Modern society’s reliance on mechanical power is contributing to problems such as rising obesity. Human power, on the other hand, has a long history of eco-friendly use and could be an important alternative energy source for the future as we transition to a low-energy society. What is human power? Before we discuss human power, we need to look at the harmful effects of mechanical...
How is shale gas changing the global energy landscape and resource wars, and is it a Nobel Peace Prize candidate?
Shale is sedimentary rock with small grain size, and shale gas is the gas trapped within it. Hydraulic fracturing technology has made it possible to extract shale gas economically, breaking the monopoly on oil resources and easing resource wars, which is why shale gas was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Hi, I’m Shale. I’m a rock that every student has heard of in earth...
Why do humans choose to be altruistic at a loss, and what are the evolutionary reasons behind it?
Humans help others through altruistic behavior, but it can be viewed as an investment for long-term gain rather than a simple sacrifice. According to the repetition-reciprocity hypothesis, helping and cooperating in ongoing relationships can lead to greater long-term rewards. However, altruistic behavior that involves pure sacrifice is not fully explained by this hypothesis. What is an...
Can Supercritical Fluid Extraction Technology Make Dutch Coffee Productive and Flavorful at the Same Time?
Dutch coffee is beloved for its unique brewing method and rich flavor, but its long brewing time makes it difficult to produce in large quantities. Supercritical fluid brewing technology solves this problem, allowing you to be efficient and productive without sacrificing coffee flavor. Walking down the street during the Monday morning rush hour, it’s not uncommon to see people...
What did the Challenger explosion teach us about engineering ethics and the ethical decisions we should make?
The Challenger explosion in 1986 was a wake-up call to the importance of engineering ethics. In addition to technical problems, unethical decisions by management led to the accident, emphasizing the need for engineering ethics education. There is a need for systematic education and awareness of practicing ethical decisions. On January 28, 1986, NASA’s Space Shuttle Challenger...
Was it inevitable that the male-dominated societies that followed the Agricultural Revolution were built on misogyny, or was it a mere coincidence?
Misogyny is deeply entrenched in the social structures that favored men after the Agricultural Revolution. Yuval Noah Harari argues that misogyny is not inevitable, citing three factors: strength, violence, and women’s biological roles. However, he emphasizes that misogyny still persists in society and that efforts to eliminate it need to be balanced so that they don’t lead to...
Can you predict a 1 in 1000 year wave, and how do offshore plant designers incorporate it into their designs?
Offshore plants produce oil in the ocean and must be designed to withstand strong waves. Offshore plant designers analyze historical data to predict 100- to 1,000-year wave events and incorporate them into their designs to ensure stability. Can we predict the next 1000 years? Of course, it’s very difficult, almost impossible, to accurately predict all of the changes and events that...
Are talent and effort opposites, or are they complementary and how do they affect our success?
We use the example of Yuna Kim to illustrate that talent and effort are not opposites, but rather complementary, and emphasize that effort is part of talent. This leads to the conclusion that success is achieved through hard work that unleashes latent talent. People often say that talent is innate and effort is acquired. This perception makes us think of talent and effort as contrasting...
Sudden-onset car accidents, why are they still treated as driver error, and what responsibilities do car companies and governments have?
Since 2009, sudden-onset car crashes are still treated as driver error. To protect victims, the government should mandate the disclosure of EDR information, and car companies should be held accountable for fixing the problem. In April 2009, an acquaintance of mine was involved in a rollover accident, less than a month after purchasing a new car. He pulled into an underground parking garage...
What are the origins, development, and future possibilities of synthetic resins?
This article explores the various uses of synthetic resins in everyday life, their historical origins, development, and future potential. It also discusses the impact of synthetic resins on our lives, the environmental problems they pose, and the research and efforts being made to solve them. This morning I woke up on a soft and fluffy mattress, which provides me with a comfortable...