Protein mingling under blue light
Researchers developed CRY2clust to trigger protein cluster formation in response to blue light, outperforming existing methods with a faster response rate and higher sensitivity.
Institute for Basic Science
Synthetic nanochannels for iodide transport
Scientists at IBS create nanostructures that function as channels for iodide transport in cell membranes, offering a new approach to diagnose and treat iodide transport disorders. The newly developed synthetic ion channels, called porphyrin boxes 1A (PB-1A), selectively allow the passage of negatively-charged ions, such as iodides.
A culprit of thyroid's diseases
Researchers identified VEGF-A as a key player in thyroid-vascular coordination, producing excess hormones and dense capillaries in hyperthyroidism. Blocking VEGFR2 could inhibit thyroid enlargement and remodeling.
Loss of pericytes deteriorates retinal environment
Researchers found that pericyte loss worsens retinal environment and function in mouse models of diabetic retinopathy. Pericytes regulate a molecular pathway associated with vascular stabilization, and their absence accelerates disease progression.
Model for multivalley polaritons
IBS scientists developed a theoretical model for valv polarization in microcavities, which predicts that valleys with opposite polarization can be distinguished and tuned. This could lead to applications in valleytronics by selectively exciting different valleys with polarized laser light.
Mapping DROSHA's cleavage sites
Researchers developed fCLIP-seq to analyze DROSHA's impact on miRNA fragments, revealing hundreds of new cleavage sites and alternative processing patterns. The study uncovers additional end modifications important for miRNA biogenesis, shedding light on its regulation in diseases like cancer.
New protein regulated by cellular starvation
Researchers at IBS discovered a new function of DNA repair protein SHPRH, which regulates ribosome synthesis in response to nutrient availability. The protein's behavior changes during cellular starvation, allowing it to quickly recover ribosome production upon nutrient reintroduction.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2017
DNA misspelling correction method is very accurate
Researchers at IBS prove the accuracy of a gene editing method that substitutes one nucleotide in the genome, finding it more accurate than CRISPR-Cas9. The technique caused fewer off-target changes, indicating its potential for widespread use.
Decorating single layer and bilayer graphene with useful chemical groups
Scientists at IBS discover a platform to functionalize SLG and BLG, enabling the creation of 2D materials with new characteristics. Functionalized graphene can be applied to various devices, such as sensors and supercapacitors.
Clarifying how lithium ions ferry around in rechargeable batteries
Researchers observe ultrafast bonding of lithium ions with solvents, challenging existing theory on ion diffusion. The study reveals dynamic restructuring of the solvent shell during ion transport, indicating that electrolytes play an active role in transporting lithium ions.
New portal to unveil the dark sector of the universe
Scientists at IBS have proposed a hypothetical portal connecting two possible dark sector particles: dark photons and axions. This discovery could lead to reinterpretation of previous data and potentially breakthroughs in axion and dark photon searches.
Finding the 'ghost particles' might be more challenging than what we thought
The NEOS experiment has provided new insights into the elusive 'ghost particles' known as sterile neutrinos, which are thought to be responsible for an anomaly in previous oscillation data. Despite failing to detect these mysterious particles, the study's results suggest that setting up new limits for their detection may be necessary.
A multi-channel nano-optical device dramatically increases the parallel processing speed
Researchers have created a multi-channel nano-optical device that dramatically increases the parallel processing speed, allowing for faster data transfer between microprocessors. The device uses disordered arrangement of nano antennas to minimize redundancy and enable independent operation, resulting in a 40-fold increase in bandwidth.
Convenient and easy to use glucose monitoring and maintenance
A research group has developed a sweat-based glucose monitoring and maintenance device that allows rapid glucose measurement and precise multistep drug delivery. The system features a disposable strip sensor, enables precise and timely drug delivery, and offers a painless blood glucose monitoring method to control blood glucose levels.
Single atom memory: The world's smallest storage medium
Researchers use Scanning Tunneling Microscope to store and read information in individual holmium atoms, achieving unprecedented miniaturization of storage media. The discovery could revolutionize quantum computing and pave the way for high-density data storage.
Supramolecular protein fishing with molecular baits
Histone deacetylases are an important family of proteins regulating gene expression; altering their function can induce tumors to develop. Researchers successfully isolated HDAC using SAHA as a molecular bait, paving the way for novel cancer treatments.
First CRISPR single-nucleotide edited transgenic mice
Researchers successfully produced the first transgenic mice with a single nucleotide difference in the dystrophin and tyrosinase genes, demonstrating a new gene editing technique that can substitute one nucleotide into another without DNA deletion. This breakthrough could potentially lead to the correction of genetic defects in humans.
The smallest Cas9 genetic scissors (so far)
Scientists have engineered the smallest CRISPR-Cas9 system to date, capable of delivering gene editing to muscles and eyes via AAV. This technology targets age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other 'undruggable' genes, offering a promising therapeutic tool.
Genome surgery with CRISPR-Cas9 to prevent blindness
Scientists successfully delivered CRISPR-Cas9 to the eyes of mice with wet AMD, modifying the VEGF gene and reducing choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by 58%. This breakthrough could lead to a new therapeutic modality for non-hereditary degenerative diseases.
Modifying fat content in soybean oil with the molecular scissors Cpf1
Researchers have developed a new CRISPR-Cpf1 technique to modify the fat content of soybean oil by editing two FAD2 genes. This method results in an increase in oleic acid and a decrease in linoleic acid, leading to healthier oil.
How to roll a nanotube: Demystifying carbon nanotubes' structure control
Researchers from IBS and Peking University demonstrate how to synthesize horizontal arrays of CNTs with the same structure. The team successfully produces conducting (12, 6) and semiconducting (8, 4) CNTs with high selectivity and purity.
A new platform to study graphene's electronic properties
Scientists used a new spectroscopic platform to study graphene's electronic properties, revealing a unique energy structure with two cones resembling a sandglass. This discovery could promote future research on stable quantum measurements for new 2D electronics.
Towards new IT devices with stable and transformable solitons
Researchers at IBS demonstrate manipulation of solitons, leading to the development of quaternary mathematical systems and potentially more efficient information storage. This breakthrough paves the way for new IT devices that combine silicon and solitons.
Smarter MRI diagnosis with nano MRI lamp
Researchers developed a new platform to switch MRI signals ON only in the presence of targeted diseases. The Nano MRI Lamp uses Magnetic Resonance Tuning (MRET) to control signal strength based on distance between magnetic materials.
Can the donut-shaped magnet 'CAPPuccino submarine' hunt for dark matter?
Scientists have found that toroidal magnets can be used to detect axions, one of the dark matter particle candidates. The CAPPuccino submarine, a type of toroidal magnet, has been designed to amplify the energy of photons generated from the axion-photon interaction.
Explaining how 2-D materials break at the atomic level
Scientists observed atomic-level cracking in 2D MoS2, revealing dislocations at the crack tip that can't be explained by existing theories. The study suggests a new theory is needed to understand 2D material behavior.
First experimental proof of a 70 year old physics theory
Researchers have demonstrated the magnetic behavior of iron trithiohypophosphate (FePS3) crystals, providing the first experimental proof of Onsager's 1943 prediction. The team used Raman spectroscopy to measure magnetism in 2D FePS3 monolayers and found consistent patterns with bulk samples.
To bloom or not to bloom: That is the question
Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science found a new epigenetic mechanism controlling flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana. Plants lacking this protein complex bloom earlier, indicating compromised regulation of stem cells activity.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016
The antibody that normalizes tumor vessels
Researchers discovered an antibody that normalizes tumor blood vessels, reducing volume and improving anti-cancer drug delivery. The antibody, ABTAA, restores vascular integrity in breast, lung, and brain tumors, leading to better oxygen supply and reduced metastasis.
An amino acid controls plants' breath
Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science discovered that amino acid L-methionine activates calcium channels in plant guard cells, regulating stomatal opening and closing. This process is crucial for maintaining adequate intracellular calcium levels in plants, essential for growth and breathing.
Making graphene using laser-induced phase separation
Scientists at IBS & KAIST create a new method for producing graphene using laser annealing technology, which can separate complex compounds like SiC into ultrathin elements of carbon and silicon. The technique reaches the same results as traditional methods but at lower temperatures, making it more efficient and scalable.
Squeezing light into new miniature devices
Researchers have developed three key components for optical communication that work with light, enabling high-performance computers and miniaturized volumes. The innovations utilize surface plasmons to control the propagation of light in matter.
The thinnest photodetector in the world
The researchers found that the one-layer MoS2 device absorbs less light but produces seven times more photocurrent than the thicker seven-layer MoS2 device. This is attributed to quantum physics mechanisms, including electron tunneling and reduced recombination within the MoS2 layer.
Adding hydrogen to graphene
Researchers at IBS discovered that hydrogenation of single-layer graphene proceeds rapidly over the entire surface, while few-layer graphene reacts slowly from the edges. Hydrogenation changes graphene's optical and electric properties. The study also found that defects or edges are necessary for the reaction to occur.
It's official: Phonon and magnon are a couple
Researchers have observed and quantified the coupling of phonons and magnons in crystals of antiferromagnet manganite (Y,Lu)MnO3. This discovery challenges a 100-year-old physical problem and deepens knowledge of multiferroics, materials that exhibit multiple types of order simultaneously.
Graphene cracks the glass corrosion problem
Researchers have demonstrated graphene coating can protect glass from corrosion, preserving transparency and strength. The graphene coating prevents the adsorption of water on the glass surface, reducing dissolution of silicate structures.
Memory for future wearable electronics
Researchers at IBS developed a two-terminal tunnelling random access memory (TRAM) with highly reliable performance, long retention time, and flexibility. The device stores data by keeping electrons on its graphene layer, enabling flexible and stretchable applications for wearable smartphones, eye cameras, and biomedical devices.
Cells' steering wheel
Researchers at IBS find PLEKHG3 plays a crucial role in cell polarity and migration, allowing fibroblasts to move faster. The discovery can benefit fields like cancer, immunology, and neurological research.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2016
Enhanced electron doping on iron superconductors discovered
Researchers at IBS Centre for Correlated Electron Systems have revised existing theories on iron-based superconductors. By doping electrons onto the surface of a material, they found no correlation between the transition temperature and the nesting effect, challenging current understanding of these materials.
IBS finds another aged problem of how naïve t cells decline with age
Research by Institute for Basic Science reveals that aging compromises the survival of naïve T cells by degrading the supportive environment within the lymph nodes. The study found that the production of a key protein responsible for attracting T cells to the lymph nodes declined with age, resulting in reduced effective immune response.
IBS rose to be a new player to watch in Nature Index 2016 Rising Star
The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) has seen a meteoric rise in its research contribution, jumping 11th place on the Nature Index's list of top 100 most improved institutions. IBS' weighted fractional count increased by over 4000% between 2012 and 2015.
Highly sensitive and effective tool measures how your cells grow and divide
The study reveals dynamic changes of poly(A) tails in eggs and embryos, furthering understanding of how the fabric of life is shaped. The improved sequencing tool mTAIL-seq allows for enhanced sequencing depth to measure poly(A) tail length at a genomic scale.
Hot electrons detected at solid-liquid interfaces
The IBS team successfully detected hot electrons in a liquid interface, expanding the possibilities for catalytic reactions. This breakthrough may lead to highly efficient devices for applications such as fuel cells and artificial photosynthesis.
Synthesized microporous 3-D graphene-like carbons
The IBS team developed a novel approach to synthesize carbon nanostructures by embedding lanthanum ions in zeolite pores, resulting in graphene-like materials with high electrical conductivity. This efficient synthesis strategy enables the scalable production of carbon nanostructures for various applications.
IBS engineers Landau-Zener-Bloch oscillations
Researchers at the IBS Center for Theoretical Physics of Complex Systems engineered Landau-Zener-Bloch oscillations within a lattice structure, revealing anharmonic properties. The study demonstrates potential for engineering new quantum states and resolving the behavior of Bloch oscillations under external fields.
IBS breakthrough in the treatment of cancer
The IBS team identified baicalein as a suitable antagonist to battle malignant cancerous cells, binding to mismatched DNA and causing cancerous cells to self-destruct. The research found that baicalein significantly shrunk MutSα-deficient tumors in mice models, offering a viable option for patients with DNA MMR deficient tumors.
In CRISPR genome editing, Cpf1, proved its marked specificity and produced a mutant mouse
Researchers at IBS Center for Genome Editing demonstrate Cpf1's superior specificity in precision genome editing, generating mutant mice with targeted mutations. The study reveals that Cpf1 has virtually no off-target effects, opening up new possibilities for therapeutic treatments and agricultural products.
Role of poly(A) tails in mitosis
A new study by the IBS Center for RNA Research has found that poly(A) tail length is not linearly correlated with translation efficiency in somatic cells. The researchers used two techniques to compare poly(A) tail length and translation efficiency, finding a correlation between the two in a limited range.
A targeted agent to mitigate sepsis
Researchers at IBS Center for Vascular Health have created a new targeted agent to mitigate sepsis progression by strengthening and protecting blood vessels. This approach, utilizing the Tie2 receptor and anti-angiopoietin-2 antibody ABTAA, has shown enhanced survival rates in severe sepsis models up to 70%.
A 'pause button' for cells
Scientists have created an optogenetic process that inhibits intracellular membrane vesicle trafficking, effectively pausing cellular activity. This innovation enables the observation and control of cell membranes, opening up new avenues for studying diseases like neurodegenerative disorders.