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality (ACRLE) has joined forces with Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL) to establish a collaborative research network to study ovarian ageing and its link to women’s health. Dr Huang Zhongwei, Consultant, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, National University Hospital and ACRLE's Deputy Director, underscored the synergies of this partnership in leveraging TLL's expertise in micro-level understanding alongside ACRLE's focus on translational research.

• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 25 April 2024, 国大研究：女性卵巢功能早衰或影响健康和寿命 (NUS research: Ovarian ageing and its link to women's health)
  

Acid reflux on the rise

​A/Prof Asim Shabbir, Senior Consultant, Division of General Surgery (Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery) at Alexandra Hospital and National University Hospital shared that hot weather may disrupt sleep cycles and lead to reduced exercise and weight gain, triggering episodes of acid reflux and GERD. Dr Kewin Siah, Senior Consultant, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, National University Hospital advised that susceptible individuals should stay hydrated, avoid large meals before outdoor activities in hot weather, and manage their stress levels.

Mr Ow Sing Fuak, a patient of Dr Siah, highlighted the importance of self-care and discipline for GERD sufferers and how he now leads a healthier lifestyle through adjustments to his diet and habits.

一心多用刷屏不断 当心“爆”出爆米花脑 (Multitasking and constant screen swiping, beware of “popcorn” brain)

​Ms Terri Chen, Head and Senior Principal Psychologist, Department of Psychological Medicine, said people who have trouble maintaining their focus is an increasingly common scenario. Dr Chan Hui Minn, Principal Psychologist, Department of Psychological Medicine, NUH, said some people may actually have a diagnosable disorder linked to the ageing brain, while others are presenting this way due to overexposure to social media and the Internet in general. 

Thyroid nodules

​Dr Donovan Eu and Dr Charmaine Tan, Consultants from the Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, NUH, explained what thyroid nodules are, as well their symptoms and treatment options, including a minimally invasive procedure known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) used to effectively reduce the size of benign thyroid nodules in symptomatic patients and improve their quality of life. They also answered questions sent in by listeners about the topic.

Accelerating advancements in healthcare

​SingHealth’s first supercomputer, CHROMA, is being used to train an AI model capable of evaluating an individual's risk for a severe cardiac event, which is a part of the project called APOLLO, a collaboration amongst agencies including NUH and A*STAR.

脊椎侧弯 别等到曲度变大才求医 (Scoliosis: Don’t wait until curves are big to seek medical attention)

​Prof Wong Hee Kit, Emeritus Consultant, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National University Hospital (NUH), and National University Spine Institute, National University Health System, said there is a genetic predisposition for scoliosis, but the risk and severity of its occurrence cannot be predicted.

His patient Faith Tan wore a brace to keep her scoliosis from getting worse, but she did not do so for the recommended 18 hours every day. She eventually had spinal fusion surgery in NUH when she was 14. Her mother also had mild scoliosis. Prof Wong said surgery is warranted if the spinal curvature is greater than 45 degrees and listed the two types of surgery for scoliosis.

Health Matters: How and why should you reduce thyroid nodules?

​Dr Donovan Eu, Consultant, Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, NUH, explained what thyroid nodules are and discussed treatment options, including a minimally invasive procedure known as radiofrequency ablation that is used to effectively reduce the size of benign thyroid nodules in symptomatic patients and improve their quality of life.

Osteopore launches first first-in-human clinical trials begin in Singapore

​Osteopore (ASX:OSX), an Australian-Singaporean regenerative medicine company announced the commencement of first-in-human clinical trials for knee preservation in Singapore, which was conducted at NUH. 

狮城有约：去年小一生超重率达9.5% 2013年以来新低 (Hello Singapore: Obesity rate for P1 pupils at 9.5% last year; lowest since 2013)

​According to the latest HPB statistics, the obesity rate for Primary 1 pupils last year was at 9.5 per cent, the lowest since 2013.  Dr Nicholas Ng, Consultant in the Division of Paediatric Endocrinology at KTP-NUCMI, shared that obesity figures seen at NUH have been quite stable over the past two years. He suggested involving children in meal planning and having parents serve as role model to promote healthy eating among children.    

Autism – Data collected used to plan services across life stages

​In response to two forum letters, one of which was contributed by Dr Aishworiya Ramkumar, Consultant at KTP-NUCMI, NUH (“Local research data on autism prevalence available but more studies needed”), Ms Stephanie Sim, Director, Enabling Division, Ministry of Social and Family Development, said the Government collects data and monitors trends in reported cases of persons with autism and other disabilities. This is used to project demand and plan for services for persons with disabilities across different life stages.

NUH to establish health centre for early cancer detection in 2025

NUH unveils plans for new centre targeting early cancer detection in 2025

​NUH launched the National University Centre for Digestive Health, which aims to advance standards in early cancer detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of digestive illnesses through the integration of cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) with deep clinical expertise across various services such as radiology, diagnostics, gastroenterology, hepatology, surgery, and therapeutic procedures. The Centre’s launch is in line with the HealthierSG strategy, emphasising preventive healthcare measures and the importance of early disease detection in improving patient outcomes. 

原来“幸福肥”真有其事! 调查：情侣婚后增重概率会提高 (Turns out that "love weight" is a real thing! Survey: Couples are more likely to gain weight after marriage)

​A/Prof Asim Shabbir, Director, Centre for Obesity Management and Surgery, and Head & Senior Consultant, Department of Surgery, NUH, said a person's healthy lifestyle could influence his or her partner. He offered tips on how couples who are looking to lose weight together can do so, such as by sharing food.

Kajian NUS: Gaya hidup awal pengaruhi kesihatan masa depan kanak-kanak (NUS study: Early lifestyle influences children’s future health)

The latest Growing Up in Singapore Towards health Outcomes (GUSTO) study tracked 546 children across three milestones — at ages two, five and eight — and their lifestyle patterns. The NUS Saw Swee Hock of Public Health study, led by A/Prof Mary Chong and Senior Research Fellow Dr Chia Airu, was published in the International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity in January 2024. 

Dr Chia highlighted the importance of early intervention in establishing healthy habits. Prof Chong Yap Seng, Lead Principal Investigator for GUSTO, who is also Senior Consultant, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Universal Hospital, emphasised the need for positive behavioural changes from pregnancy to influence family dynamics and children's health outcomes. 

Enhancing digestive healthcare: New NUH centre to use AI, tech to improve early detection and treatment