DR. JIN WOO KIM, M.D.

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This study looked at how cancer cells and normal cells use three nutrients: glucose, glutamine, and methionine. It found that both cancer and normal cells need similar amounts of glucose and glutamine to survive, but cancer cells require much more methionine than normal cells—3.8 to 21.4 µM for cancer cells compared to 2.3 µM for normal cells. This is important because it suggests that the way cancer cells get energy from glucose and glutamine is not unique to them, unlike their reliance on methionine, which may open up new avenues for cancer treatment.

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This research focused on the different types of cells found in fat tissue and how they change in response to health issues. The study identified many new types of fat and immune cells and their varying functions. Understanding these cell types is important because it helps us learn how fat tissue behaves in the body, which can impact conditions like obesity and diabetes.

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Researchers created a new dataset called DOLCHID, which includes 262 pairs of dental scans and tissue images to improve diagnosis of dental lesions like cysts and tumors. This dataset features various types of lesions and provides detailed images to train artificial intelligence systems for more accurate identifications. By making this information available, the study aims to speed up diagnosis and improve patient care in dentistry.

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This study looked at how the treatment and outcomes for patients with a specific lung disease, called complex pulmonary disease, have changed over the past 15 years at a hospital in South Korea. It found that as treatment strategies evolved, the chances of patients getting better improved significantly; for example, the rate of successful treatment rose from 39% in the first group to 61.8% in the most recent group. This is important because it shows that newer treatments are leading to better health outcomes for patients.

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This study looked at how eating ultra-processed foods affects the quality of life in specific areas for postmenopausal women in South Korea. It found that women who consumed more ultra-processed foods were 74% more likely to experience mobility issues and 71% more likely to have anxiety or depression compared to those who ate the least. These results highlight the negative impact of ultra-processed foods on physical and mental health, emphasizing the need to be mindful of diet after menopause.

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Researchers studied the proteins in both knockout mice (genetically modified mice) and humans with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to find common biological markers associated with the condition. They discovered 132 proteins that were consistently altered, and narrowed it down to ten key proteins that could significantly differentiate individuals with ASD from those without it. This matters because it could lead to more accurate and reliable diagnostic tools for autism, improving early detection and treatment options.

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This research looked at how antioxidant-rich foods and supplements affect skin health by analyzing data from 94 studies. It found that both preclinical and clinical studies showed improvements, including increased skin hydration and reduced moisture loss. These findings are important because they suggest that consuming antioxidants can lead to better skin health and help with skin conditions.

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Researchers studied how to improve the process of prioritizing patients in emergency departments using machine learning. They analyzed data from over 133,000 patient visits and found that their Random Forest model accurately predicted patient severity 91.6% of the time, while the XGBoost model was slightly better at 94.7%. This work matters because it offers a clear and understandable way to assess patient urgency, helping emergency staff make better decisions and identify high-risk patients more reliably.

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The study looked at how resveratrol, a compound found in grapes, affects kidney cancer cells grown in 3D lab conditions over six days. Researchers found that resveratrol reduced the viability of these cancer cells and lowered levels of certain proteins (CIP2A, fibronectin, and α-SMA) linked to cancer spread and cell changes that make tumors more aggressive. This matters because it shows that resveratrol could potentially be used to develop new cancer treatments by mimicking the stress effects of exercise, which may help control tumor growth and spread.

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Researchers studied the connection between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and gout using data from South Korea. They found that people with IBD, especially those with Crohn's disease, were more likely to develop gout, with rates of 28.4 cases per 10,000 person-years compared to 24.2 in those without IBD. This link was particularly strong among younger adults under 45, while having gout did not increase the chances of developing IBD. This is important because it helps identify at-risk groups for gout among those with IBD, which can improve patient care and monitoring.

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Researchers studied a new stem cell therapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) using modified stem cells to activate a specific cancer drug. They found that the modified stem cells paired with the drug irinotecan were more effective at killing cancer cells than those paired with a different drug, achieving about 26% tumor volume compared to 32% for the other treatment after 14 days. This is important because it shows a potential new approach to treating a hard-to-treat cancer without causing significant side effects.

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Researchers studied a specific group of immune cells called CD127 natural killer (NK) cells in mice. They found that these cells develop independently of the thymus and a signaling molecule known as interleukin-15, but depend on another molecule called IL-7 for their growth and activation. This discovery is important because it helps scientists understand the different types of NK cells and how they function, which could lead to better insights into immune responses and potential treatments.

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This study looked at the effects of bioprocessed black rice bran and balloon flower root on atopic dermatitis (a chronic skin condition) in mice. Researchers found that these natural products significantly reduced IgE levels—a marker of allergic response—by up to 87% and improved skin condition, while also restoring a healthier balance between different immune responses. This is important because it suggests that these ingredients could be useful for managing allergic inflammation in conditions like atopic dermatitis.

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The study compared two substances used to grow kidney cells: fetal bovine serum (FBS) and a modified chicken embryo extract (CEE). Researchers found that FBS stressed the cells and led to harmful changes, while CEE helped keep the cells healthy and functioning normally without causing damage. This matters because using CEE could improve cell cultures, which are important for research and medical applications.

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This study focused on a protein called NUP205 and its role in liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). Researchers found that higher levels of NUP205 in patients were linked to severe disease features and a worse chance of survival, with many patients showing NUP205 levels that made them less responsive to treatment. Identifying NUP205 as a key marker is important because it could help doctors predict patient outcomes and develop better treatment strategies for liver cancer.

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Researchers looked at how effective carbonyl sulfide (COS) is in killing rice weevils that are resistant to phosphine, a common pest control method. They found that carbonyl sulfide works similarly well on both types of weevils, requiring about 290 mg hours per liter to kill resistant weevils, compared to only around 1.5 mg hours for susceptible ones when using phosphine. This is important because it shows that carbonyl sulfide could be a reliable alternative for managing pests that have developed resistance to traditional treatments.

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This study looked at how the activity of a type of immune cell called natural killer (NK) cells before liver transplantation affects patients' chances of survival and the return of their tumors. Among 134 patients, those with high NK cell activity had better overall survival rates, with a notable improvement in survival rates after three years (about 48% versus 22% for low activity). This is important because it shows that measuring NK cell activity before the transplant can help doctors predict how well patients will do after the surgery.

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This study looked at how having other health issues, particularly heart disease, affects the long-term survival of kidney transplant patients aged 60 and older compared to those who stay on dialysis. It found that while kidney transplants generally improve survival for certain patients, those over 65 with cardiovascular disease (CVD) actually had worse outcomes after receiving a transplant, with a 2.72 times higher risk of death than those who stayed on dialysis. This highlights the importance of considering a patient’s overall health, especially heart health, when deciding on kidney transplants.

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This study looked at how often cardiac troponin tests are done in emergency departments and what the results mean for patients. Over six years, the use of these tests increased significantly, from about 30% to 46% of visits, especially among patients considered low or intermediate risk. The findings show that while high-risk patients benefit from testing—showing lower chances of needing heart procedures or dying within 30 days—low-risk patients often face longer waits and more hospital admissions without clear benefits, suggesting that testing could be done more selectively to save resources.

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Researchers studied how a molecule called miR-21 affects the treatment of liver cancer linked to hepatitis B (HBV) when using the drug sorafenib. They found that high levels of miR-21 make tumors resistant to sorafenib by lowering a tumor-fighting protein called SASH1. By blocking miR-21, they were able to slow down cancer growth and make tumors respond better to sorafenib, both in lab tests and in mice, suggesting that targeting miR-21 could improve treatment outcomes for patients with this type of liver cancer.

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This study looked at how frequently moving affects children's chances of experiencing difficult life events, known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). It found that kids who move often are more than twice as likely to face ACEs, especially if their families are going through tough times like divorce or financial struggles. Improving neighborhood support can help reduce both the number of moves and the associated risks for children, making stable and safe environments crucial for their well-being.

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Researchers studied how to produce a biodegradable plastic called polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) using a byproduct from tofu production known as dried okara. They found that a specially isolated bacteria strain, called sp. EP10, could grow and produce significant amounts of PHB directly from okara without needing complicated treatment processes. Specifically, they achieved up to 10.9 grams of biomass and 29.3% PHB, showing this method could be a cost-effective way to create sustainable plastics while reducing waste.

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This study looked at a 16-year-old girl who suffered severe pain and other issues after multiple pelvic fractures led to lumbosacral plexopathy, a condition affecting the nerves in her lower back. After using a treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), her pain intensity significantly decreased from an 8 out of 10 to a 2, and she also experienced improvements in her mood and daily activities. This treatment could offer hope for others with similar, hard-to-treat nerve pain following injuries.

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This study looked at how effective a method called alanine dosimetry is for checking radiation doses in cancer treatment using a specific type of machine (a 10 MV linear accelerator). The researchers found that the method provided consistent and reliable results, with a measurement uncertainty of about 2.5% to 4.2%. This matters because accurate radiation dosing is crucial for ensuring that cancer patients receive the right amount of treatment without harming healthy tissue.

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This study looked at modified versions of a natural compound called curvularin to see if they could help fight inflammation, cancer, and infections. The researchers created several new versions and found that most of them reduced a harmful molecule produced during inflammation, but they could also be toxic at high doses. One of the derivatives showed better antibacterial activity than a common antibiotic, kanamycin, and they found these compounds could be promising options for treating inflammation and infections.

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This study looked at improving how doctors track the position of a tiny camera capsule that goes inside the stomach to see what’s happening there. The new method uses a special external sensor to accurately determine the capsule’s location and angle while it moves, achieving errors of less than 2 millimeters in position and less than 2 degrees in angle. This is important because it makes the procedure more reliable and easier to perform, enhancing the ability to diagnose gastrointestinal issues without invasive techniques.

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This study looked at how a fermented soybean product affects the gut bacteria and colon health of mice. After 30 and 60 days of feeding the mice a specific amount of this product, researchers found that it significantly changed the mix of bacteria in their guts and increased the number of goblet cells, which help protect the gut lining. This matters because these changes could improve gut health, but more research is needed to understand how this affects overall health.

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This study examined the differences in individual strains of bacteria in the human microbiome, rather than just looking at broader species categories. It found that these strains can greatly differ in their genetic make-up and how they affect health, including immune responses and disease risk. This understanding of strain diversity is important because it can lead to better personalized treatments and advancements in microbiome therapies.

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Researchers studied a new drug called J2H-1802, made from two existing treatments, to see if it could help treat psoriasis in mice. They found that J2H-1802 significantly lowered measures of psoriasis severity, including skin thickness and inflammation, especially at higher doses. This is important because it shows that J2H-1802 could be a safer and more effective option for treating psoriasis, addressing the limitations of current therapies.

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Researchers studied how a drug called Islatravir (ISL) affects immune cells in macaques. They found that after 12 weeks of treatment, there was a significant decrease in certain immune cells: specifically, lymphocytes dropped by about 12% and monocytes by roughly 22%. This decrease in immune cells is important because it mimics similar effects seen in human patients, helping to highlight potential side effects when using ISL for HIV prevention. Importantly, these immune cell levels returned to normal within six weeks after stopping the treatment.

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This study looked at how naloxone, a drug commonly used to treat opioid overdoses, might protect the brain after a moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice. The researchers found that mice given naloxone experienced less brain swelling and tissue loss, and showed better cognitive performance compared to those not treated with the drug. These findings suggest that naloxone could help reduce brain damage and improve brain function after an injury, which is important for developing new treatments for TBI.

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This study looked at how low blood pressure after anesthesia, called post-induction hypotension (PIH), affects patients undergoing emergency spine surgeries and if personalized care strategies can make a difference. They found that PIH was more common in morning surgeries (46.2%) and that using a personalized management plan helped lower PIH from 43.8% to 33%. This is important because it shows that tailored approaches can improve patient outcomes by reducing the risk of low blood pressure during critical surgeries.

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This study looked at two types of anesthesia for outpatient gynecologic surgery: monitored anesthesia care with target-controlled infusion (TCI) and sevoflurane mask anesthesia. The results showed that while sevoflurane allowed for quicker recovery and faster eye-opening, TCI resulted in higher patient satisfaction but also had a higher risk of respiratory problems (28% in the TCI group compared to none in the sevoflurane group). This is important because it helps doctors choose the best anesthesia method for patients to ensure both comfort and safety during surgery.

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This study looked at how drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in South Korea responds to newer treatment drugs: bedaquiline, delamanid, pretomanid, and linezolid, using samples from 49 patients collected between 2017 and 2022. Researchers found that about 25% of samples showed high resistance to bedaquiline, 18% to delamanid, and smaller numbers to the other two drugs. These results highlight that the resistance to these medications may not match existing guidelines, which is important for improving TB treatment strategies and understanding how to combat drug-resistant infections effectively.

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This study looked at how adding materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes to drone blades made of a special type of plastic affects their strength and stability. Researchers found that using multi-walled carbon nanotubes resulted in the best performance, especially at a speed of 1500 rpm, improving the blades' stiffness significantly. This matters because stronger and more stable drone blades can enhance drone performance and safety, making them more reliable for various applications.

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Researchers studied a new type of sensor made from indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) nanofibers to detect hydrogen sulfide (HS) gas. They found that when the sensor was tested at 250°C, it effectively responded to levels of HS gas, showing a strong response of 40.5 when exposed to 100 parts per million. This is important because it shows that these IGZO nanofibers could be used for creating affordable and efficient gas sensors that can quickly and accurately identify harmful gases.

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Researchers studied a tick-borne virus called severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) that can cause severe illness and death in East Asia but currently has no vaccine. They created weakened versions of the virus by repeatedly growing it in lab cells and found that these weakened strains were less harmful to mice while effectively stimulating strong immune responses. This is important because the results suggest that these weakened viruses could potentially be developed into safe and effective vaccines to protect against SFTSV infections.

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Researchers studied a group of young Korean calves that developed severe pneumonia and found that a specific bacteria, Trueperella pyogenes, was a major cause of their illness. All four calves had respiratory problems and died quickly after showing symptoms, and postmortem examinations confirmed T. pyogenes was present in their lungs. This discovery is significant because it highlights T. pyogenes as a serious threat to calf health and emphasizes the importance of using antibiotics wisely in livestock to prevent resistant infections.

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This study looked at new electronic devices made from vanadium dioxide, which can switch between insulating and conducting states. Researchers found that these devices can oscillate at different frequencies when a voltage is applied, ranging from about 296 kHz to 1076 kHz, and they work consistently at a voltage of around 6.3 V. This is important because it means these devices could be used in energy-efficient technologies for advanced computing, like simulating brain-like networks.

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This study looked at whether language can affect how we process images that we don't consciously see. Researchers found that when participants were shown images alongside related or unrelated words, those words did not help people identify the images at all. Instead, unrelated words actually made it harder to recognize unseen images. This matters because it challenges the idea that language can impact our basic visual perception, showing that our brains process these images without any influence from words.

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This research paper looked at how alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects brain connections between the thalamus and the striatum, which are important for learning and flexibility in thinking. The study found that chronic alcohol use disrupts specific brain pathways that could make it harder for people to stop drinking and recover from addiction. This is important because understanding these disruptions can lead to new potential treatments for AUD that target these specific brain circuits.

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This study looked at how exposure to a mix of heavy metals and harmful chemicals during pregnancy affects the size of newborns in 4,715 Korean mother-infant pairs. It found that certain chemicals and heavy metals were linked to lower birth weights and shorter lengths; for example, higher levels of lead and specific chemicals like MEOHP and MCOP were associated with significant reductions in these birth outcomes. This research is important because it shows that exposure to these harmful substances can negatively impact the health of newborns, highlighting the need for better monitoring and regulations regarding environmental pollutants during pregnancy.

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This study investigated a new method for breaking down harmful chemicals called PFAS in water. Researchers developed a special electrode that, when exposed to light, effectively degraded perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), a common type of PFAS. The new technique removed PFOS much more efficiently than previous methods, even in challenging water situations, which is important because PFAS are tough pollutants that can contaminate drinking water and pose health risks.

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This study looked at whether taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin or clopidogrel before surgery affects the risk of bleeding or heart problems after surgery in patients aged 65 and older. They analyzed data from over 8,000 patients and found no consistent increase in bleeding or cardiovascular issues for those who took these medications before surgery. This is important because it suggests that elderly patients don't need to stop their blood thinners before surgery as a standard practice, allowing for better individual treatment plans.

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Researchers developed a new method for detecting structural damage, like in buildings or bridges, using a technique called low-rank adaptation. They tested this method on structures like cantilever beams and found it significantly better at handling measurement noise. Specifically, in real-world conditions with a signal-to-noise ratio of 20 dB, their method kept stiffness errors under 2% while traditional methods failed, achieving a perfect success rate in locating damage. This is important because it promises more reliable monitoring of structures, helping to ensure safety and prevent failures.

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Researchers tested a propolis extract made using microwave-assisted processing on human skin cells undergoing stress-induced and age-related deterioration. The extract reduced damaging reactive oxygen species, suppressed markers of cellular aging, improved wound closure, and activated two key cellular pathways — NRF2 (an antioxidant defense regulator) and Wnt/beta-catenin-TERT (linked to cell renewal and telomere maintenance). These results position the extract as a potential active ingredient in anti-aging skincare products.

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A 30-year-old man with no prior illness developed recurring blackouts and leg weakness caused by isolated neurosarcoidosis, a rare brain inflammation that mimics tumors or infections. Brain and spine MRI showed multiple enhancing lesions, and a biopsy confirmed granulomatous inflammation with no infection or cancer. Adding PET/CT scanning revealed that some lesions were metabolically active while others were not, demonstrating that combining the two imaging methods gives doctors a more complete picture than MRI alone.

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A nationwide survey of emergency physicians in South Korea found that nearly 15% showed signs of moderate-to-severe depression, driven not by raw workload hours but by perceived staff shortages, verbal abuse, poor sleep, and irregular eating habits. Being married and having good overall wellness were protective. These findings point to specific, addressable factors—workplace safety, sleep support, and social connection—that hospital systems can target to protect physician mental health.