Narrow Results

A method of quantitative elemental analysis of mosquitoes which convey serious infectious diseases, such as Japanese encephalitis and Dengue fever, has been developed in order to clarify their mode of life and sphere of action. The method was developed on the basis of a standard-free method for biological samples. The method enables us to perform quantitative analysis of untreated mosquito. Moreover, the method was successfully applied to quantitative analysis of each part of mosquito's body such as head and chest, abdomen, leg and wing. It was found that there are clear differences among parts in the body of mosquito, and also among different species such as Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Aedes albopictus. The method was successfully applied to quantitative analysis of small fly belonging to Sciaridae (Bradysia.praecox) whose size is smaller than that of mosquito. It was also confirmed that the method is applicable to other kind of bio-samples of small quantities such as a grain of egg of Alaska pollock whose dry weight is less than 100 μg.

The study is to develop a novel bionic micropump, mimicking blood-suck mechanism of mosquitos with a similar efficiency of 36%. The micropump is produced by using micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology, PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) to fabricate the microchannel, and an actuator membrane made by Fe-PDMS. It employs an Nd-FeB permanent magnet and PZT to actuate the Fe-PDMS membrane for generating flow rate. A lumped model theory and the Taguchi method are used for numerical simulation of pulsating flow in the micropump. Also focused is to change the size of mosquito mouth for identifying the best waveform for the transient flow processes. Based on computational results of channel size and the Taguchi method, an optimization actuation waveform is identified. The maximum pumping flow rate is 23.5 $\mu$L/min and the efficiency is 86%. The power density of micropump is about 8 times of that produced by mosquito’s suction. In addition to using theoretical design of the channel size, also combine with Taguchi method and asymmetric actuation to find the optimization actuation waveform, the experimental result shows the maximum pumping flowrate is 23.5 $\mu$L/min and efficiency is 86%, moreover, the power density of micropump is 8 times higher than mosquito’s.

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JAPAN – Daiichi Sankyo initiates phase 3 ENSURE-AF study, investigating patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cardioversion.

SINGAPORE – Scientists discover a number of novel genetic defects which cause esophageal cancer.

SINGAPORE – NUS researchers develop world's first fluorescent sensor to detect common illicit date rape drug.

SINGAPORE – Genome Institute of Singapore partners Nutricia Research to investigate human gut microbiome.

SINGAPORE – Singapore-developed drug coated balloon enrolls its first patients in clinical study.

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VIETNAM – Mosquito genes could be key to halting dengue spread.

EUROPE – Curetis obtains key patent for Unyvero™ technology.

NEPAL – Fly ash waste used as water purifier.

UNITED STATES – Researchers discover genetic markers that may predict when people with heart disease are likely to have heart attacks.

UNITED STATES – Celluar ‘counting’ of rhythmic signals synchronizes changes in cell fate.

UNITED STATES – Potential lung cancer vaccine shows renewed promise.

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UNITED STATES – Triple negative breast cancer's progression and relapse pinned to a gene.

UNITED STATES – Seaweed forests could help power tropical islands.

INDIA – Stem cell therapy is ‘no remedy for stroke’.

THE PHILIPPINES – Farmers losing from GM eggplant ban, says expert.

SINGAPORE – Breakthrough discovery by researchers contributes towards future treatment of multiple sclerosis and autoimmune inflammation.

VIETNAM – Some Asians found to carry gene resistant to typhoid.

VIETNAM – Vietnam eyes water-saving technology for its rice farms.

AFRICA – South Africa's healthcare ‘still burdened with diseases’.

AFRICA – Healthcare workers use buddy system to fight Ebola.

AFRICA – STI ministerial summit appeals for Africa-led research.

BANGLADESH – Jute as possible arsenic remover in Bangladesh.

EGYPT – Interest grows in unusual Egyptian method of mosquito control.

EUROPE – Research team proves the efficacy of new drug against stem cells that provoke the onset and growth of cancer and its metastasis.

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UNITED STATES – Penn Medicine team develops cognitive test battery to assess the impact of long duration spaceflights on astronauts' brain function.

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