Research

In a groundbreaking study, scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School and their global collaborators have unveiled one of the most detailed single-cell maps of the developing human brain. This new atlas not only captures nearly every cell type and their genetic signatures but also sets a new benchmark for producing high-quality neurons in the lab, offering fresh hope for people living with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological disorders.

For individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), gait disturbances, especially freezing of gait (FOG), can significantly impact daily life, independence, and safety. These episodes, where a person temporarily feels as though their feet are glued to the ground, often occur in challenging environments like narrow hallways or doorways. Clinicians have long struggled to accurately assess these symptoms in clinical settings, where real-world triggers are absent. But a new study suggests that virtual reality (VR) may offer a promising solution.

Plastic pollution is a growing global problem that harms both the environment and human health. Plastics don’t break down easily, so they accumulate in landfills, air, water, and soil. Tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics and nanoplastics, are especially concerning because they can enter living organisms, including humans, and build up in the body. These particles can cause inflammation, disrupt hormones and gut health, and increase disease risk.