Peer Reviewed

(Tokyo, August 7, 2012) – Researchers at Tamagawa University announced today that they had proved the incompleteness and limit of the security theory in quantum key distribution. The present theory cannot guarantee unconditional security. Details will be given at the SPIE conference on Quantum Communication and Quantum Imaging on August 15, 2012.

Tapping into the power of natural ingredients for safer treatment is the next frontier in the battle against cancer. A recent breakthrough from HKPolyU uses tiger milk mushroom to prepare anti-tumor nanoparticles is bringing us one step closer.

Genome sequencing of a global collection of Shigella sonnei or baciliary dysentery, in developing countries is reported in a study published in Nature Genetics. Their study provides insights into the course of recent shigellosis epidemics. S. sonnei are human-adapted E. coli responsible for approximately 150 million cases of dysentery each year.

Fluid dynamics simulations aim to better predict how air circulating in a hard disk drive perturbs the vibrating read/write head

Hollow optical fibers containing light-emitting liquids hold big promises for biological sensing applications

Using the correct annealing temperature is key to making fast, non-volatile computer memory

A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics (IME), has signed a research collaboration agreement with Delta Networks, Inc. (Delta), a global leader in power, thermal management solutions and networking products, to develop a metamaterial (MTM) antenna for wireless application that offers improvements in performance with reduced power and cost.

Scientists from A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) will partner companies to develop, prototype and conduct pilot large scale manufacturing of nanoimprinted materials with better performance and at potentially lower cost than current production methods.

Two independent studies published in Nature this week identify specific subsets of cells in mouse tumours that seem to be responsible for the re-growth of tumours. These findings shed new light on the controversial issue of whether cancer stem cells exist in growing tumours and may have implications for potential therapies.

The temperature in the inner urban areas of Hong Kong is predicted to rise by two to three Celsius degree in 30 years' time, according to the latest scientific study by researchers at the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Oceanic uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide depends on climatically sensitive physical factors, such as winds and ocean currents, reports a study published online in Nature Geoscience this week.

A large number of tropical forest protected areas are experiencing a decline in biodiversity, according to an analysis in Nature this week. These reserves are supposed to represent a final refuge for threatened species and natural ecosystem processes, as concerns about human impacts on tropical biodiversity grow.

Leading global Chinese language Internet search provider Baidu opens its first overseas joint laboratory with I2R to develop language processing technologies

Researchers in Japan demonstrate a new protein binding approach for effectively promoting bone regeneration. Current treatments for bone defects and bone tissue regeneration have significant limitations. Now a new method that immobilises a fusion protein in a hybrid collagen-polymer supportive scaffold shows promise for bone tissue engineering.

An artificial bone scaffold produced by researchers in South Korea could enhance the treatment of bone damage and defects through bone grafts.

A freely swimming jellyfish replica made from silicone polymer and rat heart cells is reported this week in Nature Biotechnology. The study, which advances a quantitative and system-level approach to tissue engineering, provides new insights into the design of muscular pumps.

Two recent studies conducted by PolyU's Department of Rehabilitation Sciences found that Hong Kong people have experienced the problem of "prospective memory" or "not remembering to remember to take action". This also implies that they are not able to perform an intended action at a particular point in the future.

Fluorescent dyes with aggregation-induced emission provide new probes for cancer diagnosis and therapy

New Pancreatic Cancer Animal Models to aid Novel Therapy Development. Austrianova Singapore announced today that they and their partners have created a mouse model that mimics human pancreatic cancer.

Molecular sensors based on nanoholes in metallic films are shown to be ideal for medical diagnosis

Will Further Accelerate Research toward Realization of High Performance Quantum Dot Devices

New insights into the stable magnetism of phase-change semiconductors could enable the development of ultra-high-speed data storage

A simple new method of extracting viral RNA from blood samples allows quick, on-the-spot identification of dengue fever in patients

Nanoparticle gels that deliver an immunostimulatory molecule and an inhibitor of an immunosuppressive factor to tumours over a period of a few days are reported this week in Nature Materials. When injected in melanoma tumours in mice, the nanoparticles delay tumour growth and significantly increase the survival time of the mice.

Microbiota variation in the intestine correlates with health as well as with diet in elderly individuals, reports a paper in Nature this week. The work suggests that dietary adjustments could promote healthier ageing by modulating the gut microbiota.

The fluorescent molecular nanocapsules have potential applications as sensors, displays, and drug delivery systems (DDS).

Research comparing 52 Native American populations along with 17 Siberian populations provides insight into migrations within the New World and is published online in Nature this week. David Reich and colleagues’ data suggest that the controversial hypothesis that the Americas were peopled in three migration waves may be true.

805 engineers or 2322 SOAs (number of trainee-module) have been successfully trained through the 8 WSQ training programmes, funded by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), and developed by the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), a research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

Dr. Kazunari Yamaura, a Principal Researcher of the NIMS Strongly Correlated Materials Group, Superconducting Properties Unit, in joint work with a research group at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (United States), has succeeded in developing a Slater insulator which functions at room temperature.

A study led by Associate Prof. Kenji Nakahara at Hokkaido University in Japan has found　a component in tobacco that makes crop immune systems more resistant to viral attacks.