Research

Nanostructures that are sensitive to polarized light can be crucial to the discovery of molecules in medical research. Recently, researchers from ITMO managed to create such structures with the help of a laser, as opposed to lithography – a common but expensive method. The resulting materials can be used to “filter” molecules based on their polarization properties. Besides medicine, other areas of application include biosensors and photodetectors.

Read more: New ITMO-Developed Method for Silver Nanostructure Synthesis to Accelerate Drug Development

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With the help of computer modeling, scientists at ITMO’s Infochemistry Scientific Center have made a breakthrough in cancer treatment: their studies have shown that irinotecan, a common cancer medication previously known to have an effect on just one cancer-related protein, can also block the activity of A2B1, a protein that is active in the formation of several cancer types, including colorectal and lung cancers.

Read more: ITMO Researchers Find New Molecular Target for Popular Cancer Treatment

University

At a recent hackathon co-organized by ITMO and South HUB – a community camp for C-level IT specialists – several dozen high-ranking specialists in AI, data, and digital products met up to develop their very own AI assistants. With the help of a jury made up of experts from major IT companies, the participants created models capable of processing varied data to form and defend decisions in spite of potential pressure at the executive level.

Read more: Top Managers of Russian Companies Develop Their Own AI Assistants

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For many students, an increased stipend can make all the difference when it comes to maintaining their studies. In the new academic year, students at ITMO who enroll with high USE scores or as winners of national and international competitions will receive a monthly stipend of 100,000 rubles in their first year, courtesy of the university’s own endowment fund. Applications to the initiative are open until July 25; find more details in the linked article.

Read more: Make a Million in Your First Year: ITMO Boosts Stipends for Contest Winners and Top Students