Narrow Results

The Ganoderma genus is known for its diverse use as a functional food and therapeutic agent. This fungus has over 428 species, with Ganoderma lucidum being the most studied. The Ganoderma species produce several secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, phenols, and triterpenes, which are largely responsible for their therapeutic properties. Throughout this review, several extracts obtained from Ganoderma species have been studied to delve into their therapeutic characteristics and mechanisms. Such properties like immunomodulation, antiaging, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities have been demonstrated by several Ganoderma species and are supported by a large body of evidence. Although its phytochemicals play a vital role in its therapeutic properties, identifying the therapeutic potentials of fungal-secreted metabolites for human health-promoting benefits is a challenging task. Identification of novel compounds with distinct chemical scaffolds and their mechanism of action could help suppress the spread of rising pathogens. Thus, this review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the bioactive components in different Ganoderma species and the underlying physiological mechanisms.

AUSTRALIA – Well-known antibiotic amoxycillin found to be ineffective cough treatment.

AUSTRALIA – Bring the noise: has technology made us scared of silence?

INDIA – Biocon receives marketing authorization for novel biologic itolizumab for psoriasis.

ISRAEL – Aspireo reports Somatoprim Phase Ib interim data.

JAPAN – Daiichi Sankyo and Amplimmune announce strategic alliance to develop AMP-110 therapy for autoimmune disease.

JAPAN – Eisai signs agreement with Epizyme and Roche Molecular Systems to develop companion diagnostic.

THE PHILIPPINES – Asia-Pacific Analysis: The growth of stem-cell therapy.

THE PHILIPPINES – Is the world ready for scientific diplomacy?

UNITED KINGDOM – ARIAD and the U.K. National Cancer Research Institute to collaborate on SPIRIT 3 clinical study.

UNITED KINGDOM – Vision research collaboration on novel treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration.

UNITED STATES – Reducing medical mistakes: Two recently published studies support the use of DNA testing on biopsy samples to prevent misdiagnoses.

UNITED STATES – CoDa Therapeutics reports positive results from Phase IIb Study of NEXAGON® in chronic venous leg ulcers.

UNITED STATES – Inovio Pharmaceuticals to initiate clinical trial for its hepatitis C therapeutic vaccine later this year.

UNITED STATES – Jolt to brain eases pain without drugs.

UNITED STATES – Can a new vaccine prevent colon cancer?

UNITED STATES – Immunovaccine's DPX-Survivac produces sustained, dose related immune responses in Phase I ovarian cancer study.

The Biotechnology Incubation Center of Academia Sinica: A Gateway to Innovative Taiwan.

Cancer Targeting Nanomedicine: An Opportunity for Drug Development in Asia with Emphasis on Taiwan.

Recombinant Lipoproteins for the Development of Novel Subunit Vaccines.

Discovery of Therapeutic Human Monoclonal Antibodies through B-cell Immortalization Technology.

JAPAN – New broad strain anti-influenza macrocyclic peptide therapeutic developed.

LAOS – bioCSL supports public health efforts in Laos with donation of more than 700,000 doses of seasonal influenza vaccine.

SINGAPORE – New NUS spin-off company to reduce cancer death and disease burden through real time cancer diagnosis.

THAILAND – Bats protect rice fields against pests.

THE PHILIPPINES – Hotter nights may cause rice yields to fall.

THE PHILIPPINES – Study suggests shift in strategy on pneumonia vaccinations.

BANGLADESH – Mutant bird flu worries Bangladeshi scientists.

EUROPE – Novel strategy to molecular anticancer therapy.

SRI LANKA – Evolving dengue strains plague Sri Lanka.

UNITED STATES – Gene sequencing project discovers mutations tied to deadly brain tumors in young children.

UNITED STATES – Laboratory-grown vaginas implanted in patients.

UNITED STATES – Stem cells in circulating blood affect cardiovascular health.

UNITED STATES – New point of attack on HIV for vaccine development.

UNITED STATES – GAIM-changing molecules to combat Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders discovered.

UNITED STATES – Breath analysis offers non-invasive method to detect early lung cancer.

UNITED STATES – Researchers discover new genetic brain disorder in humans.

For the month of November 2020, APBN takes a dive into the genetic links behind the diabetes epidemic in Asia. Looking specifically at genetic markers for diabetes in Asian populations, researchers have discovered unique identifiers that could promote development precision medicine for diabetes in the Asia Pacific region. In the Spotlights, we explore innovative research from the 2020 Tokyo Tech Research Showcase and how they are helping to build a greener and sustainable future. Check out in our columns the future of commercial space flight and how space tourism is becoming a reality.

Exosomes were discovered more than 30 years ago. Only recently has their importance been recognized for intercellular communication. Exosomes, with their size ranging from 30 nm to 100 nm, are lipid bilayer nanoparticles and secreted by many different types of cells with versatile functions. Exosomes contain macromolecules and exist in various body fluids, including blood, urine, milk and ascites fluid. Due to their specific property, exosomes are very promising in the fields of disease diagnosis and therapy. Nanotechnology is a great tool that will be helpful in basic research and the application of exosomes. Here, we briefly review the function and potential use of exosomes in nanomedicine.