Core Viewpoint - Recent research by Chinese scientists has provided new insights into the structural transformation of hydrogen under extreme pressure, moving closer to the potential discovery of metallic hydrogen, which could have significant implications for various fields, including superconductivity and astrophysics [2][3][9]. Group 1: Scientific Discovery - The Beijing High-Pressure Science Research Center, led by Academician Mao Heguang, published findings in *Nature* revealing the complex arrangement of solid hydrogen at pressures between 212-245 GPa, marking the most detailed observation of solid hydrogen to date [3]. - The transition of hydrogen from gas to liquid and then to solid under increasing pressure involves a significant change in molecular arrangement, with solid hydrogen exhibiting ordered structures at high pressures [4][5]. Group 2: Methodology - The research utilized a diamond anvil cell to create the necessary high-pressure environment, allowing scientists to compress hydrogen to extreme levels [5][7]. - Advanced techniques, including synchrotron radiation, were employed to capture the structural changes of hydrogen, enabling researchers to observe how hydrogen atoms arrange themselves under pressure [8]. Group 3: Implications of Metallic Hydrogen - Metallic hydrogen is anticipated to exhibit electrical conductivity, potentially functioning as a room-temperature superconductor, which could revolutionize energy transmission and various technological applications [9][10]. - Understanding metallic hydrogen may also provide insights into the internal structures of gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn, contributing to broader astrophysical theories regarding planetary formation and evolution [10].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significance of the "Future Science Prize" in promoting groundbreaking scientific research in China, highlighting its role in encouraging young scientists and recognizing impactful contributions in various fields [1][10]. Group 1: Future Science Prize - The "Future Science Prize," often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of China," awards up to $1 million for significant scientific achievements in life sciences, material sciences, and mathematics and computer sciences [1]. - Since its inception, 39 scientists have received the Future Science Prize, emphasizing its growing importance in the scientific community [1]. Group 2: Biomedical Research - The integration of basic, applied, and clinical research in biomedicine is advancing, with potential therapies emerging that could revolutionize disease treatment, such as gene editing for heart disease and cancer [2]. - The scarcity of physician-scientists globally is a challenge that needs to be addressed to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application [2]. Group 3: Energy Solutions - Controlled nuclear fusion is presented as a clean and safe solution to the current energy crisis, with advancements in laser-driven inertial confinement fusion being a key focus [3]. - The Double-cone ignition scheme (DCI) proposed by Chinese researchers aims to improve the efficiency of energy conversion in fusion processes, potentially leading to higher energy gains with lower laser energy [3]. Group 4: Room Temperature Superconductivity - Achieving room temperature superconductivity could significantly impact energy breakthroughs and support advancements in various fields, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing [4]. - The development of core materials is crucial for progress in AI, quantum computing, and energy sectors, with room temperature superconductors being a transformative material for the next two decades [4]. Group 5: Artificial Intelligence in Science - AI is influencing scientific research across various domains, with potential breakthroughs in aging mechanisms and brain health prediction through AI-driven gene analysis [6]. - The combination of AI and quantum computing is seen as a future direction for scientific development, with the potential to create new algorithms and systems [7]. Group 6: Support for Scientists - There is a growing trend in China to establish private scientific awards to encourage original research, with significant funding initiatives like Tencent's "New Cornerstone Researcher Project" providing substantial financial support to scientists [10]. - The emphasis is on supporting scientists who are ambitious, innovative, and willing to explore uncharted territories in their research [11].

Group 1 - The rise of private scientific awards in China has created a social force to encourage scientific innovation, with the "Future Science Prize" being likened to the "Nobel Prize" in China [1] - The "Future Science Prize" has awarded 39 scientists over the past decade, with a single award reaching up to $1 million [1] - The integration of basic, applied, and clinical research in biomedicine is advancing, leading to potential groundbreaking therapies for diseases [1] Group 2 - Experts emphasize the need for more physician-scientists to bridge the gap between basic medical research and clinical application, as their numbers are currently very limited [2] - Research into aging and potential "anti-aging" drugs is progressing, with specific focus on compounds like mTORC1 that may enhance healthy lifespan [2] Group 3 - Controlled nuclear fusion is highlighted as a clean and safe solution to the current energy crisis, with various ignition schemes being explored [4] - The Double-cone ignition scheme (DCI) proposed by Chinese researchers aims to improve the efficiency of laser energy conversion to fusion energy [5] - Achieving room-temperature superconductivity could significantly support controlled nuclear fusion and has broad applications in various fields [5] Group 4 - The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and mathematics is being explored to address energy challenges, with AI's high operational costs being a major limitation [6] - AI is expected to have a profound impact on scientific research, particularly in predicting aging mechanisms and enhancing quantum computing [8] Group 5 - Private funding initiatives, such as Tencent's "New Cornerstone Researcher Project," aim to support innovative scientists with substantial financial backing [9] - The focus of these funding projects is on the originality and future potential of scientific research rather than solely on past achievements [9] - There is a call for supporting scientists who are ambitious, young, and willing to explore uncharted territories in science [10]

Group 1 - The Future Science Prize 10th Anniversary Celebration highlighted discussions on disruptive scientific changes over the next 20 years and breakthrough potentials over the next 50 years [1] - Zhang Jie from Shanghai Jiao Tong University emphasized that the achievement of net energy gain from inertial confinement nuclear fusion in December 2022 marks a significant milestone for controllable nuclear fusion technology, which could transform society towards non-carbon-based energy [1] - Ding Hong, also from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, identified general quantum computing as the most disruptive technology in the next 20 years, while AI for Science will be a key focus in the next 50 years [1] Group 2 - Xue Qikun, President of Southern University of Science and Technology, stated that controlled nuclear fusion could permanently solve energy issues and support industrial revolutions in the next 20 years, while room-temperature superconductivity could lead to major scientific and technological changes in the next 50 years [2] - Chen Xianhui from the University of Science and Technology of China highlighted that core key materials could drive significant human transformations in the next 20 years, with room-temperature superconductivity breaking cost barriers in fields like medical MRI and quantum computing cooling in the next 50 years [2] - Shi Yigong from Westlake University discussed how AI technologies like AlphaFold have revolutionized traditional biological research, urging researchers to embrace AI to expand scientific boundaries while maintaining critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration [2] Group 3 - Shen Xiangyang, Chairman of the Board of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, described large models as encompassing technology, business, and governance, with multimodal development being a crucial milestone involving computation, algorithms, and data [3] - Yang Yaodong from Peking University emphasized the importance of alignment technology for large models to comply with human instructions, noting current weaknesses in reinforcement learning-based alignment and suggesting enhancements through computer science and cryptography [3]