“The brain is the organ of destiny. It holds within its humming mechanism secrets that will determine the future of the human race,” said Wilder Penfield, a radical researcher and pioneering neurosurgeon, whose work marked the dawn of a new era in our understanding of neuroscience. This issue of MEDICUS opens with a groundbreaking cover story that echoes Penfield’s words as we venture deep into the mysteries of the human mind, trying to distinguish the debilitating advances of dementia from what could just be loss of memory because of ageing.

Through innovative stem cell models, Duke-NUS researchers are at the forefront of identifying key differences in brain ageing, paving the way for therapies that could preserve our mental faculties and autonomy while not forever, at least for longer.

This vital research is made possible by the visionary philanthropy of Mr GK Goh, whose generous S$5 million donation established the GK Goh Centre for Neuroscience. In a heartfelt conversation, Mr Goh and his son, Mr Goh Yew Lin, the Duke-NUS Governing Board Chairman, share their insights into the impactful role of philanthropy in advancing science, offering a glimpse into the motivations that guide benefactors towards investing in the future of medical research.

This issue spans the spectrum of scientific innovation and its human impact, from pioneering efforts in early detection of stomach cancer to personal stories that bring to life the transformative power of medical research and personal achievements. We spotlight our students’ contributions to various communities through their Project CRANE, which illustrates the broad reach and tangible benefits of health initiatives spearheaded by our campus.

Featuring Dr Shravan Verma, a Duke-NUS alumnus from Class of 2014, in “A moment with…”, this edition celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our graduates to redefine healthcare delivery across the region with ventures like Speedoc, that Verma founded.

Meanwhile, we follow the journey of Associate Professor Shawn Je as he investigates everything from the best candy to the understanding the root cause of neurological conditions like autism, embodying the diverse perspectives that fuel our quest to decode the complexities of the human brain.

Continuing our exploration of the mind, this issue’s podcast puts Sven Peterson, a principal research scientist with our Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Programme, in the guest seat as we find out how exercise turned out to be a lifeline when he experienced a period of depression during his years as an undergraduate. 

 

Collaborations with our parent universities, Duke and NUS, underscore the cutting-edge advancements being made, from brain implants that convert thoughts into speech to innovative curricula that integrate AI into healthcare delivery. In our SingHealth Connection, we highlight a collaborative research study exploring the link between sensory abilities and brain health, emphasising the critical role of inter-disciplinary efforts in pushing boundaries of medical science.

As we navigate this issue, we honour the fusion of scientific exploration, philanthropic vision, and collaborative endeavour that define our community at Duke-NUS. These stories not only preview the exciting possibilities of future breakthroughs but also celebrate the persistent human drive to expand the realms of knowledge and compassion. It’s pretty amazing and humbling, really, to see our research get global nods from Futurity for the third year in a row—it just goes to show how much we’re all-in on pushing the envelope and making a difference together. 

So, get that hot cuppa of almond latte and step into our world to read the insightful stories we have curated for you. And let us know if you want to read about a particular subject, if we can, we will bring that to you, to truly make MEDICUS a publication of choice for you. 

 

Anirudh Sharma
Editor-in-chief