The study led by researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School reveals that the fetal immune system can mount defenses against infections earlier than previously thought, challenging the assumption that fetuses rely solely on the mother’s immune system for protection. By studying Zika virus transmission from mother to fetus, the researchers found that immune cells like microglia play a protective role in limiting viral replication and neuroinflammation, while harmful immune responses from monocytes contribute to brain damage. Targeting specific immune responses, such as blocking Nos2 function, could be a potential therapeutic strategy for viral infections that cause brain inflammation in fetuses.
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About 4.7kg of heroin among drugs seized from car at Woodlands Checkpoint
SINGAPORE: A 41-year-old Singaporean man was arrested for attempting to smuggle approximately 4.7kg of heroin at Woodlands Checkpoint on April 16. Officers noticed suspicious behavior from the passenger of a Malaysian-registered car, leading to the discovery of various controlled drugs, including cannabis and Ice, with a combined estimated value of over S$845,500. The man also had additional drugs seized from his residence, and serious legal consequences await those found guilty of drug trafficking in Singapore....
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