The recent publication of 2 studies of the genetics of coronary heart disease1,2 provides an opportune moment to reassess strategies and progress towards the time when the genetic investment in this common cause of death and disability will be repaid with better detection and prevention. This article is available only...

Asthma today affects more than 300 million people worldwide and its prevalence is increasing, particularly among children. The rise in asthma prevalence has been likened to an epidemic, and is expected to afflict up to 400 million people by 2025.1 In Singapore, it is estimated that 1 in 5...

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have emerged as one of the most challenging nosocomial threats in the past decade globally.1,2 Although antibiotic exposure may facilitate VRE transmission by providing selective advantage for VRE and increasing the concentration of VRE in the stools, antibiotic use in association with de novo development of...

Experts have warned that Asia may be the next influenza pandemic epicentre.1 In order to reduce the risks of genetic shifts in the avian influenza virus, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended seasonal influenza vaccination for healthcare workers who may be exposed to both human and avian strains...

The recent advent of 3 Tesla (T) very high field magnetic resonance (MR) systems into clinical practice has enabled a variety of exciting developments in both clinical and research applications. The main advantage of 3T MR imaging is increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which increases in an approximately linear fashion...