Peer Reviewed

Knowledge of the detailed accumulation profiles of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and POPs-like contaminants in wild animals is critical for ecological risk assessment. Comprehensive screening of organohalogen compounds in the livers of wild birds from Osaka, Japan using two-dimensional gas chromatography in combination with high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC–HRToFMS) revealed specific accumulation of typically unmonitored POPs-like compounds in raptors.

Carthamin’s usage as dye dates back to ancient Egypt. But　scientists only discovered its chemical structure in 2019. Now, a collaborative group of researchers has identified the genes　required for the biosynthesis of carthamin.

Researchers have developed a general quantum algorithm that can directly calculate the energy difference of an atom and molecule using a quantum computer. By avoiding the need to calculate the total molecular energies, the general algorithm is expected to be applied not only to quantum chemical calculations but also to various physical and mathematical problems, which are intractable with nowadays classical computers.

A rapid way to track an elusive part of the immune system will bring better vaccine strategies

KAIST researchers have used whole-genome sequencing to track the development from a single fertilized-egg to a human body.

Scientists from South Korea add foreign atoms to monolayer graphene in a controlled manner to selectively enhance its desirable properties

Around 650 million years ago, the Earth entered into the Marinoan glaciation that saw the entire planet freeze. The “Snowball Earth” impeded the evolution of life. But as it warmed, biotic life began to flourish. A research team from Tohoku University has analyzed rock samples from China to tell us more about this transition.

Tohoku University’s Center for Innovative Integrated Electronic Systems, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge has published a study that uses hexagonal boron nitride as a tunnel barrier for ferromagnetic tunnel junctions.

A multi-functional, small molecule can tag mutant genetic sequences inside mitochondria for removal.

Prof. Jong-Soo Lee, DGIST, succeeded in developing green-emitting Cd-Free quantum dot synthesis technology with high color reproduction capability

Researchers discover a link between an increase in protein Ba of the complement immune system and the eventual development of thrombotic microangiopathy in patients who have received an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

A novel CT scan-based approach has revealed significant changes in a parameter indicating lung destruction in some asthmatics. This finding could lead to more personalized treatments for asthma accompanied by persistent airflow limitation.

Researchers at Ehime University have reported the sound velocity of MgSiO3 Majorite garnet up to the pressure of 18 Gigapascals and temperature up to 2,000 Kelvins. Their results lead to understanding of the mineral composition of the Earth’s mantle transition zone (MTZ), which has not been fully elucidated yet. This study suggests that a mechanical mixture of slab and mantle rocks, rather than equilibrated rocks, is more likely to explain seismological observations throughout the MTZ.

Researchers have succeeded in storing electricity with the voltage generated from ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) using a nanometer-thin magnetic film. Exploring the storage characteristics of the commonly used iron-cobalt and iron-nickel alloy thin films, they found that by controlling the thermal conditions of the thin film to be within FMR excitation range, energy can be stored by all the electromagnetic waves that surround us – including Wi-Fi.

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that attacks the tear duct and salivary glands, leading to patients suffering unbearable dry eyes and mouth. To date, treatment options have been limited. But this may change thanks to a recently developed mouse model that will help explain the pathogenic mechanisms behind the disease.

Magnesium rechargeable batteries show immense promise for a greener future because of their energy density, safety, and cost. But the lack of high-performance cathode materials has impeded their development. Now, a research team has developed liquid-sulfur/sulfide composite cathodes that enable high-rate magnesium batteries.

A microphysiological system (MPS) is a 3D organ construct using human cells. They show us how organs respond to drugs and environmental stimuli. Now, Tohoku University researchers have developed a new imaging tool for MPS using scanning probe microscopy.

Scientists create a new process control model to protect systems from assailants and natural fluctuations

A two-dimensional map of proteins, including secondary structures, was obtained for the hindwings of an insect (Anomala albopilosa) at the spatial resolution of 100 µm. Mapping was achieved with the microscopic vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) system, which has been developed in our laboratory. As a result, the insect hindwing was revealed to be composed of segregated microdomains consisting of proteins with different secondary structures.

The finding could underpin a “dream” vaccine that covers not only SARS-CoV-2 and its known variants of concern (VOCs), but also future VOCs and other animal coronaviruses with known potential to cause severe disease in humans

Through a follow-up analysis of d-ROM values taken pre- and post-cardiopulmonary exercise tests, researchers have found that heart failure patients with increased oxidative stress during exercise have a poorer prognosis - leading to potential design of exercise routines around individual patients.

Scientists in Korea make hand-drawn and flexible pressure sensors that can control a phone from underwater.

A collaboration between Osaka City University and Setsunan University sheds light on the effect urbanization has on the flesh fly species Sarcophaga similis. Through a series of laboratory and in-field experiments, scientists show that an increase in nighttime illumination and temperature, two of the major characteristics of urbanization, can postpone S. similis hibernation anywhere from 3 weeks to a month.

Cells translate their genetic material at rapid rates with exquisite precision to reproduce, repair damage or even combat disease. But the process can deregulate and give rise to disease. Byproducts of errant processes can build up like gunk in the gears, especially around neurons, breaking down the repair mechanisms and causing further damage and even neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Experiments conducted on genetically modified mice clarify the role of a protein in regulating properties of specific hippocampal neural circuits

A new, energy-efficient method of electrical brain stimulation developed by researchers from the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology could aid stroke rehabilitation and has few side effects.

Researchers have developed a novel technique to investigate the dynamics of the early Solar System by analyzing magnetites in meteorites utilizing the wave nature of electrons.

An injection made of a hydrogel containing stem cells could treat damaged tissue following a heart attack.

Development of a deep learning technique that reduces the difference between image domains by separating and converting domain information of image capturing environments

Researchers from the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology have developed a faster and more reliable way to print flexible digital devices.