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Institute for Basic Science


Unveiling how lymph nodes regulate immune response

Scientists uncover how lymph nodes' development is controlled by the Hippo pathway, shedding light on their role in regulating immune responses. The research found that impaired Hippo signaling can lead to fibrosis or transformation of fat cells, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for diseases affecting systemic immunity.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2020

New roles for DNA-packaging proteins

Researchers found that linker histone H1 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation in the nucleus, forming droplets with densely packed DNA and enriching with protein HP1α. This process segregates heterochromatin from euchromatin, revealing a new function of histones in gene regulation.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 4, 2020

2D materials boost carrier multiplication

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science discovered a carrier multiplication process in 2D semiconductors that could improve the efficiency of solar cells. The phenomenon is more efficient in 2D materials than in bulk semiconductors and has the potential to increase the maximum power conversion efficiency up to 46%

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2019

Why are we so drawn to places of happy memories?

Researchers identified astrocytic mu-opioid receptors as key to conditioned place preference, a mechanism underlying addictive behaviors. The study found that astrocytic MORs in the hippocampus release glutamates, increasing synaptic transmissions and inducing long-term potentiation, which is responsible for spatial memory acquisition.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 30, 2019

Heterogeneous catalyst goes enzymatic

Researchers have developed an enzyme-like heterogeneous TiO2 photocatalyst with high catalytic activity for hydrogen production. The catalyst's unique enzymatic characteristics enable it to efficiently convert light energy into H2, rivaling the performance of expensive Pt-TiO2 photocatalysts.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 22, 2019

Natural climate processes overshadow recent human-induced Walker circulation trends

A new study reveals that recent intensification of the equatorial Pacific wind system known as Walker Circulation is unrelated to human influences and can be explained by natural processes. The observed strengthening of the Walker circulation from about 1990-2013 was a naturally occurring phenomenon, contrary to projections of anthropo...

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 1, 2019

Righty or lefty, as you like

Researchers developed a new iridium catalyst for the selective synthesis of chiral lactams, which are key building blocks in pharmaceutical agents. The catalyst achieves high selectivity by inducing hydrogen bonding between substrate and catalyst, leading to the production of desired compounds with minimal waste.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Catalysis·DateFeb 21, 2019

Local drivers of amplified Arctic warming

A new study reveals that Arctic amplification is primarily driven by local carbon dioxide forcing and polar feedbacks, outweighing other processes. This finding highlights the importance of understanding Arctic processes in controlling sea-ice retreat and ecosystem sensitivity to global warming.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 19, 2018

A two-atom quantum duet

Scientists at Institute for Basic Science achieved a breakthrough in shielding quantum properties by packing two atoms together, protecting fragile states 20 times longer than one atom. This development enables the exploration of single atoms as quantum bits for future information processing.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 9, 2018