In this blog post, we will look at the development of social media and examine its positive and negative effects on our communication and relationships. With the world embroiled in a smartphone war, what are the biggest changes in our lives brought about by the advent of smartphones? With over 30 million smartphone users in South Korea, social media is no longer a foreign concept, even to...
How is PCR technology used in forensic science and environmental research?
In this blog post, we will introduce how PCR technology is used in various fields, such as forensic evidence analysis and environmental microbial monitoring. In 1993, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Kary Mullis for his development of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). His achievement paved the way for the amplification of large quantities of DNA from a single molecule. PCR...
Can IPS cells be a perfect alternative to embryonic stem cells?
In this blog post, we will examine the ethical and medical issues surrounding embryonic stem cell research and explore whether IPS cells can be a realistic and perfect alternative. The debate over embryonic stem cells is one of the biggest social issues in science today. Stem cells extracted from embryos can differentiate into all types of cells in the body, such as liver, heart, and bone...
GMOs have been around for 30 years without any problems. Are you still worried?
In this blog post, we will look at why GMO foods are still distrusted even though they have been on our tables for over 30 years, and examine the scientific basis for this distrust. There has been a long-standing debate in the United States over whether processed foods should be labeled as “organic.” This debate became particularly heated in the early 2020s. In January 2021, a lawsuit was...
Under the name of “life,” what should be allowed and what should be prohibited?
In this blog post, we will examine the ethical and social issues surrounding the advancement of life science technologies, such as viruses, cloning, and genetic recombination, and consider what should be allowed and what should be prohibited. You think you are a survivor of large-scale environmental pollution on Earth, but when you leave the facility where you have been living, you...
Is “Ladies and Gentlemen” just a simple greeting or an expression of respect?
In this blog post, I will examine the culture of respect in English-speaking countries and the meaning behind the expression “Ladies and Gentlemen” based on my experiences abroad. The expression “Ladies and Gentlemen” is often heard in movies and other foreign media. I used to accept these expressions without any special meaning and sometimes used them as greetings. However, several...
Can epigenetics change the paradigm of genetics?
In this blog post, we will examine the concept and significance of epigenetics and its potential to transcend existing genetic determinism. Looking back on the history of science, there has been a close relationship between the beliefs of researchers and the advancement of science. These beliefs stemmed from a belief in the wonders and beauty of nature. One example is Michael...
How do nutritionists contribute to patient care?
In this blog post, we will introduce how nutritionists working in hospitals contribute to patient care and recovery. When most people hear the word “nutritionist,” they think of someone who is responsible for school meals. In fact, when I tell people that I majored in food and nutrition, they usually ask me if I want to become a nutritionist, and regardless of my answer, they start...
Can we create a sustainable future without fossil fuels?
In this blog post, we will explore the definition, types, advantages, and disadvantages of renewable energy, as well as its current usage and potential. Since the Industrial Revolution began in England in the 18th century, humanity’s energy consumption has increased rapidly. Coal, which fueled the Industrial Revolution, and fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas, which were...
How did aluminum foil become a material used in aircraft and automobiles?
In this blog post, we will look at how aluminum, which appears fragile, gained strength and functionality through alloying and became a key material in high-tech industries. When walking down the street, you can see shiny foreign cars such as Audis and BMWs. Would you believe that these beautiful cars are actually made of a material that looks as plain as foil? The material in question is...