Core Insights - The establishment of the Dongguan Institute of Materials Science and Technology marks a significant step for Dongguan in participating in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's international science and technology innovation center [1][2] - The new institute aims to enhance the innovation system by integrating basic research, technological breakthroughs, achievement transformation, and talent support, thereby injecting strong momentum into the development of new productive forces in the Bay Area [1][2] Group 1: Strategic Importance - The Dongguan Institute's establishment responds to the urgent need for breakthroughs in key core technologies in the materials field, reinforcing the competitiveness of the industrial chain in Guangdong, a major manufacturing province [2] - The choice of Dongguan Songshan Lake as the location is strategic due to its robust research and industrial foundation, supported by advanced scientific facilities like the China Spallation Neutron Source and the Southern Advanced Photon Source [2] Group 2: Talent and Innovation - The newly established Greater Bay Area University aims to address the mismatch between higher education and industrial needs, serving as a "talent engine" and "innovation pivot" for regional technological self-reliance and economic upgrading [3][4] - The university focuses on six key areas, including material science and advanced engineering, to cultivate high-quality research talents capable of solving complex problems and fostering innovation [3][4] Group 3: Collaborative Ecosystem - The collaboration between the Dongguan Institute and Greater Bay Area University is expected to create a complete loop from fundamental research to industrial application and talent cultivation, enhancing the synergy between materials science and artificial intelligence [5][6] - This partnership aims to facilitate rapid movement and value addition of "talent-knowledge-technology-industry," forming a tightly-knit innovation community that promotes both foundational research and talent development [6]

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between MIT and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has successfully synthesized the natural fungal molecule "Pseudopterosin A" for the first time in a laboratory setting, which has significant anticancer potential and could pave the way for new drug development pathways [1][2]. Group 1 - The research team achieved the total synthesis of Pseudopterosin A, which was first discovered over 50 years ago, and designed various new derivatives based on it [1]. - Initial tests indicate that some derivatives exhibit strong antitumor activity against a rare pediatric brain cancer, diffuse midline glioma [2]. - The synthesis of Pseudopterosin A was challenging due to its complex structure, which includes two additional oxygen atoms compared to a similar compound synthesized in 2009, leading to decreased molecular stability [1]. Group 2 - The team developed multiple variants of Pseudopterosin A, with one derivative showing significant inhibitory effects on diffuse midline glioma cells in laboratory cell experiments [2]. - Further research is required to evaluate the clinical application potential of these derivatives [2].

Core Insights - A groundbreaking research achievement by a team from Hangzhou Normal University and Hubei University has been published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, focusing on the rational design of a natural halogenase named AetF, which enables efficient synthesis of halogenated tryptophan [1][2] Group 1: Research Findings - The AetF enzyme, derived from cyanobacteria, is a single-component halogenase that combines halogenation and reduction functions, offering a more streamlined structure compared to traditional dual-component halogenases [2] - The natural AetF enzyme follows a fixed working pattern, halogenating tryptophan at the C5 position first, followed by the C7 position, which limits its flexibility for producing specific mono- or mixed-halogenated products [2] - The research team utilized high-resolution protein structures to design a mutant AetF-S523A, which significantly reduced halogenation activity at the C7 position, allowing for selective halogenation at the C5 position [3] Group 2: Methodology and Applications - The team further refined the substrate binding pocket by introducing larger residues, effectively blocking the C7 position and resulting in the AetF-AIF mutant, which exhibits nearly perfect specificity for C5 mono-halogenation [3] - A novel "one-pot" reaction strategy was developed, allowing for the efficient synthesis of two different mixed halogenated tryptophans (5-bromo-7-iodotryptophan and 5-iodo-7-bromotryptophan) with yields of 85% and 70%, respectively, without the need for toxic reagents or complex purification steps [3]

Core Insights - A collaborative team from MIT, the University of Michigan, and Northeastern University has introduced a geometric deep learning model named "MultiCell," which predicts cellular behavior during fruit fly embryonic development at single-cell resolution [1][2] - The model utilizes four-dimensional whole-embryo data with sub-micron resolution and high frame rates, containing approximately 5,000 labeled cell boundaries and nuclei [1] - "MultiCell" is the first algorithm capable of predicting various cellular behaviors with single-cell precision during multicellular self-assembly, showing potential for early diagnosis and drug screening [2] Group 1 - The "MultiCell" model can predict the behavior changes of each cell every minute during the embryonic development process [1] - The model achieved about 90% accuracy in predicting cell connection loss and demonstrated high accuracy in predicting cell invagination, division, or rearrangement behaviors [2] - The method is compared to AlphaFold, which predicts protein structures from amino acid sequences, highlighting the complexity of embryonic development compared to protein folding [1] Group 2 - The model was trained on three embryonic videos and then applied to predict the evolution of a fourth new embryo [2] - Future enhancements may include integrating gene expression and protein localization data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the interaction between physical and biological information [2] - The development of a universal multicellular developmental prediction model could lead to the creation of "digital embryos" for drug screening and guiding artificial tissue design [1]

Core Viewpoint - The FCC's announcement to add all non-U.S. manufactured drone systems and key components to a "regulated list" is primarily aimed at restricting Chinese drone products under the guise of national security risks [1][2][3]. Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The FCC's ban means that the U.S. will no longer import new foreign drones and related components, only allowing the sale of previously approved older products [1]. - The ban is seen as a culmination of years of efforts to curb Chinese drone influence in the U.S. market, with China accounting for 70% to 80% of the global civilian drone market and 90% of the U.S. consumer market [1]. Group 2: Security Claims - The term "national security risk" is viewed as a pretext for banning Chinese drones, despite multiple tests by U.S. agencies confirming the safety and data privacy of DJI products [2]. - Various assessments from reputable firms have consistently validated the data security measures of Chinese drones, indicating that they meet U.S. and EU cybersecurity standards [2]. Group 3: Economic Implications - The U.S. government's actions are perceived as a means to protect and promote the domestic drone industry by limiting foreign competition, which could stifle innovation and increase costs for U.S. consumers [3][4]. - A survey indicated that 43% of U.S. drone users believe the ban will have a severely negative impact on their businesses, with some users stockpiling drones and components in anticipation of supply issues [4]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The absence of Chinese components could lead to a significant increase in costs for U.S. drone users, potentially making non-Chinese drones up to ten times more expensive [4]. - The restriction on Chinese products is expected to hinder technological advancement and cost reduction in the U.S. drone industry, leading to a decline in competitiveness [4].

Core Viewpoint - The oral version of semaglutide, a "star drug" for weight loss, has been approved by the U.S. FDA, following the approval of its injectable form as the world's first GLP-1 class weight loss medication, sparking public interest in convenient weight loss solutions [1] Group 1: Mechanism of Action - GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) regulates insulin and glucagon secretion based on blood sugar levels, and semaglutide is a similar compound that activates receptors in various cells to promote insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, and delay gastric emptying, thereby reducing appetite [2] - The core mechanism of semaglutide for weight loss is not fat burning but rather activating neural circuits related to satiety in the hypothalamus and brainstem, leading to reduced hunger and delayed feelings of hunger after meals [2] Group 2: Drug Comparison and Usage - The oral and injectable forms of semaglutide share the same active ingredients and mechanisms, with the oral form being more convenient but requiring higher doses due to lower bioavailability [3] - Current weight loss prescription drugs in China primarily consist of GLP-1 class medications, with BMI (Body Mass Index) being a key criterion for usage; individuals with a BMI of 28 or higher, or 24 with obesity-related complications, may be prescribed these medications [4] - Other weight loss medications include orlistat, which is the only over-the-counter option, but it has poor tolerance and more side effects; new generation dual-target and triple-target weight loss drugs are under development [4] Group 3: Risks of Misuse - The convenience of the oral version raises concerns about potential drug misuse, particularly among individuals not meeting the criteria for its use, which could lead to negative health outcomes such as muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, and increased risks of gallstones and thyroid tumors [5] - Lifestyle interventions remain essential for effective weight management, and the public should not rely solely on medications for rapid weight loss, as there is a risk of rebound weight gain after discontinuation [6]

Core Viewpoint - The State Power Investment Corporation has officially launched the world's first ultra-high temperature heat pump energy storage technology, named "Shunuo," which offers significant advantages over traditional energy storage methods [1]. Group 1: Technology Overview - "Shunuo" technology features high flexibility in deployment, not reliant on specific geographical conditions, allowing for quick installation in various settings such as flat power stations and mountainous industrial parks [1]. - The heat pump energy storage, also known as the Carnot battery, combines heat pump cycles with heat engine cycles to achieve efficient bidirectional conversion between electrical and thermal energy [1]. - The technology boasts high energy density, low capacity costs, and high storage efficiency, enabling high-quality combined heating, cooling, and electricity supply [1]. Group 2: Performance Metrics - The "Shunuo" technology maintains stable efficiency without degradation across different loads, with thermal storage capabilities exceeding 560°C and as low as -60°C [1]. - The energy storage density can reach 80-120 kilowatt-hours per cubic meter, significantly surpassing conventional compressed air energy storage, with a potential increase in storage capacity by over ten times in the same space [1]. Group 3: Application and Impact - The technology has broad application scenarios, including coupling with large-scale renewable energy bases, coal power, nuclear power, and high-energy-consuming industries, thereby enhancing the proportion of green electricity and meeting flexibility and energy-saving requirements [1]. - Driven by the "dual carbon" goals, long-duration energy storage has transitioned from an optional choice to a necessity for energy transformation, making the innovation and application of long-duration energy storage technologies urgent [1]. - Heat pump energy storage technology is expected to play a crucial role in constructing a new power system and ensuring the safe and stable operation of the power grid, positioning it as a backbone for future large-scale long-duration energy storage [1].

Core Viewpoint - The revival of dinosaurs through scientific means has gained public interest, with discussions on whether modern technology can bridge the 66 million-year gap since their extinction [3] Group 1: Advances in Synthetic Biology - Scientists are exploring synthetic biology as a new approach to "revive" dinosaurs by decoding the genetic codes behind their traits rather than relying on ancient DNA [4] - The phenotype of each species, including physical appearance and behavior, is linked to specific genetic codes, which can be studied to recreate dinosaur-like features in existing species [4] - Techniques such as the "gene puzzle" developed by MIT in 2025 allow researchers to edit genes in bird embryos to induce dinosaur-like characteristics, demonstrating the potential of synthetic biology [4] Group 2: Challenges in Genetic Reconstruction - Despite advancements, significant gaps in the dinosaur genome remain, making it difficult to fully reconstruct their genetic makeup [5][6] - The degradation of DNA over time poses a major challenge, as the half-life of DNA is approximately 500 years under ideal conditions, making it nearly impossible to retrieve intact dinosaur DNA from fossils [7] - Current findings of fragmented DNA and proteins from fossils are insufficient to reconstruct a complete dinosaur genome, leading to the conclusion that any resulting organism would not be a true dinosaur but rather a hybrid with limited dinosaur traits [7][8] Group 3: Environmental and Technical Barriers - Even if genetic editing challenges are overcome, there are significant hurdles in finding suitable carriers for dinosaur embryos and creating appropriate environments for their development [8] - The lack of technology to support the growth of large dinosaur embryos in artificial environments presents a major obstacle [8] - Additionally, even if a dinosaur were successfully hatched, it would likely struggle to survive in the drastically changed modern environment, which has evolved significantly since the time of dinosaurs [8]

记者12月22日从中国科学院古脊椎动物与古人类研究所获悉，该所朱敏院士团队与云南大学等中外 机构合作，在云南昭通下泥盆统地层中，发现一种约4.1亿年前的原始肺鱼化石，并将其命名为"云南古 嵴鱼"，填补了最原始肺鱼与更进步的肺鱼类之间的"演化缺环"，为破解早期肺鱼演化密码提供了关键 实物证据。相关论文发表于国际期刊《当代生物学》。 肺鱼类是与四足动物亲缘关系最近的现生类群，最早出现于早泥盆世，如今全球仅存非洲、南美、 澳洲肺鱼3个属，其中澳洲肺鱼堪称"活化石"。我国早在20世纪80年代就发现了最古老的肺鱼物种 ——"希望奇异鱼"，但它与更进步的肺鱼类之间存在明显形态断层，该问题长期困扰学界。 此次发现的云南古嵴鱼化石，是泥盆纪布拉格期首次发现的三维保存肺鱼头骨化石，头骨仅长25毫 米，却蕴含丰富的演化信息。借助高精度CT扫描技术，研究团队观察到其独特特征，它既保留希望奇 异鱼的原始特征，又具备北美真肺鱼的相似腭骨形态，鼻腔占腭面长度三分之一，脑颅两侧内收肌发 达，推测以坚硬甲壳类为食。 最关键的是，云南古嵴鱼的腭方骨与脑颅呈部分融合状态，正处于从原始肉鳍鱼类"双接型"向真肺 鱼类典型"自接型"头骨的演化过渡阶段 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the "Three Polar Interaction" theory proposed by Fang Xiaomin, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of the Tibetan Plateau, North Pole, and South Pole in influencing global climate change [3][4][12]. Group 1: Three Polar Interaction Theory - The "Three Polar Interaction" theory posits that the Tibetan Plateau, North Pole, and South Pole form a dynamic system through atmospheric-oceanic circulation and carbon cycling, impacting the formation of mineral resources and landforms in Asia [3][4]. - The theory suggests that the continuous uplift of the Tibetan Plateau acts as a "super engine" for global climate regulation, affecting the ice caps in the polar regions [3][4]. Group 2: Mechanisms of Influence - The Tibetan Plateau influences the polar regions through two key pathways: the "Dust-Carbon Effect" and the "Chemical Weathering-Carbon Cycle" effect [4][5]. - The "Dust-Carbon Effect" involves the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau leading to increased aridity in Asia, which generates dust that promotes phytoplankton growth in the North Pacific, resulting in a decrease in atmospheric CO2 and global cooling [4]. - The "Chemical Weathering-Carbon Cycle" effect describes how increased rainfall due to the uplift enhances chemical weathering processes, converting CO2 into bicarbonate ions and facilitating long-term carbon storage in the ocean [5]. Group 3: Biodiversity and Evolution - The uplift of the Tibetan Plateau has not only reshaped the natural environment but also driven evolutionary processes, with evidence suggesting that some modern African savanna animals originated from adaptations in the Tibetan Plateau [7][8]. - The Tibetan Plateau serves as a "training camp" for species that later migrated to polar regions, equipping them with survival skills for extreme environments [8]. Group 4: Scientific Research and Applications - The second comprehensive scientific expedition to the Tibetan Plateau has shifted its focus from basic data collection to understanding changes, mechanisms, and strategies for sustainable development [9][10]. - Significant achievements include the publication of 245 high-level papers and the submission of over 110 advisory reports to government bodies, contributing to ecological protection laws and disaster risk management [10][11]. Group 5: Climate Change and Global Impact - The Tibetan Plateau is currently experiencing profound changes characterized by warming and increased humidity, leading to glacier retreat and permafrost degradation, which pose long-term challenges for water resource security [12][13]. - Addressing climate change requires a holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of protecting the Tibetan Plateau as a critical component of global climate stability [13][14].