News Source: Asia University News
The "China-Asia University Alliance," a system of schools comprising China Medical University and Asia University, hosted the 2nd "2022 International Conference on Advanced Biomedical Sciences" (ICABS) for three days starting November 4. The event invited 21 heavyweight scholars in the field of biomedicine from Taiwan and abroad, including Nobel laureate Dr. Michael Rosbash, top international cancer scholars, members of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, and 10 domestic experts, to share their latest research findings. Asia University President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai was invited to deliver a speech, discussing how Asia University research teams are utilizing AI, machine learning, and biomedical data science to advance cancer-related research, enabling early detection and improving recovery rates.
The "2022 International Conference on Advanced Biomedical Sciences" was held at the International Conference Hall of the Excellence Building at the Shui Nan Main Campus of China Medical University. World-leading scholars gathered to discuss current and forward-looking biomedical issues of paramount importance both domestically and internationally, including: cancer signaling, cancer metabolism, the application of induced pluripotent stem cells in cancer therapy, cancer immunology, innovative technologies and translation, and novel cancer treatments.
China Medical University President Hung Ming-Chi stated that the "International Conference on Advanced Biomedical Sciences" was first held last year and sparked significant discussion within the domestic life sciences community. This year, the conference continues to focus primarily on cancer medical research. In recent years, Taiwan's biomedical research achievements have seen unprecedented progress in both quality and quantity. However, there are many correlations and mutual needs between various fields of biomedical research, necessitating strengthened interaction and integration across disciplines. Through direct dialogue with master scientists, Taiwan's research highlights can be concretely presented, ensuring that Taiwan's achievements in life sciences are recognized globally.
During his invited speech, Asia University President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai pointed out that contemporary biomedical research requires continuous knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. He emphasized that the integration of different professional fields is crucial, which is why so many domestic and international experts gathered at ICABS to collectively solve urgent problems in biomedical science.
President Tsai noted that according to the top ten causes of death for 2021 published by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, cancer has ranked first for 40 consecutive years. According to World Health Organization statistics, cancer is also a leading cause of death globally; in 2020 alone, nearly 10 million people worldwide died from cancer, accounting for nearly one-sixth of all deaths globally. By avoiding risk factors and following preventable measures, a cancer prevention rate of 30% to 50% can be achieved. If detected early and treated appropriately, many cancers still have a high chance of recovery.
President Tsai stated that Asia University research teams are therefore utilizing AI, machine learning, and biomedical data science to drive cancer-related research. One research group used bioinformatics to screen for gene mutations associated with colorectal cancer and then validated these mutations using samples from Taiwanese colorectal cancer patients. The identified genes—APC, TP53, PIK3CA, and FAT4—were found in the blood and can serve as detection targets for early cancer screening. Another team used machine learning methods for Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and identified 33 genetic characteristics of glioblastoma (GBM), as well as the potential key role of the GPX8 gene in different tumors. Several other studies are currently ongoing.
At the summit, President Tsai also shared with top global scholars that in the 2023 World University Rankings published by Times Higher Education, China Medical University and Asia University ranked 265th and 384th in the world, respectively. Both universities are vigorously developing academics, teaching, and research, hoping to lead society toward a better direction.