Tag Archives: Research

KAO Launches A New Way to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

It’s not every day that a tech site covers health or cosmetics. However, this one had to be covered. KAO, the company behind some of Japan’s best cosmetic products has released a new way to help keep Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases at bay. This new product is launching hot off the heels of the announcement of QDenga, a novel vaccine for dengue, in Malaysia.

Biore GUARD Mos Block Serum 1
Source: KAO

It may seem quite absurd to suddenly be going all out to keep diseases like Dengue and Chikungunya in check. However, Malaysia and many other tropical countries have long been plagued by these diseases. In 2023 alone, Malaysia saw an exponential increase in Dengue cases totalling about 123,133 cases – a whopping 86.3% compared to 2022. This coincided with a 78.6% increase in Dengue-related deaths. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, there have been 41,565 reported cases and 28 deaths. This again is a rise compared to last year. With an increasing disease burden, KAO is hoping that its new “Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum” will be a valuable addition to reducing the disease burden in Malaysia and the rest of the world.

Using a Commonly Used Emulsifier to Keep Mosquitoes Away

KAO’s Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum uses something that we’ve been using for ages in cosmetic products as its active ingredient – Silicone oil. Through research, the team at KAO realised that Silicone oil which is commonly used as an emulsifier in cosmetics has an unpredicted effect on mosquito behaviour.

Biore GUARD Mos Block Serum 2
(Source: KAO) The KAO Research Team showing the efficacy of the Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum Live at the launch.

Their research showed that somehow, mosquitoes would not land on surfaces lined with Silicone oil. Through further observation, researchers realised that mosquitoes would also work to remove the residues after contact. Through further research, the team realised that Silicone oil also exerts a downward force that is equal to about 80% of the weight of the mosquito itself. Due to this, mosquitoes tend to be “repelled” from skin and surfaces lined with Silicone oil.

Thanks to these observations, KAO is using Silicone oil as its active ingredient in the Biore Mos Block Serum. This also means that the serum is inert and safe to use even on sensitive skin. When queried, the team affirms that the serum has been dermatologically tested and is safe even for infants and toddlers. Another plus point is the omission of harmful substances like diethyltoluamide (DEET) or Picardin or even harsh essential oils. These substances are known to cause adverse reactions in individuals with dermatological sensitivities.

Pricing & Availability

The Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum is now available in most pharmacies for RM24.90 for 100g. It is available in two variants: Fresh Lavender and Sweet Blossom. KAO says that availability in other retail outlets will follow after the initial rollout in pharmacies.

Scientists Just Used AI to Discover New Genes Linked to Heart Disease

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, impacting millions of lives each year. While significant progress has been made in understanding the risk factors associated with heart disease, the precise genetic underpinnings of this complex condition have remained largely elusive. However, a recent breakthrough involving artificial intelligence (AI) offers a glimpse into a future where personalized medicine for heart disease becomes a reality.

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Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

Heart disease is a multifaceted condition influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Traditional methods for identifying genes associated with disease often relied on genome-wide association studies (GWAS). These studies compare the genetic makeup of individuals with and without a particular disease, searching for variations (single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs) that occur more frequently in the diseased population. While GWAS have identified numerous SNPs linked to heart disease, many of these variants exert a relatively weak effect, making it challenging to pinpoint the specific genes responsible and develop targeted therapies.

Machine Learning Model Used to Gain More Insights by Researchers

Researchers at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai are pioneering the use of a novel AI tool to unlock the secrets hidden within our genes. This tool, called a machine learning-based marker (MLBM), takes a more sophisticated approach compared to traditional GWAS. Instead of simply analyzing individual SNPs, the MLBM leverages machine learning algorithms to identify complex patterns across hundreds of genetic variants. Imagine sifting through a vast library of books, searching not just for individual words but for nuanced patterns and connections between sentences and paragraphs. The MLBM operates in a similar fashion, analyzing the interplay between numerous genetic variations to identify those that collectively contribute to an increased risk of heart disease.

The MLBM’s ability to identify complex patterns within genetic data has yielded significant results. The research team used the MLBM to analyze electronic health records and genetic data from over 600,000 individuals. This analysis revealed not only common SNPs associated with heart disease but also a set of rare coding variants within 17 previously unknown genes. These rare variants, while individually occurring in a smaller proportion of the population, may exert a more significant impact on heart disease risk. Imagine finding a single, critical clue hidden amongst a mountain of seemingly unrelated information. The MLBM’s ability to identify these rare yet impactful genetic variations holds immense potential for uncovering new pathways involved in heart disease development.

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Photo by digitale.de on Unsplash

The identification of these novel genes opens doors for the development of more targeted therapies for heart disease. By understanding the specific genetic mutations contributing to an individual’s risk, doctors can potentially tailor treatment plans to address the underlying cause rather than simply manage symptoms. Imagine a future where preventive measures and medications can be personalized based on a person’s unique genetic makeup, potentially preventing heart disease altogether.

New Technologies Changing Medical Research

The success of the MLBM in uncovering new genetic variants for heart disease signifies a paradigm shift in our approach to medical research. AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent a wide range of diseases. By harnessing the power of AI to analyze complex biological data, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the intricate dance between genes and disease. This newfound knowledge can pave the way for the development of personalized medicine, offering a future where healthcare becomes more proactive and effective in combating life-threatening conditions like heart disease.

You’ll Be Able to Regenerate Your Teeth Soon Thanks to a New Groundbreaking Drug

A new era in dental care may be dawning, thanks to a revolutionary drug that has been approved for the first time in human trials. This drug, developed by a research team at Kyoto University, Japan, has the potential to regrow teeth – a feat previously only possible in our imaginations.

The drug works by targeting a specific protein called USAG-1 (uterine sensitization-associated gene-1). This protein acts as a natural inhibitor of tooth growth. By deactivating USAG-1, the drug essentially removes the roadblock and allows for the resumption of tooth development. The deactivated USAG-1 protein no longer hinders the interaction between bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and other cellular processes essential for tooth formation. The activation of BMP signalling then triggers the growth of new bone and dental tissue.

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Photo by Rafael Rocha on Unsplash

The research team led by Dr. Katsu Takahashi, a molecular biologist and dentist, has been working on this concept since 2005. Their initial research focused on understanding the role of USAG-1 in tooth development. Following these discoveries, they conducted successful experiments in mice with tooth agenesis, a condition where teeth fail to develop naturally. These studies demonstrated that blocking USAG-1 with an antibody could stimulate tooth regrowth.

Building upon the success in animal models, researchers have developed a new iteration of the drug specifically for human use. This injectable drug has now been approved for human trials, with the first phase expected to begin in September 2024 at Kyoto University Hospital. The trial will involve 30 male participants between the ages of 30 and 64 who are missing at least one molar tooth.

It is important to note that this is a Phase 1 trial, the initial stage of human testing. The primary focus will be on assessing the drug’s safety and potential side effects in humans. Efficacy, or the drug’s ability to regrow teeth, will be a secondary objective in this phase. Even if successful, further trials will be required to determine the long-term effectiveness and optimal treatment protocols.

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Photo by Enis Yavuz on Unsplash

The potential impact of this research is significant. If successful, this drug could revolutionize dentistry, offering a permanent solution for tooth loss. This could potentially eliminate the need for traditional dental implants, bridges, and dentures, all of which come with their own limitations and drawbacks. However, it is important to manage expectations, as the technology is still in its early stages.

「先天性無歯症の"歯生え薬"開発」第97回 学術講演会 ~医学研究所北野病院(大阪市北区)~

The upcoming human trial will be a crucial step in evaluating the safety and efficacy of this groundbreaking drug. While the potential for tooth regeneration is exciting, researchers emphasize the importance of a rigorous scientific process to ensure the development of a safe and reliable treatment option for patients suffering from tooth loss.