New microscopic particles – less than a thousandth of a millimetre in size – could hold the key to preventing cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and ischaemic stroke.
Researchers from the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) have developed a nanoparticle that can diagnose the build-up of plaque in the arteries, otherwise known as atherosclerosis, as well as target atherosclerotic plaques and deliver therapeutic agents.
A nanoparticle is a material with a diameter of between one and 100 nanometres, which is one-billionth of a metre.
These new nanoparticles break down in the acidic environment of atherosclerotic plaques and release gadolinium – a chemical that acts as a contrast agent, improving visualisation for magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI – allowing for real-time imaging of plaque severity.
Additionally, these miniscule particles are able to simultaneously deliver simvastatin, an anti-inflammatory drug that contributes to plaque stabilisation and treatment, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
The findings were published in nanoscience journal Small in August.
Esta historia es de la edición November 11, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November 11, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
THE TRAIN OF THOUGHT IN STICKY NOTES
WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND? @SUBWAYTHERAPY
Use of escalators ● Benefits to encouraging standing on both sides
The recent initiative by Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway (MTR) to encourage standing on both sides of escalators is a sensible move that Singapore could consider adopting.
Replies Rentals ● HDB reviewing how data accuracy can be improved
We thank Mr Foo Sing Kheng for his feedback (Rental rates ensure accuracy of data on HDB website, Oct 23).
Singer Karol G apologises for song said to sexualise minors
Colombian reggaeton star Karol G apologised on Nov 11 after her latest song, +57, was criticised for sexualising minors.
Mattel mistakenly lists porn site on packaging for Wicked dolls
All may be good in the Land of Oz, but the same cannot be said for the world of Mattel.
Singer G.E.M. to perform at National Stadium in March
Hong Kong singer G.E.M. is slated to hold a concert at the National Stadium on March 1, 2025.
Actress Megan Fox pregnant again after miscarriage
After a previous miscarriage, American actress Megan Fox is pregnant again. American rapper Machine Gun Kelly, whose real name is Colson Baker, is reportedly the father, according to US media.
Singer Yu Tian's son-in-law receives suspended jail sentence for scam involvement
Gary Chen, the son-in-law of famed Taiwanese singers Yu Tian and Li Ya-ping, has been given a suspended jail sentence for his involvement with a scam syndicate.
Irish pop band The Corrs to hold February concert
Irish pop quartet The Corrs will be back in Singapore for a concert at The Star Theatre on Feb 13, 2025.
A French veterinary psychiatrist puts cats on the couch in new book
Even dog people must admit that cats are having a moment.