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302009. 12
No. 44 View. 6252
KISTI Hold Seminar on Technology Transfer
There was an annual presentation on technology transfer on December 21 at KISTI's headoffice in Daejeon. Hosted by KISTI, this presentation aimed to contribute to the advancement of industry by semantic information service technology transfer to enterprises. The researchers of Department of Information Technology Research made presentation on the product of their work, technology transfer procedures, and so on. -
212009. 12
No. 43 View. 6861
KISTI held "The 4th Korea-Vietnam International Seminar"
KISTI held "The 4th Korea-Vietnam International Seminar" in Hanoi, Vietnam from November 9 to 11. The seminar was held in cooperation with National Centre for Scientific and Technological Information(NACESTI) under the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam. The seminar's aim was to promote executive understanding and joint research on political measures of Vietnam national S&T information and on the development of cyberinfrastructure R&D environment. Dr. Park Young-seo, KISTI's president, and researchers from KISTI's each research area, such as information analysis division, knowledge information center and supercomputing center, took part in the seminar and introduced their research performance and future high-tech trend they will pursuit in the future. -
092009. 12
No. 42 View. 7313
Korean scientists identify gene-generating 'anion channel' in Astrocytes
Korean scientists identify gene-generating 'anion channel' in Astrocytes. Dr. Lee Chang-joon at KIST's Center for Neural Science makes breakthrough Korean scientists have discovered the identity of the gene that generates 'Ca2+-activated anion channel (CAAC)' in Astrocytes. According to the Korea Institute of Science and Technology(President Han Hong-taek) on November 12, Dr. Lee Chang-joon at the Center of Neural Science at the Institute had discovered that the Ca2+-activated anion channel in Astrocytes is induced by a gene called Bestrophin. (Photo) Bestrophin genes exist in the brain cells, and are generated extensively in astrocytes in particular through a DNA amplification test. The surface of Astrocytes has various Ca2+-activated anion channels. These channels are said to play important functions in regulating the metabolic activities within cells, but nothing had yet been reported about which gene induces the channel. Along with nerve cells, Astrocytes are an important component of the nerve system. The study used imaging and electro-biological experiment methods. In short, it identified that anion channels are generated in cultured Astrocytes in mice brains, and brain cross-sections of conditional gene-regulation mice, especially the Hippocampal Astrocytes that exist on the hippocampus. Moreover, it discovered that most anion channels are induced by the emergence of Bestrophin, which had been known as the gene causing a hereditary visual disease called vitelliform macular dystrophy. (Photo) This picture shows the distribution of Bestrophin generated in mouse brain cross-sections through an experiment called "situ hybridization"(a method for identifying the location, distribution, and degree of emergence of a certain gene using DNA or NRA probes). Bestrophin is seen to be amply generated in the brain overall, and can be especially identified at the hippocampus. (Photo) Bestrophin genes are generated in astrocytes in mouse brain cross-sections, as presented through an immuno-staining experiment. Using imaging and electro-biological experiment method. Dr. Lee explained the achievement as follows: "Astrocytes had been only known for their role in assisting the neural transmission thus far, and were not considered very important. The result of the study is significant because it supports the hypothesis that Astrocytes not only help nerve cells maintain their functions seamlessly but are also related with diverse important metabolic activities, including damage and revival of the nerve system." He added, "The study is important in that we have laid the foundation for research to identify the roles of anion channels existing in the Astrocytes, and the mechanisms of biological activities within cells; moreover, it has opened up the possibility for the development of a great therapeutic drug for diverse brain diseases related with those functions." The study was published in the October 14 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, an official journal published by the Society for Neuroscience in the U.S. ? Kim Jae-hojhkim at kofac.or.kr[November 24, 2009]- - - - - - -Source - ScienceTimes -
032009. 12
No. 41 View. 7179
Korean scientists develop technology for verifying infrared ray cameras
Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science develops evaluation device for large-sized infrared ray cameras to use device in Giant Magellan Telescope project An image of the evaluation device for infrared ray cameras. (Photo) An image of the evaluation device for infrared ray cameras using a performance measurement system. A Korean research team has developed a device that allows for the accurate assessment of large-sized infrared ray cameras, making Korea the third country in the world after the U.S. and Russia to develop the technology. The research team, led by Yang Ho-soon of the Center for Space Optics(Head Lee Yun-woo) at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science(President Kim Myung-soo), said on November 12 it had developed a device for evaluating the performance of large-sized infrared ray cameras in partnership with Korean research institutes and industry. The new device is capable of assessing whether an infrared ray optical system of up to 800mm in diameter can grade temperatures below the 0.01 degree Celsius level. (Photo) Dr. Yang Ho-soon, a research scientist at the Center for Space Optics. The evaluation device consists of an object section, which can adjust temperatures, and a "collimate device of 1meter in diameter" that renders the object to look as if it is far away by converting infrared rays emitted from the object section into parallel light rays, and software that operates the entire system and analyzes results of the measurement. Collimate devices generally use off-axis parabolic surfaces, which generate parallel light. Notably, in order to assess the performance of an infrared ray camera that uses a large reflector measuring hundreds of mm in diameters, a collimate device that is larger and better in performance than the infrared ray camera to be assessed is essential. Advanced countries are restricting the export of large collimate devices since they can be used for military purposes. Dr. Yang's team produced the device by changing the off-axis parabolic surface of 1 meter in diameter to less than 30nm(nanometers), using an off-axis parabolic surface processing system. Use of this system reduces the loss of material and the duration of processing by more than 75% compared with cases where conventional methods are used. Software for measuring performance evaluates the performance of an infrared ray camera by analyzing video images from the detector. It can evaluate virtually all performance elements of infrared ray cameras, including the capacity to divide temperatures to the minimum level, noise-equivalent temperature, signal-to-noise ratio, vision angle, and distance of focal point.Notably, the new off-axis parabolic surface processing system, for which patent has been filed, can be used for the production of aspherical surfaces larger than 1meter in diameter. The research team plans to expand the processing system and use it in the GMT (Giant Magellan Telescope). KRISC plans to participate in the project by producing seven 1.1 meter-diameter aspherical surface lenses jointly with the Korea Astrology and Space Science Institute. Dr. Yang Ho-soon said, "As we have domestically developed a device for evaluating the performance of large-sized infrared ray cameras, we can substitute imports with local products, as well as export them." adding, "Certain functions of the new device can be applied to visible ray cameras, so we will be able to use it in the evaluation of the performance of high-resolution satellite cameras that are being developed in Korea." ? Definition of Professional Terms * Aspherical surface : All surfaces that are not flat or spherical are called aspherical surfaces. Since such a surface has a strong capacity to converge light into a single point, and thus improve the quality of visual images, it is often used in such visual devices as space telescopes, astrological telescopes and digital cameras. * Off-axis parabolic surface : A parabolic surface is a type of aspherical surface; off-axis means thatit is not symmetrical from the center. If sections that do not include the center are cut off, it will constitute an off-axis parabolic surface. This surface type is primarily used in generating completely parallel light, whose diameter is not identified. Kim Josephjoesmy at hellodd.com[November 24, 2009]- - - - - - -Source - HelloDD.com -
062009. 11
No. 40 View. 6758
Scientists find solution for preventing malfunction in next-generation 'magnetic...
Scientists find solution for preventing malfunction in next-generation 'magnetic memory' Industry-academia-research institute joint research team succeeds in controlling recording by using quantum property A Korean research team has identified the mechanism for a malfunction that occurs in STT-MRAM(Spin-transfer torque magnetic memory), a next-generation memory technology, and discovered that said malfunction could be prevented by controlling the quantum effect. The research team is comprised of members of academia, industry and research institutes, led by Prof. Lee Kyung-jin of the new materials department of Korea University, Dr. Oh Se-chung of Samsung Electronics, Dr. Park Seung-young of the Korea Basic Science Institute(KBSI), and Prof. Lee Hyun-woo of the physics department at the Pohang University of Science and Technology(POSTECH). The study was supported by the senior researcher assistance program implemented by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology(Minister Ahn Byung-man) and the Korea Research Foundation(Chairman Park Chan-mo), as well as the industry-academia collaboration program of Samsung Electronics, and KBSI and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information(KISTI). The results of the study were published in the October 25 issue of Nature Physics, a world-renowned physics journal. STT-MRAM is a non-volatile memory technology that uses spin-transfer torque, a phenomenon in which the magnetic direction of a magnet shifts when electric voltage is applied to a small magnet. It is a next-generation memory technology that allows for ultra-high precision processing of below the 30-nanometer level, which is currently considered a technological barrier. Next-generation memory technologies include PRAM(Phase-Change RAM) and RRAM(Resistive RAM), as well as STT-MRAM(Spin-Transfer Magnetic RAM), while conventional memories include SRAM, DRAM, and Flash Memory. [ Spin-Transfer Torque ]It is a physical phenomenon wherein an electric current (or voltage) is injected into a magnetic substance, causing the injected electrons to be transferred to spins that comprise the magnetic substance, thus controlling the direction of the spins. It is a recording method for STT-MRAM, a new type of non-volatile memory, which major semiconductor makers in Korea and around the world are racing to research and develop. Countries and companies that develop this memory technology are expected to lead the global memory chip market, and hence major semiconductor makers in advanced countries and around the world are striving to develop it. However, a major hurdle to STT-MRAM's commercialization has been a malfunction that occurs when it operates at a high speed. The Korean research team discovered that the malfunction is caused by a unique dependence on the voltage of the spin-transfer torque. Moreover, the team successfully regulated the electric voltage dependence of the spin-transfer torque by controlling the quantum effect, and created a STT-MRAM that does not entail malfunctions. (Photo) A diagram of STT-MRAM(left) and a conceptual diagram of magnetization reversal at a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) within STT-MRAM. Countries and companies that develop this memory technology are expected to lead the global memory chip market, and hence major semiconductor makers in advanced countries and around the world are striving to develop it. However, a major hurdle to STT-MRAMA￠A?A™s commercialization has been a malfunction that occurs when it operates at a high speed. The Korean research team discovered that the malfunction is caused by a unique dependence on the voltage of the spin-transfer torque. Moreover, the team successfully regulated the electric voltage dependence of the spin-transfer torque by controlling the quantum effect, and created a STT-MRAM that does not entail malfunctions. Prof. Lee Kyung-jin, who oversaw the study, said, "This study is a good example of a case in which basic science has served the theoretical foundation that helps resolve a practical problem that occurs at the industry level", stressing the importance of basic science. He added, "Whereas conventional studies on memory devices focused on how the quantum effect could be prevented, studies on STT-MRAM have been able to produce better characteristics by proactively utilizing the quantum effect." Dr. Oh Se-chug at Samsung Electronics said, "We have realized once again that basic science will determine future engines of growth and methods of survival and success in the future", addressing the importance of joint study between industry, academia and research institutes. He added, "We have confirmed the excellence of Korean technology by developing a solution to a core problem in STT-MRAM before our rivals could, at a time when major semiconductor makers around the world are staging fierce competition to develop STT-MRAM." For the study, Prof. Lee at Korea University took charge of overall coordination, Dr. Oh at Samsung Electronics designed the device and experiment, Dr. Park at KBSI analyzed characteristics, and Prof. Lee at POSTECH was responsible for theoretical investigation. ? Lim Dong-wookduim at kofac.or.kr ? [November 02, 2009] - - - - - - - Source - ScienceTimes -
272009. 10
No. 39 View. 9881
Scientists create 'artificial insect eye' to allow for wider, brighter view
Scientists create 'artificial insect eye' to allow for wider, brighter view. KAIST Prof. Yang Seung-man develops micro-sized insect eye structure.To use photonic dome as sensor for high-precision, micro-volume material in new drug development process. (Photo) Prof. Yang Seung-man. Insects' eyes have a wider perspective and are better at gathering light than humans' eyes, thus allowing insects to sense minute changes in their environment. For this reason, world-leading research groups have been working to develop artificial insect eyes for more than 20 years now. A Korean research team has successfully developed a micro-sized artificial insect eye. The National Creative Research Initiative Center for Integrated Optofluidic Systems led by Prof. Yang Seung-man of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at KAIST (President Suh Nam-pyo) has produced an artificial insect eye for the first time in the world using a handy, self-assembly method, and has secured a competitive edge globally. If scientists can arrange many eyes in one given space and increase the density of the array, the eyes can process more data to a corresponding extent. The micro-sized artificial insect eye(40 micrometers) developed by Prof. Yang's team is smaller than not only the conventional microlens(several millimeters) but also a hair strain(100 micrometers), and allows scientists to sense materials in a far more precise fashion. Develops world's smallest artificial insect eye using nanotechnology. Unlike mammals, insects have compound eyes comprising tens of thousands of ocellus. Individual ocelli that tightly fill the surface of dome-shaped compound eyes are transparent convex lenses, which gather light and send data to the brain, which in turn senses an object by reintegrating data transferred from tens of thousands of ocellus. (Photo) Compound eye structure of dragonfly (left), and fly (right). Individual ocelli are arranged tightly in the hexagonal close-packing structure, covering the dome-shaped compound eye. Many scientists have tried to generate artificial structures in nature that can process light data, including insect eyes, offal, and butterfly wings. Recently, some scientists reported the development of an artificial insect eye sized at several millimeters, or the actual size of insect eyes, but most attempts have failed to develop a practical structure. Prof. Yang's team developed a method that allows for the production of a micro-sized artificial compound eye measuring several one-hundredths the size of a real insect eye. Notably, the team easily developed an artificial insect eye structure that is consistent in size and shape by using the auto-assembly principle of nano-marbles, and thus reduced the duration of its production process from dozens of hours to minutes. The research team dispersed glass marbles(individual eye lenses) measuring hundreds of nanometers in size in water, and injected consistently sized oil bubbles measuring dozens of micrometers in size. Under these circumstances, if the balance of surface chemical energy is maintained between water, oil and glass marbles, the glass marbles move to an area sandwiched between water and oil bubbles. Subsequently, if the compound of water, glass and oil bubbles is spread on a circuit board, the oil bubbles are transformed into a hemispheric dome, while glass marble lenses are tightly arranged automatically to form a hexagonal close-packing structure. The oil bubbles are then exposed to ultraviolet rays to consolidate the structure, generating an artificial insect eye. Prof. Yang said, "The dome-structured insect eye, which is installed with thousands of micro-sized lenses, has a wider perspective and stronger capacity to gather light than human eyes." (Photo) A diagram (left) and an SEM image (right) of an artificial insect eye structure that has been created using nano-assembly technology: ocelli (microlenses) measuring one micrometer each are arrayed at regular intervals on the hemispheric dome, which measures 40 micrometers in diameter. Technology to be used as high-precision sensor device. The newly developed artificial insect eye can be applied to diverse fields that require ultra-sensitive sensor devices, since it is capable of recognizing minute changes in its environment. Particularly, if adopted to the 'Lab on a Chip', a 'laboratory' on the physical scale of a semiconductor chip that can process an ultra-small amount of experimental reagents - a device that has recently been used in the commercialization of biotechnology processes, including new drug development - the micro-sized new artificial insect eye can be used as a high-precision sensor device. Figure 1: Transfer of light data without data loss through ocellus lenses.Figure 2: The transferred light is gathered at the bottom of the dome due to the light-gathering effect of the dome structure. Yang's study was published as the cover paper of the October issue of "Advanced Materials", an international scientific journal. It was also chosen as an "Advances in advance" article of the journal, as it was recognized for contributing to realizing the practical application of the artificial insect eye structure. Additionally, noting the importance and applicability of Yang's study, Nature Photonics highlighted the study with the title "Micropatterning-Photonic domes" in the "News and Views" section of its October issue. Prof. Yang's team has been conducting the study with the support of the Creative Research Initiative Program sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology since 2006. ? Jeong Yoon-hayhjeong at hellodd.comSource - HelloDD.com -
272009. 10
No. 38 View. 6520
KAERI's nanoparticle production technology ranks third in Russia's 100 best pate...
KAERI's nanoparticle production technology ranks third in Russia's 100 best patentsExcellence of ceramic nanoparticle production, formation technology using electron beam recognized. (Photo) Nanoparticle production technology (left) using an electron beam; zirconia nanoparticles produced using the technology. A nanoparticle production technology developed by a Korean research team through international collaboration was found to rank third among all patents registered in Russia last year. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (President Yang Myung-seung) said on October 12 that "The alumina(Al2O3), zirconia(ZrO2) ceramic nanoparticle production technology and actual shape formation technology using the magnetic pulse compression method" ranked third among the 100 best patents of 2008 as recently selected by the Russian government. The technology was developed through international joint research between KAERI and the Institute of Electrophysics of Russia. Notably, the technology that ranked third among patents in Russia allows for the production of high purity nanoparticles that are consistent in size measuring 10 nanometers by projecting in a concentrated manner electron beams generated with a pulse electron beam accelerator into a narrow space, thus evaporating and compressing the target metal. Also drawing keen attention was a discrete technology that allows for the production of nanoparticles in a desired shape while maintaining a consistent nano-structure and high density using a magnetic pulse compression technique, a type of dynamic compaction. The technology is an integration of Russia's electron beam apparatus production technology and Korea's electronic system technology and nanoparticle production technology. Equipment such as the beam array device was produced in Russia, while studies for characterization were conducted in Korea to complete the technology. KAERI has completed the design and production of an electron beam apparatus that uses solid state targets for the first time in the world through close collaboration with the Institute of Electrophysics of Russia, and has finished the production of nanoparticles. In cost analysis, the technology is highly economical as it allows for the production of high-purity particles through a low-energy process thanks to high-energy proficiency. Additionally, it will have applications in diverse fields, including the development of ultra-fine structured parts and components, as it allows for formation in sophisticated shapes, while maintaining the excellence of nanoparticles. Lee Chang-kyu, senior researcher at the Atomic Materials Research Division at KAERI, said, "The new technology allows for the development of high-strength, high-toughness, ultrahigh precision, and ultra-small materials. Hence, the technology is expected to have diverse applications, including lightweight parts, electromagnetic parts, semiconductors, optical devices, and catalyst materials." Lee added, "Using this technology, we are currently developing separate technology to produce cathode materials and applied technologies of high-performance, dynamic particle formation." Lim Eun-heeredant645 at hellodd.com[October 20, 2009]- - - - - - -Source - HelloDD.com -
142009. 10
No. 37 View. 6894
Scientists develop molecular memory device using monolayer
Scientists develop molecular memory device using monolayer Prof. Lee Hyo-young's team at SungKyunKwan University raises possibility for development of next-generation memory device. A Korean research team has developed a molecular memory device using a monolayer. According to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on October 8, a research team led by Prof. Lee Hyo-young of the department of chemistry at SungKyunKwan University successfully produced a molecular monolayer nonvolatile memory device using a monolayer of organic metal measuring 3-4 nanometers in length, which retains an oxidation and reduction reaction status. Successfully generates nonvolatile molecular memory using 'unforgettable monolayer' The study was conducted jointly by the department of chemistry and the Center for Smart Molecular Memory at SungKyunKwan University with the support of the "Creative Research Initiatives research fund", a program for assisting pioneering researchers. The fund is supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (Minister Ahn Byung-man) and the Korea Research Foundation (Chairman Park Chan-mo). The study was published on October 1 in the online edition of Angewandte Chemie, a world-renowned chemistry journal. The research paper introduced the technology as "unforgettable monolayer", since it showed the possibility for developing a molecular nonvolatile memory using a monolayer. (photo A) diagram of a molecular memory device using a monolayer organic metallic compound Molecular electronic devices are considered part of a promising field for the future that will replace the inorganic semiconductor technology of the present. Since such devices allow for ultrahigh density integration per unit space, studies using copolymers have been conducted extensively. However, questions still linger over limitations in integration due to "cross-talk", a shortcoming of copolymer. Efficiency of device significantly enhanced through current-voltage-inducing material and alkyl chain Using a monolayer allows for integration, but the process could reduce the yield of the device due to an "electric short" caused by penetration of metallic particles when producing electrodes. Hence, research has been conducted to address this problem as well. Up until now, when producing upper electrodes with a molecular memory device using a monolayer, carbonnanotubes and metal nanowire were used, but those materials had limitations in commercialization. Prof. Lee's team discovered a new method to solve the problems that arise in the course of producing the upper metallic electrode. The team prevented the electric short phenomenon from occurring by placing a conductive organic material between the monolayer organic metallic compound and the upper metallic electrodes. It also removed the penetration of conductive materials and significantly increased the efficiency of the device by increasing alkyl chains on the monolayer organic metallic compound. a and b show the switch-on mode using an monolayer organic metallic compound, while c shows the stability of reading in two currents with -1.0 volt in reading voltage (Photo) a and b show the switch-on mode using an monolayer organic metallic compound, while c shows the stability of reading in two currents with -1.0 volt in reading voltage Additionally, in order to produce the device, the scientists inserted alkyl molecules with different lengths on both ends of the monolayer organic metallic molecules, which retain oxidation and reduction characteristics. By so doing, they increased the molecular density and prevented the penetration of conductive copolymer, thus increasing the yield of the device. Furthermore, they found that as the length of alkyl increases, the device' yield also increases, while its non-volatility grows in tandem. Professor Lee hyo-young, chief investigator (Photo) Prof. Lee Hyo-young, chief investigator Prof. Lee stressed that, "In order for Korea, which dominates the global memory chip market, to maintain its lead in the next-generation memory chip market, research must focus on the development of diverse types of next-generation nonvolatile memory devices", adding, "The study has identified for the first time the possibility for developing a molecular memory device using a monolayer, which allows for integration." Prof. Lee, who led the study, acquired his doctorate degree from the University of Mississippi. A professor of chemistry at SungKyunKwan University, Lee currently heads the university's Center for Smart Molecular Memory. ? ? Lim Dong-wook, Kim Chung-handuim at kofac.or.kr [October 14, 2009]- - - - - - -Source - ScienceTimes -
292009. 09
No. 36 View. 6288
KAIST National Scientist develops 'dream' zeolite
KAIST National Scientist develops 'dream' zeoliteStudy published in Sept. 10 issue of Nature increases possibility for development of eco-friendly, high-performance catalyst. Photo) National Scientist and KAIST Professor Ryoo Ryong.Prof. Ryoo Ryong, a National Scientist at KAIST has successfully synthesized ultrathin, layered nanosheets of zeolite as 2 nanometer-thick catalysts for the first time in the world. Zeolite, developed by Prof. Ryoo's team, is a crystallized mineral consisting of silica (the main ingredient of sand) and aluminum, which are abundant on earth, and has tiny holes inside. These nano-microspores, measuring one nanometer across, produce gasoline through a catalytic activation when methanol, its molecules being catalyzed, flows in and out.Drawing on such characteristics, zeolite is currently used in processes of converting methanol into gasoline and causing the decomposition of wasted plastic. It is a catalyst material that is most widely used in gasoline production and in diverse areas of the petrochemical industry worldwide.Currently, zeolite is highly sought after as a research area by the global petrochemical industry, as it allows for the generation of gasoline without crude oil, a major advantage. Moreover, if the functionality of zeolite as a catalyst is improved, it could generate astronomical economic added value. Prof. Ryoo has successfully increased the efficiency of zeolite as a catalyst for the first time in the world, by creating a synthesized zeolite that can produce five times as much gasoline? as conventional methods. (Photo) A sectional diagram of multi-layered zeolite (left) with layers of 2 nanometers (1 nanometer is 1 one billionth of a meter) in thickness developed by Prof. Ryoo Ryong at KAIST. The photo on the right is a magnified image of the picture on the left. A close look at the material confirms that the dark zeolite measures 2 nanometers in thickness. The white spots within the zeolite are spores, and the white materials between the layers of zeolite are surfactant.Ryoo succeeded in synthesizing the material by using a new method involving the assembly of special surfactant molecules and silica. The result of the study was published in the September 10th issue of Nature, the worlds most prestigious scientific journal.The newly created zeolite is a layered sheet type measuring 2 nanometers in thickness, the thinnest breadth theoretically imaginable for a zeolite material. Despite being so thin, the material presents a high level of stability at high temperatures of 700 degrees Celsius, Prof. Ryoo's team explained. Ryoo said, "As molecules can easily transmit themselves and spread through the ultra-thin zeolite material, this material can be used as a catalyst for activating large molecules such as those found in mid-grade oil in petrochemical processing." He added, "Notably, the lifespan of the new zeolite catalyst is more than five times greater than that of conventional zeolite catalysts used in chemical processing for converting methanol into gasoline, and extends the period for catalyst replacement, thus generating very high economic benefits."Meanwhile, the result of the study is expected to be directly applied to research on the development of eco-friendly, high performance catalysts that are suitable for the development of alternative energy and for green growth in the future.Lim Eun-heeredant645 at hellodd.com [September 24, 2009] - - - - - - -Source - HelloDD.com -
292009. 09
No. 35 View. 8588
Genomic sequencing of mutated bacteria becomes possible in 2 days
Genomic sequencing of mutated bacteria becomes possible in 2 days Scientists identify mechanism for emergence of mutated cholera bacterium Working through an international study, Korean scientists have identified the mechanism through which pandemic cholera bacterium evolves - a world's first. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (Minister Ahn Byung-man) said on August 31 that the research teams led by Prof. Chun Jong-sik at Seoul National University and Dr. Kim Dong-wook at the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) analyzed 23 cholera biotypes, becoming the first in the world to identify the cause for the emergence of a mutated bacterium and how pathogenic bacteria evolve. The study was conducted jointly by researchers in three countries, namely, the U.S. (University of Maryland), Korea and India. The study was published in the online edition of the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences. (Photo) The two-chromosome cholera bacterium genome, and the location and size of the 70 genetic groups moving in between genes, which were discovered in this study. Variants consist of different combinations of those genetic groups. According to the study, variants are believed to be generated due to bacteriophage, the virus that infects bacteria. The study is the largest on genomic analysis of microorganisms ever publicized in the world. The University of Maryland and the Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the U.S. conducted gene sequencing of Vibrio cholerae, while the SNU and IVI teams took charge of bioinformatics analysis. Prof. Chun conducted the study with financial support from the "National Research Laboratory Program", which was funded by MEST and the Korea Research Foundation (President Park Chan-mo). 'Bacteriophage'spawned evolution of cholera bacteria. Cholera is a diarrheal disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It is a deadly infectious disease which, if left untreated, can kill a patient in a matter of 18 hours.?? According to the World Health Organization, cholera infected 170,000 people in 53 countries and killed 4,031 people in 2007. If underreported cholera deaths are taken into consideration, the disease kills an estimated 120,000 people a year. (Photo) Electron microscopic picture of Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera, an infectious diarrheal disease fatal to humans. In Korea, there is a growing chance of cholera outbreaks due to global warming and a rise in seawater temperature; thus, cholera is strictly managed as a Grade 1 infectious disease by health authorities. Cholera is also categorized as a Category B bioterrorism pathogen in the United States. The joint team of international researchers conducted genomic sequencing of 23 V. cholerae strains that had been collected from around the world since 1910, and analyzed them using the latest bioinformatics techniques. The researchers found that the transition from the sixth to seventh pandemic involved a transformation of the pathogen into a wholly new strain, and that different strains that emerged or are emerging during the current seventh pandemic are clones that recently evolved from the same ancestor. The researchers concluded that mutated bacteria emerging every several years are spawned by bacteriophage, the virus that infects bacterium. They found that many of the genes that play key roles in triggering diseases, including cholera toxic, a main culprit of diarrhea, are transferred between bacteria due to this virus. 6,000 genes from the 23 V. cholerae stains discovered. Unlike humans, bacteria can transmit and receive genes between themselves. The researchers identified about 70 new genetic groups that move between bacteria. They found that as bacteria are created in the body in various combinations of those genetic groups, new mutated bacteria strains emerge. The identification of the evolutionary mechanism of pathogenic bacteria has paved the way to promptly cope with newly emerging strains of bacteria, and to efficiently develop vaccines and therapeutics. (Photo) Copepod, a type of animal plankton, on which cholera bacterium often resides. According to the study, cholera bacteria concentrate on the surface of this plankton, where they exchange genes between themselves. In the study, the researchers discovered as many as 6,000 genes from the 23 V. cholerae stains. The researchers believe that the entire genetic pool of cholera bacteria that exist in nature contains hundreds of thousands of genes. Accordingly, they predict that a more virulent and infectious mutated bacterium can emerge any time. The study, the largest in scale among studies on microorganism genomes ever publicized, also provides an important clue to the mechanism of how new strains emerge in other pathogenic bacteria, including anthrax, shigella, typhoid, helicobacter pylori, and streptococcus pneumoniae. Moreover, by using the database developed through the study, scientists can now diagnose a mutated cholera strain that emerges anywhere in the world, including Korea, in a matter of 48 hours through genomic analysis. Prof. Chun, who led the study, explained the significance of the findings, saying that "By discovering the evolutionary mechanism of the cholera bacterium - the cause of a disease that was difficult to efficiently control due to its frequent mutations -? the study has laid a scientific foundation and serves as a milestone that is essential to accurate diagnosis and vaccine development." He added, "By taking the lead in the development of a genomic database for major infectious pathogens, Korea has established the groundwork to effectively cope with a national crisis amid a growing possibility for cholera outbreaks in Korea due to global warming." Genome and Lateral gene transfer A genome is a constellation of genes, and is a blueprint of a given organism. The human genome consists of 3 billion bases, while the cholera bacterium genome comprises about 4 million. Humans have about 25,000 genes, while the cholera bacterium contains 4,000.Humans have identical genes, while different cholera strains have genes that can be different by a factor of up to 10 percent. Bacteria have the capacity to lose genes and acquire new ones from other bacterium, a phenomenon called 'Lateral gene transfer'. Cholera bacterium, Vibrio cholerae Cholera is a fatal diarrheal disease that is caused by Vibrio cholerae, a gram negative bacterium. The disease is prevalent in Asia and Africa, primarily near the tropical region. Recently, a major outbreak in southern Africa killed thousands of people. Cholera causes illness only in men, while swine cholera, which afflicts pigs, is a disease that is caused by a virus, which is a totally different microorganism. Cholera is highly infectious in humans, but Vibrio cholerae resides primarily in seawater. Notably, the bacterium are found at the mouth of rivers where freshwater meets the ocean and where the salinity level of seawater declines. It is known to? attach itself to animal plankton, rather than residing in the water itself. According to a study published in the journal 'Nature' in 2000 by Gregory M. Luiz of the Smithsonian Environmental Institute, cholera was found in 93 percent of the ballast water (water contained in vessels to keep the balance of the vesselas buoyancy) in freight ships navigating through the Chesapeake Bay in the United States, As the cholera bacterium can spread via freight ships navigating across different continents, the International Maritime Organization enacted an international treaty on ballast water management, which calls for the level of cholera contamination in the water to be less than one bug per 100 ml of water. (http://www.imo.org/Conventions/mainframe.asp?topic_id=867) ? Kim Chung-han chkim at kofac.or.kr [September 15, 2009] - - - - - - -Source - ScienceTimes