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Genetics

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.

Is there a little wolf in your chihuahua? US study finds two-thirds of dogs have wolf DNA

Chihuahuas may look cute, but they probably have some wolf in them. That is the discovery announced by US scientists on Nov 24, 2025 - nearly two-thirds of all dog breeds have a detectable amount of wolf DNA.
Chihuahuas may look cute, but they probably have some wolf in them. That is the discovery announced by US scientists on Nov 24, 2025 - nearly two-thirds of all dog breeds have a detectable amount of wolf DNA.

Medical Mysteries

Life rewired: Deep brain stimulation curbs excessive, involuntary movements in boy with rare disorder

An 11 year-old Singaporean, known here as Adrian, is the first paediatric patient with GNAO1, a rare genetic neurological disorder, in Singapore and  Asia to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation surgery for this condition. Adrian (with his back and his mother Felicia, 42, looking at a baby photo of Adrian.
An 11 year-old Singaporean, known here as Adrian, is the first paediatric patient with GNAO1, a rare genetic neurological disorder, in Singapore and  Asia to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation surgery for this condition. Adrian (with his back and his mother Felicia, 42, looking at a baby photo of Adrian.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.