KIST demonstrates world's first ultra-precise, ultra-high-resolution distributed quantum sensor with 'entangled light' - Distant sensors work as one, simultaneously enhancing both precision and resolution - Key technology to accelerate quantum sensors to life, semiconductor, and space applications Precise metrology forms a fundamental basis for advanced science and technology, including bioimaging, semiconductor defects diagnostics, and space telescope observations. However, the sensor technologies used in metrology have so far faced a physical barrier known as "standard quantum limit". A promising alternative to surpass this limit is the distributed quantum sensor-A technology that links multiple spatially separated sensors into a single, large-scale quantum system, thereby enabling highly precise measurements. To date, efforts have primarily focused on enhancing precision, while the potential for extending this approach to high-resolution imaging has not yet been fully demonstrated. Dr. Hyang-Tag Lim's research team at the Center for Quantum Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), has demonstrated the world's first ultra-high-resolution distributed quantum sensor network. By applying a special quantum-entangled state, known as the "multi-mode N00N state," to distributed sensors, the team achieved simultaneous enhancement of both precision and resolution. Previous work on distributed quantum sensors has primarily relied on single-photon entangled states, which can enhance precision, but are limited for high-resolution measurements that require fine discrimination of interference patterns. The "multi-mode N00N state" emploted by the KIST researchers involves multiple photons entangled along specific paths, producing much denser interference fringes. As a result, the resolution is significantly enhanced, while even the smallest physical changes can be detected with high sensitivity. The technique not only approaches the "Heisenberg limit," the ultimate level of precision attainable with quantum technology, but also demonstrated potential for applications in super-resolution imaging. This achievement is a particularly significant, as it suggests that Korea can secure international competitiveness at a time when major advanced countries, including the United States and European nations, have designated quantum sensors as a next-generation strategic technology and are making substantial investments in the field. The team created a two-photon multi-mode N00N state entangled across four path modes and used it to simultaneously measure two distinct phase parameters. As a result, they achieved approximately 88% higher precision (2.74 dB improvement) compared to conventional methods, thereby demonstrating performance approaching the Heisenberg limit not only in theory but also in experiment. The achievement has broad potential for applications across fields that require precision metrology, including life sciences, the semiconductor industry, precision medicine, and space observation. For instance, it could enable high-clarity imaging of subcellular microstructures that are difficult to resolve with conventional microscopes, the detection of nanometer-scale defects in semiconductor circuits, and the precise observation of distant astronomical structures that would otherwise appear blurred through ordinary telescopes. "This achievement marks an important milestone, demonstrating the potential of practical quantum sensor networks based on quantum entanglement technology," said Dr. Hyang-Tag Lim of KIST. "In the future, when combined with silicon-photonics-based quantum chip technology, it could be applied to a wide range of everyday applications." ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Bae Kyung-hoon) under the KIST Institutional Program and the Quantum Sensor Commercialization Technology Development Project (RS-2023-0022863) of the Institute for Information and Communication Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP). The research was published in the latest issue of the international journal Physical Review Letters (IF 9.0, JCR top 7.5%). Credit : Korea Institute of Science and Technology Usage Restrictions of Multimedia (Attachment File) : The sources of photos and research results from KIST must be specified. [Figure 1] [Figure 2] [Figure 3]

KIST researchers overturn existing theory, "Controlling the spread of oil in the subsurface, hydrophilic materials are more effective" - Simulate groundwater environments to see more oil spills in hydrophobic media - New paradigm for designing remediation technologies for oil-contaminated groundwater A common method for separating oil from water has been to use hydrophobic materials that adsorb oil. What the researchers found through close observation was the opposite of what they had expected. In conditions of flowing through a porous medium, such as groundwater, they found that hydrophilic surfaces - those that bind easily with water molecules - hold onto more oil. Dr. Seunghak Lee, Jaeshik Chung, and Sang Hyun Kim of the Water Resources Cycle Research Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) observed how oil and water interact in porous media under various conditions using a "microfluidic system" that allows precise observation of microscopic fluid flows. In particular, they conducted experiments under constant pressure differential conditions similar to real groundwater flow, and found that oil easily escaped from hydrophobic surfaces, while more oil was retained on hydrophilic surfaces. These observations were verified with a immiscible displacement analytical model. In hydrophobic materials, the contact angle at the interface where water repels oil is larger than in hydrophilic media. This reduces the capillary pressure drop at the interface, but increases the pressure difference due to fluid viscosity, which in turn increases the velocity of the fluid in the pores. This accelerated flow of water in the pores causes more oil to spill out. In hydrophilic materials, on the other hand, the oil is not pushed out as well by the relatively low flow velocity in the pores under the same pressure conditions, resulting in a large amount of oil remaining. This study goes beyond simple fluid behavior analysis and provides a new interpretive framework for the migration and settling of contaminants in groundwater. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the effective design and operation of pollution prevention facilities such as Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB) to control oil pollution in groundwater, which is common at military bases and gas station sites. "Groundwater remediation is not just a matter of materials science, but a representative multiphysics phenomenon that involves a complex interplay of fluid flow and interfacial reactions," said Dr. Jaeshik Chung, KIST. "This research can be applied not only to groundwater remediation, but also to various immiscible displacement processes in porous media, such as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and carbon capture and storage (CCS)." "This achievement shows that underground fluid flow can behave completely differently from existing scientific theories under certain conditions," said Dr. Seunghak Lee of KIST, adding, "This research lays the scientific foundation for more precise control of the underground environment." ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Bae Kyung-hoon) and the Ministry of Environment (Minister Kim Sung-hwan) through the KIST Institutional Program and the Ground Pollution Hazard Management Technology Development Project (RS-2021-KE002011). The results of this research were published in the latest issue of the international journal "npj Clean Water" (IF 10.5, top 1.2% in JCR water resources). Credit : Korea Institute of Science and Technology Usage Restrictions of Multimedia (Attachment File) : The sources of photos and research results from KIST must be specified. [Figure 1] [Figure 2] [Figure 3]

"Turning Spin Loss into Energy", Developing a Key Technology for Ultra-Low Power Next-Generation Information Devices - Natural loss of 'spin' harnessed as a source of energy, a new principle developed - Controlling magnetism without complex structures...expected to be a key technology for AI and edge computing Dr. Dong-Soo Han's research team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Semiconductor Technology Research Center, in collaboration with the research teams of Prof. Jung-Il Hong at DGIST and Prof. Kyung-Hwan Kim at Yonsei University, has developed a device principle that can utilize "spin loss," which was previously thought of as a simple loss, as a new power source for magnetic control. Spintronics is a technology that utilizes the "spin" property of electrons to store and control information, and it is being recognized as a key foundation for next-generation information processing technologies such as ultra-low-power memory, neuromorphic chips, and computational devices for stochastic computation, as it consumes less power and is more non-volatile than conventional semiconductors. This research is significant because it presents a new approach that can significantly improve the efficiency of these spintronics devices. A team of researchers has identified a new physical phenomenon that allows magnetic materials to spontaneously switch their internal magnetization direction without external stimuli. Magnetic materials are key to the next generation of information processing devices that store information or perform computations by changing the direction of their internal magnetization. For example, if the magnetization direction is upward, it is recognized as '1', and if it is downward, it is recognized as '0', and data can be stored or computed. Traditionally, to reverse the direction of magnetization, a large current is applied to force the spin of electrons into the magnet. However, this process results in spin loss, where some of the spin does not reach the magnet and is dissipated, which has been considered a major source of power waste and poor efficiency. Researchers have focused on material design and process improvements to reduce spin loss. But now, the team has found that spin loss actually has the opposite effect, altering magnetization. This means that spin loss induces a spontaneous magnetization switch within the magnetic material, just as the balloon moves as a reaction to the wind being taken out of it. In their experiments, the team demonstrated the paradox that the greater the spin loss, the less power is required to switch magnetization. As a result, the energy efficiency is up to three times higher than conventional methods, and it can be realized without special materials or complex device structures, making it highly practical and industrially scalable. In addition, the technology adopts a simple device structure that is compatible with existing semiconductor processes, making it highly feasible for mass production, and it is also advantageous for miniaturization and high integration. This enables applications in various fields such as AI semiconductors, ultra-low power memory, neuromorphic computing, and probability-based computing devices. In particular, the development of high-efficiency computing devices for AI and edge computing is expected to be in full swing. "Until now, the field of spintronics has focused only on reducing spin losses, but we have presented a new direction by using the losses as energy to induce magnetization switching," said Dr. Dong-Soo Han, a senior researcher at KIST. "We plan to actively develop ultra-small and low-power AI semiconductor devices, as they can serve as the basis for ultra-low-power computing technologies that are essential in the AI era." ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Bae Kyung-hoon) through the KIST Institutional Program, the Global TOP Research and Development Project (GTL24041-000), and the Basic Research Project of the National Research Foundation of Korea (2020R1A2C2005932). The results of this research were published in the latest issue of the international journal Nature Communications (IF 15.7, JCR field 7%). Credit : Korea Institute of Science and Technology Usage Restrictions of Multimedia (Attachment File) : The sources of photos and research results from KIST must be specified. ① Title : [Figure 1] Schematic of magnetization control technology using 'spin loss' - Caption/Description : (Left) A conventional structure that runs a current through the outside of a magnet to generate spins and drive them into the magnet. Some of the spins leak out as they travel, and this spin loss reduces the efficiency of reorienting the magnet. (Right) The new method proposed in this study is designed to flow current directly into the magnetic material, causing spin to escape in one direction. The spin that escapes acts on the magnetic material as if it were coming in from the opposite direction, creating a self-reorienting effect. The greater the amount of spin lost, the greater the force exerted on the magnet, making it easier to change the magnetization. ② Title : [Figure 2] Schematic of the principle of 'spin loss' based magnetization control - Caption/Description : Structure illustrating the new principle of self-reversing magnetization direction through spin loss when a current is applied inside a magnetic material. When current flows, spin is generated inside the magnetic material, and some spin escapes in the direction of the antiferromagnet on the right. Normally, this escape of spin is considered a "loss," but in this study, this loss creates the same effect as spin entering the magnetic material, which is what drives the magnetization to reverse itself. In particular, as shown in the figure, the more spin that is lost, the easier the magnetization switch occurs. In other words, it becomes easier to change the magnetization. ③ Title : [Figure 3] 'Spin loss' based magnetization switching - Caption/Description : A structure that describes a new principle by which a magnetic material can self-switch its magnetization direction through spin loss when a current is passed through it. When current flows, spins are generated inside the magnetic material, and some spins escape in the direction of the antiferromagnet on the right. Normally, this spin escape is considered a 'loss', but in this study, this loss creates the same effect as the spin entering the magnetic material, and becomes the driving force to reverse the magnetization by itself. As shown in the figure on the left, when a pulsed current is applied to the inside of the magnet, some of the spin generated inside the magnet is 'lost' to the adjacent antiferromagnet, reversing the direction of magnetization within the magnet. The direction of the magnetization reversal is dependent on the direction of the applied current pulse. [Figure 1] [Figure 2] [Figure 3]

KIST develops world's first 'high-conductivity amphiphilic MXene' that can be dispersed in a wide range of solvents - Developing high conductivity MXene materials that disperse in water, polar and non-polar solvents - Expected to have scalable applications in future mobility, stealth materials, secondary batteries, etc. Dr. Seon Joon Kim and his team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)'s Convergence Research Center for SEIF have developed a "high-conductivity amphiphilic MXene" material that can be dispersed in water, polar and nonpolar organic solvents. This is an achievement that fundamentally overcomes the solvent compatibility limitation that has hindered the practical use of high-conductivity MXene, and is noted as a general-purpose technology that can be widely applied to high-tech industries in the future. MXene, a two-dimensional nanomaterial with high electrical conductivity, excellent solvent dispersibility, and excellent EMI shielding performance, is expected to find applications in a variety of fields, including secondary batteries, advanced sensors, stealth paints, and EMI shielding films. However, so far, MXene has been mostly hydrophilic, which means that it disperses well in water but is difficult to apply in various organic solvents. This has limited their compatibility with practical processes such as polymer composites and ink processes. The researchers developed the world's first surface modification technology that introduces alkoxide organic monomers to the surface of MXene, making it both hydrophilic and hydrophobic, giving it amphiphilic properties. This technique enabled MXene to be stably dispersed in a wide range of solvents, from water (with a high solvent polarity index) to toluene (with a low solvent polarity index). In addition, the developed amphiphilic MXene exhibited better coating properties and EMI shielding performance than conventional MXene. Inks formulated from amphiphilic MXene was uniformly coated on copper and aluminum substrates, which are widely used as collectors for secondary batteries, and also on commercial polymer substrates such as polyimide and PET, as well as on Teflon substrates, which have the highest hydrophobicity. It also maintained excellent EMI shielding performance in the 28 GHz region, a key frequency band used in next-generation communications, and exhibited shielding performance of more than 50 dB (blocking more than 99.999% of electromagnetic waves) even in a very thin film with a thickness of 0.01 mm. The newly developed MXene is a general-purpose technology that can be applied to EMI shielding materials for future mobility such as autonomous vehicles, manufacturing electrode materials for secondary batteries based on a solution process, and radio wave absorption composites for stealth unmanned aerial vehicles, and is expected to have a significant scalability and industrial impact. "This achievement is a technological milestone that proves that MXene materials can be directly applied to industrial field processes beyond lab scale," said Dr. Seon Joon Kim at KIST. "We are currently working with domestic and foreign MXene companies to expand toward mass production-based technologies and accelerate the transition to the commercialization stage." ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIT) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) under the KIST Institutional Program, Future Leading Convergence Research Center (CRC22031-000), and the Global Industrial Technology Cooperation Center (P0028332). The research was published in the latest issue of the international journal Advanced Materials (IF 26.8, JCR field 2.1%). Credit : Korea Institute of Science and Technology Usage Restrictions of Multimedia (Attachment File) : The sources of photos and research results from KIST must be specified. [Figure 1] [Figure 2] [Figure 3]

New Method Loads mRNA into Exosomes in 10 Minutes—Just Mix and Go – KIST team develops cubosome-based method for loading large therapeutics without damaging exosomes – Technology enables rapid, targeted delivery across the blood-brain barrier, opening new paths for neurological treatment Exosomes, naturally derived vesicles responsible for intercellular communication, are emerging as next-generation drug delivery systems capable of transporting therapeutics to specific cells. However, their tightly packed, cholesterol-rich membranes make it extremely difficult to encapsulate large molecules such as mRNA or proteins. Conventional approaches have relied on techniques like electroporation or chemical treatment, which often damage both the drugs and exosomes, reduce delivery efficiency, and require complex purification steps—all of which pose significant barriers to commercialization. A joint research team led by Dr. Hojun Kim at the Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition and Dr. Hong Nam Kim at the Center for Brain Convergence Research of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President Sang-Rok Oh) has developed a novel drug-loading technique that allows large biomolecules to be efficiently incorporated into exosomes simply by mixing. This breakthrough enables stable drug encapsulation in under 10 minutes, eliminating the need for specialized equipment or complex processing. The team utilized a lipid-based nanoparticle known as a “cubosome,” which mimics the fusion structure of cell membranes and naturally fuses with exosomes. By mixing cubosomes carrying mRNA with exosomes at room temperature for just 10 minutes, the researchers achieved efficient fusion and confirmed that the mRNA was successfully loaded into the exosomes. Analysis showed that over 98% of the mRNA was encapsulated, while the structural integrity and biological function of the exosomes were preserved. Furthermore, the engineered exosomes demonstrated the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, one of the most difficult hurdles in drug delivery. Notably, the team observed a “homing” effect, where exosomes return to the type of cell they originated from, enabling targeted drug delivery to diseased tissues. This technology achieves efficient loading of large biomolecules without altering the exosomes themselves, opening the door to practical applications of exosome-based therapies in precision medicine. The technique is highly adaptable to clinical environments, as it requires no specialized equipment or complex processing. It preserves exosome function while enabling the delivery of large payloads, offering broad potential for the treatment of intractable diseases, including neurological disorders, cancer, and autoimmune conditions. The team plans to conduct further safety evaluations for clinical translation and establish a mass production system for cubosomes. Dr. Hojun Kim of KIST stated, “This technology allows medical professionals to easily combine exosomes and therapeutic molecules at the clinical site, making it a meaningful step toward realizing personalized medicine.” Dr. Hong Nam Kim added, “Because it enables precise drug delivery even in complex tissues such as the brain, it holds great potential for treating a wide range of diseases.” ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Sang Im Yoo) through KIST’s Major Program, the Individual Basic Research Program (RS-2023-00209955), and the STEAM Research Program (RS-2024-00424551). The results were published in the latest issue of the international journal Nature Communications(Impact Factor 14.7, JCR Top 6%). Credit : Korea Institute of Science and Technology Usage Restrictions of Multimedia (Attachment File) : The sources of photos and research results from KIST must be specified. [Figure 1] Drug Loading via Simple Mixing of Cubosomes and Exosomes A visual depiction of the formation process of hybrid exosomes loaded with therapeutic cargo, achieved simply by mixing cubosomes and exosomes. The figure illustrates the actual preparation method, emphasizing the simplicity and ease of implementation—making the process accessible without specialized equipment. [Figure 2] Membrane Fusion-Based Mechanism for Intravesicular Drug Loading A conceptual diagram illustrating how cubosomes and exosomes merge via membrane fusion, enabling the transfer of large biomolecular drugs—such as mRNA and proteins—into the exosome interior. Experimental results confirmed the successful high-efficiency loading of various macromolecular therapeutics. [Figure 3] Evaluation of Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Penetration by Hybrid Exosomes Hybrid exosomes loaded with drugs were shown to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver therapeutic molecules into brain tissue. These findings demonstrate the platform's strong potential as a precision-targeted treatment for neurological disorders.

High-Performance Fuel Cell Catalyst Synthesized at Room Temperature—No High Heat Needed – New catalyst fabrication method uses ultrasound to build precision nanostructures at room temperature - Offers more than 4 times the durability and 5 times the efficiency of conventional catalysts, improving cost competitiveness of hydrogen fuel cells Hydrogen fuel cells, which produce electricity with high efficiency and zero greenhouse gas emissions, are gaining attention as a next-generation clean energy technology. However, their commercialization has been limited by performance degradation during prolonged operation and the high cost of catalyst replacement. These issues stem from the instability of conventional catalysts, which suffer from metal dissolution and particle agglomeration over time, reducing reaction efficiency. To address this, the development of durable, high-performance catalysts that can be produced at low cost has become a critical research goal. A joint research team led by Dr. Sung Jong Yoo at the Center for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President Sang-Rok Oh), Professor Dong Won Chun of POSTECH, Professor Yongsoo Yang of KAIST, and Professor Haneul Jin of Dongguk University has developed a new catalyst technology that enables the synthesis of highly active and durable catalyst at room temperature using a simple ultrasound-assisted method. The newly developed catalyst features platinum and nickel precisely arranged into nanoscale domes with a hollow structure. This design increases the reactive surface area while minimizing catalyst loss, resulting in significantly improved performance. Traditionally, creating such precise nanostructures required complex processes at temperatures exceeding 600°C. In contrast, the new method enables atomic rearrangement using just a one-step ultrasound process at room temperature. The researchers employed an ultrasonic device similar to those used in eyeglass cleaning to naturally guide metal atoms into ordered structures, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and lowering production costswith enhanced activity and durability. In half-cell tests designed to measure the intrinsic catalytic activity, the new catalyst showed about 7 times higher mass activity compared to commercial catalysts. Even in full-cell tests under practical fuel cell conditions, it maintained a notable lead with about 5 times higher mass activity. In durability evaluations conducted according to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) protocols, the catalyst remained stable for over 42,000 hours—more than 4.2 times the lifespan of currently available commercial catalysts. This breakthrough is expected to reduce replacement intervals and maintenance costs in large-scale fuel cell systems used in trucks, buses, ships, and power plants. Catalysts account for over 30% of the total manufacturing cost of fuel cell systems. By extending catalyst lifespan and boosting performance, the new technology significantly enhances the economic viability of hydrogen fuel cells. The team is currently exploring various transition metal combinations to further expand the technology, while also conducting fuel cell stack-level evaluations and demonstration studies for automotive applications. Dr. Yoo of KIST stated, “Our catalyst features a unique dome-shaped nanostructure with precisely arranged atoms, resulting in substantial improvements in both activity and durability. Because the process works at room temperature, we believe this technology can play a meaningful role in advancing the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cells and achieving carbon neutrality.” ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Sang Im Yoo) through KIST’s Major Program and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF-2021M3H4A1A02042948) under the Nano Materials Technology Development Program. The results were published as a Back Cover article in the international journal Advanced Materials (Impact Factor 29.4, JCR Top 2%). Credit : Korea Institute of Science and Technology Usage Restrictions of Multimedia (Attachment File) : The sources of photos and research results from KIST must be specified. ① Title : Schematic Illustration of the Ultrasound-Assisted Synthesis Mechanism - Caption/Description : A simplified schematic depicting the formation mechanism of NiPt nanocatalysts with a dome-shaped hollow polycrystalline structure incorporating a Ni3Pt5 intermetallic phase. The process is driven by an ultrasound-assisted borohydride reduction reaction carried out under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. ② Title : 3D Atomic Structure Analysis of NiPt-SP Nanocatalysts at the Single-Atom Level - Caption/Description : High-resolution atomic-level analysis revealed a total of 1,534 atoms (591 Ni and 943 Pt) within the NiPt-SP nanocatalyst. Local atomic arrangement analysis demonstrated that a significant portion of atoms within the crystal grains conform to the Ni3Pt5 intermetallic phase, providing direct evidence of atomic ordering within the NiPt-SP nanoparticles. ③ Title : Journal Cover Image - Caption/Description : A visual representation of the synthesis process of dome-shaped hollow NiPt nanocatalysts incorporating Ni3Pt5 ordered structures, published as the Back Cover of Advanced Materials. The image illustrates atomic-scale transitions driven by ultrasound at room temperature: from initial random alloy seed formation (Pt-rich) to particle growth, hollow structure formation, and alloying. Continued ultrasound exposure then induces atomic ordering within the particles. The blue and orange spheres represent platinum and nickel atoms, respectively. The resulting ordered structure inhibits metal leaching, enabling high catalytic activity and long-term durability in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), with potential applications in heavy or light-duty vehicles,, aircraft, and large-scale power generation systems. [Figure 1] Schematic Illustration of the Ultrasound-Assisted Synthesis Mechanism A simplified schematic depicting the formation mechanism of NiPt nanocatalysts with a dome-shaped hollow polycrystalline structure incorporating a Ni3Pt5 intermetallic phase. The process is driven by an ultrasound-assisted borohydride reduction reaction carried out under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. [Figure 2] 3D Atomic Structure Analysis of NiPt-SP Nanocatalysts at the Single-Atom Level High-resolution atomic-level analysis revealed a total of 1,534 atoms (591 Ni and 943 Pt) within the NiPt-SP nanocatalyst. Local atomic arrangement analysis demonstrated that a significant portion of atoms within the crystal grains conform to the Ni3Pt5 intermetallic phase, providing direct evidence of atomic ordering within the NiPt-SP nanoparticles. [Figure 3] Journal Cover Image A visual representation of the synthesis process of dome-shaped hollow NiPt nanocatalysts incorporating Ni3Pt5 ordered structures, published as the Back Cover of Advanced Materials. The image illustrates atomic-scale transitions driven by ultrasound at room temperature: from initial random alloy seed formation (Pt-rich) to particle growth, hollow structure formation, and alloying. Continued ultrasound exposure then induces atomic ordering within the particles. The blue and orange spheres represent platinum and nickel atoms, respectively. The resulting ordered structure inhibits metal leaching, enabling high catalytic activity and long-term durability in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), with potential applications in heavy or light-duty vehicles,, aircraft, and large-scale power generation systems.

Developing next-generation analytical technique for gene and cell doping and ensuring ethics and fairness in sports. - Using gene scissors to develop a rapid gene and cell doping detection test - KIST Doping Control Center, in discussions with the World Anti-Doping Agency regarding international accreditation Changmin Sung, a principal researcher at the Doping Control Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), announced that he and his collaborators at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Korea University have developed a high-throughput multiplexed gene and cell doping analysis (HiMDA) based on gene scissors (CRISPR-Cas). Unethical doping practices to enhance athletic performance is becoming more sophisticated with the use of advanced technology, and gene and cell doping - the use of gene or cell therapies to manipulate body functions - poses a serious threat to fairness in sports. Gene-based drugs such as insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and erythropoietin (EPO), which can maximize strength and endurance, are likely to be abused by athletes in some sports as a means of performance enhancement. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has prohibited this practice since 2003, but diagnostic techniques that can accurately identify gene and cell doping are still in early stage. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based gene testing has been piloted at the Tokyo Summer Olympics since the World Anti-Doping Agency first published guidelines for genetic doping in 2021. Current protein-level doping analytical methods cannot clearly distinguish between exogenous genetic targets that produces proteins structurally identical to endogenous proteins. This has led to the need for new analytical platforms that can distinguish exogenous genes at the DNA level. The HiMDA directly amplifies the target gene from the blood without complex sample preparation, and then applies CRISPR-Cas, the Nobel Prize-winning gene editing technology to determine the presence of the exogenous gene rapidly and precisely. By injecting representative gene doping substances such as hGH, EPO, IGF-I into an experimental mouse model and applying the assay platform, the researchers were able to accurately detect exogenous genes at the 2.5 copies within 90 minutes using as little as 5 μL (microliters) of blood sample, less than half the size of a fingertip drop. This demonstrated superior performance in both sensitivity and specificity compared to existing assays. The developed assay is not limited to doping tests, but is considered to be a platform-based diagnostic technology that can be applied to early diagnosis of infectious diseases, detection of antibiotic resistance genes, genetic disease testing, evaluation of cell therapy drug adaptability, and precision medicine. Currently, the technology is undergoing the certification process to be adopted as a World Anti-Doping Agency-approved method, and is attracting attention as a next-generation anti-doping testing platform that can respond to various new doping methods based on genes and proteins. "By applying gene editing technology to doping tests, this study provides a practical solution that can overcome the limitations of existing techniques and contribute to protecting sports ethics and fairness," said Changmin Sung, a principal researcher at KIST. "It has the potential to develop into a core foundation for precision medicine and genetic diagnostic technologies in the future." ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) under the KIST Institutional Program and the World Anti-Doping Agency Research Support Program (241E07CS). The findings were published in the latest issue of the international journal Science Advances (IF 12.5, JCR top 8.5%). Credit : Korea Institute of Science and Technology Usage Restrictions of Multimedia (Attachment File) : The sources of photos and research results from KIST must be specified. [Figure 1] [Figure 2] [Figure 3] [Figure 4]

Tumor-Targeting Fluorescent Bacteria Illuminate Cancer for Precision Surgery – Real-time intraoperative tumor localization enabled by bacteria-based fluorescence imaging – Broad applicability to various solid tumors with potential to set a new standard in precision-guided surgery Accurate removal of tumors is the most critical aspect of cancer surgery, yet it remains a significant challenge in clinical practice. In breast cancer, for example, the positive margin rate—where cancer cells remain at the surgical boundary—can reach up to 35%, often requiring reoperation and increasing the risk of recurrence. Preoperative imaging or ultrasound is often insufficient to fully identify tumor boundaries, forcing surgeons to rely heavily on experience. These limitations highlight the urgent need for technologies that can provide real-time tumor visualization during surgery. A joint research team led by Dr. SeungBeum Suh (Center for Bionics) and Dr. Sehoon Kim (Center for Chemical and Biological Convergence) at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President Sang-Rok Oh), and Professor Hyo-Jin Lee at Chungnam National University Hospital, has developed a next-generation intraoperative imaging platform using engineered beneficial bacteria that emit fluorescence specifically at tumor sites. This bacteria-based contrast agent illuminates tumors like a neon sign during surgery, enabling more precise resection and reducing the risk of recurrence. The researchers engineered a fluorescent bacterial system that specifically activates within tumor tissue, allowing surgeons to identify tumor location and margins in real time. The fluorescent signal remains stable in vivo for over 72 hours and clearly highlights tumor regions even within complex internal organs. Like lighting up a building on a map, this enables intuitive, visual identification of tumors with the naked eye during surgery, even under standard surgical lighting, thereby reducing surgical burden. Unlike conventional contrast agents that must be developed individually for each cancer type, this new platform exploits two common tumor microenvironment features—hypoxia and immune evasion—making it broadly applicable across multiple solid tumors. The fluorescence intensity is approximately five times stronger than conventional agents, and the system operates in the near-infrared spectrum, ensuring compatibility with existing surgical endoscopes and imaging equipment. It can also be integrated with surgical robots and intraoperative imaging systems to enhance surgical precision and shorten procedure time. The ability to interface with widely used fluorescence-guided surgical systems in hospitals further strengthens its clinical and commercialization potential. The research team aims to expand this bacterial platform into an integrated cancer treatment system that combines diagnosis, surgery, and therapy. The engineered bacteria, which can autonomously locate tumors, may also serve as carriers for anticancer drugs or therapeutic proteins. To this end, the team is advancing the platform through convergence with medical imaging equipment, precision drug delivery systems, and comprehensive safety evaluations for clinical application. Dr. Suh of KIST stated, “This study demonstrates a novel approach in which bacteria autonomously locate tumors and emit fluorescent signals, allowing real-time identification of tumor location and boundaries during surgery. Its applicability across a range of solid tumors positions it as a potential new standard for precision surgical imaging.” ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Sang Im Yoo) through KIST’s Major Program. The results were published as a Front Cover article in the international journal Advanced Materials (Impact Factor 29.4, JCR ranking 2.0%), highlighting the significance and excellence of the work. Credit : Korea Institute of Science and Technology Usage Restrictions of Multimedia (Attachment File) : The sources of photos and research results from KIST must be specified. [Figure 1] Tumor Imaging Analysis in Fluorescence-Guided Surgery Fluorescent imaging results from SAS-based fluorescence-guided surgery in animal models. Tumor and surrounding skin tissue were separated after imaging with the IVIS Macroscope to analyze the tumor-to-background ratio (TBR). [Figure 2] Journal Front Cover Image Illustration showing the bacteria-based contrast platform that locates tumors, secretes streptavidin, and highlights the tumor site with fluorescence.

High-Efficiency Solar Cell Coating Process Achieved, Unaffected by Summer Humidity – KIST develops additive-based technology for humidity-independent fabrication of organic photovoltaics – Breakthrough enables cost-effective, large-area solar module production without dry rooms As the global demand for renewable energy grows, solar cells continue to gain attention as a key clean energy source. Among them, solution-processed solar cells offer advantages such as low cost and scalability, as they can be manufactured by simply coating and drying ink-like materials over large surfaces. However, the process has traditionally been sensitive to environmental humidity—especially during humid summers—resulting in unstable performance and high manufacturing costs due to the need for maintaining low humidity condition. A research team from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President Oh Sang-Rok), led by Dr. Hae Jung Son from the Advanced Photovoltaics Research Center, announced that they have developed a new dielectric additive-based coating technology that enables high-performance organic photovoltaics (OPVs) to be manufactured reliably regardless of seasonal humidity changes. The team’s findings were recently published in the prestigious journal Joule(Impact Factor: 38.6). The researchers introduced carvone (CV), a low-cost dielectric additive, into the photoactive layer solution. The CV forms a non-covalent complex with the organic acceptor material (L8-BO), enhancing crystallization and stabilizing the internal flow during blade coating process—a key step in solar cell fabrication. This modification enables the formation of uniform photoactive films even under ambient relative humidity ranging from 10% to 70%. When applied to solar cell fabrication, the CV-based process resulted in a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.27% for a large-area module (20.33 cm²), compared to 15.1% with conventional methods. Notably, the variation in efficiency across seasons remained within ±2%, which is lower than the typical deviation observed in commercial-grade solar panels. Beyond performance gains, the new technology eliminates the need for costly dry room facilities. Instead, manufacturers can simply mix the additive into existing coating solutions and use current equipment without modification. This dramatically lowers production costs and makes the solution particularly attractive for mass manufacturing. The global market for next-generation high-efficiency solar cells is projected to reach approximately USD 1.5 trillion (2,000 trillion KRW), with intense technological competition among countries like China and the U.S. The CV-based approach developed by KIST offers Korea a strategic edge by simultaneously delivering high efficiency and economic scalability. Dr. Son of KIST stated, “This technology addresses the long-standing reproducibility problem caused by humidity fluctuations, and offers a scalable path toward low-cost, stable, and high-performance solar energy production. We are now expanding this approach to tandem solar modules and seeking collaboration with industrial and global research partners.” ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Sang Im Yoo) through KIST’s GRaND Challenge Program. The results of this study were published in the international journal 「Joule」 (IF 38.6, JCR ranking 0.8%) Credit : Korea Institute of Science and Technology Usage Restrictions of Multimedia (Attachment File) : The sources of photos and research results from KIST must be specified. [Figure 1] Flow behavior of the coating solution with and without the additive during the coating process The additive introduced into the solution for preparing the photoactive layer enhances Marangoni flow, thereby offsetting capillary flow caused by changes in the substrate’s surface energy due to relative humidity, and suppressing the net flow variations induced by humidity. [Figure 2] Large-area organic photovoltaic (OPV) module fabricated using the additive-based solution process By utilizing D18 and PM6 as donor materials, and N3 and L8-BO as acceptor materials along with the additive, an organic photovoltaic (OPV) module with an active area of 20.33 cm2 was fabricated, and showed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.27%, which is the highest PCE reported for OPV modules with active areas greater than 20 cm2. [Figure 3] Performance stability of large-area OPV devices across seasonal humidity variations According to the mechanism described in Figure 1, the coating process for the photoactive layer can be less affected by relative humidity, and the resultant OPVs can also be less influenced by seasonal changes.

With only a small amount of additives, it opens an ion highway in the battery electrolyte. - Developing a high ionic conductivity polymer electrolyte with only a small amount of additives - Flexibility, durability proven to solve energy challenges in wearable electronics Recent advances in wearable electronics have been focused on miniaturization and flexibility. With the growing demand for devices that can be attached to the skin or bend freely, conventional batteries are challenged by their lack of mechanical flexibility. Consequently, fiber-shaped energy storage devices that can be deformed into various shapess are emerging as promising next-generation power source. However, the low ionic conductivity of solid-state electrolytes- essential components in these devices-remains a major barrier to commercialization. A collaborative research team comprising Nam Dong Kim and Yongho Joo of the Center for Functional Composite Materials Research at the Jeonbuk Branch of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President Sang-Rok Oh) and Professor Jinwoo Lee of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST, President Kwang-Hyung Lee) has announced the development of a polymer electrolyte with dramatically improved ionic conductivity usingonly a small amount of additives. To address the biggest problem of conventional solid electrolytes - low ionic conductivity - the team focused on a special organic molecule called 4-hydroxy TEMPO (HyTEMPO) This molecule maintains a stable free-radical structure while being highly responsive to external stimuli, making it a versatile functional material. By adding a small amount of this organic molecule to the polymer electrolyte, the reserachers achieved significantly improved ionic mobility even in the solid state. As a result, the ionic conductivity increased to 3.2 mS/cm, approximately 17 times higher than before. These organic molecules act like highways within the polymer matrix, clearing blocked pathway to enable rapid ion transport. Moreover, they no only enhance ionic mobility, but also improve the device's energy storage and delivery performanceachieving a storage capacity of 25.4 Wh/kg and output power of 25 kW/kg. These results demonstrate that high-performance energy storage devices can be realized using only fiber-shaped electrodes, without the need for additional active materials. It also demonstrated excellent flexibility and durability. In practical tests, it maintained 91% of its performance even after more than 8,000 bending cycles, and showed virtually no performance losswhen knotted, confirming its suitability for wearable devices. The newly developed high-ionic-conductivity polymer electrolyte is expected to serve as a key material for next-generation, flexible energy storage systems that demand safety, flexibility, and energy efficiency, offering a promising solution to the energy challenges of wearable electronics. "We were able to dramatically enhance ionic conductivity through a simple additive approach without the need for complex process," said Nam Dong Kim, principal researcher at KIST. "This research is expected to establish itself as a fundamental technology that can drive the development of a flexible and safe solid-state electrolyte-based energy storage industry." Co-researcher Yongho Joo, senior researcher at KIST, added, "By effectively leveraging the unique electronic structure of radical polymers and their rapid redox reaction characteristics, we have overcome the limitations of conventional electrolytes," . "We will continue our effortsto further improve their performance in the future." ### KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research. For more information, please visit KIST’s website at https://eng.kist.re.kr/ This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Yoo Sang-im) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (Minister Ahn Duk-geun) through the KIST Major Project, the Nanoconnect Project of the Korea Research Foundation (RS-2024-00433159), the Mid-Career Researcher Support Project (RS-2023-00208313), and the Industrial Materials Source Technology Development Project of the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology Planning and Evaluation (RS-2023-00257573). The results of the research were published in the latest issue of the international journal Nano-Micro Letters (IF 36.3, JCR field 1.4%). Credit : Korea Institute of Science and Technology Usage Restrictions of Multimedia (Attachment File) : The sources of photos and research results from KIST must be specified. [Figure 1] [Figure 2] [Figure 3]