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Institute for Basic Science


Flexy, flat and functional magnets

Researchers have discovered a new class of 2D magnetic materials with promising applications in electronics. These ultra-thin layers exhibit unique properties, such as ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, and magnetism control, which can be manipulated electrically or optically.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018

Correcting the eyesight of microscopes

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science discovered that asymmetric apertures can cause astigmatism in microscopes, leading to degraded image resolution. By correcting for this effect, they improved the technique of line-temporal focusing microscopy, achieving unprecedented resolution in biological structures.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2018

Breaking laws, making glass

At temperatures near absolute zero, systems of atoms violate basic laws of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. A novel non-equilibrium state, coined as dynamical glass phase, is observed where energy is not evenly distributed, leading to a new understanding of complex systems.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 10, 2018

How to code a functional molecular machine?

A team of researchers has developed a model that simulates protein evolution, revealing how evolving protein components can give rise to dynamic and efficient molecular machines. The model shows that flexibility allows proteins to bind effectively to other molecules.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2018

Detecting the shape of laser pulses

A team of researchers at the Institute for Basic Science developed a new method to measure laser pulse shapes in ambient air. The patented technique, TIPTOE, uses tunnel ionization and achieves temporal characterization of laser pulses without X-ray pulses or vacuum conditions.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalOptica·DateMay 17, 2018

Bubbly graphene: how cool or hot are you?

Researchers at the Center for Multidimensional Carbon Materials successfully measured and controlled the temperature of individual graphene bubbles using a single laser beam. The study found that the temperature oscillates with bubble height, allowing for efficient heating of specific regions within the bubble.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 10, 2018

'Sodium-scooter' delivers

Researchers developed a low-temperature reaction to replace sulfur with tellurium in MoS2, creating new properties in the 2D material. The 'sodium-scooter' catalyst enables conversion at 525°C, lower than previous temperatures.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2018

From C-H to C-C at room temperature

Researchers develop novel method for selective C-H arylation at room temperature, overcoming harsh reaction conditions. The proposed mechanism involves iridium catalyst activation, arylsilane attack, and oxidation of the intermediate to achieve low-energy reaction.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 27, 2017

Catching radical molecules before they disappear

Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science synthesized four new kinds of stabilized radicals with ferromagnetic properties, opening doors to applications in rechargeable batteries and molecular spintronics. The oxime radicals were stabilized using N-heterocyclic carbenes, a breakthrough in synthesizing organic radicals.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 13, 2017

Spinning cylinders to recreate nature's patterns

Researchers at Institute for Basic Science developed a method to create dynamic tubular structures by exploiting centripetal force of rotating fluids, enabling self-assembly of particles under non-equilibrium conditions. This breakthrough could lead to creation of various shapes of microcomposites useful in photonics applications.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 15, 2017

Mice prefer rules over fights

A study by IBS scientists found that mice develop 'social rules' to allocate rewards, promoting long-term benefits for both mice. The researchers used brain stimulation to induce a sense of pleasure, and observed that 60% of the mice waited for their turn, leading to more rounds and total reward time.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2017

How new blood vessels sprout

Researchers at IBS and KAIST found that YAP/TAZ promotes cytoskeleton remodeling and junction formation in endothelial cells, essential for normal as well as pathological angiogenesis. Overexpression of YAP/TAZ leads to excessive blood vessel growth, while removal results in vision impairment and internal bleeding.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 29, 2017

New MRI contrast agent tested on big animals

Researchers developed a new non-toxic contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), surpassing gadolinium's limitations. The agent, PEG-IONCs, demonstrated high biocompatibility in rabbits, beagle dogs, and macaque monkeys, showing promise as a next-generation diagnostic tool.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 31, 2017

Sorting complicated knots

Researchers from IBS Center for Geometry and Physics introduce a new mathematical operation to catalog Legendrian singular knots, crucial for understanding complex 3D spaces like our universe. The study aims to explore the fascinating possibilities of 3D spaces and provide a tentative list of all possible shapes.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Symplectic Geometry·DateJul 6, 2017