Tag: Thailand

At about the same time that a new type of green frog was found in the forests of Myanmar, Dr. Panupong Thammachoti a lecturer at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University has also found two new types of stream frogs in the Bago region to the north of Yangon, Myanmar.

For Dr. Panupong, a taxonomist and ecologist who has continuously researched reptiles and amphibians in this region, the discovery of these frogs in Myanmar is a reflection of the biodiversity in Southeast Asia which we all should be aware of and work together to ensure its survival.

Genome technology reveals the heredity of a new species of frogs

This discovery is a result of the collaboration between research teams from three countries – Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Science, East Yangon University of Myanmar, and Germany’s Senckenberg Forschungs institut und Naturmuseum led by Prof. Dr. Gunther Köhler, an expert in taxonomy and genome technology for reptiles and amphibians.

“We took two years to conduct our research and most of the time was spent collecting specimens both in Thailand and Myanmar after which the frogs were sent for analysis at the Senckenberg laboratory in Germany. The process involved applying our knowledge in physics that’s applied to biology to examine the DNA, analyze the vocal variations of frogs, as well as study the genome, or the entire genetic data of these frogs until we found two of the world’s newest species of frogs.” Dr. Panupong explained the process of the research project on the diversity of stream frogs in Myanmar, and the mountain range in the western and southern part of Thailand which began in 2019.

The study that led to the discovery of the two species of stream frogs has been documented and published in the international journal, Diversity, in August of 2021.

The characteristics of the world’s new stream frogs

Dr. Panupong explained the general characteristics of the stream frog that “their habitat is in the streams of tropical forests like the jungles in the western and southern part of Thailand. The size of each frog is about 3-5 centimeters. Their bodies are brown and appear much like a leaf which is a form of camouflage. These frog species only make mating calls at night. As tadpoles, they live around the streams where the gush of water isn’t very strong and when they are fully grown will move to the side of the stream. They are found mostly in the rainy season which is their mating season.”

The two newly discovered species of stream frogs are the Bago Stream Frog (Limnonectes bagoensis) and the Bamboo Forest Bago Frog (Limnonectes bagoyoma).

“Both types of frogs are similar in that their skin is slippery, they are dark brown or brown mixed with olive green. Their forelegs have four toes without connective tissue while the hind legs have five toes with connective tissues that enable them to swim. The skin on their backs is quite smooth with only a few lumps while the skin on their stomachs is white or cream-colored, very smooth and not lumpy.”

“In terms of differences, the Bago Stream Frog has a black strip from the end of its nose to the side of the ear and its body size is 30-49 centimeters. It is larger than the Bamboo Forest Bago Frog which measures 23-29 centimeters.”

Relationship between frogs and the ecosystem

The discovery of these new species of frogs is a good indicator of the fertility of the forests in Southeast Asia since the habitat of these frogs are natural bodies of water that are clean, clear, and always flowing.

Although there are still some stream frogs remaining, Dr. Panupong reminds us that the numbers are dwindling and if deforestation continues the changes in forest conditions could eventually lead to the frogs’ extinction.

“We hope that the knowledge generated from this research will let people see the importance of forests and refrain from cutting down trees and destroying forests. It is also important to find ways to develop the appropriate form of ecotourism that also leads to the conservation of forests.” Dr. Panupong added.

The future of other species discoveries

Dr. Panupong continues to study and disseminate knowledge on reptiles and amphibians in Thailand. He plans to further his research on stream frogs and frogs in the south of Thailand which have features that are similar to frogs found in Myanmar. Research will also be carried out on other reptiles such as the world’s new skink found on the mountains of Indonesia, the Kukri snake which isn’t poisonous but often likes to eat the eggs of poisonous snakes, and the rattlesnake which is highly poisonous. We often hear news of people being bitten by this type of snake.

Dr. Panupong ended by sharing his opinion that “The discovery of new animal species is an indicator of the fertility of forests in our region.

I believe there are still a large number of reptiles and amphibians waiting for us to discover and study. Research on these animals will enable us to understand the significance of the animal life that coexists with humans in the ecosystem. Some of the reptiles and amphibians can be beneficial in terms of science and technology.

Even if their appearance isn’t as attractive as other animals and some are also poisonous but they are important to the ecosystem, the study and research on natural history and biology which also includes the way of life of these animals will help us humans to be able to sustainably maintain the balance of the ecosystem.”

Chulalongkorn University Technology Center (UTC) urges Deep Tech researchers to push forth deep innovations onto the market, promote business ventures, and be the driving force in the Thai economy.

DeepGI artificial intelligence detection of colorectal cancer, Aqua Innovac needle-free aqua vaccine for farmed fish, ReadMe by eikonnex.ai, an artificial intelligence device that reads texts, images, and videos and transfers them to digital documents.

These are but a few of the 30 outstanding innovations from in-depth research or Deep Tech by Chulalongkorn Universities researchers and their networks supported by Chulalongkorn University Technology Center: UTC.

According to Dr. Pravee Kruachottikul who heads Chulalongkorn University Technology Center (UTC) “Good research not only contributes towards cultivating academic knowledge but can also be of added value when it is put to actual use. UTC is determined to provide a platform to accelerate Deep Tech research works onto the market by creating impactful research that sustainably addresses social and economic questions.”

Deep Tech is in-depth technology that is highly complex and cannot be easily imitated within a short time which proves advantageous in the highly competitive business arenas. Dr. Pravee also added that there are a large number of Deep Tech research in Thailand that have been published and are widely accepted internationally, but unfortunately, haven’t been utilized fully. Moreover, if researchers were to work on their own, they might not be able to add the commercial dimension to their work in a more substantial manner. UTC was therefore established to address this gap.

“Innovations deriving from Deep Tech can be patented, and are therefore able to add social and economic value following Chula’s Innovations for Society concept.”

How does UTC provide support for Deep Tech research?

Currently, UTC concentrates on working with three types of Deep Tech research, namely Artificial Intelligence (AI), Medical Technology (MedTech), and Biotechnology (BioTech). Its work begins with a search for Deep Tech research, after which UTC will work closely with the research team to improve its capacity for commercialization and specific technology readiness by UTC’s qualified specialists as well as its alliance of experts comprising experts in innovation project development, and business planning.

They will help in offering advice at various stages such as business model development, market testing, selection of commercial models, etc. Experts in business laws and patent strategies can offer advice on such matters as the IP landscape or food and drugs registration.

Specialists in specific areas, such as applied AI in medical technology will offer their advice on how to conduct clinical trials, disbursement systems, or strategies for ensuring physician’s adoption of technology, etc. There are also coaches from outside Chulalongkorn University who provide advice on innovation development, some of whom are Chula alumni, business practitioners, and those working on social projects.

Developing Deep Tech for the Innovation Market

Dr. Pravee explained that turning research into a commercialized innovation should not extend over 12 months. The process entails the three major steps:

1. The search for available research
UTC is constantly on the lookout for and welcomes submissions of research and has committees to consider plausible research projects. Once the research has been accepted, another team of experts on innovation development will oversee the project to enhance its business potentials alongside technological development until a primary business model is derived. They are then able to assess the potential of the research in providing solutions for the target market and whether there are interested customers.

2. Product Development and field testing with potential customers or actual product users.
With the derived business plan, the research team can soon develop a model that can then undergo actual market testing with the target group. UTC’s experts or coaches in various dimensions are there to provide advice after which the test results are applied to make changes or improvements as needed so that the product follows the direction set within the determined timeframe.

3. Proceeding with the commercial aspect
Once the desired product has been developed, the next step is to plan how to handle its commercial aspect to derive the highest benefits. UTC’s experts are there to provide such useful information as legal matters, patent application, the transmission of technology/patents from the university, negotiations with business partners, and fundraising for example.

UTC’s Deep Tech Innovations

For almost three years (2019 onward), the UTC has played a part in cultivating more than 36 Deep Tech research projects. At the end of 2021, the UTC Deep Tech Demo Day was organized to showcase outstanding AI and MedTech Innovations from 15 teams that showed the potential to become Thailand’s Deep Tech Startups in the future. The event had online booths displaying more than 30 AI and MedTech innovations and also featured a Business Matching activity with agencies from both the government and private sectors. Internationally renowned experts were invited to share their expertise on matters related to Deep Tech. Some of the innovations presented at the event are as follows:

ReadMe by eikonnex.ai
by researchers from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering — an AI innovation with the ability to read texts in Thai and English along with symbols on documents, images, and videos and transform them into digital documents that can be used in various ways, such as company’s financial documents storage, credit scoring for bank loans, etc.

Aqua Innovac
a needleless vaccine for farmed fish by researchers from the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University. An innovation that prevents infection from a bacterium that causes Branchiomycosis or “gill rot disease”, and reduces deaths in fish caused by stress after vaccination with needles.

DeepGI
by a joint research team from the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Medicine that features AI detection of colorectal cancer that improves diagnosis and reduces the number of examination errors.

How does one join UTC projects?

Not only does UTC lend its support to researchers affiliated with Chulalongkorn University, but it is also open to Deep Tech researchers from elsewhere, especially in the fields of AI, MedTech, and Biotech which are UTC’s main concentrations. Other Deep Tech research works are also welcome.

Dr. Pravee concluded that students who are interested in Deep Tech but do not have any research works can also join the UTC team to undergo practical training.

Chulalongkorn University’s researchers have developed a cervical cancer test kit that uses urine samples. A simple, accurate, and fast method of early detection is guaranteed for its quality by the 2021 Outstanding Inventions Award from the National Research Council of Thailand.

Cervical cancer can be cured if detected in its early stages. Many women are, however, deterred by the rather high cost of the screening procedure, and the pap smear testing method. This leads to late detection that can cause cancer to spread making it harder to treat.

Today, there is a new invention that makes cervical cancer treatment a simpler and pain-free procedure that can be done frequently.

The HPV paper-based DNA sensor testing kits for cervical cancer developed by the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University’s research team comprising Prof. Dr. Orawan Chailapakul, Dr. Prinjaporn Tee-ngam, Sarida Naorungroj, Dr. Somrak Petchcomchai along with Prof. Dr. Tirayut Vilaivan

Dr. Prinjaporn, one of the main researchers on the team discussed how this innovation was conceived, “The government has consistently urged women to get tested for cervical cancer. One of the limitations of the original form of testing which requires taking a sample of cells from the cervix on stirrups invokes fear in many women who would rather avoid the test altogether. For this reason, we have tried to find an easier way that most women would feel more comfortable with. This could help to increase the number of those being tested as well as the frequency of their tests so that if any anomalies are found, then treatment can be immediately provided.”

Getting to know cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer of women in Thailand after breast cancer with an incidence rate of 10,000 new cases per year affecting women between the ages of 30-60 and claiming as many as 5,000 deaths each year. The Ministry of Public Health recommends that from the age of 25 women should receive regular screening for cervical cancer every five years.

Prof. Dr. Orawan explains that cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted disease, mainly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The use of condoms as protection cannot prevent such transmission, and the HPV vaccine is not yet prevalent or provides 100% protection against cervical cancer.

She also stressed that “Most of those who have been affected are asymptomatic which makes it necessary for us to still be tested regularly since that is a crucial way to prevent us from the disease and death.”

The HPV paper-based DNA sensor testing kits

The cervical cancer testing kits are easier and much faster than the Pap Smear or Pap Tests currently in use. It eliminates the need to insert a tool and hold the vaginal walls open as well as swabbing over the cervix to take cell samples that are sent to the lab for testing.

“HPV paper-based sensor testing is a way to test the DNA of the HPV virus by using PNA (Peptide Nucleic Acid) which is a synthetic substance that imitates our DNA designed to be specific according to the cells being tested which can be specified since HPV comes in many different strains and not all strains cause cervical cancer. When designing the substance, we needed to determine which strains there were when it comes to HPV infection,” said Prof. Dr. Orawan.

The HPV paper-based sensor testing kit is something that a lot of us are already familiar with from the ATK tests we have undergone for COVID-19.

“The urine is mixed in a solution then dropped onto the paper after which we notice the change in color of the solution. Normally the color of the solution is bright red but if the urine is contaminated by the virus the color appears lighter. The brightness of the color varies according to the amount of the virus. We have an additional tool, used with the colorimeter application on smartphones that helps make the color more visible.”

Prof. Dr. Orawan assured us that the HPV paper-based sensor testing kit has been tested and shows a high level of accuracy with a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 78%, and reproducibility rate of 100%.”

The HPV Testing Kits have not been produced for home use. They are, however, being used in health centers and community hospitals.

“In the urine, there are fewer DNA materials than in tissues, which means we need to have a device that increases the DNA level so that the change of color is more visible and the device is already in use in the clinics and community hospitals.”

How to watch over our health to stay away from cervical cancer

Prof. Dr. Orawan left us with some tips on how to help women stay safe from cervical cancer. “First, women should make sure they always keep their vaginal areas clean. Vaccinations are good but the prevention they offer isn’t a hundred percent. The best way is to have regular cervical cancer checkups for early detection and treatment.”

The research team hopes that this innovation will motivate women to get themselves tested regularly, with a simple and painless process, at an affordable price. Each test kit should not exceed 500 baht.

Prof. Dr. Orawan left us with these words. “We’d like to see women getting cervical cancer tests regularly as advised by the Ministry of Public Health. Therefore, we have tried to make the cost of these kits as low as possible to make them easily accessible. It would be ideal if women can be tested regularly, for example once a month at a health center nearby.”

Nursing facilities or agencies interested in these HPV paper-based DNA sensor testing kits may contact Prof. Dr. Orawan Chailapakul at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, email address [email protected] for more information.

Chula researchers recently launched a fast-acting, alcohol-free disinfectant for viruses and bacteria that is gentle on the hands. Nationally patented, the innovation was selected as a souvenir for the Thailand Research Expo 2021.

Frequently applying alcohol spray or gel helps reduce your chance of contracting the COVID-19 virus but at the cost of dry and itchy hands. This was the problem that Assistant Professor Dr. Rojrit Rojanathanes, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University determined to solve, and succeeded in developing “Medical Antiseptic and Moisturizing Spray” that can kill the COVID-19 virus, and bacteria within one minute.

“As a replacement for alcohol spray, we invented this product that has no side effects, is non-irritating, and non-flammable. More importantly, it is cheaper than alcohol,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Rojrit.

With this special feature, the innovative Medical Antiseptic and Moisturizing Spray were selected as a souvenir at the Thailand Research Expo 2021 at Centara Grand Hotel, and Central World’s Bangkok Convention Center, Bangkok, November 22-26, 2021.

Assistant Professor Amornpun Sereemaspun, M.D., Head of the Nanomedicine Research Unit and Director of the Chula Medical Innovation Center (CMIC) who proposed the alcohol-free disinfectant idea to Asst Prof.Dr.Rojrit to develop it into a product added that “healthcare workers and the general public need to use disinfectant products several times daily. This irritates the skin making it very dry, and even develops open wounds. So, we think non-alcohol disinfectant is much needed.”

Medical Antiseptic and Moisturizing Spray, a new all-over-body solution
This antiseptic product is nothing new. It is a combination of existing items to create a new product that is more effective and affordable.

“We use a substance whose membrane has positively charged ions to destroy the cell membrane of the coronavirus. A certain compound is also added to the solution to inhibit the enzyme activity of the virus, enhancing the efficacy of the spray,” Asst. Prof. Dr. Rojrit explained while adding that the various compounds used in the product are certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for their ability to kill various microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and are harmless to users.

Another outstanding feature of the product apart from killing pathogens is its moisturizing property.

“The alcohol used for disinfection is highly concentrated, and may cause irritation to the user’s skin and it is flammable. We, therefore, invented a water-based disinfectant as a substitute. Apart from its non-irritating quality, it is also not as volatile as alcohol, so the solution can stay on the skin for a long time. It also sticks to the face mask or clothing when sprayed, and remains effective longer than alcohol,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Rojrit. “The product comes in spray form that can be used on the body where moisturization and disinfectant are needed. There is no need to rinse and it can be reapplied every four hours, but avoid eye, mouth, and nasal cavity areas. The spray can be stored for up to two years.”

At present, the product is registered as a national patent and is in the process of technology transfer to SCG Chemicals Co., Ltd. for distribution. The technology is also open to any entrepreneurs who are interested in commercializing the product.

Based on the research “Comparative Microbiome Analysis for the Probiotics Development” with the support of the Thailand Research Fund (TRF), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit Pongpirul, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D. Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University discovered several probiotics that help reduce blood lipids, liver fat, and skin fat, and was inspired to create the Personalized Probiotics (Dispensing) Machine (PPM) so that each person receives the correct dose and strains as needed.

“This device can dispense probiotics to people with poor microbial homeostasis, and people who lack certain beneficial microorganisms, including those with unknown illnesses, to boost and maintain the balance of microorganisms within the body,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit.

Microbial balance for good health
In our body reside hundreds of intestinal microorganisms, on which humans rely to maintain bodily balance.

“The right amounts of good microbes in the body help optimize the metabolic system, especially for fat and sugar, and prevent or reduce allergy, fight against pathogens and some forms of cancer,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit said, adding that he is currently conducting research to compare the microorganisms in various cancer patients, e.g. cervical cancer1-2, colon cancer3-4, breast cancer5-6, and prostate cancer, etc.

Symptoms of dysbiosis
When the body lacks certain beneficial microorganisms, it will suffer an imbalance of microorganisms or dysbiosis with symptoms such as frequent bloating, diarrheas, bad breath, chronic allergies, rough skin, excessively oily skin, insomnia, stress, and premature aging, and so on.

“For example, some patients come to the doctor with several ‘minor’ symptoms such as insomnia, rashes, sneezing, obesity, and mood swings. From a general examination, these symptoms are unexplained health problems, and the doctor will just treat the symptoms. Many are found to suffer from dysbiosis, and when treated with tailored probiotics, their conditions gradually improve,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit said.

Microbial Test Kit
Everybody needs different types of probiotics, and each day, those in the body fluctuate, both in quantity and diversity. Consumption of generic probiotics available in the market may not always be beneficial. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit suggested checking for your microorganism deficiency and just replenishing those the body lacks.

“Currently, hospitals have labs to test for microbial imbalances and often use the “16s rRNA sequencing” technology. Yet, tests are quite pricey and take two to three weeks to produce the results. By then, the body microorganisms would have already changed, and the results, obsolete.”

Such problems motivated Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit to develop a “portable microbial test kit” (2,500 baht per set) that can be done at home.

“Currently, one kit contains five tests that can be done by dissolving feces in buffer solution and drop into each of the five tests. Wait 15 minutes to read and record the results to forward to the doctor who makes the diagnosis, and order personalized dose and types of probiotics.”

Targeted Probiotic Therapy
Once the deficiency is detected, the prescription requires specificity, hence the Personalized Probiotics (Dispensing) Machine that keeps the products fresh and nearly 100% alive.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit went on to explain that “once the patients have their test results, the doctor will make the diagnosis for further treatment done in three steps.”

1. Information intake and patients’ touchpoint: patients’ test data entry into the system to calculate the appropriate dose and variety of the probiotics;
2. Compartmentalized probiotics harvest: preparation of probiotics under temperature and humidity control;
3. Dispensing of personalized probiotics using the dispenser.

“The dispenser will provide liquid probiotics that patients can drink instantly for freshness while the microorganisms are still alive. All 23 types of the microorganisms match the FDA’s s Announcement,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit confirmed.

“The probiotic supplements in the market may only be about 50 percent live, thus their ability to balance the bodily systems are drastically inferior.”

Moreover, the personalized probiotics dispenser can dispense both single-strain and multi-strain probiotics, as well as desired types, and quantities.

A Breakthrough in Probiotic Therapy for Balanced Bodily Systems
Currently, the personalized probiotics dispenser has been petty patented, and the units are being manufactured. However, their use needs to be kept under the supervision of trained medical practitioners for the utmost safety and benefit of the patients.

“Those interested in microbial homeostasis are welcome to come for a consultation at Phor Por Ror Building, 16th Floor, Preventive Medicine, every Wednesday morning. The treatment should be done five consecutive times (1 course). In the beginning, the doctor will make appointments for an overall checkup, and bi-weekly probiotic drinks. Once the body is balanced, patients can increase the intervals between visits. Each course of treatment costs about 10,000 baht.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit expects that both the portable test kit, and the personalized probiotics dispenser will be available in the market, hospitals, and health centers in early 2022. He also mentioned a joint investment with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and the private sector to develop ready-to-drink probiotics for lipid metabolism.

A balanced diet to increase probiotics in your body
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit said that 96% of good health is from preventive care. Adding beneficial microorganisms into the body is one way to maintain its biological balance. Eating yogurt, kimchi, and fermented foods in daily life is a start.

“Choosing the right yogurt for your body can be done by observation. Each brand has different types of probiotics, so you should try consuming the same brand for seven days. Then switch, and observe if you become bloated, or have diarrhea. Jot down daily notes on how you feel to analyze the response of the body. You will find the right microorganisms that the body needs at that time,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krit concluded.

Those interested in microbial homeostasis can come for a consultation at Phor Por Ror Building, 16th Floor, Preventive Medicine, every Wednesday morning, or contact Tel. 0-2256-5425.