In this blog post, we examine the causes of the sharp increase in thyroid cancer diagnoses and screenings in South Korea, as well as the resulting issues of overtesting and overdiagnosis.   Trends in the Increase of Thyroid Cancer in South Korea Since the 1990s, the number of thyroid cancer patients in South Korea has risen sharply. According to data from Statistics Korea, the number of...

In this blog post, I’d like to share my thoughts on reexamining Islam and Muslims through the lens of my personal experiences and historical and political contexts.   Muslims and Me There are approximately 1.3 billion Muslims in the world. Before attending university in Korea, I grew up in Indonesia—a country with a Muslim majority—and was naturally exposed to Islamic culture from a young...

In this blog post, using the controversial “awake surgery” scene from the drama as a starting point, I’ll explain in simple terms what this surgery is and how it’s performed, along with real-life examples.   The Difference Between the Drama Scene and Reality A scene from a recently concluded hit drama became a hot topic: a patient, while awake, had his skull opened and reacted to electrical...

In this blog post, using the sci-fi film ‘Gattaca’ as a starting point, I’ll discuss the causes of discrimination stemming from scientific and technological advancements and what we need to prepare for.   Science Fiction and Gattaca: How Discrimination Is Portrayed The science fiction genre captivates many people by presenting visions of the future through its unique imagination...

In this blog post, I will examine the debate over genetic engineering and “designer humans” through the movie “Gattaca,” and summarize the arguments for and against, along with critiques of each.   The Movie “Gattaca” and Lives Defined by Genetics The movie “Gattaca” depicts a society where advances in science, technology, and biotechnology allow for the manipulation of genetic information...

In this blog post, we will examine the growing importance of decision-making alongside advancements in science and technology, as well as the ethical responsibilities of engineers, through case studies and theory.   Advances in Science and Technology and the Importance of Decision-Making Humanity has grown alongside the development of science and technology, from the creation of tools in...

In this blog post, I’ll explore whether humanity would truly become happier if it achieved eternal life through science and technology, drawing on various philosophical perspectives and personal experiences.   The Possibility of Eternal Life — The Emergence of Science and Technology and Its Feasibility Looking back at human history, the longing for eternal life has existed for a very long...

In this blog post, I’ll summarize how smart grids and energy storage systems (ESS) will transform home appliances and the power system.   Smart Grids: A Paradigm Shift in the Power Grid Since the 1990s, the rapid advancement of computers and the Internet has brought about major changes across all industries. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)—a management strategy for the integrated...

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of the “birds of a feather” phenomenon in terms of individual choices and social outcomes.   How to Spot “Birds of a Feather” in Everyday Life Think back to the plots of the superhero movies you loved as a child. Typically, the hero and the villains are pitted against each other; the villains gather like-minded individuals to...

In this blog post, we’ll explain the principles, examples, and real-world applications of Dijkstra’s algorithm in an easy-to-understand way.   Introduction Think back to the fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel.” When their stepmother abandoned the children in the forest, their first attempt—dropping pebbles to mark their path—failed, and their second attempt—leaving breadcrumbs—didn’t end in...