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The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)


Identifying how chemotherapy drug works could deliver personalized cancer treatment

Decitabine, used to treat blood cancers like MDS and AML, works by activating endogenous retroviruses that induce an immune response. The study found two key gene sequences involved in this process, Staufen1 and TINCR, whose expression levels determine a patient's response to the drug.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2021

Microbial production of a natural red colorant carminic acid

Researchers at KAIST successfully produced carminic acid from glucose in engineered Escherichia coli, overcoming the need for complex purification processes and protein contaminants. The development of a generally applicable C-glucosyltransferase also enables the production of other valuable natural products.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 6, 2021

Wirelessly rechargeable soft brain implant controls brain cells

Researchers developed a wireless, rechargeable soft brain implant that can be controlled wirelessly by a smartphone, allowing seamless chronic neuromodulation. The device uses micrometer-sized LEDs to manipulate target neurons in the deep brain, enabling real-time brain control and reducing the burden on patients for long-term use.

Mystery solved with math: cytoplasmic traffic jam disrupts sleep-wake cycles?

Researchers from KAIST and Florida State University developed a model describing PER molecule motion in cells, showing how aging and diseases disrupt circadian rhythms by hindering condensation around the cell nucleus. This leads to irregular sleep-wake cycles and unstable rhythms.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2020

Researchers control multiple wavelengths of light from a single source

KAIST researchers have synthesized nanoparticles that emit multiple wavelengths of light from a single particle, allowing for the control of these particles' properties and creation of environmentally responsible displays and lighting. The discovery also sheds new light on the mechanisms governing the optical properties of carbon dots.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateDec 11, 2020

Atomic force microscopy reveals nanoscale dental erosion from beverages

KAIST researchers used AFM to analyze the effects of acidic and sugary drinks on human tooth enamel at the nanoscale level. The study found significant increases in surface roughness and decreases in elastic modulus with immersion time, highlighting the need for thorough studies on early-stage enamel erosion.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateJul 22, 2020

Universal virus detection platform to expedite viral diagnosis?

Researchers at KAIST developed a universal virus detection platform using reactive polymer-grafted double-stranded RNAs, which can detect viruses without prior knowledge of their genomic sequences. This platform provides enhanced sensitivity and can be used to quickly differentiate infected populations from non-infected ones.

Visualization of functional components to characterize optimal composite electrodes

A new visualization method using atomic force microscopy is developed to determine the distribution of components in battery electrodes, providing insights into optimal composite electrode conditions. The method has potential to improve performance and safety of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries.