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Why is supercritical drying technology important for future memory semiconductors?

In this blog post, we’ll examine the causes of pattern collapse—a phenomenon that occurs as semiconductor patterns become increasingly refined—as well as the principles and advantages of supercritical drying technology for preventing it.   With the rapid and continuous advancement of science and technology in recent years, we have entered the “Smart Era”—a time when, without even realizing...

How Can We Forecast Future Urban Populations?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of forecasting future urban populations—a critical aspect of urban planning—as well as the characteristics and applications of key population forecasting models, such as the trend extrapolation method, the comparative inference method, and the generation method.   If a piece of clothing is too small, it will be tight and uncomfortable; if it...

Why was the American TV series “The Big Bang Theory” such a hit, and what turned its popularity into a crisis?

In this blog post, we’ll explore why the American TV series “The Big Bang Theory” gained massive popularity by featuring eccentric scientists as its main characters, and what caused viewer reactions to shift as the seasons progressed.   Nerdnɜːrd: When someone is called a “nerd,” it generally refers to a person who is somewhat clumsy or comical—someone who wears unfashionable clothes or...

Can we really survive by sticking together? Can the group selection hypothesis explain the evolution of altruistic humans?

In this blog post, we’ll examine the relationship between altruistic behavior observed in groups and natural selection, and explore the core concepts and limitations of the group selection hypothesis—which posits that individual selection and group selection can act in opposite directions.   One of the greatest joys of my school days was playing soccer with friends during lunch or P.E. class...

United We Stand! How Does the Group Selection Hypothesis Explain the Emergence of Altruistic Humans?

In this blog post, we’ll examine the concept and mechanisms of the group selection hypothesis—proposed to explain altruistic behavior in humans—as well as the role of institutions and the effects and limitations of conformist cultural transmission.   You’ve probably heard the saying, “United we stand!” It means that even in situations that are dangerous when faced alone, the chances of...

Why Is the Base of a Cumulus Cloud Flat?

In this blog post, we’ll explore why the base of a cumulus cloud—which is commonly seen on clear summer days—appears flat, by examining the processes of air ascent and cooling, the dew point, and condensation.   If asked to picture the sky in their mind, most people would likely envision a deep blue sky covered by white formations. These white formations are clouds. Clouds are collections of...

Can we understand phase equilibrium diagrams—a core concept in materials engineering—through water?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the meaning and applications of phase equilibrium diagrams—a key concept in materials engineering—by examining the changes in the state of water that we commonly encounter in everyday life.   While attending college, I often hear people ask, “What department are you in?” When I reply, “I’m in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering,” I observe a...

How Do WIG Craft—Ships That Defy Water—Fly Above the Water?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the characteristics of WIG craft—which overcome water resistance and move close to the water’s surface as if flying—and the principle of ground effect.   Most people have probably heard of magnetic levitation trains. They’re famous for traveling not by rolling on wheels along the tracks, but by using magnetic forces to hover just above the tracks. But have...

What is geophysical exploration, and how can it reveal hidden subsurface structures?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the principles of geophysical exploration—which reveals hidden subsurface structures and resources—the characteristics of seismic surveying, and how seismic surveying is utilized in oil and gas exploration.   Have you ever played the game StarCraft? For those who haven’t, it’s a strategy simulation game where you choose one of three races—Terran, Zerg, or...

How does the “flying fish,” a fish that flies, use the principles of fluid dynamics to take to the skies?

In this blog post, we’ll explore how the flying fish—a species of fish—uses fluid dynamics principles such as lift, drag, fin structure, and ground effect to glide long distances for extended periods.   The flying fish, also known as “Flying Fish,” can glide distances of up to 400 meters with a single leap and is known to remain airborne for up to about 40 seconds while traveling at speeds...