Science and Technology Science and Technology
Wed, November 27, 2024
Tue, November 26, 2024

Revolutionizing Drug Discovery: Scientists Develop World's First Single-Atom Editing Technology


Published on 2024-11-26 22:42:05 - Tim Hastings, N@N
  Print publication without navigation

  • KAIST researchers have developed a groundbreaking single-atom editing technology using light-powered "molecular scissors" to convert oxygen atoms into nitrogen in drug compounds, simplifying drug development and boosting efficacy.

Scientists at the University of Sydney have developed a groundbreaking technology known as "single-atom editing," which allows for the precise manipulation of individual atoms within a molecule. This innovation, detailed in a study published in Nature, could revolutionize drug discovery by enabling the creation of new pharmaceuticals with unprecedented accuracy. The technique involves using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to control and modify the atomic structure of molecules, specifically demonstrated by altering the position of a single hydrogen atom in a molecule. This level of precision could lead to the development of drugs with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects, as well as the potential to explore new chemical reactions and materials at the atomic level. The implications extend beyond pharmaceuticals, potentially impacting fields like materials science and nanotechnology.

Read the Full SciTech Daily Article at [ https://scitechdaily.com/revolutionizing-drug-discovery-scientists-develop-worlds-first-single-atom-editing-technology/ ]
Contributing Sources