Scientists have discovered a novel deafness gene, TMEM43, linked to auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD), a rare form of hearing loss that affects speech comprehension. The treatment involves cochlear implants, which have successfully restored speech discrimination in patients, offering new hope for those affected.
Researchers at CoReLS have realized the highest laser intensity ever reached, exceeding 1023 W/cm2. This achievement allows for the exploration of extreme physical conditions and novel physical phenomena, such as Compton scattering and photon-photon scattering in nonlinear regimes.
A research team observed hydrogen-bond structure of water molecules on graphene-water interfaces using vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy. They found that as the number of layers increases, graphene becomes increasingly hydrophobic. VSFG spectroscopy provides a detailed picture of interfacial water at the molecular level.
Researchers developed a new fluorescent probe, CDgB, that can selectively target the cell membranes of B lymphocytes over T lymphocytes. The probe works by exploiting differences in membrane structures between B and T cells, particularly phospholipid composition and cholesterol content.
A new study published in Global Biogeochemical Cycles provides estimates of the elusive component of the global carbon cycle. The researchers used two stable carbon isotopes to track carbon through different components of the cycle, finding much higher numbers for land-to-ocean carbon transfer
Researchers developed a nanoparticle-based MRI contrast agent called SAIO for high-resolution 3D microvascular imaging, outperforming traditional gadolinium-based agents. The agent provides excellent resolution and stability, allowing for accurate diagnosis of cerebro-cardiovascular diseases.
Climate models predict an increase in extreme ENSO-related swings in rainfall due to future ocean warming, but temperature difference between El Niño and La Niña may change little. Researchers found that increased rainfall sensitivity is key to understanding this phenomenon.
Researchers developed a novel protocol for artificial muscle regeneration using direct cell reprogramming and natural-synthetic hybrid scaffold. The bioengineered muscle fiber constructs showed improved mechanical stiffness, enhanced muscle differentiation, and functional recovery in a mouse model with severe muscle loss.
Researchers have developed a method to characterize topological phases of light using nonlinear instabilities, offering a simpler way to probe and generate these states. The approach exploits the quantized properties of vortices formed during modulational instability, providing a new tool for identifying different topological phases.
Researchers have observed the moment of initial crystal nucleation, revealing a stochastic fluctuation between disordered and crystalline states. The team proposed a new thermodynamic theory to explain this phenomenon, suggesting that energy barriers increase as crystals grow.
Researchers have created putty-like composites of gallium metal with improved handling properties, enabling new applications in wearable devices and medical implants. The composites also exhibit excellent electromagnetic interference shielding and thermal interface materials properties.
Researchers developed a novel multifaceted catalyst to access transient carbocation intermediates, achieving regiocontrolled elimination reactions. The new catalyst produces ring-shaped molecules highly sought after in synthetic, organic, and pharmaceutical chemistry.
A new study predicts that global warming will lead to fewer but more intense tropical cyclones, particularly category 3 or higher events, due to increased humidity and energy levels. The research used high-resolution supercomputer simulations to model the interaction between ocean heat content and tropical cyclones.
A novel multiple-cell cavity design, dubbed 'pizza cavity,' has been developed to address the challenges of searching for axion dark matter in high-frequency regions. The new design improves detection efficiency and allows for faster scanning of frequency ranges compared to conventional methods.
Developed by a team of researchers, the nanoPCR technology uses hybrid nanomaterials to detect viral RNA in under 11 minutes while maintaining high accuracy. The technique has been tested with 150 patients, showing zero false negatives and positives, and demonstrates its potential for rapid, decentralized point-of-care diagnosis.
A team of researchers developed a novel microscope that can image through an intact mouse skull, resolving fine internal structures deep within living tissues. The reflection matrix microscope combines hardware and software-based adaptive optics to reconstruct object images without loss of spatial resolution.
Researchers developed a highly efficient and long-lasting electrocatalyst for water oxidation using cobalt, iron, and ruthenium. The single atomic alloy catalyst's surface oxygen adsorption stabilizes the catalytic intermediate, increasing overall efficiency.
Researchers found that severe reactive astrocytes cause irreversible neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits in just 30 days. Mild reactive astrocytes can reverse their reactivity, but excessive oxidative stress transforms them into neurotoxic severe reactive astrocytes.
Researchers at IBS Center for Soft and Living Matter use laser to study cage formation in colloidal glasses, finding non-monotonic length scale peaking at onset temperature. The findings reveal complex dynamics underlying glass transition, with implications for understanding other glassy systems.
Scientists at the Institute for Basic Science successfully synthesized a large organic cage composed of multi-porphyrin units without using templates. The P12L24 cage has a truncated cuboctahedral structure and an inner cavity diameter of 4 nm, making it suitable for encapsulating large guest molecules.
Chemists from the Center for Multidimensional Carbon Materials discovered how oxygen affects the synthesis of a novel MOF; copper 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-benznetriol metal-organic framework. Oxygen prevents ligands from reducing Cu ions to Cu metal, facilitating MOF synthesis.
Researchers discovered a new approach to control chemical reaction reactivity using a single gold electrode, which can behave like multiple functional groups by switching applied voltage. This 'electro-inductive effect' enables in-situ tuning of electronic property and reactivity in the middle of a reaction.
Researchers discovered that astrocytes in the thalamus produce GABA to fine-tune the sense of touch. The production of GABA accelerates signal processing and sharpens sensitivity, allowing neurons to distinguish subtle changes in tactile stimuli.
Researchers at Institute for Basic Science have identified new subsets of gut connective cells crucial for lymphatic growth and fat digestion. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms that impair lacteal regeneration and reveal a link between intestinal environment and cell interactions.
Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science found that audible sound can control chemical reactions in solution by supplying energy sources into the air-liquid interface. The study created aesthetically pleasing patterns on the surface and bulk of the solution, exhibiting life-like behavior in synthetic molecules.
Scientists have found a way to measure the quantum distance of Bloch states in solids by applying a magnetic field, enabling the detection of anomalous Landau level spreading. This discovery reveals that the quantum metric plays a crucial role in determining material properties.
Researchers have discovered a way for chemical reactions to accelerate Brownian diffusion by sending long-range ripples into the surrounding solvent. This finding challenges the traditional view of molecular motion and chemical reaction being decoupled.
A novel method to grow multi-layered, single-crystalline graphene with a selected stacking order in a wafer scale has been developed. The researchers used Cu-Si alloy formation to control the number of graphene layers, allowing for uniform large-area single-crystalline layer-tunable multilayer graphene growth.
Researchers discovered a novel exciton state in magnetic van der Waals material NiPS3, which is intrinsically a quantum state arising from a transition between two energy states. This breakthrough has significant implications for the field of quantum information and computing.
Researchers have identified a novel mechanism underlying post-stroke recovery and developed a potential therapeutic approach by inhibiting astrocytic GABA synthesis. Treatment with KDS2010 alleviates cortical diaschisis and improves motor function in animal models, suggesting a new treatment direction for stroke patients.
Researchers developed a highly effective and safe nanocrystal to combat deadly radiation, increasing survival rates and reducing oxidative stress by five times compared to individual components.
A study by IBS researchers compared 13 SpCas9 variants and identified optimal PAM sequences, finding evoCas9 has highest specificity but low activity. A computational tool, DeepSpCas9variants, was developed to predict SpCas9 variant activities, providing a useful guide for researchers.
Scientists have visualized every moment of ultrafast chemical bonding, revealing two separate stages and molecular vibrations. The breakthrough study uses femtosecond x-ray scattering to track atomic positions in real-time, improving upon previous methods.
Researchers have identified Angiopoietin-2 as a hormone that enables the proper transport of fatty acids into blood vessels, preventing insulin resistance and promoting healthier weight distribution. By targeting this mechanism, scientists hope to develop novel therapeutic strategies for treating obesity-induced metabolic disorders.
Researchers screened 163,000 DNA mutations in C. elegans roundworms to understand the interplay between DNA damage and faulty repair systems. The study found that multiple DNA repair pathways work together to prevent mutagenesis, and a single mutagen can leave varying mutational signatures depending on the faulty repair system.
The research team created A4 paper-sized single-crystal metal foils with various surface structures by seeded annealing. They found that the surface energy of Cu foils can be tuned to produce desired surface types, enabling scalable synthesis of large transition metal single crystal foils.
Researchers at Institute for Basic Science develop new method to study superconductors using optical tools, enabling exploration of fluctuating superconductivity. Theoretical model shows significant changes in electric conductivity and light absorption near critical temperature.
New computer model simulations suggest that Neanderthals' rapid decline was due to competition with Homo sapiens for resources. The model, which considers climate change and interbreeding, shows that Homo sapiens had a significant advantage in exploiting existing food resources.
A fidget spinner-inspired device can diagnose urinary tract infections in 50 minutes, outperforming traditional laboratory methods. The portable technology uses a novel fluid-assisted separation mechanism to rapidly enrich pathogens from urine samples.
A research team found that PTPδ is crucial for synaptic development and sleep behavior in mice. Genetic deletion of PTPδ leads to disruptions in brain structure, function, and behavior, resulting in hyper-locomotor activity, increased anxiety, and decreased sleep.
Researchers discovered that presynaptic PTPσ trans-synaptically regulates postsynaptic NMDA receptor responses, enabling novelty recognition in mice. Mice lacking PTPσ showed impaired social novelty recognition and failed to recognize new objects, stranger mice, and rules.
Researchers at IBS South Korea successfully dissected SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome, mapping subgenomic RNAs to viral proteins. The study reveals dozens of unknown RNAs with potential roles in immune evasion.
Researchers developed a new technique to detect the aggregation state of amyloid beta proteins in solution, which could aid early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The technique uses terahertz waves and provides a dementia quotient index to distinguish between protein states.
Researchers have developed a new methodology to resolve the 3D structure of individual nanoparticles with atomic-level resolution, six times smaller than the smallest atom. This breakthrough enables scientists to control nanoparticle properties and behavior in various environments.
Researchers at Institute for Basic Science (IBS) in South Korea have reported the first high-sensitivity results of their axion dark matter search. They used a custom-made CAPP-8TB haloscope to detect potential axions, finding no evidence within a specific mass range.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach to selectively target and kill several types of cancer cells using nanoparticles that assemble into crystals. The crystals induce lysosomal swelling, loss of membrane integrity, and cell death in cancer cells but do not harm non-cancerous cells.
Scientists have created a conducting boundary with zero bandgap in hexagonal boron nitride sheets by stacking ultrathin sheets in a particular way. This discovery could lead to the development of new all-hBN or all 2D nanoelectronic devices.
Researchers developed an optogenetic method called mRNA-LARIAT to control mRNA position and translation in living cells. The technique uses blue light to trap specific mRNAs, reducing protein synthesis and cell motility.
A study published in PNAS reveals that Antarctic sea-ice played a crucial role in past climate transitions, storing extra carbon in the deep ocean and reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. Sea ice formation increases storage of carbon in the deep ocean, leading to a 30 ppm drawdown of atmospheric CO2.
Researchers have developed sensitive and specific potassium nanosensors that can monitor dynamic changes of potassium ions in the brain during epileptic seizures. These nanosensors enable the accurate sensing of potassium levels in different parts of the brain, facilitating the diagnosis and therapy of epilepsy.