对话诺贝尔奖得主Katalin：寻找真理本身，是一项极其艰苦、却又令人着迷的工作

Core Insights - The article highlights the journey of Katalin Karikó, a Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine in 2023, who dedicated over 40 years to mRNA research despite facing skepticism and adversity in the scientific community [1][2]. Group 1: Background and Early Life - Katalin Karikó grew up in a small village in Hungary, which lacked basic amenities like running water and stable electricity, but her simple life fostered a deep connection with nature and curiosity about science [1][3]. - Her childhood experiences, such as observing chickens hatching, sparked her scientific intuition and curiosity [1][3]. Group 2: Scientific Journey and Challenges - Karikó's focus on mRNA, which was considered a "tricky" and "hopeless" area by her peers, led to a long struggle against mainstream scientific opinions that favored DNA research [1][2]. - Throughout her career, she faced demotions, funding difficulties, and skepticism from colleagues, yet she remained committed to her research, driven by a belief in its importance [1][2][10]. Group 3: Key Scientific Breakthroughs - A significant breakthrough in her research was the discovery that substituting natural components of mRNA with modified nucleotides, such as pseudouridine, could significantly reduce harmful immune responses [1][15]. - This modification allows mRNA to evade immune detection, leading to more stable and efficient protein production within cells [15][16]. Group 4: Philosophical Approach and Resilience - Karikó's resilience is partly attributed to her unique philosophy of transforming negative pressure into motivation, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth [2][6]. - She emphasizes the importance of focusing on what can be changed and not wasting time on uncontrollable factors, a Stoic principle that guided her through adversity [5][6]. Group 5: Future of mRNA Technology - mRNA technology has evolved into a revolutionary platform in biomedicine, with applications ranging from vaccines to cancer treatments and protein replacement therapies [2][21]. - The potential of mRNA technology lies in its ability to instruct the body to produce desired proteins, which could address complex diseases caused by protein dysfunction [21][22]. Group 6: Personal Reflections on Success - Karikó defines success not by external recognition but by remaining true to oneself and maintaining integrity in scientific pursuits [2][26]. - She expresses contentment with her life's work, stating that she does not seek accolades or recognition, valuing the pursuit of knowledge over fame [25][26].