Autism spectrum disorder affects males far more frequently than females, with diagnoses occurring roughly four times more often in boys. Scientists have long suspected that females may possess biological protective mechanisms that reduce vulnerability to autism, but direct experimental evidence has remained limited.

Researchers from The University of Osaka found that only a small subset of tumor-killing T cells undergoes extensive expansion during immunotherapy for multiple myeloma. By tracking individual cells, the team showed that the T-cell clones that later became dominant had already begun expanding shortly after the treatment started. The findings also suggest that highly proliferative immune cells show lower levels of exhaustion-related markers, offering new insights into why some patients respond better to immunotherapy.

Presented at the Population Association of Singapore (PAS) 2026 Annual Conference, new Singapore studies explore how modern family life, from infant childcare and paternity leave to children’s growing use of AI, is reshaping parenting and child development. The findings will also inform a joint NUS Medicine–PAS white paper on fertility and human development.

A genetic study suggests that earlier age at first sexual intercourse may be linked to less favorable aging outcomes later in life. The research found associations with poorer multidimensional aging profiles, shorter lifespan-related measures, and greater frailty, and identified frailty, low mood, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as possible pathways connecting early-life behavior with later-life aging.

People with severe asthma are often battling multiple health conditions that go undetected, say scientists. A study found that nearly all patients suffer from at least one other major health issue, while most are juggling three or more conditions.