先生丨他让我国每一株地衣都有了“身份证”

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life and contributions of Wei Jiangchun, a pioneer in lichenology in China, emphasizing his dedication to the field and the significant impact of his research on desertification and biodiversity [2][29]. Group 1: Personal Background and Achievements - Wei Jiangchun, born in 1931 in Shaanxi, China, is a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the founding figure of lichenology in China [2][11]. - He established the largest lichen specimen collection in Asia and completed the world's first full genome sequencing of lichen-forming fungi, unlocking numerous "stress resistance genes" [2][29]. - His concept of "desert biological carpet engineering" provides new pathways for combating desertification [29][33]. Group 2: Research Contributions - Wei Jiangchun's research has transformed the understanding of lichens in China, which were previously overlooked, and he has been instrumental in documenting and classifying lichens across the country [6][28]. - He has led extensive field studies, collecting over 160,000 lichen specimens, which serve as a comprehensive record of lichen biodiversity in China [5][28]. - His work on the "desert biological carpet engineering" has shown that lichens can play a crucial role in soil stabilization and desert reclamation [29][33]. Group 3: Ongoing Research and Future Aspirations - At 94 years old, Wei Jiangchun continues to explore the potential applications of lichens, including their use in agriculture and environmental protection [36][37]. - He envisions lichens as potential pioneers for human colonization of Mars and is interested in their radiation resistance capabilities [37][39]. - His ongoing research aims to further uncover the mysteries of lichens and their applications in various fields, including medicine and environmental science [37][39].