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.
Denne historien er fra November 11, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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Denne historien er fra November 11, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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Musk's wealth hits record $469b on post-election boom
Mr Elon Musk's net worth hit an all-time high of US$347.8 billion (S$469 billion) on Nov 22, driven by Tesla's ongoing stock rally and a new funding round valuing his artificial intelligence start-up xAI at US$50 billion.
Adani reports sufficient cash after rout sparked by US charges
India's Adani Group said it has enough cash to service debt obligations, as it sought to reassure creditors after a US bribery indictment against founder Gautam Adani triggered a sell-off in the conglomerate's stocks and bonds.
S'pore financial sector's exposure to Adani Group limited so far
Banks have measures to manage exposures to borrowers and counterparties, says MAS
CapitaLand Investment rebalancing portfolio to grow Asia businesses
CapitaLand Investment (CLI) will rebalance its portfolio to grow its India and South-east Asia businesses and optimize its China holdings, as it seeks further geographical diversification for growth.
Singapore Gulf Bank to raise funds, buy stablecoin payments firm
Singapore Gulf Bank is seeking to raise at least US$50 million (S$67.3 million) in a funding round and plans to acquire a stablecoin payments company in 2025, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.
Chinese investors digest letdown from Big Tech earnings
BEIJING - From Tencent Holdings to Alibaba Group Holding, China's tech leaders have delivered underwhelming numbers for a quarter beset by economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
China exports set to hit record high before Trump takes office
Economists expect panic-stockpiling by foreign firms amid spectre of trade war
South Korean prosecutors seek 5-year jail term for Samsung chairman
South Korean prosecutors requested on Nov 25 a five-year jail term for Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Jae-yong over his actions during a controversial merger of affiliates that helped solidify his control, in a case being tried at an appeals court.
AI boom turns 139-year-old cable maker into Japan's hottest stock
Tech firms pouring money into building data centers, other infrastructure for AI
US to cut Intel's $11.5 billion grant under Chips Act
The Biden administration plans to reduce Intel's preliminary US$8.5 billion (S$11.5 billion) federal Chips grant, a move that follows the US tech giant's investment delays and broader business struggles.
