Latest news with #KAIST
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
A game-changer in cancer research? South Korean scientists reprogram tumour cells without chemotherapy or radiation
Cancer cells In what may signal the start of a new era in cancer therapy, South Korean researchers at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) have come up with a way to reprogram cancer cells into normal, healthy cells using chemotherapy and radiation-free techniques. The discovery, published recently in Advanced Science, has left the worldwide medical fraternity stunned and has renewed hope for patients whose cancer treatments involve gruelling chemotherapies. Turning cancer cells good? Scientists say it's now possible Classic cancer therapies usually carry agonising side effects and destruction of adjacent normal tissues. Chemotherapy and radiation aim to destroy cancer cells, but they're brutal and can sap the body's strength. What is most revolutionary about this new technique is that it doesn't kill cancer cells; it reprograms them. Using a computer system named BENEIN (Boolean Network Inference), the KAIST researchers were able to map the genetic circuitry of colon cancer cells and essentially "reprogram" them to act like normal cells. BENEIN: The AI-powered tool that reprogrammed cancer cells to normal cells BENEIN functions by studying how genes communicate with each other within cancer cells. Once it knows the network, it selects the most influential genes that regulate the identity of the cell. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo In this situation, the researchers established that silencing three particular genes - MYB, HDAC2, and FOXA2 was sufficient to revert the cancerous nature of the cells. What's more astonishing is that the technique worked in both animal models and lab-grown cells. The cells of colon cancer treated with this procedure began to exhibit normal differentiation, and tumours significantly reduced in size when they were tested in mice. Chemotherapy and radiation Real signs of recovery: What the lab tests showed Not only did the research team observe changes in cell behaviour, but they also followed them down to the molecular level. The cancer cells treated with HDACi started expressing markers characteristic of healthy intestinal cells, including KRT20 and VDR, and turning off cancer-initiating pathways like MYC and WNT. The gene expression of the re-converted cells closely resembled healthy tissue samples included in The Cancer Genome Atlas, further validating the results. Could this become a universal cancer treatment ? Although the advance is focused on colorectal cancer, the potential is far greater than one disease. Because BENEIN is an AI and gene network-based approach, in principle, it is possible to use it against other cancers. But the researchers are warning against overconfidence and caution that additional testing is required before bringing the technique to human clinical trials. Nevertheless, the thought of reprogramming cancer cells rather than killing them is providing entirely new horizons for safer, more personalised treatment. What's next for cancer research ? The study has already positioned KAIST's team at the forefront of non-toxic cancer therapy research. Experts believe that this approach could eventually reduce dependence on chemo and radiation, especially in early-stage cancers. If future clinical trials prove successful, this could be one of the biggest shifts in oncology in decades. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Arabian Post
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
AI-Era Blockchain Goes Device-Native with ImFact's Bold Launch
ImFact today unveiled its 'Blockchain Anywhere' infrastructure, enabling 6.8 billion devices—from smartphones to IoT hardware—to operate individual blockchain instances. Dubbed Personal Blockchain and On‑Device Blockchain, the rollout promises cryptographic data verification embedded directly within devices, marking a pivotal shift in trust architecture for artificial intelligence applications. The launch was showcased through Korea's DaeguChain deployment across Daegu city and supported by a global testnet. Personal Blockchain runs as a standalone blockchain on smartphones via mobile apps such as MyChain and Fact Stamp, allowing users to verify image authenticity, certify legal documents and complete offline transactions. In parallel, On‑Device Blockchain embeds blockchain functionality into internet-connected hardware—security cameras, autonomous vehicles, industrial sensors—assuring tamper-evident data creation at the source. Together, they integrate with ImFact's Layer‑1 mainnet through a proprietary Station protocol. These innovations build on six years of development and have undergone trials within DaeguChain, the civic blockchain network of Daegu city—South Korea's fourth largest—with a population of 2.5 million. ImFact confirmed the system has proven reliable at enterprise scale. A dual‑track Testnet 2.0 currently supports more than 50,000 users across 97 countries, with participants incentivised via device mining rewards and verification incentives. The team aims to launch the Layer‑1 mainnet in Q4 2025. ADVERTISEMENT Driving ImFact's initiative is a leadership team comprising Professor Minkyu Je from KAIST—previously with Samsung—as head of hardware blockchain integration; Professor Yasin Ceran of San Jose State University and Stanford Medical School, focusing on privacy-sensitive health data verification on-device; and David Woong Jin Yoon, ex‑CEO of Gravity, steering strategic market deployment. Senior Ecosystem Builder San Jun described the development as the group's solution to embedding blockchain functionality wherever computing power exists. The announcement arrives against a backdrop of broader technological investment in South Korea. The government has pledged 16.1 trillion KRW over five years to boost artificial intelligence infrastructure, including data centres and GPU capacity, as outlined in a policy paper presented to the Presidential Policy Planning Committee on 18 June 2025. Key objectives include constructing AI data centres and offering open‑model development to citizens. Industry analysts suggest that while South Korea's blockchain strategy originated in controlled, closed networks, the growth of AI demands public and verifiable data systems. Infrastructure such as ImFact's aligns with this strategic shift, seamlessly enabling decentralised trust within traditionally siloed environments. ImFact positions its infrastructure as DePIN, distinct from existing offerings that rely on external validation. Instead, their data integrity is assured at the point of generation—whether it be a camera capturing footage or a sensor logging readings—with cryptographic proof to prevent tampering. The embedded nature enhances security and auditability, crucial for sectors like healthcare, autonomous vehicles, legal systems, and industrial monitoring. While ImFact's public roadmap outlines the L1 mainnet launch in late 2025, it is already actively engaging early adopters through Testnet 2.0. Users are deploying personal blockchain nodes on smartphones and integrating on-device blockchain chips in IoT hardware, generating token rewards and engaging in verifiable proof tasks. These early-stage validators are cultivating a nascent ecosystem that could mature rapidly ahead of commercial stage. South Korea's public sector stance and investment in AI and related infrastructure create a favourable landscape for projects like ImFact. The 16.1 trillion KRW policy emphasises open‑source AI models and GPU availability—initiatives that align with ImFact's objective to offload cryptographic verification tasks to the edge of the network. The convergence of national policy and device-level trust architecture underscores an ecosystem designed to support AI at scale. ImFact's strategy hinges on the deployment and interoperability of three layers: personal blockchains for users, on-device blockchains for hardware, and an L1 mainnet offering global anchoring. Success depends on adoption rates of its mobile apps and IoT kits, regulatory acceptance of on-device verification for legal and medical use cases, and demonstration of clear ROI for participants in device mining.
Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
Platinum-Free Hydrogen Revolution: This Korean System Stuns Scientists With Its Efficiency, Cost Savings, and Industrial Disruption Potential
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 South Korean scientists have innovated a platinum-free hydrogen electrolysis system, reducing reliance on costly precious metals . . 💡 The breakthrough involves using larger catalyst particles to enhance performance and conductivity without platinum. to enhance performance and conductivity without platinum. 🌍 This advancement could significantly lower hydrogen production costs and boost its adoption as a clean energy source worldwide. source worldwide. 📈 The study strengthens South Korea's position in the global push for sustainable energy solutions. In a groundbreaking move towards a sustainable future, South Korean scientists have unveiled a revolutionary method to produce hydrogen without relying on costly precious metals. This development by the KAIST research team promises to transform the clean energy landscape by addressing a significant barrier in hydrogen production. As the world seeks efficient and eco-friendly energy solutions, this innovation could pave the way for widespread hydrogen adoption, offering a glimpse into a cleaner, greener future. The Challenges of PEMWE Systems Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) is a leading technology for producing high-purity hydrogen by splitting water molecules using electricity. Despite its potential, PEMWE systems are hindered by their reliance on rare and expensive metals like platinum and iridium. These metals are crucial for accelerating the chemical reactions within the electrolyzer, but their high cost makes hydrogen production economically challenging. The core of the problem lies in the electrode interface of the PEMWE cells, where the iridium oxide (IrOx) catalyst drives the oxygen evolution reaction. To function optimally, IrOx requires the presence of platinum, which adds significantly to the cost. The South Korean research team identified a fundamental issue known as the 'pinch-off' effect, caused by structural weaknesses in the electrode interface. By addressing this, they aim to eliminate the dependency on platinum, making hydrogen production more affordable and accessible. 'This System Turns Any EV Into a Solar Vehicle': Revolutionary Tech Lets Electric Cars Recharge Themselves While Driving Innovative Solutions with Larger Catalyst Particles The researchers discovered that adjusting the size of the catalyst particles could greatly enhance the performance of PEMWE systems. By fabricating IrOx catalysts with diameters larger than 20 nanometers, they reduced the occurrence of pinch-off zones, which previously hindered electron transport. This breakthrough allowed electrons to move more freely between the catalyst and substrate, achieving high performance without platinum. Moreover, the team optimized the catalyst layer structure to minimize the ionomer's interference, maintaining strong catalytic activity. This innovation broke the traditional trade-off between activity and conductivity, proving that particle size can dramatically improve conductivity in PEMWE systems. For the first time, researchers demonstrated that particle size alone could restore performance, marking a significant advance in hydrogen technology. 'Solar Just Beat Coal': Historic Milestone as EU Electricity Is Now Powered More by the Sun Than by the World's Dirtiest Fuel Implications for Cost-Effective and Scalable Hydrogen Production This pioneering research provides an interface design strategy that resolves the conductivity issues previously stalling high-performance water electrolysis technology. By achieving high efficiency without relying on expensive materials, the study represents a major step towards realizing a hydrogen economy. The implications extend beyond cost savings; they also position South Korea as a leader in the global push for sustainable energy solutions. Published in the renowned journal Energy & Environmental Science, this study underscores the potential for scalable hydrogen production that is both economically viable and environmentally friendly. By reducing the reliance on rare metals, the KAIST team's findings could revolutionize the energy sector, making hydrogen a more attractive option for powering industries and vehicles worldwide. 'This Coding Trick Cuts 30% of Power Use': Data Centers Worldwide Could Be Transformed by This Shockingly Simple Energy Hack Future Prospects and Global Impact The implications of this research are vast, offering promising pathways for the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source. As countries strive to meet climate goals and reduce carbon emissions, innovations like this are crucial. The KAIST team's work not only advances technology but also sets the stage for future research and development in the field of hydrogen energy. As we look ahead, the question remains: How will this breakthrough influence global energy policies and the transition towards a sustainable future? Can this innovation catalyze a shift in how we produce and consume energy, ultimately leading to a more sustainable planet? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (24)
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Korea Launches Global AI+S&T Postdoctoral Fellowship
Program InnoCORE Aims to Foster Korea's Next Generation of Science & Technology Leaders SEOUL, South Korea, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- South Korea has announced a major national initiative to enhance its global competitiveness in AI-convergent science and technology (AI+S&T) by launching a large-scale international postdoctoral recruitment program. The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), in collaboration with the country's four premier science and technology institutes—KAIST, GIST, DGIST, and UNIST—has officially unveiled the InnoCORE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, a global initiative aiming to recruit 400 outstanding postdoctoral researchers. This initiative is designed to advance frontier research across key sectors—including biomedicine, aerospace, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing—through international collaboration and AI-powered innovation. The program also aims to address domestic brain drain while attracting top-tier global scientific talent. It specifically targets early-career researchers in the postdoctoral stage, with a long-term vision of nurturing the next generation of global leaders in AI+S&T. To connect with prospective candidates, InnoCORE will host a series of international job fairs at leading innovation hubs: Boston on June 18 at Northeastern University New York on June 20 at the NYU-KAIST Global Innovation and Research Institute Silicon Valley on June 23 at KIC Silicon Valley in San Jose Each event will feature program briefings and on-site interviews with research groups Supported by a five-year government investment of approximately USD 222 million, the program offers an annual base salary of USD 66,000 per fellow, with opportunities for additional funding through research and industry partnerships. Fellows will gain access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure in Korea, including supercomputing systems, semiconductor cleanrooms, and biomedical research facilities. A multi-mentor system—comprising domestic and international experts from academia and industry—will provide tailored guidance and support throughout the fellowship period. The InnoCORE initiative comprises eight research clusters led by the four core institutes, in collaboration with top Korean universities such as Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University; major industry partners including Naver, LG, Samsung, and Hyundai; and globally renowned institutions such as MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Oxford, Meta, Google, and IBM Research. Research focus areas include: AI-based drug discovery Smart manufacturing Large language models (LLMs) AI-transformed Aerospace AI-nano convergence for detection of Neurodegenerative diseases Bio-Embodied Physical AI AI-driven Hydrogen Technology AI-driven space solar technologies A Ministry of Science and ICT official stated: "In the global competition for AI expertise, postdoctoral researchers are strategic assets for national innovation. Through the InnoCORE program, we are committed to creating a world-class research environment and fostering global partnerships that empower early-career scientists to lead transformative breakthroughs in South Korea." The program is being actively promoted through leading global scientific media, including Nature, Science, and LinkedIn, as well as through diaspora networks such as the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA) and the Korean Scientists and Engineers Network (KOSEN). Eligible applicants must hold a PhD in a STEM-related field, or be expected to complete their degree by August 2025. Interested candidates may attend one of the InnoCORE global job fairs. Press Contact2025 InnoCORE Global Postdoctoral Job Fair SecretariatEmail: innocore@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE KAIST Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Korean scientists unveil most efficient platinum-free system for hydrogen electrolysis yet
As the world races to adopt clean energy solutions, hydrogen has emerged as a leading candidate for decarbonizing everything from heavy industry to long-haul transport. Among the various production methods, proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) stands out for generating high-purity hydrogen using only water and electricity. Yet despite its promise, PEMWE faces a costly bottleneck due to its dependence on rare, expensive metals like platinum and iridium. Korean researchers may have just found a way around that. A team led by Professor Hee-Tak Kim of KAIST, working with Dr. Gisu Doo from the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), has developed a new method that delivers high PEMWE performance without platinum coating. Their results could significantly lower production costs and accelerate hydrogen adoption worldwide. PEMWE cells use iridium oxide (IrOx) as a catalyst to drive the oxygen evolution reaction. While IrOx is highly active, it doesn't perform at its full potential without platinum, which is a costly addition. The team uncovered that the poor electron transport is caused by structural issues within the electrode interface. They pinpointed a key problem known as the "pinch-off" effect. It occurs where the IrOx catalyst, ionomer (a solid electrolyte), and titanium substrate meet. The ionomer, though essential for conducting ions, acts as an electrical insulator around small catalyst particles. And when the ionomer touches the titanium substrate, a barrier forms on the oxide layer, worsening the conductivity. To overcome this, the researchers changed one variable: particle size. They fabricated IrOx catalysts of varying diameters and evaluated them using real PEMWE single cells and computational simulations. The results were striking. Particles larger than 20 nanometers created fewer pinch-off zones. This allowed electrons to travel more freely between the catalyst and the substrate, restoring performance without any platinum. For the first time globally, the team proved that particle size alone can dramatically improve conductivity in PEMWE systems. The team didn't just stop there. They also optimized the structure of the catalyst layer. Their design reduced the ionomer's interference while maintaining strong catalytic activity. This broke the long-standing trade-off between activity and conductivity, two factors previously thought to be mutually exclusive. By engineering the interface at the microscopic level, they delivered both high reactivity and low resistance, even without platinum. 'This research presents a new interface design strategy that can resolve the interfacial conductivity problem, which was a bottleneck in high-performance water electrolysis technology,' said Professor Kim. 'By securing high performance even without expensive materials like platinum, it will be a stepping stone closer to realizing a hydrogen economy.' The study not only opens the door to cheaper electrolysis systems but also strengthens South Korea's position in the global push for sustainable energy. The study is published in Energy & Environmental Science.
