From digital twin technology to leveraging AI in tackling obesity, the NUHS Scientific & Innovation Summit is a congregation of the brightest minds in cutting-edge medicine – with patients’ utmost care at heart
SINGAPORE, Aug. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers, but Mr Ang Chin Chay, 70, was in the dark about his dire condition, until he experienced a bout of fever following a vacation to Vietnam. He quickly sought medical attention for what turned out to be a Hepatitis A infection, transmitted through contaminated food he had consumed overseas.Themed “Tomorrow’s Health Today – Predictive, Precise and Personalised”, the NUHS Scientific and Innovation Summit 2024 showcases innovations that aim to improve health outcomes for patients and the population at large. The opening was officiated by Guest of Honour Prof Tan Chorh Chuan, Permanent Secretary for National Research and Development, and Public Sector Science and Technology Policy and Plans Office, Prime Minister’s Office (middle; seventh from left).
It was a fortuitous encounter, as routine tests revealed abnormal liver function results. Mr Ang subsequently underwent scans, which uncovered HCC, a largely asymptomatic cancer in its early stages. This was unexpected as Mr Ang was known to have fatty liver, but not cirrhosis, the most advanced form of liver scarring.
“Patients with fatty liver – but without cirrhosis – are not routinely recommended to undergo liver cancer screening,” Dr Huang explained. “But in reality, we have discovered that nearly 40 percent of HCC cases related to fatty liver occur in the absence of cirrhosis.”
Mr Ang’s prognosis would have been poor if his condition had not been detected early, as patients who are diagnosed at a late stage have an overall five-year survival rate of less than 20 percent.
Improving the screening process for patients like Mr Ang through non-invasive tests and advanced imaging is the crux of Dr Huang’s work that he will be presenting at the NUHS Scientific & Innovation Summit, on 3 August 2024.
“We aim to risk stratify people with fatty liver into those who have a high risk of liver cancer and those who do not, and to pre-emptively develop better ways to identify these people early so that they can receive some form of curative treatment,” Dr. Huang explained.
Personalising care with the digital twin
Another project pushing the frontiers of medicine with digital innovations, is the Digital Twin programme led by Dr Gao Yujia, Assistant Group Chief Technology Officer, National University Health System.
The digital twin, which is based on imaging and other data from a patient’s own tests, is a virtual 3D anatomical replica of a patient’s organs, like the liver. The digital twin will allow clinicians to transform what is usually a static scan image (such as an MRI scan), into a dynamic model that precisely recreates the shape and structural behaviour of the organ it replicates, enabling enhanced pre-surgery planning and more accurate intra-operative navigation.
Together with Holomedicine, which is a mixed reality (MR) based technology, this represents a significant leap forward in the surgeons’ ability to predict how organs will behave during a surgery, and predict how internal structures will move and change as the surgery is being performed.
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“Holomedicine leverages mixed reality to interact with virtual objects superimposed onto the real world, allowing for unparalleled accuracy in pre-surgical planning,” explained Dr Gao, who will be presenting his work in mixed reality technology at the NUHS Scientific & Innovation Summit.
With this near-pinpoint precision, surgeons can minimise the risk of injuring other structures, thereby reducing potential complications and operating time, ultimately improving the patient’s overall recovery outcomes.
Innovation Summit:Tackling diseases with precision
Dr Anand Jeyasekharan, a senior consultant at the Department of Haematology-Oncology in the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), likens the human body’s reaction to cancer cells, to an intense battle between two warring armies.
It was a battle that became personal in 2023 for Mr Soegianto Nagaria, Dr Jeyasekharan’s patient. He had a large tumour in his liver excised by surgeons in Taiwan. Initially thought to be liver cancer, the reports indicated it to be a Stage 4 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma instead. The situation worsened when the doctors discovered the presence of a second lymphoma in his bone marrow.
Diagnosing and treating two concurrent cancers presented significant challenges, requiring precise and coordinated medical intervention. It was important to know if the two cancers were related, as the treatment would be very different if they were.
Upon recommendations by his cousins, who are doctors, Mr Nagaria decided to continue the rest of his treatment at NCIS, under Dr Jeyasekharan’s care.
Mr Nagaria flew to Singapore in September 2023, and underwent a molecular profiling under an NUHS programme for precision oncology (IMAC – integrated molecular analysis of cancer) to get his tumour sequenced. Following the sequencing, the NCIS team discovered that the two lymphomas were not related and drew up the vital treatment plans, providing life-saving ammunition in the cancer battle.
Mr Nagaria completed multiple rounds of chemotherapy over six months, and is now on close monitoring while in remission.
Besides sequencing, which Mr Nagaria underwent, Dr Jeyasekharan is developing a new tool in his arsenal of weapons against deadly cancers – spatial phenotyping, where advanced imaging equipment is used to analyse cancer with high molecular detail.
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Spatial phenotyping represents the next frontier of cancer research, and is especially useful for solid tumours. “We are trying to draw [battle] maps of cancer at a high resolution and in great detail, in order to understand how to fight it,” Dr Jeyasekharan explained. “Spatial phentoyping’s ability to dive deep into molecular detail allows us to be more precise in diagnostics, treatment and care.”
With cancer being a leading cause of death globally, spatial phenotyping can mean a world of difference for patients afflicted with cancer. “We are never happy with just delivering standard treatment, because standard treatment simply isn’t good enough,” Dr Jeyasekharan said. “Some people get cured, some people don’t – we are trying to understand what we can do to improve the chances of curing more people.”
For A/Prof Su Xinyi, who is a senior consultant with the Department of Ophthalmology at NUH, precision medicine may be the key to restoring the vision of patients suffering from currently untreatable and blinding retinal diseases. “Every patient with retinal disease has a unique gene mutation, so the treatment that we provide is tailored specifically to the mutations that they have,” A/Prof Su explained.
Besides gene therapy, A/Prof Su also explores innovations in cell therapy, which are last options for patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – the third leading cause of blindness globally. In AMD, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in the retina degenerate with age. By growing these cells in a petri dish, and then injecting them into the eye, they can replace lost cells and help patients regain vision.
While this method of treatment is not new, what makes it unique is the source of cells A/Prof Su uses in its development – cells derived from the umbilical cord. By doing so, this greatly reduces the chance of rejection or the need to use immunosuppressants.
Predicting risk factors, a step ahead
Predictive care affords patients and clinicians the precious gift of time, in preventing the onset, or minimising the severity, of diseases. For Dr Jocelyn Chew, who is an assistant professor at the NUS Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine), adopting a predictive approach to tackling a person’s dietary triggers can curb overeating and obesity.
Dr Chew has been working on an app called the Eating Trigger-Response Inhibition Program (eTRIP), which is designed to help patients identify moments where they are prone to overeating. These include emotional eating, or even ingrained habits such as over-ordering during family gatherings.
eTRIP will be used in tandem with Adipoview, an AI-based dashboard that Dr Chew has created with the team from the NUHS Group Chief Technology Office. Adipoview will gather patient data throughout NUHS to generate insights, such as the diagnosis rate of obesity and treatment rate, to proactively predict who may need further support.
At the Innovation Summit
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More than 60 clinician-scientists will be presenting their work at the NUHS Scientific & Innovation Summit, which will be graced by guest-of-honour Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, Permanent Secretary for National Research and Development as well as for Public Sector Science and Technology Policy and Plans Office, Prime Minister’s Office.
Themed “Tomorrow’s Health Today – Predictive, Precise and Personalised”, the summit will bring together over 500 international and local healthcare experts, opinion leaders and scientists to shape the future of healthcare.
Over the past decade, the NUHS academic health system has secured more than $1 billion in competitive grants (cumulative from FY2011 to FY2021). These funds have fuelled scientific innovations in predictive, precise and personalised care, ensuring improved health outcomes for patients now and in the future.
About National University Health System
The National University Health System (NUHS) is an integrated Academic Health System and Regional Health System in Singapore that delivers value-driven, innovative, and sustainable healthcare.
As Singapore’s only academic health system, we are uniquely positioned to draw on the academic, research and creative capabilities residing within the National University of Singapore (NUS). This collaboration allows us to develop solutions for existing and emerging health and healthcare needs of the Singapore population.
We also work in close collaboration with community hospitals, general practitioners, family medicine clinics, nursing homes and other community and social partners to provide integrated care to the wider community.
With member institutions ranging from community hospitals to academic centres, NUHS creates synergies as a fully integrated cluster to provide seamless care, develop solutions for Singapore’s healthcare challenges and nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Swisse Launches Glam Bites: Zero-Sugar Beauty Gummies Designed for Busy Routines
Swisse launches Glam Bites: delicious beauty gummies with zero sugar, no sugar alcohols, and no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners—designed to support beauty from within.
Swisse Launches Glam Bites: Zero-Sugar Beauty Gummies Designed for Busy Routines
Swisse, the premium supplement brand under Health & Happiness (H&H) Group and a Certified B Corp, is kicking off 2026 with a new way to support “beauty from within.” The company just introduced Swisse Beauty Glam Bites, a line of zero-sugar beauty gummies made with science-backed ingredients—without the usual “junk” found in many gummy supplements. Positioned for today’s always-on lifestyle, Glam Bites aims to make daily self-care feel less like another task and more like a quick, enjoyable habit: bite, nourish, and glow.
What makes Glam Bites different?
Gummy supplements are popular, but they often come with tradeoffs—added sugars, sugar alcohols, artificial flavors, or ingredients that don’t align with cleaner-label preferences. Swisse is leaning into the opposite approach. According to the company, Glam Bites are crafted with:
Zero sugar
No sugar alcohols
No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
Gluten-free
Free from major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame)
That “clean but still tasty” promise is a big part of the launch—especially as more shoppers look for supplements that fit into wellness routines without feeling like a compromise.
A beauty routine that starts from the inside
Swisse is framing Glam Bites as a simple daily add-on that supports skin, hair, and nails through targeted micronutrients. Leading dietitian Dana A. White highlighted the brand’s approach in the announcement, noting that Glam Bites deliver “powerful, science-driven beauty benefits” through a precisely balanced blend of nutrients—while keeping the formula free from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
The Glam Bites lineup (available now)
Swisse launched Glam Bites in three formulas, each with its own ingredient blend and naturally flavored profile.
1) Hair Skin Nails Glam Bites
Price/Count: $19.99 (60 count)
Key ingredients: Biotin, Zinc, Bamboo Extract
What it supports: Stronger hair and nails, plus skin firmness and elasticity*
Flavor: Blood orange (naturally flavored)
2) Glow Skin Glam Bites
Price/Count: $24.99 (60 count)
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins C & E, Sea Moss, Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Peptides
What it supports: Collagen production, improved elasticity, and a stronger skin barrier*
Flavor: Blueberry lavender (naturally flavored)
3) Skin Defense Glam Bites
Price/Count: $24.99 (60 count)
Key ingredients: Astaxanthin, L-Glutathione, Green Tea Extract
What it supports: Healthy aging, even skin tone, and antioxidant protection against environmental stressors*
Flavor: Raspberry green tea (naturally flavored)
Why gummies—and why now?
Swisse is launching Glam Bites at a time when gummies are increasingly becoming the preferred supplement format for younger consumers. The company cited research showing:
45% of Gen Z and 31% of millennials favor gummy supplements.
74% of U.S. personal care buyers agree that skin health reflects overall health.
In other words: the market is shifting toward convenience, better taste, and wellness products that connect beauty with whole-body health.
A global wellness brand expanding its portfolio
Swisse was founded in Australia in 1969 and has grown into a global wellness name known for premium supplements made with ingredients backed by scientific research and produced under world-class manufacturing standards. With Glam Bites, the brand is clearly betting on a “cleaner gummy” future—one that fits modern routines and modern label expectations.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
How C-reactive protein outpaced ‘bad’ cholesterol as leading heart disease risk marker
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key inflammation marker that can predict heart attack and stroke risk—often better than LDL cholesterol. Here’s why it matters.
C-reactive protein is created by the liver in response to infections, tissue damage, chronic inflammatory states from conditions like autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disturbances like obesity and diabetes. Essentially, it is a marker of inflammation – meaning immune system activation – in the body. C-reactive protein can be easily measured with blood work at the doctor’s office. A low C-reactive protein level – under 1 milligram per deciliter – signifies minimal inflammation in the body, which is protective against heart disease. An elevated C-reactive protein level of greater than 3 milligrams per deciliter, signifies increased levels of inflammation and thus increased risk for heart disease. About 52% of Americans have an elevated level of C-reactive protein in their blood. Research shows that C-reactive protein is a better predictive marker for heart attacks and strokes than “bad,” or LDL cholesterol, short for low-density lipoprotein, as well as another commonly measured genetically inherited biomarker called lipoprotein(a). One study found that C-reactive protein can predict heart disease just as well as blood pressure can.
Why does inflammation matter in heart disease?
Inflammation plays a crucial role at every stage in the development and buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, which causes a condition called atherosclerosis that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. From the moment a blood vessel is damaged, be it from high blood sugar or cigarette smoke, immune cells immediately infiltrate the area. Those immune cells subsequently engulf cholesterol particles that are typically floating around in the blood stream to form a fatty plaque that resides in the wall of the vessel. This process continues for decades until eventually, one day, immune mediators rupture the cap that encloses the plaque. This triggers the formation of a blood clot that obstructs blood flow, starves the surrounding tissues of oxygen and ultimately causes a heart attack or stroke. Hence, cholesterol is only part of the story; it is, in fact, the immune system that facilitates each step in the processes that drive heart disease.Fatty plaque buildup in the arteries causes a blockage that starves tissues of oxygen and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.wildpixel/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Does cholesterol still matter for heart disease risk?
Though cholesterol may not be the most important predictor of risk for heart disease, it does remain highly relevant. However, it’s not just the amount of cholesterol – or more specifically the amount of bad, or LDL, cholesterol – that matters. Two people with the same cholesterol level don’t necessarily have the same risk for heart disease. This is because risk is determined more so by the number of particles that the bad cholesterol is packaged into, as opposed to the total mass of bad cholesterol that’s floating around. More particles means higher risk. That is why a blood test known as apolipoprotein B, which measures the number of cholesterol particles, is a better predictor of risk for heart disease than measurements of total amounts of bad cholesterol. Like cholesterol and C-reactive protein, apolipoprotein B is also influenced by lifestyle factors like exercise, weight loss and diet. Nutrients like fiber, nuts and omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a decreased number of cholesterol particles, while increased sugar intake is associated with a larger number of cholesterol particles. Furthermore, lipoprotein(a), a protein that lives in the wall surrounding cholesterol particles, is another marker that can predict heart disease more accurately than cholesterol levels. This is because the presence of lipoprotein(a) makes cholesterol particles sticky, so to speak, and thus more likely to get trapped in an atherosclerotic plaque. However, unlike other risk factors, lipoprotein(a) levels are purely genetic, thus not influenced by lifestyle, and need only be measured once in a lifetime.
What’s the best way to prevent heart disease?
Ultimately, heart disease is the product of many risk factors and their interactions over a lifetime. Therefore, preventing heart disease is way more complicated than simply eating a cholesterol-free diet, as once thought. Knowing your LDL cholesterol level alongside your C-reactive protein, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) levels paints a comprehensive picture of risk that can hopefully help motivate long-term commitment to the fundamentals of heart disease prevention. These include eating well, exercising consistently, getting adequate sleep, managing stress productively, maintaining healthy weight and, if applicable, quitting smoking.Mary J. Scourboutakos, Adjunct Assistant Professor in Family and Community Medicine, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Finding Your Rhythm Again: Reestablishing Routines in the New Year
Routines in the New Year: After weeks of excitement, travel and inconsistent schedules, the transition back to structure can feel daunting. However, with a thoughtful approach, parents can help their children ease back into their daily rhythms, and in the process, restore calm for the entire family.
Finding Your Rhythm Again: Reestablishing Routines in the New Year
(Family Features) The holiday season is special, fun and often a bit chaotic, filled with family gatherings and joyful celebrations. Once the decorations come down and chaos subsides in the new year, many families face a familiar challenge: getting children back into their regular routines. After weeks of excitement, travel and inconsistent schedules, the transition back to structure can feel daunting. However, with a thoughtful approach, parents can help their children ease back into their daily rhythms, and in the process, restore calm for the entire family. Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School, provides this insight and guidance for parents. Understand Why Routines Matter Children thrive on predictability. Routines provide a sense of security, reduce stress and support emotional regulation. Children feel safe, even proud, when they know what comes next. Routines also help them develop independence and self-control. After the holidays, reestablishing these patterns is essential for a smooth return to school and everyday life. Start with Sleep For young children, sleep is the foundation of a successful routine. Consistent sleep supports focus, tolerance and cooperation. For optimal brain repair and growth, preschoolers typically need 10-13 hours of sleep per night, but seasonal festivities can disrupt sleep schedules, frequently leaving children overly tired. Begin by gradually adjusting bedtime by moving it earlier in 15-minute increments each night until you resume your regular schedule. Pair this with calming pre-bedtime rituals like reading or quiet play to signal it’s time to wind down. The morning routine is equally important. Strive for consistent wake-up times, even on the weekends. If your child is resistant, teach them how their sleep routine helps their body and mind. For example: “Your body relaxes and grows stronger when you get enough sleep, so you feel good afterward.” Reintroduce Standard Mealtimes Holiday snacking and large meals at family gatherings can disrupt normal eating habits. Reinstate regular meal and snack times to help your child feel grounded. Offer balanced options and involve them in planning or preparing meals, as they’re more likely to embrace healthy choices when they have a role in the process. Prioritize Physical Activity After extended periods of lounging indoors – and likely an overdose of screen time – children need movement to burn energy and boost their moods. Coordinate outdoor play and family walks. If the weather isn’t cooperative, move around indoors with hide-and-seek and dance sessions. Physical activity not only supports health but also helps regulate sleep and behavior. Strategically Provide Choices When children have a voice, they are more likely to stay engaged and stick to their routines. As your child settles back into familiar patterns, this is an ideal moment to assess where you can ease your grip just enough to support their growing autonomy. This doesn’t mean relinquishing full decision-making power; rather, it’s about offering structured, intentional choices that help them feel a sense of control over their day. You know your child best, so you can determine when to be flexible. For example, it may not matter if they change into their pajamas right after dinner or just before bed but shifting when they go to the bathroom could completely disrupt their routine and, in turn, your day. Model Behavior Children learn by example and they are always watching their parents. If you reestablish and consistently maintain your own routines – healthy meals, quality sleep and physical activity among them – your child is more likely to follow suit. Make it a family effort rather than a set of rules imposed on them, and make it fun. To help routines stick, consider sticker charts to track progress and incentivize independence and accountability. Resetting routines isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a supportive environment where children feel secure and prepared for what’s ahead. With patience, consistency and a positive attitude, you can help your child start the new year on the right foot. For more parenting guidance and insights, including a blog and webinar series, visit the Parent Resource Center at GoddardSchool.com. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock SOURCE:
Mary J. Scourboutakos, Adjunct Assistant Professor in Family and Community Medicine, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Start with Sleep For young children, sleep is the foundation of a successful routine. Consistent sleep supports focus, tolerance and cooperation. For optimal brain repair and growth, preschoolers typically need 10-13 hours of sleep per night, but seasonal festivities can disrupt sleep schedules, frequently leaving children overly tired. Begin by gradually adjusting bedtime by moving it earlier in 15-minute increments each night until you resume your regular schedule. Pair this with calming pre-bedtime rituals like reading or quiet play to signal it’s time to wind down. The morning routine is equally important. Strive for consistent wake-up times, even on the weekends. If your child is resistant, teach them how their sleep routine helps their body and mind. For example: “Your body relaxes and grows stronger when you get enough sleep, so you feel good afterward.” Reintroduce Standard Mealtimes Holiday snacking and large meals at family gatherings can disrupt normal eating habits. Reinstate regular meal and snack times to help your child feel grounded. Offer balanced options and involve them in planning or preparing meals, as they’re more likely to embrace healthy choices when they have a role in the process. Prioritize Physical Activity After extended periods of lounging indoors – and likely an overdose of screen time – children need movement to burn energy and boost their moods. Coordinate outdoor play and family walks. If the weather isn’t cooperative, move around indoors with hide-and-seek and dance sessions. Physical activity not only supports health but also helps regulate sleep and behavior. Strategically Provide Choices When children have a voice, they are more likely to stay engaged and stick to their routines. As your child settles back into familiar patterns, this is an ideal moment to assess where you can ease your grip just enough to support their growing autonomy. This doesn’t mean relinquishing full decision-making power; rather, it’s about offering structured, intentional choices that help them feel a sense of control over their day. You know your child best, so you can determine when to be flexible. For example, it may not matter if they change into their pajamas right after dinner or just before bed but shifting when they go to the bathroom could completely disrupt their routine and, in turn, your day. Model Behavior Children learn by example and they are always watching their parents. If you reestablish and consistently maintain your own routines – healthy meals, quality sleep and physical activity among them – your child is more likely to follow suit. Make it a family effort rather than a set of rules imposed on them, and make it fun. To help routines stick, consider sticker charts to track progress and incentivize independence and accountability. Resetting routines isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a supportive environment where children feel secure and prepared for what’s ahead. With patience, consistency and a positive attitude, you can help your child start the new year on the right foot. For more parenting guidance and insights, including a blog and webinar series, visit the 
