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Professor Rak-Kyeong Seong of the Department of Mathematical Sciences Wins 2026 Baekcheon Physics Prize of the Korean Physical Society
2026.04.23
Research
The scientific reason why drinking alcohol when you have the flu is more harmful to the liver
2026.04.23
Research
“Controlling robots with just a glance”... Development of AI smart contact lenses
2026.04.22
Research
Discarded Bioresources Reborn as Hydrogen and Chemical Materials!
2026.04.22
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Professor Rak-Kyeong Seong of the Department of Mathematical Sciences Wins 2026 Baekcheon Physics Prize of the Korean Physical Society
2026.04.23
Community
The scientific reason why drinking alcohol when you have the flu is more harmful to the liver
2026.04.23
Research
“Controlling robots with just a glance”... Development of AI smart contact lenses
2026.04.22
Research
Discarded Bioresources Reborn as Hydrogen and Chemical Materials!
2026.04.22
Research
Leadership Center Launches 5-Part Special Lecture Series on 'The Birth and Present of K-Indie'
2026.04.21
News
UNIST and Ulsan National University Sign MOU for 'InnoCORE-Linked Research Internships'
2026.04.21
News
Success in realizing a Quantum light source that glows brightly even at room temperature
2026.04.21
Research
Two Fathers Become UNIST Ambassadors, Promoting University Achievements
2026.04.20
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UNIST Secures 38.2 Billion Won 'AI Ship Demonstration Center'... “Driving the Great Transformation of K-Shipbuilding”
2026.04.17
News
'Killer Drug' Delivered Only to Aged Retinal Cells... "Restores Visual Function in Macular Degeneration"
2026.04.17
Research
Australian Wildfires Intensify as El Niño Pushes Back and Antarctic Oscillation Emerges!
2026.04.16
Research
Nitrite reduction intermediate captured appearing and disappearing like a mirage!
2026.04.16
Research
UNIST Today
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UNIST Explores the Evolution of K-Indie Music in New Lecture Series
2026.04.23
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UNIST and University of Ulsan Launch InnoCORE-Linked Research Internship Program
2026.04.22
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UNIST Appoints Parent Ambassadors for Social Media Outreach
2026.04.22
Community
[UNISTar Success Stories] UNIST Graduate Selected as Damon Runyon Fellow at Penn
2026.04.17
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UNIST Explores the Evolution of K-Indie Music in New Lecture Series
2026.04.23
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UNIST and University of Ulsan Launch InnoCORE-Linked Research Internship Program
2026.04.22
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UNIST Appoints Parent Ambassadors for Social Media Outreach
2026.04.22
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[UNISTar Success Stories] UNIST Graduate Selected as Damon Runyon Fellow at Penn
2026.04.17
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UNIST Launches Major AI Initiative to Transform Shipbuilding Industry
2026.04.13
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UNIST and Dong-A University Hospital Launch Joint Research to Advance Precision Medicine
2026.04.10
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UNIST Holds Second 『UNI-Blossom Week,』 Promoting Integrity through Springtime Engagement
2026.04.09
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UNIST Undergraduate Team Places Third at International Medical AI Hackathon
2026.04.08
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UNIST Expands Digital Outreach with 『The UNIST Brief』 on LinkedIn
2026.04.08
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UNIST Plants 550 Hydrangeas Along Gamak Pond Trail for Summer Bloom
2026.04.06
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UNIST and COMWEL Partner to Advance AI-Driven Innovation in Public Data
2026.04.01
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UNIST-Nurtured Startup RecensMedical Debuts on KOSDAQ!
2026.03.31
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The scientific reason why drinking alcohol when you have the flu is more harmful to the liver
A new study has revealed the reason why drinking alcohol while inflamed due to a cold or the flu causes much more severe liver damage than usual. On the 16th, Professor Sangjoon Lee -Jun Lee of the Department of Biological Sciences at UNIST, Professor Rajendra Karki’s team at Seoul National University, and Professor Simingman’s team at the Australian National University announced that they have identified the molecular mechanism by which alcohol causes the immune system to malfunction, leading to the death of liver cells and the exacerbation of alcoholic liver disease. According to the Research, alcohol acts in conjunction with interferon to induce liver cell death. Interferon is a substance secreted when inflammation occurs in the body due to viral or bacterial infections. When alcohol enters a situation where interferon is secreted due to inflammation, Z-RNA, an abnormal RNA, rapidly increases within the cells. The immune sensor ZBP1 protein detects this Z-RNA, triggering a death response in liver cells. Normally, healthy cells control Z-RNA by modifying or hiding it using a protein called ADAR1 to prevent immune sensors from recognizing it; however, the study showed that alcohol also partially interferes with the production of this ADAR1 protein. Such a reaction can occur even in the presence of alcoholic hepatitis or autoimmune diseases. This is because interferon is secreted not only in inflammation caused by viral or bacterial infections but also in general inflammatory situations. The research team verified the proposed molecular mechanism through animal experiments. When the genes of experimental mice were manipulated to inhibit the ZBP1 protein, which detects Z-RNA, hepatocyte death and liver damage were significantly reduced even under conditions where alcohol and interferon were present simultaneously. Liver damage was also reduced when JNK signaling pathway inhibitors were administered. Since Z-RNA is produced when the JNK signaling pathway is activated, blocking the JNK signaling pathway prevents the production of Z-RNA itself. This Research also newly revealed that the JNK signaling pathway is activated when alcohol and interferon act simultaneously. Professor Sangjoon Lee explained, "Previously, it was explained that the toxicity of alcohol itself directly damages liver cells, but we have discovered that an alcohol-triggered immune response can serve as another mechanism causing hepatocyte death." He added, "This Research will serve as a foundation for the development of new treatments for alcoholic liver disease, such as methods that inhibit the action of ZBP1." The Research results were published on Apr. 10 in the international multidisciplinary journal 'Science Advances'. This Research was conducted with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) Young Research Program, the Korea Drug Development Fund (KDDF), the Global Physician-Scientist Training Program of the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korean ARPA-H Program, the Researcher for Basic Science (IBS), the National Researcher of Health Program of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the Donggreami Foundation, and Yuhan Corporation.
2026.04.23
Z-RNA
ZPB1
hepatitis
flu
Immune malfunction
Immunity Frenzy
virus
Department of Biological Sciences
innate immune sensor
inflammation
Interferon
“Controlling robots with just a glance”... Development of AI smart contact lenses
A smart contact lens capable of controlling a robot with just a glance has been developed. When the wearer rolls their eyeball while wearing the lens, the robotic arm moves in the direction of the eye. It is attracting attention as a next-generation human-machine interface technology that could replace existing heavy and complex Extended Reality (XR) devices. On the 15th, a research team led by Professor Im Doo Jung (concurrently at the Graduate School of Artificial Intelligence ) of the Department of Department of Mechanical Engineering at UNIST announced the development of a smart contact lens capable of remotely controlling a robotic arm. They achieved this by combining a special technology that directly prints sensors onto the lens with AI technology that restores low-resolution sensor signals to high resolution. The lens is equipped with 100 (10x10) light detection sensors that operate on the principle of tracking the direction of gaze by reading the light distribution that changes whenever the eye moves. It can distinguish not only up, down, left, and right, but also diagonal directions, and this gaze information is transmitted to the robotic arm to move it. It can even pick up objects by blinking the eyeball. The research team developed and applied 'Meniscus Pixel Printing (MPP)' technology to directly print sensors onto the surface of round lenses. This technology involves dotting sensor ink, formed at the tip of a nozzle, onto the lens surface. A meniscus refers to the convex or concave curve of a liquid; thanks to this curve, the force of ink ejection balances the force preventing spreading, allowing the desired amount of ink to be printed. Once the ink dries, only the light-sensing perovskite material remains to function as a sensor. Unlike conventional sensor fabrication, this method does not require a mask to engrave sensor patterns and offers the advantage of creating individually customized lenses by allowing sensors to be printed to match various eye curvatures. The problem of reduced signal resolution due to the small space of the lens was solved by combining artificial intelligence technology. Although there are actually 100 sensors, applying deep learning-based super-resolution technology allows for obtaining signal data equivalent to having up to 6,400 (80x80) sensors. The time required for reconstruction is also short at 0.03 seconds, allowing information to be transmitted to the robotic arm in real-time. In experiments using an eye model, the robot was able to pick up and move objects using only eye movements, recording a direction recognition accuracy of 99.3%. Researcher Byeong-Hun Gong and Do-Hyun Kim from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UNIST participated in this Research as first authors. The research team explained, “This technology overcomes the spatial limitations of the ultra-small form factor of a lens by combining hardware process innovation with AI-based signal restoration software technology.” Professor Im Doo Jung, who led the Research , stated, “We have demonstrated the feasibility of implementing an advanced Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) system that directly converts human visual information into robot control signals without a separate controller.” He added, “As a next-generation ultra-lightweight XR interface device capable of precisely controlling various electronic devices using only eye movements, it possesses the potential to expand into diverse Field such as augmented reality-based remote control of industrial robots, operation of exploration robots in disaster environments, unmanned systems and drone control in the defense Field , medical and rehabilitation support systems, and smart mobility interfaces.” The Research results were published on Mar. in *Advanced Functional Materials*, a world-renowned journal in the Field of materials science (Impact Factor: 19.0, within the top 5% of JCR), and are scheduled to be published as the front cover article for the latest issue. The Research was conducted with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Technology Planning and Evaluation, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s Technology Development Program.
2026.04.22
XR glasses
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Meniscus pixel printing
Human-machine interface
Smart glasses
Smart contact lenses
remote control
Perovskite sensor
form factor
Discarded Bioresources Reborn as Hydrogen and Chemical Materials!
*This Press Releases was prepared under the auspices of the Korea Researcher of Materials Science (KIMS). (Link to Press Releases ) □ A research team led by Dr. Yang Ju-chan at the Hydrogen Battery Materials Research Center, Energy and Environmental Materials Division, Korea Researcher of Materials Science (KIMS, President Chong Rae Park -jin), in collaboration with a Research team led by Professors Ji Wook Jang wook, Hankwon Lim , and Lee Ho-sik of the Department of School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology National University of Science and Technology (UNIST, President Park Jong-rae), has developed a high-efficiency electrochemical system capable of simultaneously producing Hydrogen and high-value-added chemicals using glycerol, a byproduct of the biodiesel (eco-friendly fuel made from vegetable oils, etc.) industry. This Research is significant in that it completes a next-generation conversion technology that improves Hydrogen production efficiency and expands the scope of application by replacing the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER), which was a key bottleneck in the existing water electrolysis process. □ Hydrogen is attracting attention as a core energy source in the era of Carbon Neutrality , and the development of water electrolysis technology to produce it in an eco-friendly manner is actively underway. However, conventional water electrolysis methods had limitations in that the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER), which is an essential component of the electrolytic water decomposition process at the anode, required a large amount of energy and had a slow reaction rate, thereby reducing All process efficiency and lowering economic viability. To overcome these limitations, the research team developed an anion exchange membrane water electrolysis system that utilizes glycerol, an organic substance, as a substitute for water and applies its Glycerol Oxidation Reaction (GOR) to the anode. Glycerol is a low-cost byproduct generated in large quantities during biodiesel production, and utilizing it allows the reaction to be induced with less energy compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, by applying a copper-cobalt-based non-precious metal catalyst, high reaction activity and stability were secured without expensive precious metals, and a high current density of 110 mA/cm² was achieved even at a relatively low voltage of 1.31 V. In particular, this technology is differentiated from existing water electrolysis technologies by its ability to simultaneously produce chemical raw materials such as formate along with Hydrogen production. While existing water electrolysis technology was a single process that produced only Hydrogen, this technology expands it into a complex process that simultaneously produces energy and chemical materials. The research team succeeded in converting approximately 96% of the generated material into the desired chemical (formate) and confirmed stable performance even in a large-area electrolytic cell measuring 79 cm², proving its feasibility for application in actual industrial processes beyond the laboratory stage. This technology is an electrochemical platform capable of simultaneously producing Hydrogen and chemical raw materials using waste bio-resources, and it holds significance in that it can reduce green Hydrogen production costs and increase resource utilization efficiency. In particular, as a Carbon Neutrality production technology that connects the energy and chemical industries into a single process, it offers the potential to integrate existing separated production structures. Furthermore, as it can be converted to a continuous process and scaled up to a megawatt (MW) level, it is expected to develop into a practical technology applicable to actual industrial processes. Yang Ju-chan, a principal Researcher at KIMS and the Research leader, emphasized, "This Research is highly significant because we synthesized inexpensive non-precious metal catalysts in large quantities and verified their performance by applying them to a large-capacity electrolytic cell system at a level suitable for actual commercialization." In addition, Professor Ji Wook Jang of UNIST stated, "Technology for converting bio-by-products such as glycerol into high-value-added compounds will be a key strategy capable of simultaneously accelerating the achievement of carbon neutrality and the revitalization of the Hydrogen economy." This Research was conducted with support from national R&D projects by the National Research Council on Science and Technology, the Korea Energy Research and Evaluation Institute, the National Research Foundation of Korea, and the Korea Institute for Industrial Technology Evaluation and Management. Furthermore, core analysis and computational Research were carried out utilizing the supercomputing infrastructure of the Korea Researcher of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) and the synchrotron accelerator facilities of the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PACT). The Research results were published online on Mar. 18, 2026, in Joule (IF: 35.4), a world-renowned academic journal in the energy Field .
2026.04.22
Glycerol
Biodiesel waste
Hydrogen
School of Energy and Chemical Engineering
formate
Success in realizing a Quantum light source that glows brightly even at room temperature
* This Press Releases was prepared under the auspices of the Researcher for Basic Science (IBS). (Link to Press Releases ) Two-dimensional Semiconductor are extremely thin materials, measuring up to one hundred thousandth the thickness of a human hair, and are attracting attention as next-generation materials capable of realizing efficient optical devices. However, at room temperature, there was a limitation in that light-generating excitons easily diffused, making it difficult to achieve stable luminescence at specific Location . A joint research team consisting of Professor Young-Duck Seo (Deputy Director of the Multidimensional Carbon Materials Research Research Group ) from the Department of Department of Chemistry at UNIST and Professor YungDoug Suh Duck Park from the Department of Physics, Department of Department of Semiconductor Engineering, Graduate Graduate of Convergence Science and Graduate , and Graduate School of Semiconductor at POSTECH has succeeded in realizing a high-efficiency Quantum source that glows brightly even at room temperature. Excitons are quasiparticles formed by the combination of electrons and holes, playing a key role in emitting light in Semiconductor. In particular, 'localized excitons' confined to specific Location enable stable luminescence, making them suitable for use as Quantum light sources. However, at room temperature, there were limitations in that excitons easily diffused due to thermal energy, and luminescence efficiency was significantly reduced due to excess charge within the material. To overcome this, the research team introduced a nanohole structure with a diameter of 500 nanometers (nm) beneath a two-dimensional Semiconductor to induce excitons to gather at a specific Location. Like a hollowed-out bowl, this structure naturally causes excitons to converge towards the center and remain at a single point. Additionally, through heat treatment, the water layer between the Semiconductor and the gold substrate was removed to reduce excess charge and create an environment where excitons can be emitted as light without losing energy. As a result, excitons were effectively confined within a very small region at the center of the nanohole, confirming a high confinement efficiency of approximately 98%. Furthermore, luminescence efficiency improved by about 130 times compared to existing standards, proving that it is possible to realize a bright and stable Quantum light source even at room temperature. This Research demonstrates that a light source realized in a two-dimensional Semiconductor can possess bright and stable characteristics similar to the quantum dots used in QLED TVs. Moreover, it is expected that generating high-efficiency single Quantum light at room temperature, which has been difficult until now, will become possible by making the nanostructures even smaller and precisely controlling the illumination conditions. In particular, since 2D Semiconductor can be fabricated over large areas through Semiconductor wafer processes, they are expected to enable future expansion into various industrial technologies, such as Quantum communication and Quantum computing. First author Taeyoung Moon, a Students Researcher at POSTECH and IBS, stated, “The core of this Research is realizing a Quantum light source that glows brightly even at room temperature by collecting and confining light-emitting particles at a single point,” adding, “This structure will serve as a foundation for expansion into various photonic quantum devices.” Co-corresponding author YungDoug Suh, Deputy Director of the Research Group, said, “It is significant that we greatly improved performance by precisely controlling the process of light creation and annihilation in 2D Semiconductor,” and added, “This technology will be a critical technological turning point for the future development of light sources that generate single photons at room temperature.” The Research results were published in the international journal Science Advances on Mar. 13.
2026.04.21
IBS
Constraint efficiency
Basic Science Researcher
Luminous efficiency
Room temperature Quantum light source
Quantum light source
exciton
Department of Chemistry
'Killer Drug' Delivered Only to Aged Retinal Cells... "Restores Visual Function in Macular Degeneration"
With the number of patients with macular degeneration surging due to the aging society, a technology has been developed to restore visual function by selectively removing only the cells that cause vision loss. Macular degeneration is a disease characterized by blurred or distorted central vision due to damage to the macula of the retina, and it is considered one of the three leading causes of blindness, along with cataracts and glaucoma. On the 9th, a team led by Professor Ja Hyoung Ryu of the Department of Department of Chemistry at UNIST and Professor Jung Hye-won of the Department of Ophthalmology at Konkuk University Hospital announced that they had developed nanoparticles capable of delivering drugs to selectively eliminate aged retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPEs), achieving the feat of partially restoring visual function in experimental mice. The aging of retinal pigment epithelial cells is identified as a major cause of dry age-related macular degeneration. This is because RPEs that have entered an aged state are not merely cells that have ceased functioning; they play a role in destroying even healthy normal cells by releasing toxic inflammatory substances into their surroundings. While senolytic drugs capable of eliminating these aging cells have recently garnered attention, these drugs can cause toxic side effects if they enter normal cells. The nanoparticles developed by the research team serve to deliver this drug exclusively to senescent cells. This is because senescent RPEs are rich in a protein called Bst2 on their surface, and the nanoparticles are equipped with specific antibodies that bind only to this protein. Upon reaching senescent RPE cells, the nanoparticles enter the cell and degrade, releasing the senescent cell death drug (ABT-263) contained within. Even if the nanoparticles are misdelivered to normal cells, they are designed to be safe, as degradation occurs only in the high-glutathione environment characteristic of senescent cells. This Research also revealed for the first time that the surface of senescent RPEs is rich in the protein Bst2. The research team identified Bst2 as a senescent cell marker by cross-analyzing genetic data from naturally aging mice and mice with pathological aging induced by chemical drugs. When the drug was loaded into the developed nanoparticles and injected into the eyes of mice, it was confirmed that only senescent cells were eliminated without damaging normal cells, and visual function was restored as the electrical response to light (retinal potential) significantly increased. Professor Jung Hye-won stated, “Unlike existing treatment methods that focused on symptom relief, this approach is differentiated by targeting the very origin of the disease,” adding, “We expect this to serve as a new therapeutic approach for dry age-related macular degeneration, for which there is no suitable standard treatment.” Professor Ja Hyoung Ryu explained, “We were able to design drug delivery nanoparticles that target only senescent cells by newly discovering a protein that appears exclusively on the surface of senescent cells,” and added, “By simply replacing the specific antibodies on the surface of the nanoparticles, it could be utilized for targeted therapies targeting senescent cells in other age-related diseases.” This Research was conducted with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) under the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korean ARPA-H Project of the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the results were published in the international journal Nature Communications on Mar. 18.
2026.04.17
3 major causes of blindness
Removal of aging retinal cells
retinal cells
Senolitics
Department of Chemistry
macular degeneration
Australian Wildfires Intensify as El Niño Pushes Back and Antarctic Oscillation Emerges!
Analysis results indicate that the risk of bushfires in southeastern Australia has entered an unpredictable phase characterized by extreme annual fluctuations. The increased variability has been attributed to the strengthening influence of an atmospheric circulation pattern known as the "Antarctic Ring Mode." A research team led by Professor Myong-In Lee-in of the Department of Earth, Environmental, Urban, and Civil Engineering revealed this fact by analyzing bushfire weather conditions in southeastern Australia from 1981 to 2022. According to the team's Research, the risk of bushfires in southeastern Australia has undergone rapid and irregular changes since the early 2000s, to the extent that it is being called a "Regime Shift." Compared to the previous period (1981–2001), the number of "Fire Weather Days"—days with a high risk of severe bushfires—has surged by approximately five times over the past 20 years (2002–2022), and the "variability" of wildfire intensity, which fluctuates wildly year after year, has also expanded by more than twofold. Notably, the "conductor" causing the bushfires has changed. In the past, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), characterized by changes in equatorial Pacific sea surface temperatures, had a significant impact on Australian wildfires; however, recently, the Antarctic Antarctic Circumpolar Mode (SAM), an atmospheric circulation pattern encircling Antarctica, has emerged as the most powerful determinant of wildfire variability. Analysis suggests this shift in dominance is due to the strengthening of "ground-atmosphere coupling," where the land and atmosphere influence each other. When the ground dries out due to drought, solar heat raises surface temperatures much more rapidly than when the ground retains some moisture. This, in turn, dries out the atmosphere, deepening a vicious cycle that induces "complex extreme weather" (high temperature, dryness, and drought) conditions, which are prone to wildfires. Climate change has also been shown to have a direct impact on the agricultural Field. The research team confirmed that as wildfire risk variability increases, the yield of corn, a major crop in the region, fluctuates significantly in proportion. This highlights the importance of socio-economic disaster management that integrates climate, wildfires, and agriculture. Researcher Kim Ki-wook, the first author, explained, “While El Niño phenomena were primarily referenced for wildfire prediction in the past, we now need to observe atmospheric flow (SAM) in the Antarctic region and ground dryness conditions more closely.” He added, “This Research will contribute to improving wildfire prediction performance not only in Australia but also in various regions around the world where wildfires are becoming larger and more commonplace due to climate change.” Professor Myong-In Lee-in stated, “The unpredictability of wildfires is increasing due to the complex interactions of meteorological factors, going beyond simple temperature rises.” He further noted, “If signals from intensified, complex extreme weather disasters are precisely reflected in climate models, we can advance impact forecasting systems to the next level in preparation for future climate disasters.” This Research was led by Professor Myong-In Lee team at UNIST, with participation from an international joint research team including the University of Hawaii and POSTECH. The results were published on Apr. 11 in *Agricultural and Forest Meteorology*, a top-tier international academic journal related to forestry and agriculture Research . The Research was conducted with support from the Ministry of Environment's 'Environmental Technology Development for Response to the New Climate Regime' project.
2026.04.16
dry climate
climate change
Antarctic Fantasy Mode
Department of Urban and Civil Engineering
El Niño
Department of Civil
Strengthening ground-atmosphere coupling
Australian bushfires
View more
Research Impact
UNIST Unveils Smart Contact Lens with Meniscus Pixel Printing for Vision-Based Robotic Control
Abstract Contact lenses are emerging as strong candidates for next-generation extended reality (XR) interfaces due to their lightweight and ergonomic form factor. However, integrating photodetector arrays onto the limited area of ​​a lens remains challenging with conventional micropatterning approaches, which rely on masks, multistep processes, and specialized equipment that inherently limit throughput and scalability. To address these constraints, we introduce a Meniscus Pixel Printing (MPP) strategy that enables rapid, mask-free patterning of MAPbI3 perovskite photodetectors without costly or complex fabrication tools. MPP uses a self-confined meniscus at a pipette tip to deterministically transfer perovskite ink, enabling 200 µm pixels to be printed within 1 s per pixel. In addition to planar substrates, MPP demonstrates stable pixel patterning on curved surfaces, highlighting its geometric adaptability and process versatility. Using this approach, we fabricate a 10 × 10 perovskite photodetector array and demonstrate stable photoresponse, retaining 92% of its initial performance after two months of storage. To overcome limited pixel density, a deep-learning-based super-resolution (SR) model reconstructs 10 × 10 inputs into 80 × 80 optical information with 97.2% accuracy and 0.03 s latency. Additionally, an AI-based eye-tracking system recognizes nine eye gestures with 99.3% accuracy, enabling smooth hands-free robotic arm control. A research team, led by Professor Im Doo Jung from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UNIST, has developed a groundbreaking smart contact lens that enables users to control robots through eye movements. This innovative device combines embedded optical sensors with AI-based signal processing, offering a lightweight, intuitive human-machine interface with vast potential across industries. The lens incorporates a 10×10 array of light sensors capable of detecting subtle changes in light distribution caused by eye movements, including gaze direction and blinks. These signals are transmitted to control external robotic systems, as demonstrated with a robotic arm. Notably, the team employed a novel Meniscus Pixel Printing (MPP) technique to directly print sensors onto the curved lens surface without masks or complex fabrication steps, ensuring high precision and customizability. In addition to robotic control, the system demonstrates vision sensing capabilities by reconstructing optical information. To address the limited signal resolution inherent to micro-scale devices, the researchers applied deep-learning-based super-resolution algorithms, reconstructing high-fidelity signals equivalent to an 80x80 sensor array in just 0.03 seconds. This enables real-time, accurate control based solely on eye movements, achieving recognition accuracies of up to 99.3% under experimental conditions. This technology marks a significant advancement in ultra-compact human-machine interfaces, enabling precise, hands-free control of electronic devices. Potential applications include remote robotic operation, medical assistive devices, exploration in hazardous environments, defense systems, and smart mobility. Published in the March 2026 issue of Advanced Functional Materials (Impact Factor: 19.0, JCR Top 5%)—a top-tier journal in materials science—the research was selected as the Front Cover of the latest issue. The study received support from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE). Journal Reference Byung-Hoon Gong, Dohyean Kim, Jiyun Jeong, et al., “Meniscus Pixel Printing for Contact-Lens Vision Sensing and Robotic Control,” Adv. Funct. Mater., (2026).
2026.04.23
Advanced Functional Materials
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Form Factor
Im Doo Jung
ME
Meniscus Pixel Printing
MPP
Perovskite Sensor
Robotic Control
Smart Contact Lenses
Vision Sensing
Innovative Scalable Electrochemical Approach for Transforming Waste Glycerol into Hydrogen and High-Value Chemicals
Abstract Interest in electrochemical glycerol oxidation reactions (GORs) continues to grow as a promising strategy for hydrogen production. By replacing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), GOR reduces energy consumption while generating hydrogen at the cathode and value-added formate at the anode, offering techno-economic advantages over conventional water electrolysis. However, its practical implementation is still hindered by reliance on precious metal catalysts and performance losses in scaled-up systems. Here, we synthesized a non-precious CuCo oxide (CCO) electrocatalyst at a tens-of-grams scale through co-precipitation and simple surface treatment. When applied to an anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer, the modified CuCo oxide achieved 110 mA cm−2 at 1.31 Vcell using a 7 cm2 non-precious GOR anode with 96% formate selectivity. The system was further scaled to a 79 cm2 anode, delivering 3.2 A at 1.31 Vcell. This study demonstrates a practical and economically favorable pathway for scalable hydrogen production via glycerol valorization in AEM electrolyzers. A joint research team, led by Professors Ji-Wook Jang, Hankwon Lim, and Hosik Lee from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST, in collaboration with Dr. Juchan Yang from the Energy & Environment Materials Research Division at Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), has announced the development of a high-performance, scalable electrochemical system that transforms waste glycerol—an industrial byproduct of biodiesel production—into hydrogen and value-added chemicals, such as formate. This innovative system replaces the conventional oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water electrolysis with glycerol oxidation, resulting in reduced energy consumption and enhanced efficiency. Using a copper-cobalt oxide catalyst, the system a current density of 110 mA/cm² at just 1.31 V, with 96% selectivity for formate. The technology was successfully scaled to a 79 cm² electrode, demonstrating its potential for industrial applications. This advancement provides a sustainable, cost-effective pathway for large-scale hydrogen production through glycerol valorization. By simultaneously generating hydrogen and valuable chemicals from waste biomass, the approach promises significant reductions in green hydrogen costs and improved resource efficiency. Additionally, integrating energy and chemical manufacturing processes supports global efforts toward carbon neutrality and a sustainable hydrogen economy. Moreover, its scalability and compatibility with continuous operation suggest promising prospects for industrial deployment and further scale-up to megawatt-level systems. Juchan Yang, Principal Researcher at KIMS, emphasizes, “This study demonstrates the large-scale synthesis of low-cost, non-precious catalysts and their successful integration into a practical electrolyzer system, marking a significant step toward commercial viability.” Professor Ji-Wook Jang of UNIST adds, “Transforming biomass waste like glycerol into high-value chemicals and hydrogen not only accelerates carbon neutrality but also offers strategic advantages in building a sustainable hydrogen economy.” The findings of this research were published online in Joule (IF: 35.4) on March 18, 2026. The study was supported by the National Research Council of Science & Technology (NST), the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP), the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), and the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT). Core analyzes and computational modeling were conducted using supercomputing resources provided by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), with technical support, as well as the synchrotron radiation source at the 6D beamline of the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory. Journal Reference Ki-Yong Yoon, Seon Woo Hwang, Hee Yoon Roh et al. , “Commercial-scale glycerol valorization using surface-modified copper cobalt oxide catalyst in high-capacity anion exchange membrane electrolyzer,” Joule , (2026).
2026.04.23
Catalysis
ECE
ECHE
Glycerol
Hankwon Lim
Hosik Lee
Hydrogen Production
Ji-Wook Jang
Joule
School of Energy and Chemical Engineering
Surface Engineering
New Study Uncovers Shift in Climate Drivers Intensifying Wildfires in Australia
Abstract Wildfire variability in Southeastern Australia (SEA) has intensified in recent decades, posing increasing risks to ecosystems and agriculture under a changing climate. However, the mechanisms driving the recent amplification of extreme fire weather remain unclear. Using austral-summer data from 1981–2022, we quantify interannual links between the Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) and land–atmosphere variables. Fire Weather Days (FWD) are defined as days exceeding an extreme FFDI threshold each fire season and are validated against satellite-based burned area and fire intensity across SEA. We show that recent fire risk in SEA is not characterized by a gradual increase but by a regime shift in extreme fire weather conditions. An early-2000s transition is marked by enhanced interannual variability and an approximately fivefold increase in FWD, linked to increased positive skewness in daily FFDI. Among FFDI components, the drought factor (DF), representing hydrological stress, exhibits the largest increase in extreme occurrences, especially when co-occurring with high temperature (T) and low relative humidity (RH). The contribution of compound DF & RH & T events to total FWD more than doubles between 1981–2001 (P1) and 2002–2022 (P2). Segmented regression further reveals strengthened interannual FWD sensitivity to DF in P2. In P1, variability reflected atmospheric warming and drying, whereas P2 is characterized by intensified land–atmosphere coupling that amplifies hydrological stress and compound extremes. This transition coincides with changes in large-scale circulation, with the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) emerging as the dominant driver of FWD variability in the recent period, while ENSO exerted a stronger influence earlier. Increased FWD variability is also closely linked to interannual maize yield fluctuations across SEA. These findings highlight a hydrologically-driven regime shift in extreme fire weather and underscore the need for integrated climate-fire-agriculture risk assessment. An international team of researchers, affiliated with UNIST, has identified a dramatic transformation in wildfire patterns across Southeastern Australia (SEA). Analyzing data from 1981 to 2022, the research shows that since the early 2000s, the region has experienced a fivefold increase in extreme fire weather days, driven increasingly by the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) rather than the traditionally dominant El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This shift highlights new challenges in predicting and managing wildfires under a changing climate. Led by Professor Myong-In Lee from the Department of Civil, Urban, Earth and Environmental Engineering at UNIST, this study was conducted in collaboration with experts from the University of Hawaii and POSTECH. In this study, the team identified a regime shift beginning in the early 2000s, characterized by emphasized interannual variability and a sharp rise in extreme fire weather days. Over the past two decades, wildfire risk volatility has more than doubled. This change is primarily attributed to the strengthening of land-atmosphere coupling, where drought conditions intensify surface heating, creating a feedback loop that fuels more frequent and severe wildfires. Beginning in the early 2000s, marked by heightened interannual variability and a sharp rise in extreme fire weather days. Over the past two decades, wildfire risk volatility has more than doubled. This change is primarily driven by strengthened land–atmosphere coupling: drought conditions dry out surface soils, creating a feedback loop that amplifies surface heating and fosters more frequent and severe wildfires. While ENSO has traditionally been the main climate driver influencing Australian wildfires, recent evidence indicates that the SAM's influence has grown, now serving as the dominant factor regulating wildfire variability. Kiwook Kim, the main author of the study, comments, “Our findings emphasize the need for enhanced monitoring of atmospheric circulation patterns and soil moisture levels. This knowledge is vital for improving fire risk predictions and informing climate adaptation strategies to safeguard communities and ecosystems.” “Understanding how climate factors influence wildfires is more critical than ever,” says Professor Lee. “Recognizing the increasing role of the Southern Annular Mode and the complex land-atmosphere interactions enables us to develop more accurate prediction models and better prepare for future wildfire seasons.” The findings of this research were published in Agricultural and Forest Meteorology on April 11, 2026. This research was supported by the Korea Environment Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI) under the Climate Change R&D Project for New Climate Regime project, funded by the Ministry of Environment (MOE) of Korea. Journal Reference Kiwook Kim, Myong-In Lee, Seungseok Lee, et al. , “Local and remote drivers of increased variability in extreme wildfire conditions in Southeastern Australia,” Agric. For. Meteorol., (2026).
2026.04.22
CUEEn
Department of Civil Urban Earth and Environmental Engineering
ENSO
Fire Weather Days
FWD
Myong-In Lee
SEA
Southeastern Australia
UEE
Wildfire
Bright Quantum Light Emission Achieved at Room Temperature in 2D Semiconductors
A joint research team, led by Professor Yung Doug Suh of UNIST, who also serves as Associate Director of the Center for Multidimensional Carbon Materials within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and Professor Kyoung-Duck Park from POSTECH, has succeeded in realizing a high-efficiency quantum light source that emits bright lights even at room temperature. The achievement overcomes a longstanding limitation of two-dimensional semiconductors—atomically thin materials typically about 100,000 times thinner than a human hair—which previously required either cryogenic temperatures or complex electrical gating structures to produce efficient light emission. At the heart of the study are excitons, the light-emitting quasiparticles that form when electrons bind with “holes”—the absence of an electron that behaves like a positive charge—in a semiconductor. In two-dimensional semiconductors, excitons are especially important because they can enable ultrathin and highly efficient optical devices. However, there has been a major problem: at room temperature, excitons tend to spread out too easily, making it difficult to generate bright light from a precise location. Recently, researchers have become increasingly interested in localized excitons—excitons that are trapped in a confined nanoscale region. A useful analogy is a ball rolling on a flat floor versus a ball sitting in a bowl. On a flat surface, the ball moves around freely, but in a small hollow, it remains trapped in one place. Localized excitons behave similarly: once confined, they can emit light more stably and with better control over wavelength, making them attractive candidates for ideal quantum light sources. But room temperature makes this difficult. As thermal energy rises, excitons can escape from the trapping region, just as a ball may bounce out of a shallow bowl. At the same time, excess charges remaining in the material can interact with excitons or drain away their energy, causing the system to lose energy as heat instead of light. For this reason, the light-emission efficiency of localized excitons in two-dimensional semiconductors has typically remained below 1% under ambient conditions. To overcome this challenge, the team designed a 500-nanometer nanohole structure beneath a monolayer of MoS2, a representative two-dimensional semiconductor. This nanohole acts like a nanoscale bowl, naturally funneling excitons toward its center and confining them to a tiny region. According to the researchers' simulations, about 98% of excitons in the nanohole region were funneled into the center and formed localized exciton states, indicating highly efficient confinement within the nanoscale region. At the same time, the researchers addressed another major source of loss: excess electrons in the material. During the transfer process used to place the MoS2 layer onto the gold substrate, a thin residual water layer naturally forms at the interface. This layer acts as a dielectric barrier that prevents efficient charge transfer, allowing excess electrons to remain in the semiconductor and degrade emission. By applying thermal annealing, the team removed this water layer and enabled electrons to flow from the MoS₂ into the gold substrate. This effectively neutralized the material and greatly suppressed nonradiative loss pathways. As a result, the system produced bright localized exciton emission under ambient conditions, with the photoluminescence quantum yield increasing by about 130 times compared with the pre-annealed state. The researchers report that the quantum yield in the nanohole region increased from 0.076% (basically unusable) to about 10% (clearly visible bright light), far above the typical value for pristine monolayer MoS₂ at room temperature. By using the quantum confinement effect to trap light-emitting excitonic states within an extremely small region, the researchers demonstrated a practical route toward bright and stable quantum emission over large areas. This result is significant because it shows that quantum emitters made from two-dimensional semiconductors can achieve brightness and stability approaching that of quantum dots used in QLED displays, while retaining the additional advantages of atomically thin materials. The work also suggests a path toward even more advanced devices. By making the nanostructures smaller and further optimizing the optical excitation conditions, the researchers believe it may become possible to achieve high-efficiency single-photon emission at room temperature, something that has remained extremely challenging until now. Professor Kyoung-Duck Park said, “The key achievement of this study is that we realized a quantum light source that emits brightly even at room temperature by gathering and confining light-emitting particles into a single nanoscale point. This structure can serve as a foundation for a wide range of future photonic and quantum devices.” The team also demonstrated that the localized exciton emission could be dynamically and reversibly controlled. By applying gigapascal-scale pressure using the tip of an atomic force microscope, they were able to modulate the strain at the nanohole and thereby tune the behavior of the localized excitons. In annealed samples, this led to an approximately 120% increase in localized exciton emission intensity, and the effect disappeared when the pressure was released, showing that the process is fully reversible. Associate Director Yung Doug Suh of IBS said, “An important aspect of this work is that we were able to dramatically improve performance by precisely controlling how light is generated and lost in a two-dimensional semiconductor. This technology could become an important turning point toward future room-temperature single-photon sources.” Another important aspect of the study is its practical scalability. Many previous strategies for realizing efficient localized exciton emission relied on complex electrical device architectures or cryogenic environments, both of which make real-world implementation difficult. In contrast, the present method uses a relatively simple combination of nanostructuring and thermal processing. Because the approach is compatible with established semiconductor wafer-scale fabrication processes, the work opens the door to scalable, integrated quantum light-source technologies for applications, such as quantum communication, quantum computing, and next-generation nano-LEDs. Beyond quantum communication and quantum computing, the researchers say the platform may also be useful for high-efficiency nanoscale light sources, tunable optoelectronic devices, and future nanophotonic technologies. More broadly, the work provides a new design strategy for controlling excitons in low-dimensional materials: by simultaneously confining excitons spatially and neutralizing unwanted charges, it becomes possible to stabilize bright quantum emission even under ordinary room-temperature conditions. The findings of this research were published in Science Advances on March 13, 2026. Yung Doug Suh Professor, Department of Chemistry, UNIST Associate Director, IBS Center for Multidimensional Carbon Materials (CMCM) E: ydougsuh@gmail.com William I. Suh Public Information Officer IBS Public Relations Team T: +82-42-878-8137 E:willisuh@ibs.re.kr Story Source Materials provided by theInstitute of Basic Science. Notes for Editors The online version of the original article can be foundHERE. Journal Reference Taeyoung Moon, Hyeongwoo Lee, Jihae Lee, et al., “Highly radiative emission of room temperature–localized excitons enabled by charge-neutralized 0D quantum wells in 2D semiconductors,” Sci. Adv. , (2026). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ady2186
2026.04.20
Chemistry
CMCM
Department of Chemistry
Excitons
IBS Center for Multidimensional Carbon Materials
NanoLED
Quantum Communication
Quantum Computing
Quantum Light
Room Temperature
Science Advances
Thermal Annealing
Yung Doug Suh
Breakthrough Observation of Transient Intermediate in Nitrite-to-Nitric Oxide Conversion
Abstract The reduction of nitrite (NO2–) to nitric oxide (NO) is a fundamental transformation within both the global nitrogen cycle and enzymatic signaling pathways. Although extensively investigated, the elusive {FeNO}6 intermediate implicated in the 2H+/1e– reduction pathway has rarely been observed or isolated due to the inherent instability. Here, we present a comprehensive mechanistic investigation of nitrite reduction by a mononuclear iron(II)-nitrite complex, [FeII(TBDAP)(NO2)(CH3CN)]+ (1) (TBDAP = N,N′-di-tert-butyl-2,11-diaza[3.3](2,6)-pyridinophane). Treatment of 1 with 2.5 equiv of triflic acid (HOTf) affords the {FeNO}6 (2) intermediate, which was characterized using a combination of various physicochemical techniques and DFT calculations. Isotopic labeling using Na15NO2 confirmed the formation of 2 via heterolytic N–O bond cleavage. Kinetic studies revealed a HOTf-independent rate constant and a markedly negative value of activation entropy for the formation of 2, suggesting that the rate-determining step involves an associative reaction between Fe(II) and NO+. Electrochemical analysis showed a reversible redox couple for 2, and subsequent one-electron reduction by ferrocene released NO. The generation of NO was confirmed through trapping experiments using [Co(TPP)], resulting in the formation of [Co(TPP)(NO)]. The experimental findings establish {FeNO}6 as an isolable and reactive intermediate, offering new insight into the mechanistic landscape of nitrite reduction. Researchers from UNIST and Jeonbuk National University have, for the first time, captured and analyzed a short-lived iron (Fe)-based intermediate involved in converting nitrite (NO2–) to nitric oxide (NO)—a key process in the nitrogen cycle and biological signaling. This discovery, made at ultra-low temperatures, provides new insights into how vital molecules are produced in nature and in biological systems. Using a specialized Fe(ll)-nitrite complex and reaction conditions at -40°C, Professor Jaeheung Cho from the Department of Chemistry at UNIST, in collaboration with Professor Kyung-Bin Cho at Jeonbuk National University isolated the elusive {FeNO}⁶ intermediate, a critical step preceding NO release. Spectroscopic and computational analyzes confirmed that this species forms after NO2– accepts a proton and undergoes bond cleavage, with the nitrogen-oxygen ion binding to Fe. Further electron transfer then liberates NO. The study also revealed that the reaction pathway varies depending on whether proton and electron transfers occur sequentially or simultaneously, providing nuanced insight into reaction mechanisms. Professor Cho remarked, “This is the first direct observation of the intermediate in NO2– reduction to NO. Understanding this step could inform targeted therapies for vascular diseases and inspire the design of new catalysts with improved efficiency.” According to the research team, this discovery advances fundamental knowledge of nitrogen cycle chemistry and biological NO production, with potential applications in medicine and sustainable catalysis. By elucidating the reaction pathway, the research opens avenues for developing innovative treatments and catalytic systems. These findings were published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS) on March 20, 2026. The study has been supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). Journal Reference Seungwon Sun, Youngjin Jeon, Youngseob Lee, et al., “Unveiling an {FeNO}6 Intermediate: A Sequential Mechanistic Investigation of Nitrite Reduction in a Mononuclear Iron(II) Complex,” JACS, (2026).
2026.04.16
Chemistry
Department of Chemistry
JACS
Jaeheung Cho
Jeonbuk National University
Nitric Oxide
Nitrite
Nitrogen Cycle
Targeted Nanoparticles Eliminate Aging Retinal Cells to Reverse Vision Decline
Abstract Sensitive cells contribute to degenerative processes in multiple tissues, including the retina. In the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), their accumulation is closely associated with retinal aging and disease progression. Eliminating senescent RPE cells has shown therapeutic potential, but conventional senolytics often lack the specificity required to spare non-senescent cells, raising safety concerns. To overcome this, we performed integrated transcriptomic analyzes of male mouse-derived RPE cells under natural aging and chemically induced senescence conditions. These analyzes identified Bst2 as a membrane-localized marker selectively upregulated in senescent RPE cells, with minimal expression in young controls. Based on this discovery, we developed a modular, antibody-pluggable drug delivery platform–BZ-PON–comprising mesoporous silica nanoparticles functionalized with a recombinant Fc-binding domain and conjugated with anti-Bst2 antibodies. This nanocarrier selectively accumulates in Bst2-expressing senescent RPE cells, enabling targeted drug delivery and sparing healthy retinal cells. In vivo administration of ABT-263-loaded BZ-PON in aged and senescence-induced retinal degeneration models resulted in the selective ablation of senescent cells, restoration of RPE function, and improved visual outcomes. Together, our study integrates senescence-specific marker discovery with precision nanomedicine, establishing a versatile platform for targeted senotherapy. These findings offer a promising therapeutic approach for retinal aging disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration. A collaborative team of researchers from UNIST and Konkuk University College of Medicine has introduced an innovative nanotechnology platform that precisely targets and removes aging retinal cells, leading to partial restoration of vision in mouse models. This advancement opens new possibilities for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness worldwide. As the global population ages, the incidence of AMD continues to rise, damaging the central retina and impairing vision. Current treatments primarily address symptoms but do not fundamentally halt disease progression. The new platform specifically eliminates senescent retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells—cells that, when aged, secrete harmful substances that exacerbate retinal degeneration. Led by Professor Ja-Hyoung Ryu from the Department of Chemistry at UNIST and Professor Hyewon Chung from the Department of Ophthalmology at Konkuk University College of Medicine, the research team developed mesoporous silica nanoparticles functionalized with antibodies targeting Bst2, a protein uniquely overexpressed on the surface of senescent RPE cells. These nanoparticles deliver a potent senolytic drug, ABT-263, directly into the aged cells. Once inside, they release the drug, inducing cell death while sparing healthy tissue. The design also ensures safety: even if nanoparticles bind to normal cells, they remain inactive unless exposed to the high-glutathione environment characteristic of senescent cells. In vivo experiments demonstrated that intravitreal injection of these drug-loaded nanoparticles selectively removed senescent cells without harming healthy tissue, resulting in significant improvements in retinal electrical responses and partial recovery of visual function in mice. Professor Chung emphasized, “Our targeted approach addresses the disease at its root, moving beyond symptom management. This could revolutionize treatment for dry AMD and other age-related degenerative conditions.” Professor Ryu added, "By identifying a novel marker and engineering targeted nanocarriers, we have paved the way for highly specific therapies that can be adopted to other age-related diseases by simply changing the targeting antibody." The findings of this research were published in Nature Communications on March 18, 2026. This study has been supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), and the Korean ARPA-H Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), funded by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). Journal Reference Jun Yong Oh, Jae-Byoung Chae, Hyo Kyung Lee, et al., “Bst2-targeted senotherapy restores visual function by eliminating senescent retinal cells,” Nat. Commun., (2026).
2026.04.15
Age-related Macular Degeneration
Aging
Aging Retinal Cells
AMD
ARPA-H
Blindness
Bst2
CD317
Chemistry
Department of Chemistry
Konkuk University College of Medicine
Nature Communications
Senescence-targeted Therapy
Senolytics
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UNIST Insight
UNISTAR
Voices
Shaping
Futures,
Inspiring
the
World
Student Club
UNISTATION
A gateway to the world, from official events to experimental content
Unistation
From the excitement of the entrance ceremony and the joy of festivals to the breath of stage creation, the passion and sweat of youth were fully accumulated at Unistation, which records the vivid moments of UNIST. To document these records, the editing room lights were kept on all night, and members snatched brief naps slumped on sofas. Thanks to Unistation's diligent documentation, the story of UNIST can shine with a new light even today.
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Inside UNIST
Professor Tae-Eun Park team from the Department of Biomedical Engineering
Drawing the Fruits of Failure, Challenge, and Reflection through Organoids
Future medicine
On a culture dish in a laboratory, tiny, barely visible beads are quietly growing. At first glance, they appear to be nothing more than tiny dots within a transparent jelly, but through a microscope, those 'jelly dots' resemble a new universe. Complexly intertwined cell layers and tissues differentiating and finding their proper places. These are 'organoids,' or 'mini-organs,' which look as if human organs have been scaled down exactly. We met with Professor Tae-Eun Park 's team, who are paving a new path in medicine by shaping the potential of life on these culture dishes.
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Inside UNIST
Professor Hyunchul Oh team from the Department of Chemistry
Reading the temperature of Hydrogen with sensitivity accumulated from extracurricular experience
There are things that make us look at them closely. They are merely 'everyday life' and 'phenomena,' yet they shine so exceptionally brightly that we lower ourselves and gaze at them for a long time. That easily overlooked sparkle is sometimes transferred into an explainable world through someone's perception and contemplation. A 'materials inorganic chemist' is someone who stands at that point of transition. One who relentlessly tracks down invisible structures and properties to bring them to the surface of language, and through those words, rewrites the workings of the world we live in.
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Inside UNIST
Professor Wonyoung Choe team from the Department of Chemistry
The World of Vast Space Within Molecules: Infinite Design Opened by MOFs
times
Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), the chemistry of designing the invisible space of molecules, are receiving attention following the recent Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This concept—that the 'empty space' where molecules reside and move around can be designed as intended—suggests that chemistry has moved beyond the science of making matter and has now entered a 'stage of designing space.' Professor Wonyoung Choe Choi, who has engaged with MOFs for a full 20 years since first encountering them in 2004, likened his current situation to that of a film director beyond the ending credits where countless names flow.
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People
Students Kim Min-gyeom (Department of Industrial Engineering)
Opened with Mathematics, Gina, Engineering and Business Administration, Quant Storyteller
dream
The novel *The Professor and His Beloved Equation* depicts the year spent together by a "professor" with a memory span of only 80 minutes, his housekeeper Kyoko, and her son Root. In the story, the professor treats mathematical problems like music, and in his environment, Root naturally absorbs the professor's belief that "mathematics is rhythm and music." The confession of Students Kim Min-gyeom, who said that the Content learned by following his math teacher in and out of the faculty office during his school days stayed with him longer, seemed to strangely overlap with the novel's backstory of learning the beauty of mathematics and the meaning of life through conversations with the professor.
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Life at UNIST
[Donggle Log : LAB] A Hot Guy Appears at the UNIST Lab? The Truth Behind Professor Joo Hun Kang and Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) Research!
2026.04.21
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2026.04.13
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2026.03.27
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2025.09.04
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2025.06.04
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2025.06.12
The PET bottles I separated become raw materials for bottled water again | UNIST Professor Jungki Ryu · Dr. Oh Hyun-myung
2026.03.27
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