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KAIST researchers develop flexible micro-OLED brain implant for precision neural treatment SEOUL, July 06 (AJP) - South Korea's prominent research institute Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced Sunday the development of a new flexible brain implant that uses micro organic light-emitting diodes (micro-OLEDs) to stimulate neurons with light. The device is expected to offer a safer and more precise tool for treating hard-to-cure brain disorders through a method known as optogenetics. Optogenetics involves sending light into specific areas of the brain to activate neurons that have been engineered to respond to certain wavelengths. Until now, delivering light deep into the brain has required the use of rigid fiber-optic cables, which can damage soft neural tissue and limit precision. The new micro-OLED implant, developed by Professors Choi Kyung-Cheol and Lee Hyun-Ju's team, offers a flexible, biocompatible alternative that can be inserted into the brain with minimal tissue disruption. "By focusing on detailed integration processes and improving the implant’s biocompatibility, we aimed to demonstrate that high-resolution and flexible micro-OLEDs could work effectively inside the body," said Dr. Lee So-min, the lead author of the study. The implant contains eight micro-OLEDs, each of which can be controlled separately. These emit light at a wavelength of 470 nanometers, delivering more than 1 milliwatt per square millimeter, which is considered a high level for neural stimulation. A structural layer known as the pixel define layer prevents electrical interference between the light sources and allows them to operate independently. One of the main technical hurdles was protecting the sensitive electronics from moisture inside the body. The research team used a thin film encapsulation method, applying alternating layers of aluminum oxide and parylene-C, both known for their stability and safety in medical settings. This protective layer achieved a water vapor transmission rate of 2.66×10⁻⁵ grams per square meter per day, allowing the device to remain functional for more than 10 years inside the body. The implant’s total width ranges from 260 to 600 micrometers, narrow enough to insert into the brain without the help of external guides like needles or shuttle devices. The team also controlled the stress and thickness of the internal layers to ensure that the device remains flexible even after long-term use. The research was supported by the National Research Foundation of South Korea and published online on March 26 in Advanced Functional Materials. It was later selected as the journal’s cover story for the July issue. 2025-07-06 14:32:44 -
Trump's sweeping economic bill may boost Korea's semiconductor, shipbuilding sectors SEOUL, July 06 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump has signed into law a wide-ranging economic bill — dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill for America,” or OBBBA — cementing key elements of his domestic agenda and delivering a potential windfall to South Korea’s semiconductor and shipbuilding industries. The legislation, signed on July 4, includes a suite of measures aimed at reducing taxes, reforming welfare, strengthening national defense, and loosening government regulations. Among the chief beneficiaries are industries expected to see increased federal spending under the Trump administration, with semiconductors leading the pack. A centerpiece of the bill is an expansion of investment incentives tied to the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act. The tax credit for companies constructing semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the United States will rise to 35 percent from the current 25 percent — an aggressive push to boost domestic chip production and reduce reliance on overseas suppliers. Analysts in Seoul say the new incentives could offer a significant tailwind for South Korean tech firms like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, which have already poured billions into U.S.-based fabs and R&D. Given the heavy capital intensity of the semiconductor industry, analysts expect the enhanced tax benefits to accelerate construction timelines and shorten the path to profitability. “The increased investment tax credits could prompt earlier groundbreaking of new fabs and research centers,” said one industry analyst. “That could have a meaningful impact on earnings going forward.” The legislation also earmarks $32.7 billion for the U.S. Department of Defense to rejuvenate the domestic shipbuilding industry, a move widely interpreted as part of Washington’s broader efforts to secure defense supply chains and strengthen military readiness. South Korean shipbuilders, including Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, are expected to be key partners in this initiative. Both companies are poised to win contracts in the U.S. commercial and naval ship markets, potentially starting in the second half of the year. Not all sectors fared well under the new law. Clean energy and healthcare industries, once central to the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act, face significant setbacks. The OBBBA imposes steep cuts to tax credits previously offered for renewable energy and electric vehicle purchases. It also tightens eligibility deadlines, raising uncertainty around long-term investment in green technologies. Tax credits of up to $7,500 for electric vehicle purchases, originally set to remain in place through 2032, will now expire on Sept. 30. Similarly, tax incentives for solar and wind projects will begin phasing out in 2026 and are scheduled to be eliminated entirely by 2028 — four years ahead of schedule. Analysts warned the changes could dampen investor sentiment across the clean energy, battery, and EV sectors. “It’s not just the early sunset of the tax credits,” said another analyst. “The bill also strips away mechanisms for raising funds in these areas, effectively halting meaningful federal support.” While the OBBBA marks a significant pivot in U.S. industrial policy, it also signals a recalibration of priorities — favoring strategic manufacturing and defense capacity over decarbonization and healthcare expansion. 2025-07-06 10:37:54 -
K-pop anime film soundtrack tops US music chart SEOUL, July 5 (AJP) - A track from "KPop Demon Hunters," a new Netflix animated film inspired by the K-pop industry, has topped the American music charts. Global streaming platform Spotify said Friday that "Your Idol," performed by the film’s fictional boy band Saja Boys, ranked No. 1 on its daily top songs chart in the United States. It is the fourth K-pop track to top the chart, following Jungkook’s "Seven," Jimin’s "Who," and BLACKPINK’s Rosé with "APT." Other songs from the soundtrack also placed high, with "Golden" and "How It’s Done" landing at No. 2 and No. 8, respectively, and "Soda Pop" coming in at No. 10. The film follows Huntr/x, a fictional Korean girl group battling evil spirits while competing with the mysterious boy band Saja Boys. The film’s album was produced by top hitmakers from The Black Label, including Teddy Park, Kush, and Vince — renowned K-pop producers known for crafting hits for globally popular groups like BIGBANG and BLACKPINK. 2025-07-05 18:08:31 -
Japan travel demand drops over fears of July earthquake SEOUL, July 5 (AJP) - Travel demand from South Korea to Japan has dropped sharply amid growing fears over a rumored major earthquake expected to hit Japan in July, leading to widespread trip cancellations and a sharp decline in airfares and hotel bookings. Round-trip tickets to major Japanese cities like Osaka and Fukuoka are selling for just over 100,000 won ($70) on weekends in July and August, as demand remains weak despite the peak travel season. The sharp decline appears to be linked to an old Japanese manga that has resurfaced online, which claims a devastating earthquake will occur in July. The comic, “The Future I Saw,” published in 1999 by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, gained attention after it allegedly foresaw the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, and also hinted at another disaster in July 2025. More than 1,000 earthquakes have been recorded since June 21 around the Tokara Islands, a remote island chain in southern Japan located between Kyushu and Okinawa, two of the country’s southernmost islands. On Wednesday and Saturday, tremors measuring magnitude 5.6 and 5.3 were observed, respectively. Japan’s Meteorological Agency has said that the area remains seismically active and has urged residents to be prepared for possible evacuation. The frequent tremors have raised public concern that they could foreshadow a larger earthquake elsewhere in Japan, a fear that aligns with long-standing warnings about the potential for a catastrophic event in the Nankai Trough, an underwater fault off the Pacific coast. Japanese government estimates suggest such a disaster could result in up to 298,000 deaths and $1.8 trillion in economic losses. The rumors have begun to affect travel across Asia. Hong Kong-based budget airline Greater Bay Airlines announced it will suspend flights to Yonago and Tokushima, two smaller Japanese cities, starting in September due to falling demand. Some hotels in Taiwan have also reported a surge in cancellations. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said the seismic activity is unlikely to directly affect the Korean Peninsula, though experts noted that faint tremors may still be felt. While no official travel advisory has been issued, travelers are advised to stay informed and follow safety guidance from Japanese officials. 2025-07-05 17:11:05