化学家尚卡尔——看似无用的研究往往会改变世界(走近科学大咖⑨)
Ren Min Ri Bao Hai Wai Ban·2026-01-05 02:00

Group 1 - The article highlights the significant advancements in gene sequencing technology, particularly the development of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) by Shankar Balasubramanian, which reduced the time to sequence a human genome from 10 years and $3 billion to approximately 1 hour and $1,000 [4] - Balasubramanian emphasizes the importance of curiosity and passion in scientific research, stating that a good research question stems from a genuine love for science [5] - The article discusses Balasubramanian's numerous accolades, including being knighted by the Queen of England in 2017 and receiving the 2024 Gairdner International Award, showcasing his contributions to the field of life sciences [5] Group 2 - Balasubramanian's journey reflects a series of unexpected achievements, from his humble beginnings in India to becoming a professor at Cambridge University, illustrating the potential for success through perseverance and creativity [6] - He advocates for the importance of creativity in science, likening cooking to chemistry, and believes that seemingly useless research can lead to significant breakthroughs [6][7] - The article notes Balasubramanian's commitment to nurturing young scientists, highlighting the importance of engaging with the next generation to ensure the future of scientific inquiry [8][9]