It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Monday, November 24, 2025
The world’s first elucidation of the immunomodulatory effects of kimchi by the World Institute of Kimchi
Elucidation of the immunomodulatory mechanism of kimchi through single-cell transcriptomics analysis in a 12-week clinical trial
Amid concerns about the simultaneous spread of multiple respiratory diseases, such as colds and influenza, with the change of seasons in current times, a recent clinical study has scientifically proven that kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food, enhances the function of human immune cells and maintains the balance of the immune system.
The World Institute of Kimchi (President: Hae Choon Chang), a government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT, has reported the results of a single-cell genetic analysis that suggests that kimchi consumption has immunomodulatory effects, which include the suppression of excessive immune responses while simultaneously enhancing defense functions. This is the first study in the world that has elucidated the immunological effects of kimchi at the single-cell level and has shown that kimchi consumption can contribute not only to metabolic health but also to immunological health.
The participants in this study were overweight adults, divided into three groups (n = 13 each). Participants in each group consumed either a placebo, kimchi powder made from naturally fermented kimchi, or kimchi powder made from kimchi fermented with a starter culture for 12 weeks. After the 12-week intervention, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected, and single-cell transcriptomics analysis (scRNA-seq) was conducted. By tracking the changes in the gene expression of each cell using this cutting-edge technique, the research team was able to reveal subtle changes in immune responses that are difficult to detect using conventional tests.
The analysis of the results indicated that in the kimchi-consuming groups, the function of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which recognize external invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, and transmit signals, was strengthened. Also, the CD4+ T cells differentiated into defense cells and regulatory cells in a balanced manner. These results suggest that kimchi does not just stimulate the immune system, but also acts as a ‘precision regulator’ that enhances the defense capabilities of the immune system if necessary and suppresses unnecessary and excessive responses.
In addition, differences were observed in the immunomodulatory effects according to the kimchi fermentation method used. While both naturally fermented and starter-fermented kimchi had positive effects in maintaining immune balance, the latter showed a more pronounced immunomodulatory effect in terms of strengthening the antigen-recognition ability of immune cells and suppressing unnecessary signals. These results suggest that the health functionality of kimchi can be systematically enhanced using starter technology in the future.
Dr. Woo Jae Lee of the World Institute of Kimchi, who led the research team, said, “Our research has proven for the first time in the world that kimchi has two different simultaneous effects: activating defense cells and suppressing excessive response.” He also emphatically added, “We plan to expand international research on kimchi and lactic acid bacteria in relation to immune and metabolic health in the future.”
The results of this research contribute to establishing kimchi as not just a traditional fermented food but also as a functional food with scientifically proven effects on immune health. The findings of this study are expected to be utilized in various fields, including the development of health functional foods, the improvement of vaccine efficacy, and the prevention of immune diseases. The results of the research were published in npj Science of Food (IF 7.8), a highly ranked international academic journal in the field of food science.
※ Paper title: Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals that kimchi dietary intervention modulates human antigen-presenting and CD4⁺ T cells
According to the process of robot behavior, we categorize Embodied AI into three modules: embodied perception, embodied decision-making, and embodied execution.
Credit: Weinan Zhang from “Harbin Institute of Technology”
While recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have shown remarkable capabilities in language, vision, and speech processing, these technologies are largely "disembodied." The authors argue this disembodied nature is insufficient for creating the general-purpose intelligent robots often envisioned in science fiction.
They illustrate this using the complex instruction: "clean the room." A classic, disembodied AI can process parts of this task—it can interpret the audio (speech), understand the command's meaning (NLP), and detect objects in a static image (CV). However, this passive analysis is where its capabilities end.
An embodied agent, by contrast, must solve the entire problem. This begins with Embodied Perception; as the robot moves, it perceives far more information than a static view allows (for instance, finding a toy hidden behind a box). It then uses Embodied Decision-Making, knowing the correct sequence (e.g., throw away trash before arranging toys) and how to handle problems (like searching for that missing item). Finally, it performs Embodied Execution—the physical acts of walking, grasping a bottle, or opening a door.
To bridge the gap from passive analysis to behavioral intelligence, a comprehensive new survey from a team of researchers provides a structural framework for the field of Embodied AI. The survey, titled "Embodied AI: A Survey on the Evolution from Perceptive to Behavioral Intelligence," systematically maps the field to guide future research.
The authors propose that achieving intelligent behavior is a process that can be categorized into three modules.
The framework begins with Embodied Perception, which the authors categorize based on its relationship with robot behavior. The first is “perception for behavior,” which focuses on the perception tasks primarily utilized for robot actions. This includes object perception—sensing an object's geometric shape, articulated structure, and physical properties to enable manipulation—and scene perception, which involves building models of the environment, such as metric or topological maps, to guide mobility. The second and more distinct area is “behavior for perception,” which involves incorporating the robot's own behavior into the perception process. The survey details how an agent can use mobility to actively move and obtain more information about objects and scenes, or use manipulation to interact with an object to discover its properties, such as its articulated structure.
The second module, Embodied Decision-Making, addresses how the agent generates a sequence of behaviors to complete a human instruction based on its observations. The survey categorizes this crucial step into two primary domains: Navigation and Task Planning. Navigation involves reasoning a sequence of mobility commands (e.g., 'turn left,' 'move straight') to move through an environment, while Task Planning generates a sequence of manipulation skills (e.g., 'open the microwave,' 'grasp the bottle'), including integrated navigation steps. The authors emphasize that the fundamental challenge in this module is real-world grounding. Unlike purely digital decision-making, an embodied agent must account for numerous real-world challenges, such as physical feasibility, object affordance, and preconditions.
The final module, Embodied Execution, translates the generated decision into physical action. The survey focuses this discussion on manipulation skill learning, defining it as learning a behavior policy that maps skill descriptions and environmental observations to a concrete action, typically an embodiment-independent 7-DoF trajectory for a robot arm. The authors review the two primary algorithmic approaches used to train this policy: Imitation Learning (IL), which learns from human demonstrations, and Reinforcement Learning (RL), which learns through trial-and-error interaction. The survey states that the key research problem in this area is achieving generalization—across varied objects, scenes, skills, and instructions. It also highlights a critical trend: a shift away from training isolated, single-skill models and toward developing General-Purpose Execution Models, which, as a direct application of multimodal large language models, can handle multiple skills within a single model.
By providing this comprehensive three-module framework, the survey aims to structure the research landscape, systematically identify key challenges, and offer a clear roadmap for the field. The authors hope this structural approach will guide the community's efforts in developing the next generation of general-purpose intelligent agents.
A pressure-mechanical integrated synaptic device inspired by human skin mechanoreceptors and synapses that recognizes different touch patterns for discrete affective state classification.
Credit: Wentao Xu, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University.
Human emotional interaction relies heavily on CT afferents—unmyelinated nerves in hairy skin that convert gentle tactile stimuli into affective states. For robots to engage in similar empathetic communication, existing tactile sensing technologies fall short: most rely on segregated "sensation-transmission-processing" modules, which cause latency accumulation and high energy consumption due to repeated analog-to-digital conversion. "Current neuromorphic devices for touch either lack low-threshold sensitivity or separate sensing from computation," explained Yue Li, first author of the study. "We aimed to create a single device that both feels gentle touch like human skin and processes that touch into emotional signals—just as CT afferents do."
Pressure-Electronic-Gated (PEG) synaptic device that integrates tactile perception and neuromorphic computing in one monolithic structure. Its design draws direct inspiration from biological systems: (1) A proton-conductive chitosan hydrogel (derived from crustacean exoskeletons or fungi) acts as the gate dielectric, enabling neurotransmitter-like ionic transport and ensuring biocompatibility for potential epidermal integration; (2) A solution-processed poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) semiconductor channel mimics postsynaptic receptor activation via ionic trapping/detrapping; (3) Gold (Au) source/drain/top-gate electrodes complete the 3-terminal architecture.
The device operates via the synergistic effect of dynamic ionic migration (triggered by voltage) and injection (enhanced by pressure). Key performance metrics set it apart: (1) Ultralow threshold: Responds to pressures as low as 80 Pa—comparable to the gentle touch detected by human CT afferents. (2) Energy efficiency: Operates at just -0.2 V, with a current range of 0.039–24.872 μA (nearly 3 orders of magnitude). (3) Stability: Maintains <1% signal deviation during 2,000 seconds of continuous use and over 1,000 cycles. "Unlike previous devices that require large forces to drive computation, our PEG device processes gentle touch in real time," Prof. Xu noted. "It’s chitosan layer also solves the biocompatibility issue that has blocked epidermal or implantable tactile systems."
To translate tactile input into emotional states, the team leveraged the device’s ability to encode spatiotemporal tactile parameters (pressure, frequency, duration) into distinct Excitatory Postsynaptic Currents (EPSCs)—electrical signals analogous to neural activity. When connected to a microcomputer, the device automatically classifies these EPSC signals into discrete emotions—achieving reliable emotional recognition without separate processing modules.
"We’re now working to scale the device into flexible arrays for full-body robot 'skin,'" Prof. Xu added. "This technology does not just make robots 'touch-sensitive'—it makes them capable of understanding the emotional meaning behind touch."
Authors of the paper include Yue Li, Lu Yang, Qianbo Yu, Yi Du, Ning Wu, Wentao Xu.
This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFA1204500, 2022YFA1204504, and 2022YFE0198200); the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of China (T2125005); the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, Nankai University (BEG124901 and BEG124401); the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2024M761520); the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF (GZC20250388); and the Shenzhen Science and Technology Project (JCYJ20240813165508012).
The paper, “An Integrated Monolithic Synaptic Device for C-Tactile Afferent Perception and Robot Emotional Interaction” was published in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems on Aug 19, 2025, at DOI: 10.34133/cbsystems.0367.
Journal
Cyborg and Bionic Systems
Global One Health index: Expert consensus on synergistic solutions to advancing SDG3
Through the evidence and decision-support provided by the GOHI scientific tool, we can promote the effective practice of the One Health approach, accelerate the implementation of the SDGs, and ultimately achieve a healthy planet for humans, animals, and the environment.
With more pandemics having occurred over the last three decades, increasing attention has been paid to preventing future crises. In particular, how to integrate the various resources to facilitate the achievement of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supported by innovative technology, has become a critical issue at the global level. Held on 8 May 2025, the 10th UN Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals side event, titled “One Health for All: Synergistic Solutions Advancing SDG3 through Sustainable Science & Inclusive Innovation”, convened global experts to explore integrated strategies for advancing human, animal, and environmental health within the 2030 Agenda. Co-organized by the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) UN Consultative Committee on Life Science and Human Health, One Health Working Group of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases (NIPD) at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), and other key partners, the event aligned with the 2025 STI Forum theme, emphasizing the roles of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in achieving SDG3—ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all.
Three key issues discussed in the side event
Key issue 1—One Health approach for SDGs.
Experts unanimously emphasized that the One Health approach serves as a critical cross-cutting framework for addressing complex global challenges—including zoonotic diseases and climate-related health risks—and will directly contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Key issue 2—GOHI as a scientific tool.
The optimization of the One Health approach hinges on resolving issues of data fragmentation and capacity disparities. Interdepartmental data silos, which persist as barriers in both low- and high-income nations, limit GOHI's overall effectiveness.
Key issue 3—GOHI for cross-sector governance.
Case studies from Cambodia and Singapore reveal that disjointed policies and fragmented responses to health threats must be addressed through multisectoral collaboration and GOHI evaluation. Furthermore, inadequate funding and a lack of political prioritization require strengthened cross-sector governance.
Global experts reach consensus
In a significant step forward for global health governance, an expert panel has endorsed the expanded application of the Global One Health Index (GOHI) at subnational levels. The consensus establishes GOHI as a key tool for implementing the One Health approach, outlining its eight core functions for advancing global health systems:
As a comprehensive assessment tool, GOHI enables policy coordination across human, animal, and environmental health through globally standardized metrics. Its structured framework incorporates governance dimensions, providing policymakers with systematic evaluation methodologies. The developed practical tools—including standardized data templates and policy brief generators—support real-time response to zoonotic diseases and food safety challenges.
Notably, GOHI demonstrates capacity for transforming raw data into country-specific toolkits and employs cost-effectiveness analysis to optimize resource allocation. Meanwhile, its AI-powered global case database will provide early warning for emerging risks such as climate-sensitive diseases.
Recommendations for action
To accelerate the implementation of the One Health framework, an international expert panel has proposed six key actionable recommendations: establish national coordination mechanisms through specialized task forces aligned with the Quadripartite Joint Plan of Action; develop equitable data platforms with open-access monitoring tools for resource-limited settings and harmonized data standards; integrate the Global One Health Index into governance systems as a benchmark for SDG3 health targets; launch localized pilot programs adopting Japan's subnational model to address service fragmentation; strengthen funding and political commitment by leveraging cost-benefit analysis to secure investments and embed One Health in climate and economic agendas; and enhance global capacity building through standardized training promoting innovative solutions such as China's low-cost diagnostics and AI-driven early warning systems.
