Straitstimes.com header logo

Choose edition

Search

singapore

asia

world

opinion

life

business

sport

Visual

Podcasts

SPH Rewards

STClassifieds

Paid press releases

Advertise with us

FAQs

Contact us

 

Genetics

Medical Mysteries

Cracking the code: Diagnosing rare medical conditions can take up to 15 years

The team of medical "investigators": (from left) Portraits of Ms Shreya S Shetty, Case Management Officer, Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics, Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children's Medical Institute (KTP-NUCMI), National University Hospital (NUH); Adjunct Associate Professor Chan Yee Cheun, Senior Consultant, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, NUH; Dr Lau Kin Mun, Senior Resident, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, NUH; and Adjunct Associate Professor Chin Hui-Lin, Senior Consultant, Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics, KTP-NUCMI, NUH.
The team of medical "investigators": (from left) Portraits of Ms Shreya S Shetty, Case Management Officer, Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics, Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children's Medical Institute (KTP-NUCMI), National University Hospital (NUH); Adjunct Associate Professor Chan Yee Cheun, Senior Consultant, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, NUH; Dr Lau Kin Mun, Senior Resident, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, NUH; and Adjunct Associate Professor Chin Hui-Lin, Senior Consultant, Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics, KTP-NUCMI, NUH.

Medical Mysteries

Mother of two suffered falls, double vision and memory loss because of rare condition

Ms Poonam Choudhary, (right) 43, a home baker; and her sons (from left): Aayansh Choudhary, 11; and Aarav Choudhary, 13.
Ms Poonam Choudhary, (right) 43, a home baker; and her sons (from left): Aayansh Choudhary, 11; and Aarav Choudhary, 13.

Genomics for Kids in ASEAN programme to set up registry to further tackle rare diseases in region

Ms Abigail Chua (left) and Ms Raphaella Gautama, who were both diagnosed with rare conditions in 2019.
Ms Abigail Chua (left) and Ms Raphaella Gautama, who were both diagnosed with rare conditions in 2019.

Study finds greater role for genetics in driving human lifespan

A new study points to a larger role for genetics, estimating the contribution of genes to determining human lifespan at about 50 per cent.
A new study points to a larger role for genetics, estimating the contribution of genes to determining human lifespan at about 50 per cent.

More than 20 found to be at higher risk of premature heart attack, stroke after genetic testing

About a quarter of those tested were confirmed to carry one of the three most common gene mutations which lead to familial hypercholesterolemia.
About a quarter of those tested were confirmed to carry one of the three most common gene mutations which lead to familial hypercholesterolemia.

National genetic testing programme results can’t be used for insurance underwriting: Ong Ye Kung

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said at the official opening of the SingHealth Genomic Assessment Centre on Jan 19 that there are safeguards currently in place to govern the use of genetic test results in insurance matters.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said at the official opening of the SingHealth Genomic Assessment Centre on Jan 19 that there are safeguards currently in place to govern the use of genetic test results in insurance matters.

She says ‘no, thank you’ to chocolate, nuts, oats and avocado because of genetic disorder

Ms Tiew Hiew Tung's body is unable to remove plant sterols as she has the rare genetic disorder of sitosterolemia.
Ms Tiew Hiew Tung's body is unable to remove plant sterols as she has the rare genetic disorder of sitosterolemia.

KKH sees surge in children with genetic disease that may lead to early heart attack and stroke

Children with the genetic disorder of familial hypercholesterolaemia may have visible symptoms such as skin bumps or lumps at their elbow.
Children with the genetic disorder of familial hypercholesterolaemia may have visible symptoms such as skin bumps or lumps at their elbow.

Medical Mysteries

Life on a teaspoon: S’pore teen with rare condition drinks cornstarch water to stay alive

Kayden Soh, 13, who has Glycogen Storage Disorder Type 1A (GSD1A), with his mother, Ms Yong Xiao Ping. GSD1A caused Kayden's body to prioritise essential functions over growth, making him much smaller than his classmates.
Kayden Soh, 13, who has Glycogen Storage Disorder Type 1A (GSD1A), with his mother, Ms Yong Xiao Ping. GSD1A caused Kayden's body to prioritise essential functions over growth, making him much smaller than his classmates.

Vertex’s gene therapy shows promise in younger children with blood disorders

Gene therapy Casgevy is based on CRISPR gene editing technology, which uses molecular "scissors" to trim faulty parts of genes.
Gene therapy Casgevy is based on CRISPR gene editing technology, which uses molecular "scissors" to trim faulty parts of genes.

E-paper

Newsletters

Podcasts

RSS Feed

About Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Need help? Reach us here.

Advertise with us

Download the app

Get unlimited access to exclusive stories and incisive insights from the ST newsroom
Subscribe Placeholder
MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.