In this blog post, we will examine the structural characteristics and advantages and disadvantages of various building structures—such as wood, masonry, light-gauge steel, and reinforced concrete—and explore how building materials and historical changes have influenced the evolution of building structures.   On September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center in New York City collapsed due to...

In this blog post, we’ll examine the process by which nihonium—discovered through Japanese research on heavy-ion accelerators—came into being, the principles behind heavy-ion accelerators, their potential applications in medicine, new materials, and basic science, and the current status of South Korea’s RAON project.   On June 9, 2016, Japanese media reported that “nihonium” (element symbol...

In this blog post, we’ll examine the basic structure and functions of the brain—which plays a crucial role in human identity, thought, and emotion—and explore the complex mechanisms of the brain as revealed by modern neuroscience.   “I think, therefore I am.” It is no exaggeration to say that the development of human culture has gone hand in hand with the history of brain development; as the...

In this blog post, we will examine the changes antibiotics have brought to the treatment of infectious diseases in humans, as well as the problems that antibiotic use in agriculture and livestock can cause—such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria and risks to humans, animals, and the environment—and consider South Korea’s current regulatory framework and future challenges.   Throughout history...

In this blog post, we’ll explore how the design of amusement rides stimulates riders’ senses and brains to create thrills and enjoyment.   Many people consider roller coasters to be the most thrilling rides at amusement parks. On a roller coaster, the most thrilling part is, of course, the moment of plummeting from a great height. But roller coasters aren’t the only rides with a drop...

In this blog post, we will examine whether the safety of aging nuclear power plants can be judged solely based on their operating lifespan. We will also consider how to decide between shutting down or continuing to operate these plants, based on the safety assessments strengthened after the Fukushima nuclear accident, South Korea’s extended operation system, and the country’s electricity supply...

In this blog post, I’ll explore the evolution of the various atomic models humanity has devised to understand the nature of the atom, the essence of the atom revealed in that process, and the new perspective this offers on the world we live in.   A long time ago, by human standards, the British chemist John Dalton gave me the name “atom.” Of course, the ancient Greek philosophers also called...

In this blog post, we’ll examine how the passwords we use are protected, explore the roles of hash functions and salts, and reflect on the importance of password security.   While studying computer science, I became curious about how passwords are protected. In the past, a hacking incident occurred at “Auction,” a major website that once had 10 million members. When a web service is hacked...

In this blog post, we’ll explore the mechanisms behind the development of cystic fibrosis, its effects on the airways and pancreas, and how treatment for the disease has evolved—from past therapies to current CFTR modulators and research into gene-based therapies.   When people see a mother holding her child upside down and patting their chest, many might think, “The child and mother are...

In this blog post, we will examine whether the development of civilization and technological progress can be harnessed to go beyond mere convenience and realize happiness for all, and whether such an ideal world can be created through virtual reality and robotics.   Human civilization continues to advance step by step. The direction of this progress is toward making human life more...