In this blog post, we will examine the adaptationist debate surrounding the causes of rape and sexual violence based on Richard Dawkins’ ‘The Selfish Gene’ and the concept of adaptation in evolutionary theory, and explore how current research understands this issue.   Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins published ‘The Selfish Gene’ in 1976. One of the key...

In this blog post, we’ll start with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), which is used to analyze molecular structures, and explore the principles and evolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is widely used in medical settings today.   MRI. It’s the name of a machine that everyone has heard of many times or has used at least once. When you lie inside the white, cylindrical machine...

In this blog post, we’ll explore the principles and characteristics of CT and MRI, and examine the concepts of computer graphics used to represent the inside of the human body, as well as how sweep and mesh-based modeling techniques are applied to medical imaging.   What exactly do CT and MRI do? They are leading medical imaging technologies that allow us to visualize the interior of the...

In this blog post, we’ll explore the operating principles and energy efficiency of heat pumps—which provide both cooling and heating—as well as the differences between air-source, water-source, and ground-source heat pumps, and the current state of heat pump technology and market trends as of 2026.   Air conditioners, which were once used solely for cooling during the summer, have now...

In this blog post, we’ll examine—from the perspective of materials engineering—why graphite, used in pencil leads, and diamonds, a classic gemstone, exhibit completely different properties even though they’re both composed of the same element: carbon.   Graphite, found in pencils—which almost everyone, not just students, has used at least once—and diamond, well-known as a hard and beautiful...

In this blog post, as humanoid robots—which resemble humans—are rapidly advancing and entering real-world industrial and care settings, we’ll examine not only the convenience and potential this technology brings but also issues such as safety, cost, employment, and ethics.   From Science Fiction Movies to Real-World Industrial Settings “Star Wars,” “I, Robot,” “The Terminator,”...

In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons for creating humanoid robots with forms similar to the human body, examine the control, path planning, joint, and hand manipulation technologies required to achieve this, and take a look at how far current robotics technology has advanced.   When people think of robots, they often picture the bipedal machines featured in the movie ‘The...

In this blog post, we’ll explore what octane rating is—an important performance indicator for gasoline—how it relates to engine knocking, and what distinguishes regular gasoline from premium gasoline.   Now that cars have become an essential means of transportation in daily life, gasoline prices have a significant impact on the expenses of households that own cars. Drivers often compare...

In this blog post, we’ll examine what actually exploded during the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, how hydrogen was generated and destroyed the reactor building, and what lessons this accident taught us about nuclear power plant safety.   How Do Explosions Occur at Nuclear Power Plants? What kinds of explosion accidents can occur at a nuclear power plant? Generally, an...

In this blog post, we will examine the long-term effects of the Fukushima nuclear accident and explore the scientific verification and ongoing monitoring necessary to accurately understand radiation risks, as well as the roles of the government and citizens.   When the International Olympic Committee selected Tokyo as the host city for the Summer Olympics, there were concerns about whether...