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.

Three new Virginia Tech studies are taking aim at tobacco use from different angles — from quitting support to purchasing behavior to policy insights — with a focus on reducing cancer risk and improving health outcomes.