In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of nylon and the principles behind its synthesis through condensation polymerization, and examine how amide bonds and molecular structure contribute to nylon’s high abrasion resistance, strength, and durability. Everyone has probably had the experience of trying to hide a hole in a sock as best as possible. But what if socks develop holes...
How have technological determinism and social constructivism evolved over time, and how might they change in the future?
In this blog post, we will examine the meanings of technological determinism—the idea that technology drives social change—and social constructivism—the idea that society determines the direction of technological development. We will also explore how the influence of these two perspectives has shifted throughout history and how the relationship between them might change in the future. In a...
In mechanical and aerospace engineering, how can we understand the principles behind the flight of airplanes and dragons?
In this blog post, we’ll examine the principles of lift and thrust in airplanes, as well as control surfaces and three-axis motion, using the flying sequences of Toothless from the animated film ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. The DreamWorks animated film ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ depicts the adventures of the Viking Hiccup and the dragon Toothless. In a land where...
How can science express the identities of nature and humanity in contemporary art?
In this blog post, we’ll examine examples of contemporary art that utilize science and technology as means of artistic expression, and explore how scientific principles are applied to artworks through the works of Olafur Eliasson and Han Yoon-jeong and Han Byung-jun. Art That Replicates Natural Phenomena Through Science Drawing inspiration from science has now become a very natural and...
How does process development enrich our lives?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the meaning and importance of process development—as well as its impact on society and industry—through examples from everyday life and key cases in chemical engineering. As Chuseok approaches, we get to reunite with loved ones we haven’t seen in a long time, enjoy plenty of delicious food, and exchange warm words of goodwill—an experience that enriches...
How did gang formwork become a construction technology that enhances efficiency and safety at apartment construction sites?
In this blog post, we’ll take a simple look at what gang formwork—commonly seen at apartment construction sites—is, what role formwork plays, the background behind the emergence of gang formwork and its structural features, and what significance it holds at construction sites today. If you’re from South Korea, you’ve probably passed by an apartment construction site at least once in your...
Why do JPEG photos have different file sizes even at the same resolution?
In this blog post, we’ll explore why the file size of digital photos varies even at the same resolution, the principles behind the JPEG compression algorithm, and how to choose the appropriate resolution and compression method based on the intended use of the photo. When taking photos with a digital camera, everyone has probably wondered about photo size at least once. This is because even...
Is rape the result of an evolutionary adaptation? How should we understand the principles behind the “selfish gene” and the origins of sexual violence?
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...
How Does an MRI Let Us See Inside Our Bodies?
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...
From CT and MRI to 3D graphics, how can we visualize the inside of the human body?
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...