Author: Tony Zhang

The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In the past two years several variants have emerged that are spreading globally, with the most notorious one being the Delta and Omicron variant.  The newly discovered Omicron variant was first reported to World Health Organisation (WHO) from South Africa on 24th November 2021. On 26th November, WHO declared it as a variant of concern due to its highly transmissible nature. As of 16th December 2021, the Omicron variant has been identified in 89 countries across all six WHO regions. On 17th December,…

The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Scientists have developed multiple ways to test for infections. Commonly used methods in Asia include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, blood antibody test and self-administered antigen rapid test (ART). Recently, Singapore scientists have developed a new form of ART, which detects the presence of virus in saliva, including the latest Omicron variant.  Figure 1. SARS-CoV-2 3D Model How is it carried out?  Unlike the traditional ART, which people put the swab deep into the nasal cavity, the saliva ART is much less…

The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In the past two years, several variants have emerged that are spreading globally, with the most recent one known as the Omicron variant. With the most recent lessons learnt from the Delta variant, many countries, including several Asian countries, are acting quickly to curb the spread. It was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24th November 2021. On 26th November, the World Health Organisation declared it as a variant of concern due to its highly transmissible nature. In recent weeks,…

Interview on the COVID-19 omicron variant with Dr Leong Hoe Name, and Dr Ling Li Min from Rophi Clinic, Singapore The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In the past two years several variants have emerged that are spreading globally, with the most notorious one being the Delta variant. It was first detected in India in early 2020, now responsible for majority of the new cases and deaths worldwide. The newly discovered B.1.1.529 Omicron variant was first reported to World Health Organisation (WHO) from South Africa on 24th November 2021.…

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) manifests with gradual loss of kidney function over months to years. In early stages of CKD, patients might have very few signs or symptoms. In many cases patients do not realise the presence of CKD until an advanced stage.  Introduction: Functions of the kidneys The kidneys perform many vital functions: They filter about 200 litres of blood daily to produce around 2 litres of urine. In the process, they remove waste and excess fluid. They secrete hormones that regulate blood pressure (i.e. aldosterone), and production of red blood cells (i.e. erythropoietin). They balance the levels of…

What are the kidneys? The kidneys are a pair of red, bean shaped organs located on either side of our spine, below the rib cage. In a healthy adult, each kidney is 10-12 cm long, 5-7 cm wide and 2-3 cm thick. The right kidney is positioned a little lower in comparison to the left kidney, as it is compressed by the liver.  A long tube called the ureter connects each kidney to our bladder, which is located in the pubic region. Urine is temporarily stored in the bladder and expelled through the urethra through voluntary contractions.  Each kidney has…

Kidneys are one of the most important organs in our body. They remove excess fluids, salt, and waste materials from the blood for elimination in the urine. Every day, they filter about 200 litres of blood to produce approximately 2 litres of urine. Acute kidney injury (AKI), also known as acute renal failure, refers to a condition where the kidneys suddenly lose this ability to filter and excrete waste from blood, usually developing within hours to a few days. The resultant accumulation of waste products can rapidly damage your brain, lung, and heart function, and can be life-threatening. It is common…

Both fats and cholesterol belong to a wider group of chemical molecules called lipids. Lipids are one of the most important substances in our body with many different roles. There are three types of lipids: Triglyceride: commonly referred to as ‘fat’, is found in vegetable oil and fatty tissue in animals Phospholipid: the main component of cell membrane Steroid: plays important role in chemical signalling in animal and plant body. Some examples of steroids include cholesterol, testosterone, and androgen. Our body maintains a delicate balance of lipids to sustain our daily activities. People with high fat and cholesterol levels have…