The development of atomic level molecular editing methods for metal clusters is an important avenue in synthetic chemistry that can expand the structure diversity and functionality of these compounds. In a new study, researchers have developed a novel, highly selective asymmetric synthesis approach to develop chiral optical metal clusters with photoluminescence. This approach can contribute to the development of chiral luminescent nanomaterials, benefiting several industries.

Over the last few decades, physical principles have been proposed to explain some biological processes and functions. However, biological principles remain elusive. A biological principle is a governing rule that guides the structure and functions of cells. Biological principles are built upon the laws of physics and chemistry, but they go beyond these laws and are unique to living matter. Here, we discuss what differentiates a biological principle from a physical principle and discuss candidates for biological principles. We review evidence from literature that regulation of cytoskeletal prestress (endogenous cytoskeletal pre-existing tensile stress) is essential for governing biological structures and functions of living cells. We propose that, in addition to the biological principles of Central Dogma and metabolism, cytoskeletal prestress homeostasis is a biological principle of a living cell across all domains of life. We propose that living cells regulate their stress and modulus to limit maximum strain on the cells. Homeostasis of endogenous energy-dependent, stress-supported systems that use cytoskeletal (CSK) prestress (the force of life) to stabilize structure represents a biological principle of a living cell that is not observed in inorganic systems, whereas other basic principles (e.g., self-assembly) are required for living systems but are also found in simpler nonliving systems. Leveraging biological principles of cells may have far-reaching implications in understanding the essence of cell life and designing effective interventions for therapeutics to advance medicine and enhance human health.

The research group of Associate Professor Yasutomo Segawa and Assistant Professor Takashi Harimoto at the Institute for Molecular Science (National Institutes of Natural Sciences) and the Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI) has developed a new method for selectively synthesizing three-dimensional macrocycles,⁽¹⁾ in which four panels are arranged in a square, by connecting planar π-conjugated molecules⁽²⁾ at right angles.

This method is applicable to a wide variety of π-conjugated molecules and allows the size of the internal cavity to be designed. Furthermore, the resulting square macrocycles exhibit acid responsiveness, reversibly changing color under the action of a mild acid, while acid-mediated hydrolysis enables the starting monomers to be recovered in high yield—realizing a sustainable molecular synthesis that reverts to and regenerates the starting materials. The originality of this work lies in having a single imine bond⁽³⁾ play three roles: creating the shape, responding to stimuli, and reverting back.

These research results were published online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, an international journal of the American Chemical Society, on Monday, June 1, 2026.

POSTECH Professor Sunmin Ryu’s team analyzes structural inhomogeneity in large-area thin films using interferometric SHG imaging.

A new study developed a mineralized DNA hydrogel that combines immune regulation with sustained bone regeneration. Using tetrahedral DNA nanostructures and calcium phosphate mineralization, researchers created a scaffold that promotes healing-friendly macrophage activity while supporting bone-forming stem cells. In animal models, the material accelerated bone repair, improved tissue mineralization, and prolonged structural stability. The findings may advance next-generation biomaterials for craniofacial reconstruction, traumatic injuries, and challenging bone healing disorders worldwide.