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  • AI Enhances Rainfall Analysis and Flood Prediction for Urban Areas
    AI Enhances Rainfall Analysis and Flood Prediction for Urban Areas To more quickly assess the risk of urban flooding during heavy rainfall, artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing technologies will be utilized. The integration of advanced technologies, from high-resolution rainfall analysis to ultra-fast flood simulations and the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) for flood situation recognition, is key to improving flood forecasting.The Han River Flood Control Center, part of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, announced on August 10 that it will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) on August 11 at KISTI's headquarters in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, to enhance the urban flood forecasting system.Under this agreement, the two organizations will combine the Han River Flood Control Center's operational experience in urban flood forecasting with KISTI's AI and high-performance computing technologies. The goal is to apply and expand the use of advanced technologies developed in research to real-world urban flood forecasting and response.Initially, the urban flood forecasting system of the Han River Flood Control Center will be linked with KISTI's problem-solving support platform. AI and high-performance computing infrastructure and intelligent technologies will be deployed on-site, and a collaborative system will be established for the demonstration and verification of urban flood response technologies.KISTI has been developing technologies such as AI-based high-resolution rainfall analysis and ultra-fast simulations using high-performance computing. It has also developed technology to recognize flooding situations from CCTV footage using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI).XAI is a technology that allows AI to explain the processes it used to arrive at specific results, making it easier for humans to understand. In fields like disaster response, where quick and accurate judgments are essential, this technology can assist on-site personnel in reviewing and utilizing AI analysis results.The two organizations plan to gradually integrate these technologies into the urban flood forecasting system. They will verify prediction accuracy, stability, and on-site applicability using actual observational data and past heavy rainfall cases, thereby supporting the judgment of flood forecasters.As localized heavy rainfall events have become more frequent, the importance of precise flood predictions and rapid situation assessments at the urban level has increased. Once AI and high-performance computing technologies are established on-site, they are expected to aid forecasters in analyzing various observational data and assessing flood risks.The Han River Flood Control Center is currently operating urban flood forecasts in the Gangnam Station and Sindebang Station areas in accordance with the Urban River Basin Flood Damage Prevention Act.Urban flood forecasting is a system that comprehensively analyzes real-time observational data, including rainfall and flood prediction results, as well as data from rivers, sewage systems, and road surfaces, to proactively alert about flood risks and quickly disseminate on-site conditions.Kim Gu-beom, head of the Han River Flood Control Center, stated, "For urban flood forecasting to operate reliably on-site, accurate predictions, rapid situation recognition, and the professional judgment of flood forecasters must be organically linked. We will continue to verify the applicability of advanced scientific technologies and enhance the effectiveness of urban flood forecasting."Lee Sik, head of KISTI, emphasized, "To respond to the climate crisis, it is crucial that science, technology, policy, and on-site operations are closely connected. We will actively collaborate to secure technologies and outcomes that can be utilized in real-world applications."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 12:04:00
  • Climate Ministry Expands AI Environmental Services from Water Treatment to Roadkill Prevention
    Climate Ministry Expands AI Environmental Services from Water Treatment to Roadkill Prevention Artificial intelligence (AI) is expanding its role in environmental services closely related to daily life, from water treatment operations to fine dust forecasting and preventing wildlife roadkill.The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on August 10 that it will hold an 'AI Environmental Services Forum' on August 11 at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, with participation from experts, youth, and citizens.The forum will share the direction of the AI transformation (AX) policy in the environmental sector and the achievements of key AI environmental services developed and implemented so far. It aims to gather opinions on how to evolve these services into ones that citizens can tangibly experience in their daily lives.Beginning with the ministry's AX policy direction, six major AI environmental services closely related to citizens' lives will be introduced at the forum.One notable example is the 'AI Autonomous Water Treatment Plant,' which analyzes key processes in water treatment facilities to find optimal operational methods. Another key case involves a system that monitors national rivers using AI CCTV, enhancing the efficiency of river inspections and enabling rapid responses to unusual situations.In the air quality sector, AI technology is utilized for forecasting high concentrations of fine dust. Additionally, systems that analyze wildlife road appearances to prevent animal-vehicle accidents (roadkill) and an app that assists with proper waste disposal will also be showcased.Another major service is the 'Rapid Commercialization Support for AI Application Products,' aimed at connecting AI technology in the environmental sector to actual products.Notably, the government is focusing on expanding the use of AI beyond administrative efficiency to environmental services that citizens can directly use or feel the effects of. In the future, combining accumulated environmental data with AI is expected to enhance prediction accuracy and on-site response speed, which will be crucial for service competitiveness.The subsequent discussion will explore ways to further advance AI-based environmental services and expand citizen-centric services. Experts, along with youth representatives, including the head of the 2030 Youth Advisory Group, will propose necessary environmental services and improvement ideas from the perspective of future generations.Yang Anna, the policy planning director of the ministry, stated, "AI is contributing to the innovation of environmental services closely related to citizens' daily lives, beyond merely enhancing the efficiency of environmental policies. We will continue to expand various AI environmental services that citizens can feel in their daily lives."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 12:04:00
  • Global Shift Away from Major Urban Areas: Seoul and Tokyo See Increased Influx
    Global Shift Away from Major Urban Areas: Seoul and Tokyo See Increased Influx Population concentration in major urban areas is easing in many countries, driven by soaring housing prices and the rise of remote work. In contrast, Japan and South Korea are witnessing a stronger trend of people moving to metropolitan areas in search of higher wages and better job opportunities. However, the gap in per capita disposable income between metropolitan areas and the national average is narrowing, raising questions about the economic advantages of living in these expensive regions.The Nihon Keizai Shimbun analyzed the proportion of metropolitan populations in 37 OECD member countries, excluding Australia due to a lack of data, based on the United Nations' 'World Urbanization Prospects 2025.' The UN defines urban areas as regions with a certain population density, with metropolitan areas including the capital city and surrounding regions. In Japan, the metropolitan area is slightly smaller than the 'Tokyo Metropolis and the three prefectures of Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama.' The average concentration in these 37 countries peaked at 16.9% in 2021 and has since declined, with the most recent estimates for 2023 showing a decrease from the previous year. Concentration levels have fallen in 24 countries, including Germany and Norway.In 2023, the population of the Paris metropolitan area increased by only 7,000, a fraction of the growth seen a decade ago. This modest increase was primarily due to natural growth, with more deaths than births. In the Île-de-France region, which closely overlaps with the Paris metropolitan area, an average of about 36,000 more people left than moved in each year from 2017 to 2023. This indicates a trend of population outflow from the Paris metropolitan area.When people and businesses cluster together, they can share infrastructure, reduce costs, and foster innovation through active exchanges, a phenomenon known as 'agglomeration economies.' However, excessive concentration can lead to traffic congestion, reduced productivity, and increased housing costs that diminish consumer purchasing power.One of the main factors pushing people out of metropolitan areas is housing prices. According to the OECD, housing prices in metropolitan areas with populations over 1.5 million have risen by approximately 68% over the past decade. In contrast, cities with populations between 250,000 and 1.5 million saw a 50% increase, while those with populations between 100,000 and 250,000 experienced a 37% rise. The larger the city, the steeper the price increase, with housing costs in major cities reaching levels unattainable for the middle class. A report from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies also noted that high housing costs are a significant factor driving people away from cities.The COVID-19 pandemic has further reduced the necessity of living in metropolitan areas due to the rise of remote work. In Dublin, Ireland, the number of people moving out exceeded those moving in by 4,780 in 2022, reflecting changes in population movement patterns influenced by remote work.In Japan, the trend is quite the opposite. The concentration of the metropolitan population, heavily influenced by centralization, was 27% in 2023 and is projected to rise to 27.6% by 2030. In South Korea, the concentration increased from 42.1% in 2010 to 43.3% in 2023. In the same year, the figures for the UK and France were 14.9% and 14.1%, respectively, while Germany stood at 4.2%. South Korea and Japan have notably high concentrations. The South Korean figure is based on the UN's method of defining urban areas by population density, resulting in a lower percentage than the domestic statistic of 50.7% for the Seoul-Incheon-Gyeonggi administrative region. Regardless of the metrics used, the trend is clear: while high housing costs drive people away from metropolitan areas in many countries, in Japan and South Korea, expectations for jobs and income continue to attract residents despite these costs.Japanese workers' preference for metropolitan areas is largely driven by expectations of higher wages. A survey conducted by the employment information company Persol Career found that 70% of respondents preferred to work in Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures of Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama, citing the potential for higher salaries as the primary reason.However, whether these expectations translate into actual benefits is another matter. Kazuyuki Murakami, a senior researcher at Mitsui Sumitomo Trust Bank, calculated that the per capita disposable income in the Japanese metropolitan area decreased from 1.118 times the national average in 2015 to 1.084 times in 2022. Similarly, South Korea's metropolitan area saw a decline from 1.143 times to 1.117 times during the same period. Despite the continued influx of people, the income advantage over the national average is diminishing.Efforts to alleviate metropolitan concentration are also underway, such as Indonesia's plan to move its capital from the overcrowded Jakarta to Nusantara and South Korea's relocation of some administrative functions to Sejong City. Yasuhiro Sato, a professor at the University of Tokyo, stated, 'By developing hubs for different industries away from Tokyo, we can mitigate risks if existing industries lose competitiveness. Considering the risks of natural disasters, it is rational to ease metropolitan concentration.'While many countries are experiencing a trend of moving away from metropolitan areas due to skyrocketing housing prices, such movements are not yet evident in Tokyo and Seoul, where expectations for high wages still outweigh the burden of housing costs.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 12:04:00
  • People Power Party Approves New Organizational Strengthening Committee Led by Jeong Hee-yong
    People Power Party Approves New Organizational Strengthening Committee Led by Jeong Hee-yong The People Power Party's Supreme Council approved the formation of a new Organizational Strengthening Committee on the 10th. Jeong Hee-yong was appointed as the committee chair, with Gu Ja-geun serving as vice chair.Park Chung-kwon, the party's chief spokesperson, shared this information with reporters after the Supreme Council meeting. In addition to Jeong and Gu, the committee will include lawmakers Seo Cheon-ho, Kang Myung-gu, and Kim Tae-kyu, along with two non-assembly party committee chairs, Choi Gi-sik and Kwak Nae-gyeong.The newly formed committee is expected to begin operations as early as today. Park noted, "I understand that the terms for the party committee chairs will expire at the end of this month," adding that the committee will proceed as quickly as possible.Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader, also revealed the timeline for announcing the party's reform plan. He plans to outline future party management strategies around the 26th, coinciding with the first anniversary of his leadership. Although there were expectations that he might announce the reform plan as early as this week, it appears he has decided to focus party efforts on legislative battles for now, with the announcement set for the end of the month.Park emphasized, "The leader will gather sufficient opinions from the floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik and other lawmakers and will announce the party management plan for the latter half of his term. Time is needed to collect these opinions."Meanwhile, the party's Real Estate Policy Normalization Special Committee, which resumed operations on the 7th, is expected to carry out field visits and other activities this week. Jang, who is also the chair of the real estate committee, is anticipated to participate in these scheduled events.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 12:00:20
  • SOOP Introduces AI Chat Translation to Enhance Global Communication
    SOOP Introduces AI Chat Translation to Enhance Global Communication SOOP has launched a new AI-based automatic chat translation feature to enhance real-time communication between global streamers and users. The company has been expanding its features for global users since integrating its domestic and international services in January.On August 10, SOOP announced the update introducing the AI chat translation feature. This follows the launch of its AI subtitle service in January, expanding real-time translation capabilities to chat.The company explained that it is strengthening a global live streaming environment where users from around the world can participate and communicate together.The AI chat translation supports multiple languages, including Korean, English, Chinese (simplified and traditional), and Thai. If the broadcast language differs from the user’s selected service language, the chat will be automatically translated. Users can view real-time translated chat without needing to press a separate translation button.Additionally, the feature allows users to check and copy the original text of the translated chat, enhancing user convenience. It is available on mobile and PC, as well as on Android TV and smart TVs, enabling real-time communication across various environments without language barriers.SOOP plans to expand its global user base and live community through AI subtitles and chat translation.This year, the company has already broadened the application of its AI-based real-time subtitle feature to various content environments, including sports broadcasts, travel shows, and silent viewing.In particular, it expects increased participation from international fans in eSports content, which has a global following.SOOP anticipates that personal broadcasts from players affiliated with professional eSports teams active on its platform, such as T1, Gen.G, KT Rolster, KIWOOM DRX, BNK PIERX, and Dplus Kia, will also become more active.Furthermore, it is expected that AI translation technology will enhance participation from international users in content with global fandom, such as eSports and sports broadcasts, as well as dance competitions.A SOOP representative stated, “We plan to continuously enhance our AI-based translation technology to strengthen our competitiveness as a global live streaming platform where users from around the world can participate and communicate without language and border constraints.”Meanwhile, SOOP's AI subtitles service converts broadcast audio into text using real-time speech recognition (STT) and AI translation technology, providing subtitles in various languages.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 12:00:00
  • HS-748 presidential aircraft exhibition opens in Seoul
    HS-748 presidential aircraft exhibition opens in Seoul SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - South Korea's National Aviation Museum will open a special exhibition Tuesday tracing the more than five-decade history of the HS-748, the country's first aircraft purchased specifically for presidential use. Titled "Final Flight, New Beginning: Presidential Aircraft HS-748," the exhibition will run from Aug. 11, 2026, through July 31, 2027, at the museum in western Seoul. It chronicles the aircraft's service as a presidential plane from 1974 to 1985 and its subsequent decades-long role transporting government and military VIPs for the Republic of Korea Air Force. South Korea acquired two HS-748 aircraft in 1974 and operated them as presidential aircraft for 11 years. After their presidential duties ended, the aircraft continued to serve as VIP transports on domestic and overseas missions. The HS-748 was removed from active duty in early 2023 and officially retired from the Air Force in 2024. Following consultations with the military, the museum relocated one of the aircraft, tail number 1713, to its grounds in 2025, where it is now displayed outdoors. The exhibition is organized into six sections covering the evolution of South Korea's presidential aircraft, preparations behind presidential flights, the HS-748's operational history, its engine, the people who worked aboard and maintained the aircraft, and its transition from a retired military plane into an aviation heritage asset. Among the items on display is a Rolls-Royce Dart engine that was actually installed on the HS-748, along with in-flight service tableware and uniforms worn by pilots, maintenance personnel and Air Force crew members. Visitors can also watch footage highlighting notable missions during the aircraft's roughly 50 years of service, including its role during Pope John Paul II's visit to South Korea in 1984. A photo zone reproducing HS-748 cabin seats at their actual size has also been installed to give visitors a sense of the interior of the former presidential aircraft. The actual aircraft displayed outside the museum is also incorporated into the exhibition experience. The museum's HS-748 measures 20.42 meters long with a wingspan of 30.02 meters and has a cruising speed of 417 kilometers per hour. Powered by Rolls-Royce Dart engines, the aircraft can carry 26 people. "This exhibition will go beyond simply looking back at the history of a retired aircraft and mark the first step in commemorating the HS-748 as it begins a new chapter as part of the National Aviation Museum's aviation cultural heritage," museum curator Choi Eun-jung said. The exhibition will be held in the museum's third-floor special exhibition hall and is free of charge. AJP Takeaways △ The National Aviation Museum of Korea will open the “Final Flight, New Beginning: Presidential Aircraft HS-748” exhibition on Aug. 11, 2026. △ The HS-748 served as South Korea’s presidential aircraft from 1974 to 1985 and remained in Air Force service until its retirement in 2024. △ The exhibition features the actual aircraft, a Rolls-Royce Dart engine, in-flight tableware and other items linked to the HS-748’s service history. 2026-08-10 11:49:32
  • No longer a dad phone? Samsungs Fold8 finds younger, female buyers
    No longer a 'dad phone'? Samsung's Fold8 finds younger, female buyers SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z Fold8 is drawing a younger and more female customer base than its predecessors, early sales data showed, offering signs that the premium foldable is moving beyond its traditional image as a productivity-focused device favored largely by older male users. Consumers in their teens through 30s accounted for more than half of Fold8 purchases through Samsung's Korean online store during the preorder period, according to the company. Purchases by women in the same age group more than doubled from the previous model. The shift comes alongside stronger initial demand for Samsung's broader Galaxy Z8 foldable lineup. Counterpoint Research said global preorders for the Galaxy Z8 series rose more than 30 percent from its predecessor, including a 39 percent increase in South Korea and growth of more than 20 percent in Europe. The research firm pointed to the Fold8's wider display and improved portability as factors behind the stronger early demand. Samsung has sought to make the device thinner and lighter while retaining the large-screen format that has traditionally distinguished its Fold series. The changes could help Samsung broaden a category that has historically appealed heavily to users seeking multitasking and work-oriented features. Early demand has also strengthened overseas. U.S. preorders were more than 30 percent above Samsung's previous record for a Fold series, while some Fold8 variants sold out on Samsung's Japanese online store, according to the company. Whether that initial momentum translates into sustained sales remains to be seen, but the changing buyer mix suggests Samsung's foldable flagship may be reaching beyond the relatively narrow customer base that defined earlier generations. 2026-08-10 11:39:52
  • HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Secures $956 Million Power Equipment Supply for U.S. Data Centers
    HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Secures $956 Million Power Equipment Supply for U.S. Data Centers HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has secured a contract worth 956 billion won ($956 million) to supply power equipment for data centers operated by major U.S. tech companies. As demand for power infrastructure surges due to the expansion of AI data centers, the company is enhancing its global presence with this record-breaking engine contract.On August 10, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced that it has signed a supply contract with Corban Energy Group, a U.S. energy infrastructure development firm, for 9.6 MW HiMSEN engine-based power equipment. The total capacity of the contract is 1,000 megawatts (MW), and the equipment will be used as a power source for local tech companies' data centers.Corban Energy Group specializes in providing gas, LNG, and power products for various infrastructure projects, including data center construction and Department of War (DoW) projects.This contract marks the largest power engine supply agreement in the history of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Previously, in April, the company signed a contract worth 627.1 billion won for data center power equipment with AEG, another U.S. energy infrastructure firm.The 9.6 MW HiMSEN engine being supplied is a large-capacity medium-speed engine known for its world-class power efficiency and reliability. Its high output and efficiency allow for 24-hour operation, giving it a competitive edge in the data center market.The two companies plan to maintain a close partnership following this engine supply contract to expand their business collaboration further.Recently, the U.S. data center power equipment market has been experiencing rapid growth, driven by the expansion of AI services and increased investment in cloud infrastructure. According to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the share of data center power consumption in the total U.S. electricity usage is expected to triple by 2030.In response, HD Hyundai is continuing to expand its group-level initiatives. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, the intermediate holding company for the shipbuilding sector, is focusing on developing core technologies for floating data centers, while HD Hyundai Electric and HD Hyundai Marine Solutions are increasing their supply of distribution and power equipment and expanding maintenance services for power engines to seize market opportunities.An official from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries stated, "The ongoing inquiries for collaboration in the data center power engine market are evidence of the proven technology and reliability of the HiMSEN engine. We will seek various business opportunities to strengthen our position in the power equipment market."Meanwhile, HD Hyundai is leveraging the capabilities of its group affiliates to target the data center power infrastructure market, connecting its strengths in shipbuilding, power equipment, and engine maintenance and repair (MRO). The company anticipates synergy effects from securing follow-up projects, including maintenance and power equipment supply, starting with the power equipment supply. 2026-08-10 11:32:00
  • Disciplinary Hearing for Park Sang-yong Scheduled for August 13
    Disciplinary Hearing for Park Sang-yong Scheduled for August 13 The Ministry of Justice's disciplinary committee will meet this week to discuss the case of Park Sang-yong, a deputy chief prosecutor at the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office, who faces disciplinary action for inappropriate conduct during the investigation into the North Korea remittance case. Additional issues, including a Facebook post made during work hours and failure to report his attendance at a People Power Party hearing in writing, are also under consideration.Park stated that he was notified of the committee's meeting just three days prior and plans to request a postponement of the hearing date.According to legal sources on August 10, the Ministry of Justice is set to hold the disciplinary committee on August 13 to review the allegations against Park. The review will include issues raised during the North Korea remittance investigation, as well as the Facebook post and the attendance at the People Power Party hearing.Park claimed he only received notice from the Ministry of Justice to appear by 2 p.m. on August 13 after media reports surfaced. He argued that preparing a statement within three days would be difficult, prompting his request for a delay.He criticized the short notice, saying, "If it were just a reprimand, it could be communicated three days in advance, but it seems they are considering dismissal or termination, which is hard to accept with such short notice. This is a hasty process." However, it remains unconfirmed whether the Ministry of Justice is indeed considering dismissal or termination based on Park's claims.Earlier, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office requested a two-month suspension for Park on May 12, citing his inappropriate demands for confessions from the attorney representing Lee Hwa-young, the former deputy governor of Gyeonggi Province, during the North Korea remittance investigation. He was also criticized for providing external food and visitation conveniences to suspects and failing to prepare a verification report during the investigation.In contrast, allegations raised by the Democratic Party and Lee's side regarding witness coercion through a so-called "salmon drinking party" were excluded from the disciplinary reasons.Lee claimed in May 2023 that he was coerced into admitting President Lee Jae-myung's involvement in the case while being provided with food and drinks by former Ssangyong Chairman Kim Sung-tae and others at the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office. The Ministry of Justice confirmed last September that there were indications of food and drink being brought into the prosecutor's office and directed the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to conduct an investigation.The Seoul High Prosecutors' Office's Human Rights Violation Task Force concluded an eight-month investigation and determined that food and drink had indeed been brought in. However, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office chose not to include the "salmon drinking party" allegations in the disciplinary reasons, respecting the disciplinary committee's decision. They also did not pursue disciplinary action for failing to prevent the unauthorized entry and provision of food and drink or for unnecessarily summoning witnesses multiple times.Separately, the Ministry of Justice directed additional investigations in April regarding Park's attendance at the People Power Party hearing.On April 3, Park was expelled from a National Assembly investigation meeting after refusing to take an oath as a witness. He later attended a hearing held by the People Power Party's special committee on the investigation of alleged manipulation of charges by the Democratic Party on April 7, where he refuted the allegations.The Incheon District Prosecutors' Office summoned Park for questioning on July 13 and concluded its investigation by the end of that month. Based on this, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office recently requested additional disciplinary action against him.The additional grounds for discipline include Park's Facebook post during work hours and his verbal report to superiors regarding his attendance at the People Power Party hearing, without written notification. Within the prosecution, there are speculations that these issues alone may warrant a minor disciplinary action such as a reprimand.Park's suspension from duty remains in effect. The Ministry of Justice suspended his duties on April 6 and extended the suspension period until further notice at the end of May.The disciplinary committee serves as an advisory body that reviews significant disciplinary cases involving prosecutors and recommends necessary actions to the Minister of Justice. Unlike the prosecutor's disciplinary committee, there are no specific procedural regulations requiring notification of the meeting or attendance to the subject.The Ministry of Justice plans to proceed with the prosecutor's disciplinary committee process based on the results of the disciplinary committee's review. Disciplinary actions against prosecutors can range from dismissal and termination to suspension, demotion, and reprimand, with the final level of discipline determined by the prosecutor's disciplinary committee.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 11:32:00
  • Samsung Medical Center Uses MRI to Identify High-Risk Parkinsons Patients
    Samsung Medical Center Uses MRI to Identify High-Risk Parkinson's Patients Patients with REM sleep behavior disorder may be identified as high-risk for developing Parkinson's disease using MRI technology without radiation exposure, according to a study from Samsung Medical Center.The research team, including neurologist Joo Eun-yeon and radiologists Kim Eung-yeob and Son Beom-seok from Samsung Medical Center, along with Professor Kim Jae-rim from Sejong Chungnam National University Hospital, announced on August 10 that they confirmed the ability to screen high-risk Parkinson's patients using 'neuromelanin-sensitive MRI (NM-MRI).' The findings were published in the latest issue of the international journal Brain Imaging and Behavior.Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual loss of dopamine neurons in the midbrain. It presents with motor symptoms such as tremors, muscle rigidity, and gait disturbances, as well as non-motor symptoms including reduced sense of smell, sleep disorders, autonomic nervous system abnormalities, and cognitive decline.REM sleep behavior disorder involves acting out dreams during sleep, such as shouting or moving limbs. While it is often detected in the early stages before the onset of Parkinson's disease, not all patients will progress to Parkinson's, making early identification of high-risk patients crucial.Currently, the primary test for assessing the risk of Parkinson's disease is the dopamine transporter (DaT) PET scan. However, this test is costly, limited to certain facilities, and requires the use of radioactive isotopes, making it impractical for all patients.To address these limitations, the research team utilized neuromelanin-sensitive MRI. Neuromelanin is a pigment found in dopamine neurons, and its levels decrease when these neurons are damaged. By analyzing the volume and signal intensity of neuromelanin in MRI scans, the extent of dopamine neuron damage can be indirectly assessed.The team conducted neuromelanin-sensitive MRI on 66 patients with REM sleep behavior disorder and 30 healthy controls, comparing the results with dopamine PET scan findings. They categorized the patients into two groups: 37 with abnormal findings on the PET scan and 29 with normal results.The analysis revealed a significant reduction in neuromelanin volume and signal intensity in the group with abnormal PET scan results, while no significant differences were observed between the normal PET group and healthy controls.The research team clarified that this study does not imply that neuromelanin-sensitive MRI can replace dopamine PET scans. Instead, it suggests a potential patient-centered testing strategy where high-risk patients are first screened with MRI, followed by PET scans only when necessary.Professor Son Beom-seok, the first author, stated, "Neuromelanin-sensitive MRI can be performed repeatedly without concerns about radiation exposure and can be conducted alongside standard brain MRI, which is a significant advantage."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 11:32:00