Latest news with #PusanNationalUniversity
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Safer, long-lasting lithium battery built with breakthrough method to boost EV efficiency
Scientists have developed a novel approach that can help create safer and long-lasting lithium-ion batteries. Combined with an automated reactor system, the mathematical x-framework allows unlimited customization of full concentration gradient (FCGs) with independent parameter control, leading to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with enhanced safety and stability."Unlike conventional methods, where adjusting one parameter affects the others, our approach allows independent and precise control over multiple descriptors, including average composition, slope, and curvature," said Hyun Deog Yoo, Associate Professor from the Department of Chemistry and the Institute for Future Earth at Pusan National University, Korea. Enhanced performance of lithium-ion batteries At a time when the demand for electric vehicles is on the rise, researchers are working to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).The performance and stability of LIBs largely depend on the cathode material, which can account for nearly 40–45% of the total battery cost. Among cutting-edge technologies, high-nickel cathodes stand out for their high energy density and cost efficiency. However, increasing the nickel content also intensifies side reactions, severely compromising interfacial robustness and mechanical integrity—factors that limit large-scale applications, according to researchers. Promising solution Scientists revealed that a promising solution is the use of full concentration gradient (FCG) or core–shell pointed out that traditionally, FCG cathodes are synthesized via a coprecipitation method involving two tanks of metal precursor first tank, rich in nickel (Ni), feeds directly into the reactor. The second tank, containing cobalt (Co) and manganese (Mn), is mixed into the first to reduce the Ni concentration over time. In conventional systems, the flow rate of this second tank is fixed, meaning only one specific gradient can be achieved for a given average composition, according to a press release. In the study, researchers revealed that they overcame this limitation by expressing the flow rate of the second tank as a time-dependent mathematical function. This innovation allows independent tuning of the average composition, slope, and curvature—enabling the generation of a virtually unlimited range of concentration gradients using just two tanks. Integrating approach with an automated reactor system By integrating this approach with an automated reactor system, the team successfully synthesized five FCG Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1(OH)2 precursors with finely tuned gradients, verified through two- and three-dimensional elemental mapping, according to the experiment. "For this purpose, we assembled an outstanding international research team, collaborating with laboratories at the University of Illinois Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, and several institutes across Korea and the United States," said Dr. Yoo. "My lab focused on designing and synthesizing FCG cathodes, while most of the 2D and 3D imaging analyses were conducted by the groups of Prof. Jordi Cabana and Prof. Robert F. Klie. We feel truly privileged to have been part of such a remarkable collaboration." Solve the daily Crossword
Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Straits Times
Seoul's summer too hot to handle, even for mosquitoes
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The mosquito populations may rise in the fall however as temperatures drop. The number of mosquitoes in Seoul has more than halved over the past decade, with experts pointing to extreme heat and a shortened monsoon season as key factors behind the sharp decline in mosquito activity. According to statistics provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, up to 62,351 mosquitoes were collected through monitoring in June. The city government noted that this was a 56 per cent decrease compared to its data from 2015, as the city saw up to 139,928 mosquitoes in the same month. The recent figure is also lower than the mosquito count observed at the same time in 2024, which saw 68,462 mosquitoes. Between June 17 and 19 — when high temperatures hovered near 37 deg C in the capital city — mosquito monitoring devices set up at 55 sites collected 6,233 mosquitoes, roughly averaging 2,000 mosquitoes per day. According to the city government, this is a 20 per cent decrease compared to the same three-day period last year, which saw a daily average of up to 2,590. The decrease in mosquito numbers has been attributed to cutting-edge pest control technology. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore to train more aviation and maritime officials from around the world Singapore Special edition SG60 Nets card now on sale for $10 Singapore Same person, but different S'porean Chinese names? How have such naming practices evolved? Business Singapore's economy sees surprise expansion in Q2 despite US tariff uncertainty: Advance estimate Life Pioneer performance artist Amanda Heng to represent Singapore at 2026 Venice Biennale Singapore Jail for woman who opened bank accounts that received over $640.7m, including scam proceeds Singapore Driver assisting with police probe after e-bike rider injured in hit-and-run accident in Hougang Sport After Olympic heartbreak, Singaporean swimmer Chantal Liew turns pain into inspiration For example, in districts such as Gangnam-gu in southern Seoul and Nowon-gu in northern Seoul, drones have been used to spray insecticide in areas inaccessible to vehicles, such as parks. LED traps that attract insects, mosquito traps, as well as automatic repellent dispensers, have also been installed across Seoul to manage the summer pests. Besides advanced pest control strategies, experts say the biggest factor behind the decline is the sweltering heat. Seoul has consistently reported record-high summer temperatures in recent years, with each year surpassing temperature records set in the previous year. 'With high temperatures during the day hovering close to 37 deg C and tropical nights being consistently observed in Seoul, mosquitoes are finding it difficult to survive,' Professor Park Hyeon-cheol from Pusan National University's Department of Life Science and Environmental Biochemistry told The Korea Herald. 'Mosquitoes are normally active in temperatures ranging between 25 deg C to 28 deg C, and once such temperatures exceed 32 deg C, their survival becomes unlikely.' Prof Park added that fewer mosquitoes may be observed during this summer in particular, as the monsoon season was noted to be particularly 'dry.' The monsoon season has not been officially declared over in Seoul. However, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration, on Jeju Island and in the southern parts of the country, it lasted just 15 days and 13 days, respectively. This is less than half the duration recorded a decade ago, when monsoon seasons lasted for 30 days on Jeju Island and 36 days in the south. 'The lack of steady rainfall limits the formation of puddles, which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes,' said Prof Park. 'And even when it does rain, Korea also often sees sudden, intense downpours, which wash away mosquito eggs and larvae before they have a chance to hatch and develop.' While the number of mosquitoes may decline during the summer season, higher mosquito numbers could be seen in the fall. 'A decline in mosquito numbers may be observed in the summer due to high temperatures,' Prof Park explained. 'However, as temperatures get relatively cooler, mosquito populations may rise from beginning to mid-September, with some continuing to be active into early winter.' THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Korea Herald
14-07-2025
- Science
- Korea Herald
Seoul's summer too hot to handle — even for mosquitoes
More mosquitoes could be seen in fall and early winter than in summer, due to high summer temperatures The number of mosquitoes in Seoul has more than halved over the past decade, with experts pointing to extreme heat and a shortened monsoon season as key factors behind the sharp decline in mosquito activity. According to statistics provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, up to 62,351 mosquitoes were collected through monitoring in June. The city government noted that this was a 56 percent decrease compared to its data from 2015, as the city saw up to 139,928 mosquitoes in the same month. The recent figure is also lower than the mosquito count observed at the same time in 2024, which saw 68,462 mosquitoes. Between June 17 and 19 — when high temperatures hovered near 37 degrees Celsius in the capital city — mosquito monitoring devices set up at 55 sites collected 6,233 mosquitoes, roughly averaging 2,000 mosquitoes per day. According to the city government, this is a 20 percent decrease compared to the same three-day period last year, which saw a daily average of up to 2,590. The decrease in mosquito numbers has been attributed to cutting-edge pest control technology. For example, in districts such as Gangnam-gu in southern Seoul and Nowon-gu in northern Seoul, drones have been used to spray insecticide in areas inaccessible to vehicles, such as parks. LED traps that attract insects, mosquito traps, as well as automatic repellent dispensers, have also been installed across Seoul to manage the summer pests. Besides advanced pest control strategies, experts say the biggest factor behind the decline is the sweltering heat. Seoul has consistently reported record-high summer temperatures in recent years, with each year surpassing temperature records set in the previous year. 'With high temperatures during the day hovering close to 37 C and tropical nights being consistently observed in Seoul, mosquitoes are finding it difficult to survive,' professor Park Hyeon-cheol from Pusan National University's Department of Life Science and Environmental Biochemistry told The Korea Herald. 'Mosquitoes are normally active in temperatures ranging between 25 C to 28 C, and once such temperatures exceed 32 C, their survival becomes unlikely." Park added that fewer mosquitoes may be observed during this summer in particular, as the monsoon season was noted to be particularly "dry." The monsoon season has not been officially declared over in Seoul. However, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration, on Jeju Island and in the southern parts of the country, it lasted just 15 days and 13 days, respectively. This is less than half the duration recorded a decade ago, when monsoon seasons lasted for 30 days on Jeju Island and 36 days in the south. 'The lack of steady rainfall limits the formation of puddles, which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes,' said Park. 'And even when it does rain, Korea also often sees sudden, intense downpours, which wash away mosquito eggs and larvae before they have a chance to hatch and develop.' While the number of mosquitoes may decline during the summer season, higher mosquito numbers could be seen in the fall. 'A decline in mosquito numbers may be observed in the summer due to high temperatures," Park explained. "However, as temperatures get relatively cooler, mosquito populations may rise from beginning to mid-September, with some continuing to be active into early winter."
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
41 lakh students trained under Naan Mudhalvan scheme: Govt
Chennai: A total of 41.38lakh students and 1lakh lecturers across Tamil Nadu received training under the 'Naan Mudhalvan' scheme, one of the state's largest skilling initiatives aimed at improving youth employability, said the state govt. A new phase of the SCOOT (Study, Connect, Observe, Orient, and Transform) programme will send students from physics, chemistry, and allied fields for hands-on exposure abroad. The state is now gearing up to expand the scheme across new sectors, including AI, data science, and global job pathways. The state special programme implementation department officials said they are adding advanced modules, boosting foreign collaborations, and launching residential coaching programmes for competitive exams. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai The training modules will be tailored for students in non-engineering streams, including vocational students, ITI trainees, and govt school students. To improve global job opportunities, the govt has tied up with institutions abroad. "Select students will be sent for internships and in-person training in countries such as South Korea, Japan, and the UK, based on partnerships with universities and industry bodies," said an official. Under international collaboration, 25 students have already been sent for in-person training at Durham University in the UK, while 15 students underwent technical training in Japan. In 2025, six students from chemistry and physics backgrounds also completed internships at Pusan National University and Gachon University in South Korea. So far, more than 1.02lakh students have secured jobs through pooled campus placements and job fairs. As part of higher education support, 77,752 students were helped through the 'Uyarvukku Padi' scheme, while 'Kalloori Kanavu 2024' benefited 1.87 lakh students since its inception in 2022 — including 81,149 students in 2025-26 alone.
Khaleej Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
South Korean actress Lee Seo-Yi dies at 43; cause of death unknown
South Korean actress Lee Seo-Yi passed away at the age of 43, her manager announced on July 1, in a heartfelt post on Instagram. The actress' abrupt passing on June 20 has left the industry in shock. "A radiant, beautiful, kind-hearted sister became a star in the sky on June 20. I share this news with deep sorrow." Seo-Yi was known for her role in Cheongdam-dong Scandal, The King and Killing Romance, among some of her other works. The cause of her death remains unknown. "I know many of you will be shocked and heartbroken by this sudden news. Please pray for her so she may rest in a peaceful and beautiful place. I am posting this on behalf of her mother and father," added her manager. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ���/ESeoE/�屿� (@eseoe242) Lee was not only an actress but was also known for academic achievements. She had majored in Czech and Slovak at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and had graduated from Pusan National University. As per media reports, she also owned a floral boutique.
