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Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences


Green pharmaceuticals begin with the chemical reaction. Light and ultrasound turn biomass into valuable molecules

Researchers at IPC PAS have developed methods to transform lignin-derived molecules into compounds relevant to pharmaceutical research at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The techniques use light and ultrasound to activate the catalyst, generating energy locally without exposing the system to extreme heat.

The brain on the edge of chaos. What keeps our vision under control?

Researchers developed a model of the primary visual cortex, introducing feedback mechanisms to constrain chaos and reduce neural activity variability. The model showed a 93 percent reduction in variability, allowing the brain to remain flexible while reliably processing visual information.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Computational Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2026

A new way to examine the cornea. Nine points at once

Researchers developed a prototype imaging system that can simultaneously track the cornea's mechanical response at nine locations, allowing for more accurate assessment of corneal biomechanics. This technology has the potential to improve early detection and monitoring of disorders like keratoconus.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

Seeing through optical noise: a sharper way to image the eye

The STOC-T technology resolves optical noise in eye imaging by fundamentally changing the way imaging data is collected, resulting in sharper images and improved diagnostic accuracy. This new approach addresses the problem earlier, before image construction, rather than relying on post-processing algorithms.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2026

Cracking the complex complex – the step toward inhibition of Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists from the Institute of Physical Chemistry discovered a novel molecule, TDMQ20, which can bind to copper ions and decrease its harmful effect on neurons. The researchers found that the complex does not generate reactive oxygen species, making it a promising candidate for treating Alzheimer's disease.

The flicker reveals the mechanisms of vision. Groundbreaking f-ORG technique can advance the diagnosis of retinal diseases

A new diagnostic method called flicker optoretinography (f-ORG) analyzes the retina's reaction to light, helping to detect danger before symptoms appear. The technique detects even minor changes in photoreceptors, providing valuable insights into retinal health.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2025

How do we use STOC-T to assess ocular microcirculation?

Researchers used STOC-T to visualize retinal microcirculation in real-time, providing insights into the mechanisms of retinal function. The study offers a groundbreaking opportunity for precise monitoring of hemodynamic changes in the retina, enabling early detection and treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Bloody net

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences successfully unlocked a puzzle in vascular tissue engineering, providing important experimental evidence towards understanding and controlling sprouting angiogenesis in vitro. They developed new image-analysis protocols to determine key parameters gove...

Lu(a)minar Flow Odyssey – the power of water and light towards early leukemia diagnostics

Researchers developed a unique microfluidics-based diagnostic system that combines optical tweezers with stimulated Raman spectroscopy to enable fast and accurate diagnosis of leukemia. The device can identify cancer cells based on their metabolic activities and metabolites, providing tailored treatment options.

Let’s talk to a moth about sex: Polish chemists have 'made a deal' with a butterfly threatening pine forests

Scientists from Poland's Institute of Physical Chemistry have discovered a way to control the population of the pine-tree lappet moth, which threatens coniferous forests. A new pheromone blend based on biocomponents of the sex pheromone has been developed to monitor and potentially control the moth's abundance.

Shocking paint – let’s get cell in

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, have developed a novel polymer-based solution that enables easy delivery of large molecules to cells. By applying hypertonic solutions, they can induce osmotic stress and relax the cell membrane, allowing for precise control over molecule transfer.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateSep 22, 2022

It’s not just diamonds that shine, so shine bright like nitrogen-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Researchers from the Polish Academy of Sciences propose nitrogen-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as potential OLED emitters, offering improved energy efficiency and color purity. The new compounds achieve high external quantum efficiencies, outperforming existing donor-acceptor emitters.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 21, 2022

Watch out, ion thieves working in the crowd!

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry found that high concentrations of crowding molecules can hinder DNA hybridization and complexation of sodium ions. The study used polyethylene glycol and other chain-like molecules to mimic the crowded cellular environment, revealing a 1000-fold decrease in favorable complexation.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 28, 2022