NUS researchers develop revolutionary technology to unravel complex protein interactions that could transform cancer diagnostics

A team of researchers from NUS Institute for Health Innovation & Technology (iHealthtech), led by Associate Professor Shao Huilin and Associate Professor Brian Lim, has developed a first-of-its-kind technology to map out diverse protein interactions in cells using DNA barcodes.

The technology, dubbed TETRIS, can explicitly identify and quantify multiple interacting partners in large protein assemblies. By capturing the complex hierarchy of protein interactions within tumour cells, the technology uncovers detailed molecular mechanisms driving disease progression. This enables more precise diagnostics, allowing for the accurate sub-typing of cancers and the identification of aggressive forms of the disease in just a few hours, which was not possible previously.

Machine Learning Can Identify Cancerous Cells by Their Acidity

Researchers have developed a method, described in APL Bioengineering, that uses machine learning to determine whether a single cell is cancerous by detecting its pH. Their approach can discriminate cells originating from normal tissues from cells originating from cancerous tissues, as well as among different types of cancer, while keeping the cells alive. The method relies on treating the cells with bromothymol blue, a pH-sensitive dye that changes color depending on acidity.

Clothing, Tattoos Could Be Used to Monitor Patient Health

A shirt that monitors your blood pressure or a pair of socks that can keep track of your cholesterol levels might be just a few years away from becoming reality. In Applied Physics Reviews, researchers examine the use of microfibers and nanofibers as wearable monitors that could keep track of a patient’s vital signs. The microfiber- and nanofiber-based technology addresses growing concerns in the medical community about monitoring chronic illnesses as the population ages.

Face Masks Slow Spread of COVID-19; Types of Masks, Length of Use Matter

Using face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19 has been widely recommended by health professionals. This has triggered studies of the materials, design, and other issues affecting the way face masks work. In Physics of Fluids, investigators looked at research on face masks and their use and summarized what we know about the way they filter or block the virus. They also summarize design issues that still need to be addressed.

Black Phosphorus Future in 3D Analysis, Molecular Fingerprinting

Many compact systems using mid-infrared technology continue to face compatibility issues when integrating with conventional electronics. Black phosphorus has garnered attention for overcoming these challenges thanks to a wide variety of uses in photonic circuits. Research published in Applied Physics Reviews highlights the material’s potential for emerging devices ranging from medical imaging to environment monitoring, assessing progress in different components of the chips, from light detection to laser emission.