In 2024, SMART's focus on impactful solutions for global issues like disease management, tackling global food security challenges, and resilience strategies to tackle pressing global challenges solidifies its position as a scientific leader in Singapore and beyond. SMART's remarkable achievements have yielded impactful research and significant breakthroughs. Discover some of the latest developments from SMART and how they are shaping the future of technology and research, both in Singapore and around the world.
Critical Analytics for Manufacturing Personalized-Medicine (CAMP): Revolutionising Stem Cell Extraction and T-cell Therapy
At SMART CAMP Interdisciplinary Research Group (IRG), researchers are pushing the boundaries of scientific innovation in cell therapy by developing two groundbreaking technologies that have the potential to revolutionise CAR T-cell therapy and stem cell extraction, opening up new possibilities for advanced medical treatments.
Researchers at CAMP have made a significant leap forward in CAR T-cell therapy, with potential benefits for the treatment of leukaemia and lymphoma. The researchers have developed a novel method capable of producing clinical doses of viable autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells in an ultra-small automated closed-system microfluidic chip, roughly the size of a pack of cards. This pioneering method not only reduces manufacturing space but also improves efficiency and resource use, paving the way for more affordable and accessible cell therapies and potentially enabling point-of-care manufacturing of CAR T-cells in hospitals and wards. Their ongoing work focuses on scaling up the research and expanding its use in clinical, point-of-care settings.
CAMP researchers have also achieved a breakthrough in cartilage repair. This groundbreaking method was developed to predict the effectiveness of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for cartilage regeneration and is a major step forward for treating conditions like osteoarthritis, where MSCs are essential for tissue repair. Their innovative approach utilises advanced technologies to improve the accuracy and efficiency of MSC-based therapies, opening doors for future advancements in regenerative medicine. CAMP is further refining these predictive methods and exploring their application in broader therapeutic areas.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Combating the threat of Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious global health threat as bacteria, viruses, and other microbes become increasingly resistant to existing drugs. The SMART AMR IRG is at the forefront of the fight against this challenge, developing innovative solutions to address this critical public health issue.
Researchers at SMART AMR have achieved a significant breakthrough in understanding drug resistance mechanisms in malaria parasites. Their recent study provides crucial insights into how these parasites adapt and evade treatment, offering a detailed understanding at the molecular level. This advancement enhances the capacity to develop more effective antimalarial therapies and guides ongoing efforts to prevent and manage drug resistance globally. Their ongoing work includes the discovery and development of small molecule and biological therapeutics that target RNA modifications in viruses, bacteria, parasites, and cancer.
Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP): Transforming Agriculture with Disruptive and Sustainable Solutions
The DiSTAP IRG is a leading force in agricultural innovation. By employing an innovative blend of adaptive sensors, biomaterials, and algorithms in urban farms, the IRG is directly addressing global food security challenges by enabling farmers to control and maximise yields and improve crop modularity globally.
Researchers from DiSTAP are leading the development of advanced sensor multiplexing technology designed to decode various plant stresses in real-time and are poised to revolutionise agricultural practices. This innovative approach combines multiple sensors to simultaneously monitor indicators like pathogens, temperature, drought, salinity, metals, UV light, and osmotic stress. By delivering precise, timely data essential for optimising crop health and yield, SMART aims to enhance agricultural sustainability and resilience. This ongoing research highlights SMART's commitment to advancing agricultural solutions and addressing global food security challenges through cutting-edge sensor technologies.
Peatlands Research: Advancing Pervasive Environmental Sensing and Modeling
Researchers from SMART and NTU (Nanyang Technological University) in Singapore have developed a new method to precisely quantify carbon stored in bogs. This breakthrough not only improves understanding and management of these ecosystems but also offers a powerful tool for mitigating climate change.
The method allows scientists, governments and policymakers to predict the amount of carbon released if peatlands are converted for agriculture or development. This information is crucial for informed land-use decisions that can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, the ability to pinpoint areas well-suited for peatland restoration supports targeted conservation efforts, promoting biodiversity and preventing wildfires fueled by dry peatlands, hence offering deeper insights for environmental conservation and climate action.
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SMART is dedicated to tackling society's most pressing challenges in Singapore or globally by driving positive change across diverse fields. From groundbreaking healthcare solutions to innovative sustainable cities, SMART's research is dedicated to building a safer, more resilient future.
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