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제 30 호 Cancer Cases Surge Among People in Their 20s and 30s

Kicker: SCIENCE Cancer Cases Surge Among People in Their 20s and 30s By Ji-Won Choi, reporter Support0321@naver.com Figure 1Colorectal and Thyroid Cancer Cases Among People in Their 20s and 30s In recent years, cancer diagnoses among people in their 20s and 30s have increased rapidly, challenging the long-held belief that cancer is primarily a disease of older adults. According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of thyroid cancer patients in their 20s and 30s reached 61,241 in 2024, a 14.0 percent increase from 2020. During the same period, the number of colorectal cancer patients rose from 3,633 to 6,599, representing a sharp increase of 81.6 percent. The rise in colorectal cancer among young adults has been especially striking. This trend is not limited to South Korea. A study published in the medical journal BMJ Oncology found that the number of early-onset cancer cases in people under the age of 50 worldwide increased by about 79 percent between 1990 and 2019. Researchers point to changes in lifestyle habits, including irregular sleep patterns, increased consumption of processed foods, lack of exercise, obesity, alcohol use, and chronic stress, as major contributing factors. Many young adults tend to dismiss early symptoms as simple fatigue or digestive problems because they consider themselves healthy. However, because early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes, people in their 20s and 30s should also pay close attention to their health and take steps to maintain healthier lifestyles. Lifestyle Changes Behind the Rise 그림 1Ultra-Processed Foods What is driving the increase in cancer among young adults? One of the main reasons is the change in dietary and lifestyle habits. In recent years, the consumption of delivery food and ultra-processed foods has increased, while the intake of fruits and vegetables has declined. Processed meats such as ham, sausages, and bacon contain nitrates and nitrites, which can be converted in the body into N-nitroso compounds, substances known to have carcinogenic potential. In addition, diets high in red meat and fat can alter the gut microbiome and cause chronic inflammation in the intestinal lining, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. Lack of exercise and obesity are also major risk factors. Fat tissue does more than simply store energy; it acts as a metabolic organ that releases inflammatory cytokines and hormones. When body fat accumulates excessively, chronic inflammation develops and insulin levels rise. These changes promote cell growth and suppress apoptosis, the natural process by which damaged cells are eliminated. As a result, abnormal cells are more likely to survive and multiply. Irregular sleep patterns and frequent nighttime activity are also linked to cancer risk. Sleep deprivation reduces the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body’s circadian rhythm. Melatonin has antioxidant properties and helps repair damaged cells. When melatonin levels decrease, the body’s ability to protect against DNA damage may weaken. In addition, alcohol is broken down into acetaldehyde, a substance that can directly damage DNA, while smoking exposes the body to numerous carcinogens that can cause genetic mutations. Taken together, the rise in cancer among young adults is likely the result of multiple lifestyle factors, including poor diet, obesity, insufficient sleep, alcohol consumption, and smoking, accumulating over time. Even if young people appear healthy on the outside, their everyday habits can trigger changes at the cellular level that increase the risk of cancer. Stress and the Pressure of Modern Life 그림 2Stress and Cancer Risk Chronic stress is also emerging as an important factor that may increase the risk of cancer among young adults. Many people in their 20s and 30s live under constant pressure from academic demands, job preparation, and financial concerns. When stress persists over time, the body releases high levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.If cortisol levels remain elevated for a prolonged period, immune function can weaken and the body’s ability to regulate inflammation may be impaired. Immune cells normally help detect and eliminate abnormal cells that develop in the body. When the immune system is compromised, this defense mechanism may not function properly. In addition, chronic stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as sleep disturbances, overeating, alcohol consumption, and smoking, all of which may further increase cancer risk.Another concern is that many young adults tend to ignore warning signs from their bodies. Symptoms such as fatigue, indigestion, and unexplained weight changes are often dismissed as temporary stress or poor condition. As a result, medical attention may be delayed. When health management is pushed aside in a busy daily routine, opportunities for early diagnosis can be missed.In this way, stress affects more than mental well-being. Through hormonal changes and weakened immune function, chronic stress can have a direct impact on physical health and may contribute to an increased risk of cancer. Why Early Detection Matters One reason cancer can be especially dangerous for young adults is that it is often diagnosed late. Many people in their 20s and 30s consider themselves healthy and tend to overlook symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue. These warning signs are often mistaken for stress or temporary digestive problems, which can delay medical attention. In addition, national cancer screening programs are primarily designed for middle-aged and older adults. For example, colorectal cancer screening in South Korea generally begins at age 40, meaning that most people in their 20s and 30s are not included in routine screening. As a result, young adults have fewer opportunities to detect cancer before symptoms appear. The problem is that cancer in young adults is often discovered at a more advanced stage. Being young does not necessarily mean that cancer progresses more slowly; in some cases, it can develop more aggressively. Therefore, early detection is crucial because it can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prognosis. If someone has a family history of cancer or experiences persistent symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, ongoing pain, or unexplained weight loss, they should consider undergoing medical evaluation even before reaching the recommended screening age. Paying attention to the body’s early warning signs is essential for protecting long-term health. Cancer is no longer a disease limited to middle-aged and older adults. In particular, people in their 20s and 30s often do not perceive cancer as their own concern, which can lead to neglecting symptoms or delayed detection. Therefore, maintaining daily healthy habits is essential for both cancer prevention and early detection. Basic practices such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and sufficient sleep can help reduce the risk. In addition, if unusual bodily changes persist, it is important to seek medical evaluation regardless of age. Ultimately, health is not a concern limited to a specific period of life but a lifelong responsibility. Small differences in daily habits can significantly influence future health outcomes, making continuous attention and consistent practice essential. Source: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250501/How-much-ultra-processed-food-is-too-much-This-study-has-the-answer.aspx https://www.bbc.com/korean/articles/c3rw7j8ry51o https://www.getnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=860098

• 작성일 2026-06-01
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제 29 호 Organoids: Mini Organs Reshaping the Future of Precision Medicine

Kicker: SCIENCE Organoids: Mini Organs Reshaping the Future of Precision Medicine By Sol-Mi Lim, Editor-in-chief imsolver4@gmail.com Organoid historical schematization Organoids are three - dimensional cell models grown from stem cells that partially replicate the structure and function of human organs. Cultivated under controlled laboratory conditions, these “mini organs” mimic essential biological characteristics of tissues such as the intestine, liver, and brain. Unlike conventional two-dimensional cell cultures, organoids enable cells to self-organize into complex structures, allowing more accurate simulation of human physiology. Organoids have become a core technology in precision medicine because patient-derived models reflect individual genetic traits. Researchers can test drug responses on these personalized models before actual treatment is administered, improving therapeutic accuracy and potentially reducing unnecessary side effects. As research progresses, organoids are increasingly recognized as a transformative platform in modern biomedical science. Organoids as a Breakthrough Tool in Medical Research Organoids are typically developed from pluripotent stem cells or adult stem cells obtained from human tissues. Under carefully controlled laboratory conditions, these cells are placed in a three dimensional matrix and exposed to specific biochemical signals that guide their differentiation. As the cells grow, they interact with one another and gradually self organize into structures that resemble human organs. Although organoids do not fully replicate entire organs, they can reproduce important structural and functional characteristics of tissues such as the intestine, liver, lung, and brain. Because of their three dimensional organization, organoids allow complex cell to cell communication that cannot be reproduced in traditional two dimensional cell cultures. This property has made organoids a powerful platform for biomedical research. In particular, organoids provide researchers with models that more closely resemble actual human physiology than conventional laboratory methods. Traditional animal models often fail to accurately reflect human biological responses because of species differences. Organoids, however, are derived from human cells, allowing scientists to observe biological processes in a system that closely mimics the human body. As a result, organoids are increasingly used to study organ development, disease mechanisms, and tissue regeneration. One of the most significant advantages of organoids is their potential to advance precision medicine. Precision medicine aims to tailor medical treatment to the genetic characteristics of individual patients. Patient - derived organoids are created by cultivating cells obtained from a specific patient, which means that the resulting model reflects that patient’s genetic background. Researchers can therefore test multiple drugs on these organoids to identify which treatment produces the most effective response. This approach allows physicians to make more informed clinical decisions and potentially improve treatment outcomes. Evidence supporting this potential has emerged from several scientific studies. Research published in Nature Medicine reported that colorectal cancer organoids derived from patient tumors were able to predict responses to chemotherapy in over 80% of cases. Similar research has been conducted for pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and breast cancer. By screening drugs on organoids before administering them to patients, scientists hope to reduce ineffective treatments and minimize harmful side effects. In addition, organoids may help lower the cost of drug development, which often exceeds billions of dollars and requires many years of clinical trials. By providing a more accurate early testing platform, organoids could streamline the development process and accelerate the discovery of new therapies. Expanding Applications and Emerging Ethical Challenges Beyond cancer research, organoids are increasingly used to study rare genetic diseases and infectious diseases. Many rare disorders are difficult to investigate because they lack reliable animal models. Genetic mutations that affect human development may not produce the same effects in other species, which limits the usefulness of traditional experimental systems. Organoids derived from patients provide a valuable alternative because they contain the same genetic mutations responsible for the disease. Researchers can observe how these mutations affect cellular behavior, tissue development, and organ function. One notable example involves cystic fibrosis, a hereditary disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive systems. Scientists have used intestinal organoids derived from patients with cystic fibrosis to test how different drugs influence cellular ion transport, which is a key factor in the disease. These experiments allow researchers to evaluate potential therapies in a controlled environment before they are applied in clinical settings. Similar approaches have been used to study neurological disorders, liver diseases, and developmental abnormalities. By enabling scientists to observe disease processes directly in human cells, organoids have opened new possibilities for understanding conditions that were previously difficult to investigate. Organoids have also played an important role in infectious disease research. During the COVID - 19 pandemic, scientists used lung and intestinal organoids to study how the SARS - CoV - 2 virus infects human tissues. These models allowed researchers to analyze viral entry pathways, cellular damage, and immune responses in a system that closely resembles the human body. A study published in the journal Cell demonstrated that intestinal organoids could replicate infection patterns observed in patients, providing valuable insights into how the virus spreads within the body. Such findings illustrate how organoids can support rapid scientific investigation during global health crises. Despite their many advantages, organoid technologies have raised significant ethical and philosophical concerns. Brain organoids, which mimic aspects of early neural development, have attracted particular attention in this regard. As these models become more complex, some scientists and ethicists have questioned whether advanced brain organoids might eventually develop forms of neural activity that resemble the early stages of consciousness. Although current brain organoids remain far from possessing awareness, the possibility has sparked discussions about the ethical boundaries of scientific experimentation. These debates highlight the need for clear ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks. Some researchers have proposed international standards to govern the creation and use of complex organoids, particularly those related to brain development. Such frameworks would help ensure that scientific progress continues while maintaining respect for ethical principles. As organoid technology continues to evolve, society must balance the benefits of biomedical innovation with responsible oversight and thoughtful public discussion. Source: https://www.bioin.or.kr/collectView.do?collection_sn=8

• 작성일 2026-03-18
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제 28 호 Hair loss

Kicker: SCIENCE Hair loss By Myung-Kwan Kang, Editor-in-chief Kmmg199999@naver.com How do you feel about losing your hair? Hair shedding is a natural part of life, but the situation changes when it develops into alopecia. Many people assume that alopecia is purely a genetic condition that comes with age, but the reality is different. Alopecia affects millions of people worldwide and may impact even more. Often dismissed as a cosmetic concern, its impact goes far beyond appearance. Thinning hair or bald spots can lower self-esteem, trigger social anxiety, and even contribute to depression. In today’s society, where personal image and confidence play a vital role in professional and social life, hair loss has become an increasingly important issue. Let’s take a closer look at alopecia and understand its effects in more detail. https://kr.pinterest.com/pin/377176537563976155/ Types of Hair Loss 1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male and Female Pattern Baldness) Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss, affecting millions of men and women worldwide. In men, it often starts as a receding hairline at the temples or thinning at the crown, gradually forming the characteristic “M” shape. In women, the hair usually becomes thinner across the entire scalp rather than forming distinct bald patches. This type of alopecia is largely influenced by genetics and hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can shrink hair follicles over time. 2. Telogen Effluvium Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair shedding triggered by physical or emotional stress, illness, or hormonal changes. Hair enters the resting phase (telogen) prematurely, leading to noticeable thinning across the scalp. Unlike genetic forms of hair loss, telogen effluvium often resolves once the underlying cause is addressed. 3. Alopecia Areata Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. This results in sudden, round patches of hair loss, often appearing on the scalp but sometimes affecting other areas of the body. While hair may regrow naturally in some cases, the condition can recur, causing significant emotional stress for those affected. 4. Traction Alopecia Traction alopecia results from constant tension or pulling on the hair, commonly caused by tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, or hair extensions. While early intervention can reverse hair loss, prolonged stress on hair follicles may lead to permanent damage. Causes and Physiological Mechanisms of Hair Loss 1. Genetic Factors Genetics play a central role in many types of hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of hereditary baldness. Specific genes regulate hair follicle sensitivity to androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Individuals who inherit these genetic traits have hair follicles that gradually shrink over time, producing thinner, shorter hairs, eventually leading to permanent hair loss. Family history of baldness, especially on the maternal or paternal side, significantly increases the likelihood of developing androgenetic alopecia. 2. Hormonal Influence Hormones, especially androgens, are critical contributors to hair loss. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), derived from testosterone via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, binds to androgen receptors in hair follicles. Excessive DHT levels can miniaturize follicles, shorten the hair growth phase (anagen), and prolong the resting phase (telogen). This mechanism is particularly pronounced in male and female pattern baldness. In women, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid dysfunction can also trigger hair thinning. 3. Autoimmune and Inflammatory Factors Autoimmune conditions, such as alopecia areata, occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing sudden, patchy hair loss. Inflammatory responses around the follicles can disrupt normal hair cycling and impair follicle function. Chronic inflammation, whether from autoimmune reactions, scalp infections, or other dermatological conditions, can contribute to both temporary and permanent hair thinning. 4. Nutritional Deficiencies Proper nutrition is essential for hair follicle health. Deficiencies in protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin can compromise keratin production, impair follicle function, and accelerate hair shedding. Malnutrition or restrictive diets, common in certain medical conditions or lifestyle choices, increase the susceptibility to telogen effluvium, a stress-related form of temporary hair loss. 5. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors Physical and emotional stress can trigger hair shedding by forcing hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase prematurely. Traumatic events, surgery, severe illness, or psychological stress are common triggers for telogen effluvium. Additionally, exposure to toxins, pollutants, UV radiation, and chemical treatments such as dyes or relaxers can weaken hair shafts and damage follicles. 6. Medication and Medical Conditions Certain medications, including chemotherapy agents, anticoagulants, beta blockers, and retinoids, can induce hair loss. Chronic illnesses, including autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, and systemic infections, also contribute to alopecia. Understanding the patient’s medical history is critical for distinguishing between drug induced or disease related hair loss and other etiologies. Hair loss occurs through a series of biological processes that disrupt the normal function of hair follicles. One of the main mechanisms is the disruption of the hair growth cycle. Hair follicles naturally cycle through growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and resting (telogen) phases, but in hair loss conditions, follicles may enter the resting phase prematurely and shorten the growth phase. Over time, this imbalance causes hair thinning, increased shedding, and follicle miniaturization, resulting in finer and shorter hairs. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and altered cellular signaling further contribute to hair loss. In autoimmune-related conditions, immune cells attack hair follicles, impairing normal hair cycling. Reactive oxygen species and other cellular stressors damage follicular cells, while dysregulation of signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin or TGF-β can push follicles into early regression or resting phases. Together, these mechanisms determine the progression, severity, and pattern of hair loss, highlighting the importance of understanding follicular biology for effective treatment. Hair Loss in Adolescents and Young Adults In recent years, hair loss has become increasingly common among adolescents and young adults. One of the primary contributors is stress, which can result from academic pressure, employment concerns, or social relationships. High levels of stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing follicles prematurely into the resting phase, a condition known as telogen effluvium. Studies in Korea indicate that nearly half of young hair loss patients identify stress as a key factor in their condition. Lifestyle and nutritional factors also play a critical role. Irregular eating habits, restrictive diets, and deficiencies in protein, iron, zinc, or vitamins can compromise follicle health and accelerate hair shedding. Modern youth often adopt high-stress, fast-paced lifestyles with irregular sleep patterns and frequent exposure to hair treatments such as dyes or heat styling, all of which contribute to weakening hair follicles and increasing susceptibility to hair loss. Hormonal changes and societal pressures further compound the issue. Androgen fluctuations during adolescence, combined with heightened concern over personal appearance driven by social media and societal standards, can exacerbate hair thinning and loss. Experts emphasize that the rise in hair loss among young people is a multifactorial problem, influenced by genetics, environment, lifestyle, and psychological stress. Why Hair Loss Remains a Persistent Problem Despite advances in medical research and treatment options, hair loss continues to affect millions of people worldwide, and solutions remain elusive for many. One major reason is the complexity of its causes. Hair loss can result from a combination of genetics, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, stress, autoimmune disorders, and lifestyle factors. Because these causes often overlap, identifying a single treatment that works universally is extremely challenging. Another reason is the variability in individual response to treatment. Medications like finasteride or minoxidil may be effective for some, but not all, and their success often depends on early intervention, consistent use, and adherence to lifestyle recommendations. Additionally, some treatments have side effects that limit long term use, creating further obstacles for patients seeking sustainable solutions. Finally, misinformation and social stigma contribute to the persistence of hair loss as a societal concern. Many individuals delay seeking professional help due to embarrassment or false beliefs that hair loss is purely cosmetic or unavoidable. As a result, hair follicles may already be significantly miniaturized or damaged by the time treatment begins, reducing the likelihood of complete recovery. Addressing hair loss effectively requires a combination of early diagnosis, individualized medical care, and public education to break the cycle of misinformation and stigma. Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Hair Loss Preventing hair loss and managing its progression require a multifaceted approach that extends beyond medications. One key strategy is maintaining scalp and follicle health. Regular scalp care, including gentle cleansing, massage, and avoiding excessive heat or harsh chemical treatments, can improve blood circulation, strengthen follicles, and reduce mechanical stress that contributes to hair breakage. Lifestyle modifications also play a crucial role. Adequate sleep, balanced nutrition rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins, and consistent stress management through mindfulness, exercise, or therapy help create an internal environment that supports healthy hair growth. Studies have shown that chronic sleep deprivation and prolonged psychological stress can accelerate hair thinning, highlighting the importance of holistic wellness. Emerging non-pharmacological interventions show promise as well. Low level laser therapy (LLLT), microneedling, and platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatments stimulate follicle activity and improve scalp health without systemic side effects. While these treatments are still being researched for long-term efficacy, they provide additional options for individuals seeking alternatives to traditional drugs. Finally, early detection and personalized care are essential. Regular monitoring of hair density, follicle health, and underlying hormonal or autoimmune conditions allows for timely intervention. Combining preventive measures with individualized therapies increases the likelihood of maintaining hair density and slowing or reversing hair loss over time. Hair loss is a complex and multifactorial condition that affects people worldwide, spanning all ages and genders. While genetics, hormones, stress, nutrition, and lifestyle all contribute to its onset and progression, effective management requires a holistic approach. Early detection, personalized treatment, and consistent preventive measures—ranging from scalp care and nutrition to stress management and emerging non-pharmacological therapies—are essential for slowing or reversing hair loss. Moreover, addressing social stigma and misinformation is critical to encourage timely professional intervention. By understanding both the biological mechanisms and the broader lifestyle and psychological factors involved, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain healthy hair and overall well-being. Sources: https://www.snuh.org/health/nMedInfo/nView.do?category=DIS&medid=AA000231 https://www.aad.org/public Hordinsky, M., & Ericson, M. (2017). Androgenetic alopecia: pathophysiology and treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology https://www.kci.go.kr/kciportal/landing/article.kci?arti_id=ART001668658&utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.healthline.com/health-news/why-millennials-losing-hair-earlier?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28396101/ https://kr.pinterest.com/pin/246009198388372330/

• 작성일 2025-12-08
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제 26 호 The Brain Behind Modern Ads: AI's Expanding Role in Advertising

Kicker: SCIENCE The Brain Behind Modern Ads: AI's Expanding Role in Advertising by Sumin Lee , Cub-Reporter minnida_@naver.com Unlike the past generation, which has been exposed to the world through text such as books and newspapers, new generations in their teens to 30s have been influenced by video more than text media since childhood. Furthermore, as time goes by this form of media accounts for a larger portion of our lives. The development of technology affects various sectors, and video media, which appears as a product of technology, stimulates vision and hearing at the same time, and conveys information more vividly and immersively. In our society, advertisements that provide more exciting and attractive content and win the hearts of consumers have emerged. Also, now they provide consumers with more enhanced communication power such as customized advertisements that appeal to consumers' preferences through the intergration of new technologies such as AI. Aren't you curious how far you know about AI-based advertising and content? Current of AI-powered Advertising Extension of AI technology https://blog-ko.superb-ai.com/secrets-ai-can-generate-understanding-generative-ai/ With the expansion of technologies such as artificial intelligence, including machine learning, deep learning, computer vision and generative AI, public awareness and understanding of these technologies are growing as they increasingly influence our daily lives. We have beyond personalized video recommendations on Youtube to more advanced applications such as displaying airline ticket discount ads after watching travel video, recommending prodicts based on user conversations on social media, and suggesting menu items on food delivery apps by factoring in the user's location and time of app usage. These technologies are essentially tracking our lives to provide even more personalized advertisements. Furthermore, generative AI has extended this trend by directly creating images, text and videos, enabling the production of visual and video content to be delivered directly to consumers. Background and Examples of AI-based Advertising Advertising based on AI has emerged against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding online, contactless society accelerated by technological advancement and the post-pandemic era. In such an environment, consumers increasingly seek content tailored to their interests, leading to fatigue and resistance toward indiscriminate and repetitive ads. This shift has been further reinforced by the growing influence of the MZ generation(Millennials and Gen Z) in the consumer market, who prefer simple and short-form media, making platforms like social media, YouTube and short-form video apps more effective advertising channels. For example, Coca-Cola uses AI that incorporates computer vision and deep learning to detect whether Coca-Cola bottles or logos appear in images uploaded to social media. This allows the company to analyze user preferences and automatically generate ad content based on this information. This image recognition-based ad targeting enables personalized advertising that reflects consumer tastes, resulting in increased click-through rates. Likewise, OTT(Over-the-top) service providers analyze users' viewing behaviors to recommend ads based on content preferences. Unlike previous YoTube video recommendations, these systems can now insert ads more sensitively, for instance, showing cosmetic or dating app ads to users who frequently watch romance genres, demonstrating how the role of AI continues to expand with the advancement of big data and deep learning technologies. Generative AI and Its Achievements The examples of a real generative AI ad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csdEvv-uxDQ, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHfXglhrKkQ In addition to these personalized ad technologies, generative AI is now receiving significant attention in advertising. Tools like ChatGPT and Gemini can generate multiple ad copy options in a short time, while platforms like Midjourney and Stable Diffusion can provide various poster design mockups based on a single concept or mood. OpenAI's Sora and Runway ML create videos featuring virtual models or environments based on big data, making them highly effective in today's short form content which is driving the advertising market. These tools allow for the fast and low-cost production of high quality content and eliminate the need for influencers of film crews, thus expanding their utility in company budgets. For example, the Seoul Dairy Cooperative used an AI models that overlaid a child actor's face onto that of an adult actor to depict different stages of growth in an ad for its A2+ milk. Similarly, Lotte group produced a 2024 campaign ad entirely through AI, including image and video editing, music and voiceovers, reducing both production costs and time and demonstrating the growth potential of this technology. The Dark Side of AI-based Advertising While these advanced technologies bring positive impacts to the consumer market, they also have downsides, as with any innovation. For instance, it's still difficult to trust the quality of products recommended by AI influencers. AI-generated ads may appear smooth on the surface but lack emotional depth or trustworthiness due to the absence of human sentiment. Moreover, personalized ads often required vast amounts of personal data, raising concerns about data ethics, such as AI learning from biased date without user consent. As AI takes over roles traditionally held by humans, advertising professionals may find their jobs at risk. Additionally, it becomes difficult to assign responsibility when generated content contains incorrect or biased information. As our lives become more interwined with such technologies, and as the MZ generation solidifies its influence in the consumer market, it is essential not to blindly accept and adopt these expanding technologies. Instead, we must recognize the potential issues they bring and prepare for them by establishing laws and systems that can keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies. Sources: http://youtu.be/QHfXglhrKkQ https://www.hankyung.com/article/202401179808Y?utm_source=chatgpt.com

• 작성일 2025-06-05
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제 26 호 Ozone: The Invisible Smog Choking Our Cities

Kicker: SCIENCE Ozone: The Invisible Smog Choking Our Cities By Sol-Mi Lim, Cub-reporter imsolver4@gmail.com As temperatures rise and air stagnation intensifies during the summer months, ozone (O₃) pollution is becoming a growing concern across urban areas. Unlike the protective ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, ground-level ozone is a harmful pollutant formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react with sunlight. High concentrations typically occur between May and August, especially during the afternoon hours. In response, the Ministry of Environment has launched a “Summer Ozone Management Plan” to minimize health risks by reducing the emissions of ozone precursors and enhancing public awareness. With ozone advisories issued more frequently, particularly in densely populated and industrial regions, the government is prioritizing targeted monitoring, emission control, and customized action plans to safeguard vulnerable populations. As climate change continues to drive higher temperatures and stronger sunlight, comprehensive efforts to manage ozone pollution are more urgent than ever. NASA ozone watch Causes of Ozone Formation Ozone at ground level forms through complex chemical reactions. The main contributors are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are released into the atmosphere by vehicle exhaust and industrial activities such as at factories and power plants. When these substances are exposed to intense sunlight, a photochemical reaction occurs. This process creates ozone at the surface, especially in summer when strong sunlight is common. Unlike the ozone in the stratosphere, which protects life from ultraviolet radiation, high concentrations of ground-level ozone act as a dangerous pollutant. Studies show that cities often experience ozone level spikes, sometimes exceeding 0.12ppm on clear summer afternoons—a value well above safe standards. Health Impacts of High Ozone Concentration Ozone pollution is a pressing public health concern. High concentrations can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, throat discomfort, and chest pain. Prolonged exposure is known to decrease lung function and worsen conditions such as asthma and other respiratory diseases. Recent research indicates that ozone exposure may trigger asthma attacks by about 20% during the hottest months. Children, older adults, and people with existing respiratory problems are especially vulnerable. Scientific evidence also points to the harmful effects of ozone on the cardiovascular system—regular exposure is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. One study found that long-term ozone exposure could raise overall mortality risk by over 10% in susceptible groups. Once an ozone advisory is announced, following proper guidelines is necessary. Citizens should reduce outdoor activities, especially strenuous exercise, and stay indoors with windows closed to limit exposure. If going outside is unavoidable, wearing a mask and avoiding peak ozone hours—from 2p.m. to 6p.m.—are recommended for additional protection. Practical Solutions: Everyday Efforts to Lower Ozone Pollution Individual choices can make a measurable difference. Cutting down on car use and choosing public transport or bicycles helps reduce VOC and NOx emissions. Adopting energy-saving habits—like turning off unused lights and unplugging electronic devices—can decrease emissions from power plants. It is also advisable to avoid excessive use of air conditioners and printers during periods of high ozone. On campus, students are encouraged to take the initiative in eco-friendly campaigns, promote more bicycle use, and participate in campus-wide energy-saving programs. These collective efforts contribute to a cleaner environment and demonstrate that personal actions matter in the fight against ozone pollution. Beyond personal protection, everyone has a role to play in lowering ozone pollution. Reducing vehicle use by opting for public transportation or cycling, as well as adopting energy-saving habits such as turning off unnecessary lights and electrical devices, directly decreases the emission of ozone precursors. Avoiding excessive use of air conditioners, printers, and other electronic equipment, especially during high ozone periods, further supports these efforts. University students, in particular, can take the initiative in eco-friendly campaigns that promote cycling, support campus-wide programs to reduce electricity consumption, and encourage classmates to participate in collective environmental action. Comprehensive and responsible participation in these activities not only protects vulnerable populations but also demonstrates how individual actions contribute to broader environmental change.The challenges posed by ozone pollution require both vigilance and proactive stewardship. By following official guidelines and making conscious choices in daily life, citizens can help limit ozone formation, safeguard community health, and build a more sustainable urban future.

• 작성일 2025-06-04
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제 25 호 The Importance of Sleep

Kicker: SCIENCE The Importance of Sleep Essential for a healthy life By Myung-Kwan Kang, Editor-in-chief Kmmg199999@naver.com In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle to get enough sleep due to busy schedules and constant distractions. However, sleep is not just a time for rest. It is a vital process that plays a crucial role in maintaining both physical and mental health. Adequate sleep strengthens the immune system, enhances memory, reduces stress, and supports overall well-being. On the other hand, sleep deprivation can have severe consequences on our health. In this article, we will explore why sleep is essential and how it affects our daily lives. https://kr.pinterest.com/pin/297730225384026490/ The Role of Sleep 1. Physical Recovery Sleep provides rest for both the brain and the body. The brain is constantly active when we move our hands and feet, think, eat, and engage in other activities. The same is true for our physical activities. Just as the body will eventually wear out if it keeps working without rest, the brain operates in the same way. If the brain is active for 16 hours, it needs at least 8 hours of rest to avoid exhaustion and improve performance. 2. Information Processing Function Studying hard without getting enough sleep is unlikely to be effective. Since the brain is responsible for memory, we need to study hard during the day and get sufficient sleep for the memory to be stored. Memory is stored through the hippocampus, and it can only be stored when we sleep. The hippocampus works to organize and deeply store memories while we sleep. Therefore, it is better to study thoroughly and then get more than 7 hours of quality sleep rather than studying late into the night and only sleeping a little in the early morning. This is also more efficient for taking exams or reviewing studies. This holds true both biologically and for brain health. 3. Mental Health As people age, many find themselves falling asleep early but waking up in the middle of the night, and there are also many who cannot sleep for more than three hours. When comparing individuals with and without sleep disorders, there is a clear difference in the progression of depression and dementia, making it crucial to get enough sleep. 4. Waste Management The brain floats in cerebrospinal fluid, and water permeates every corner of the brain. Inside the brain, there are also fluid-filled cavities called ventricles. Therefore, cerebrospinal fluid exists between the inner and outer layers of the brain. During sleep, cerebrospinal fluid helps "wash" the brain and plays a role in cleansing it. Dementia is linked to the accumulation of substances in the brain that are considered waste, and these waste products can build up, often leading to the development of dementia. Sufficient deep sleep is essential for preventing dementia. Sleep is crucial not only for providing rest to the brain and body but also for processing the brain's waste. 5. Homeostasis Maintenance Sleep helps regulate hormone secretion and manage the immune system. Our eyes, brain, kidneys, and digestive system all need rest, and during sleep, homeostasis of hormones is maintained, allowing these functions to continue properly. The body cannot work nonstop throughout the day; it needs to work sufficiently and then rest. Without rest, the body will break down, and that rest can only be achieved through sleep. Sleep and Melatonin So, which cells provide the effects described above? It is melatonin. Melatonin is secreted most actively between 11 PM and 2 AM. It helps slow down aging, detoxify the body, reduce inflammation, and has anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. However, many modern people do not sleep during these hours, preventing the body from recovering properly. Melatonin helps heal skin wounds, regenerate cells, and rebuild cells and the skeleton. It also alleviates damage to the bladder's elasticity, inhibits cell death, and promotes healthy cell regeneration. It increases the number of healthy kidney cells while suppressing bad cells. For those with weak muscles, it helps reduce skeletal muscle atrophy and inhibits the self-destruction of healthy muscle cells. Additionally, melatonin aids in bone formation and collagen synthesis. It supports the liver, central nervous system, and peripheral nervous system. Therefore, it is crucial to fall asleep before 11 PM. Sleep Disorders Sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being, yet many people struggle with sleep disorders that affect their quality of life. Sleep disorders come in various forms, each with unique causes and consequences. Insomnia Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders, characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and being unable to return to sleep. It can be triggered by stress, anxiety, poor sleep habits, or hidden health problems. Constant insomnia can lead to tiredness, difficulty focusing, and an increased risk of other health problems. Excessive Sleepiness: Hypersomnia While some people struggle to fall asleep, others experience excessive sleepiness despite getting enough rest. Hypersomnia includes conditions like narcolepsy, a brain-related disorder that causes sudden sleep attacks and uncontrollable sleepiness during the day. People with hypersomnia often find it difficult to stay awake and alert, affecting their daily activities and work performance. Unusual Sleep Behaviors: Parasomnias Parasomnias involve unusual movements, emotions, or actions that happen while sleeping. These include sleepwalking, night terrors, and sleep paralysis. While some of these may seem harmless, they can disturb sleep and, in some cases, be dangerous for the person and those around them. Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders One of the most serious sleep disorders is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to airway blockage. This leads to loud snoring, gasping for air, and disturbed sleep. If left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems. How to Prevent Sleep Disorders Many people struggle with sleep disorders that affect their quality of life. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help prevent sleep disorders and improve sleep quality. 1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help regulate your body's internal clock. Even on weekends, try to stick to a similar schedule to avoid disrupting your circadian rhythm. Creating a regular sleep environment will help signal your body that it's time to sleep. Consistency is key to training your body to sleep better. 2. Prepare for Sleep in Advance About 30 minutes to an hour before bed, engage in calming activities to prepare your body and mind for rest. Avoid the use of electronic devices, such as smartphones or computers, as they emit blue light that can interfere with sleep. Instead, try reading a book, meditating, or doing relaxation exercises. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine, as they can keep you awake. These substances should be avoided at least six hours before bedtime. 3. Get Regular Exercise Regular physical activity can improve the quality of your sleep. However, intense exercise right before bed can be stimulating, so it's best to schedule your workouts earlier in the day. 4. Manage Stress Stress and anxiety are among the leading causes of sleep disorders. To manage stress, consider incorporating relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or journaling into your daily routine. 5. Avoid Relying on Alcohol or Medications While alcohol may make you feel drowsy initially, it disrupts deeper sleep stages and can result in poor-quality sleep. Similarly, using medications or sleep aids regularly can create dependency and interfere with natural sleep cycles. By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of sleep disorders and ensure better quality sleep. Maintaining healthy sleep habits is essential for both physical and mental well-being. In conclusion, sleep is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health. Quality sleep aids in recovery, boosts cognitive function, and helps regulate emotions and stress. Sleep disorders can significantly affect our lives, but by establishing consistent sleep routines, managing stress, and making healthy lifestyle choices, we can improve sleep quality. Prioritizing sleep is key to long-term well-being, and small adjustments can lead to noticeable improvements in how we feel and perform daily. Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dSgcnBq1_w&t=104s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kB_pJESWHI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzRQVUQJxfs http://www.gysarang.com/Module/News/Lecture.asp?MODE=V&SRNO=6605 file:///C:/Users/TGSS/Downloads/KJFP005-03-21.pdf https://kr.pinterest.com/pin/629589222940958771/

• 작성일 2025-03-04
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제 24 호 KaKao's Kanana: Innovation or Just Another AI Letdown

Kicker: SCIENCE KaKao's Kanana: Innovation or Just Another AI Letdown by Sumin LEE, Reporter minnida_@naver.com In the 21st century, when fierce competition is taking place in companies from various countries, technological advances are developing at a fast pace so that we cannot catch up. Among such developing technologies, AI technology, which is the most notable, is applied to more industries and can be easily seen growing according to the environment. Apple's "Siri," which is most famous for some examples, recently released a version with chatGPT through an ios beta update, understands users' languages better than now, performs tasks to and from specific apps and asks chatGPT to work on users' requests. In addition, Amazon's "Alexa" is a technology that provides information on music performance, news, sport and weather through a voice recognition system and helps control electronic devices with voice in conjunction with smart home appliances. It can also be used in apps and websites such as smartphones and tablets but it can interact through the app and has the function of learning and storing user preferences, interests, and tendencies. At a time when such various companies are actively utilizing the advantages of AI, Kakao, a Korean company,also introduce new functions using AI. In this article, let's take a look at Kanana, a new Kakao technology. What is ‘Kanana’? The announcement of Kanana and the character https://www.donga.com/news/Economy/article/all/20241022/130268340/1 ‘Kanana’ is a messenger that includes "AI" technology that acts as a friend and secretary in one-on-one chat rooms and group chat rooms on an AI interactive platform. It provides an optimization service based on all conversations and cumulative records that take place in the app. It is a platform that allows you to summarize documents, create test questions, recommend places and contents, announce schedules and preparations, and recognize and talk in real time without user requests. According to Kakao’s announcement, understanding each individual context and situation and presenting new communications using AI is expected to contribute to the expansion of loyal users of the Kakao service ecosystem through the structure that ‘Kanana’ takes on. Currently, Kanana's AI interactive platform "Kanana" is undergoing in-house closed beta testing (CBT) within the year and will enter CBT for general users in the first quarter of next year. The Technique of ‘Kanana’ There are many types of communication platforms, and although there are some usability overlaps due to the subdivision of communication, we expect that It is confirmed that it will contribute to the expansion of loyal users in the Kakao service ecosystem. The platform used an AI orchestration strategy. AI Orchestra is a strategy to use AI models according to service functions, such as orchestras that use multiple instruments. Using AI models with different sizes and learning materials can improve the speed of work and if collaboration with Open AI, a company with the GPT series, is actively carried out and activated together, it can save money by selecting multiple AI models like the Korea’s three telecommunication companies that actively introduced overseas AI technology. AI language model of ‘Kanana’ uses a function call called function call, which is essential for implementing services based on the language model by connecting external tools such as behavior instructions and APIs that cannot be performed on its own. Datasets that use this function are configured to evaluate function names and factor extraction accuracy, function call result delivery accuracy, and association detection with callable functions. While third-party datasets are built only around accurate function call message generation in language models. The Problem of AI Service is Rising However, there are limitations to this technology. The most notable part is concerns about "Cannibalization," referring to the phenomenon in which a company's new products erode the market for existing flagshipproducts, which means overlapping usability with existing KakaoTalk, and Kakao CEO Jung Shin-ah says that Kakao Talk and interactive AI service ‘Kanana’ are very different, and Kanana's purpose is to expand new services. If personal information is developed using technology at the risk of leakage of personal information due to AI technology, the damage to personal information exposure due to hacking can increase. A case in point is the leakage of personal information from Kakao Bank, the same affiliate, in 2024. It is also called a "money-eating hippopotamus" because it consumes a lot of money due to reckless competitive development related to AI and energy problems such as carbon emissions are noticeable. In addition, ethical and legal problems with copyright of creations made with generated AI may arise, and it seems necessary to compromise these problems and understand and utilize technology. Have you ever heard of the term "media literacy"? It is simply a combination of human communication tools and technology, media, and literacy, which is the ability to read and write, that makes it easier for us to get new information, which can affect our perspective on technology.In the 21st century, when individual individuality is more important than common trends, it is necessary for consumers to critically view companies that plan and conduct marketing with "differentiation" as their strength and compete with corporate branding. In addition, AI is changing our world faster with the development of technology. Therefore,We can lose our jobs and sometimes we are in a situation where we are not properly compensated for the damage caused by technology due to unspecified laws.In 2024, a new term, Homo Prompt, appeared. It refers to people with high AI literacy who can freely use AI services. Taking advantage of AI's characteristics, where the degree of completion of answers varies greatly depending on the level of prompt, a space where humans enter commands into a computer, it is sometimes evaluated that an individual's competitiveness will depend on their ability to use of AI from 2024 onwards. Givem the situation around us, shouldn't we accept it as it is and have an attitude that allows users and consumers to develop through utilization rather than being overwhelmed by it? Sources: https://n.news.naver.com/article/021/0002670883?sid=103 https://n.news.naver.com/article/029/0002914447?sid=105 https://n.news.naver.com/article/031/0000882981?sid=105 https://www.kakaocorp.com/page/detail/11253 https://n.news.naver.com/article/015/0005055290?sid=105 https://n.news.naver.com/article/003/0012889398?sid=105

• 작성일 2024-11-24
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제 23 호 Beyond the Strike Zone: ​Pros and Cons of ABS in Baseball

Kicker: Science Beyond the Strike Zone: Pros and Cons of ABS in Baseball by Sumin Lee , Cub-Reporter minnida_@naver.com Often referred to as ABS (Automatic Ball-Strike System) is a pitch tracking system that automatically judges strikes and balls by using cameras or radars and artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithm technology to deliver them to the referee. It is also used as a test format in Major League Baseball, but the KBO(Korea Baseball League) officially adopts the technology and actively uses it for the operation of the game. Prior to the introduction of the ABS system, strikes and balls were judged only by the referee and even if the ball reached the same position, the decision was different every time. Only a specific baseball batter was scapegoated or in some cases, a certain club suffered losses due to the referee's unfair judgment. With these problems continuing and technology continuing to develop, ABS technology has emerged, but despite the fact that it is a sophisticated system, it is not always possible to make perfect judgments. Therefore there are many complaints from players and various opinions from baseball fans about the introduction of the technology in the 2024 Korean Baseball League. How about your opinion? We need to think about technology that is also affecting sports. What Is the Strike Zone And ABS? Before we think about this, we need to understand some of baseball's rules. The strike zone which is most problematic in the ABS system right now is a hypothetical three-dimensional space, not a plane above the home plate in front of the batter and pitcher. In fact, strike zones did not appear long ago. Strike zones did not exist in baseball games until the mid-1800s, and pitchers continued pitching until the batter hit the ball. Under these circumstances, a rule called strikeout was introduced by Alexander Cartwright, the founder of modern baseball, but only if the batter swung and missed, and the game time was raised to be indefinitely extended. As a result, the emergence of a similar method to the present was introduced in 1887. Since humans have judged with their eyes how the ball passed through this zone for a long time in the past, the strike zones determined by the referee and by the game situation became different, leading to frequent objections to the decision. 2024 New Rules of Korean Professional Baseball League https://www.koreabaseball.com/Kbo/League/GameManage2024.aspx In the context of constantly experiencing these problems, the first element of integrated technology emerged in baseball when technology developed and began to affect sports. It was the ABS, automatic ball-strike system. Looking at the principles of the automatic pitching judgment system, the laser technology of cameras on the first baseman, third baseman and central electronic display panels is used to calculate coordinate values in the pitching tracking program to determine strikes and balls. Also, judgements are wirelessly communicated to referees through radios and earphones through other audio lines on the field. In this process, an automated system consisting of AI and machine learning algorithms, which are constantly rising, is actively used to determine the outcome of baseball games. This technology sets the middle and end surfaces of the strike zone, which are three-dimensional spaces on the home plate, and determines a strike if both sides of the ball pass, and determines a ball if only one side passes. Of course, these techniques were not perfect from the beginning, but the automatic pitching judgment system introduced in Korea after trial and error, such as long judgment time, large-fall breaking balls, and one-bound ball errors, recorded a 99.9% success rate in the demonstration game and reduced the time it took to make a decision, which greatly affected the running time of baseball games. Method Of Robot Judgement Technology https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20200804114600007 The Rising Problem of the ABS Referees are talking about the result of ABS https://imnews.imbc.com/replay/2024/nw1400/article/6589423_36493.html Just as all technologies that help the world have two sides, the automatic pitching judgment system could not avoid it. Of course, it is true that it is a great help in the management of the game, but the problem raised in the 2024 Korea Baseball regular season games is that the strike zone height ratio is adjusted according to the player's height, resulting in the batter being adversely affected depending on the batting form. The automatic pitching judgment system operates a strike zone by setting the player's height ratio and setting the top/bottom of the zone.According to the KBO operating standards in 2024, the top end is 56.35% of the height from the ground, and the bottom end is 27.64%. Second, the competitiveness of international competitions could deteriorate. As South Korea is the only country in the world that officially uses ABS among baseball leagues, organizers of world games can reduce the frequency of appointing Korean referees as chief referees, and the catcher's framing technology, which is a technology that tricks referees by making them look like strikes by technically catching balls slightly out of the strike zone with his glove, does not affect in front of computers, so catcher's skills are not specifically required. However, in countries other than South Korea, which is the only country that uses ABS, it can negatively affect the improvement of Korean catchers' capabilities in a situation where the catcher's ability is constantly being considered important. It also raises the issue of ease of manipulation. As it uses electronic communication technology, the system can be hacked the system or buy managers, making it easy to manipulate. If the technology is abused in this way, the automatic pitching judgement system could lose credibility. When these technologies, which were introduced after predicting various situations, were used in practice, problems that were unexpected emerged. In a South Korean professional baseball game that took place on July 24, the referee declared a strike after making his own judgment that the machine failed to track the ball, claiming that the judgment was not heard by earphones. However, there is also an ABS tablet in the dugout that allows users to see the ABS decision in real time, and although the opposing team protested, claiming it was a ball, it is an unfortunate case that cannot be corrected. What do you think about the advancement of technology that has greatly affected sports? Although our lives have changed in a good way due to the development of various technologies, we sometimes lose our jobs, have our privacy violated, and lose our feelings and thoughts that can only be gained without technology. The automatic pitching judgement system introduced for a good purpose in Korean professional baseball is highly praised, but we need to rethink and think about the role of technology rather than being eaten up by technology based only on the idea that it is convenient. Sources: https://v.daum.net/v/q9Q8iG8CmM https://terms.naver.com/entry.naver?docId=1230260&cid=40942&categoryId=32050 https://www.chosun.com/sports/baseball/2024/03/14/RKJ7OHTAJBTYYCWKOOHRSW4JAU/ https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20200804114600007 http://www.thesportstimes.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=353008 https://www-dbpia-co-kr.libproxy.smu.ac.kr/pdf/pdfView.do?nodeId=NODE11841202

• 작성일 2024-09-11
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제 23 호 Hedonic Eating

Kicker: SCIENCE Hedonic Eating By Ji-Won Choi, Cub Reporter support0321@naver.com https://mbdrive.gettyimageskorea.com/ Have you ever eaten not because you arehungry, but because you want to eat something? In modern society, people are experiencing not only physical hunger, but also another form of desire called hedonic hunger. Eating food is not only about hunger, but eating food can also be to satisfy our hedonistic desires. Our bodies use energy through meals in order to function. To do this, hormones in the stomach send a signal to the brain that the stomach is empty when it burns more calories than it gets. This is called physical hunger. However, unlike this, when you do not feel hungry, but you have a desire to consume food for the purpose of pleasure, it is called hedonic hunger. Through this article, I would like to learn about the causes of hedonic hunger and the effects of this hunger on our lives and health. An Appetite by Hedonistic Impulses Unlike hunger for our body's homeostasis, the characteristics of stone water seeking pleasure and avoiding pain also affect appetite. From a long time ago, only animals seeking survival and reproduction were able to leave offspring. Since sufficient energy is essential for all animals to survive and reproduce, it is assumed that animals that feel pleasure and strongly reward high-concentration energy foods, such as sugar and fat, are advantageous for survival and reproduction. Rather, our instinct to seek pleasure and avoid pain, which may seem primitive, are characteristics that were inevitably developed in the course of human evolution. However, in modern society, the pleasure and desire of high-concentration energy foods, which were tools to induce individuals to consume food, make them eat for pleasure even if they are not hungry. Some studies of animals and people have found that the brain's reward centers and pleasure centers, which are stimulated by addictive drugs, are stimulated equally by delicious foods high in sugar, fat, and salt.Hunger and appetite are commonly felt together, but they often work independently of each other and affect individual eating behavior. For example, if you see a dessert that looks delicious after eating enough, you will feel an appetite even if you are not hungry. Increased Stress and Appetite your body's reaction when stressed out https://news.koreadaily.com/2019/07/05/society/opinion/7397317.html In addition, psychological stress has increased in modern society compared to the past. These stresses may increase appetite. When stress occurs, it produces stress hormones such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol. Usually, these hormones return to normal when stress is released, but when stress is chronically maintained, it becomes overstressed and cortisol is excessively produced. Cortisol combines with the cortisol receptor in adipose tissue to store fat in the adipose tissue. Stress can reduce appetite for a short period of time. When stressed, sympathetic hormones, such as epinephrine are activated, which can lead to loss of appetite. However, chronic stress increases cortisol, and cortisol dulls the hormone action called leptin. Leptin is a hormone that lowers appetite and increases energy consumption. Therefore, it consequently increases appetite. Addiction and Changes in Our Bodies As with other hedonic experiences, such as drugs, alcohol, and gambling, the more you consume hedonistic food, the more dull your senses become. In other words, the degree of pleasure decreases and the degree of longing increases. Through this process, a vicious cycle of binge eating, being stressed after starving, and binge eating again occurs. When this hedonistic eating addiction begins, weight homeostasis changes. It becomes a stable obese state that forms a new homeostasis balance in the direction of gaining weight from normal weight. The Danger of Obesity As such, eating foods high in calories as a hedonistic motive increases the likelihood of obesity. As the World Health Organization defined obesity as a “disease requiring long-term treatment” in 1996, obesity is not simply negligible. Obese people have more than twice as much mortality as normal weight people. It is mainly caused by cardiovascular disease. In addition, obesity can cause high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and arthritis. It also increases the risk of various cancers such as colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer. Therefore, what are some ways to prevent thishedonic eating? First, when you have a desire to eat food, you should think about whether it is physical orhedonic eating. Hedonic eating makes your stomach growl. Also, your energy decreases and your hunger gets worse as time goes by. Normally, when you are full after eating, you stop eating. On the other hand, with hedonic eating, you suddenly feelshunger. There is also a desire to eat certain foods, such as “I want to eat ice cream”. It persists after you are full, and you may feel guilty after eating. Second, eat nutritious and low-calorie foods instead of processed or sweet foods that may lead to overeating. Use natural sweeteners instead of sugar. It is recommended to cook at home as much as possible, and eat three meals regularly. Avoid caffeine drinks and drink enough water. Third, try to understand your current emotions. Since pleasure hunger occurs according to our emotional state, it is good to understand exactly what kind of emotions you are feeling. And rather than relieving these emotions by eating food, they express them in a healthy way. It is recommended to try various methods such as exercising, meditating, and listening to music. Fourth, wait for a moment. When you feel the urge to eat for a moment, it's better to eat after a while rather than eat right away. This is because hedonic eating can be reduced. Drinking water is a good method to delay time. Additionally, limiting accessibility can be beneficial. Avoid keeping snacks at home. Even if you crave them, you become lazy to go outside and don't eat. Finally, don't drink alcohol. Alcohol can reduce our self-control and cause binge eating. Also, alcohol has an effect on our body's blood sugar control. Alcohol can raise blood sugar quickly and stimulate the secretion of insulin. This makes you want to eat again because your blood sugar levels drop sharply. Sources: https://www.bbc.com/korean/articles/c4n145x3g12o http://www.mind-journal.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=67 조우진, 이인혜. (2019). 쾌락적허기짐, 충동성이폭식행동에미치는영향: 충동성의조절효과를중심으로. 한국심리학회지: 임상심리연구와실제, 5(4), 377-394. https://www.sisajournal.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=217720

• 작성일 2024-09-09
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