VIB researchers and colleagues have discovered a mechanism through which melanoma cells adapt and switch between two major proliferative and invasive states, revealing promising new targets for cancer therapy. The study, published in Nature Metabolism, reveals that alterations in iron metabolism and organelle crosstalk are central to melanoma cell plasticity—a key factor in tumor progression and resistance to treatment.

Researchers demonstrated how a multifaceted intervention approach significantly improved the rate of dental varnish applications to help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. The results exceeded the goal for the study, and improvements were consistent across insurance plans, race and ethnicity, providing an important framework for keeping teeth healthy.

In a milestone for Southeast Asia’s healthcare sector, Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH), MOH Holdings Pte Ltd (MOHH), and the Centre for Sustainable Medicine (CoSM) at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) have released its first-ever comprehensive national emissions report for Singapore’s healthcare sector, and the first comprehensive study across Asia.

The NUS-MOH study demonstrates that Singapore’s healthcare system is 18%[1] more sustainable than previously estimated, with the country delivering world-class healthcare at 20% lower carbon intensity than other advanced economies.

 

[1] 18% lower than the most recent estimate of Singapore's healthcare emissions on a 3-year rolling average basis (Romanello et al. (2024). The 2024 Report of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change: Facing Record-Breaking Threats From Delayed Action. The Lancet, 404(10465), 1847-1896. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01822-1)

A major report recommends regular Covid vaccinations to reduce cardiac risks associated with the virus. Millions of people around the world are suffering with serious cardiovascular problems caused by Covid infection and long Covid. The report, to be published later this week, sets out ways of tackling the ‘profound and lasting impact’ of Covid and long Covid on cardiovascular health.

It makes recommendations for diagnosing, treating and preventing serious heart and blood vessel complications linked to the virus.

As well as continuing vaccination programmes, the report recommends structured cardiac rehabilitation - to prevent long-term problems after infection and boost long Covid recovery.

Covid infection and long Covid have serious effects on the heart and blood vessels, and the pandemic has had a widespread and lasting impact on cardiovascular health. 

A set of expert recommendations explain how these conditions should be diagnosed, treated and prevented. 

Cardiac rehabilitation is vital for Covid and long Covid patients, but many do not have access to rehabilitation programmes. 

Vaccination reduces the cardiac risks of Covid, so vaccination programmes must continue.