Core Viewpoint - Cell Press has launched a new open-access journal, Cell Press Blue, focusing on significant pioneering research in life sciences, physical sciences, medicine, sustainable development, and applied sciences [3] Group 1: Journal Overview - Cell Press Blue welcomes interdisciplinary research that connects biology, medicine, chemistry, physics, materials science, energy, environmental science, and sustainable development [3] - The journal will publish authoritative reviews and opinion articles to showcase emerging opportunities and reflect on the role of science in addressing major contemporary challenges [3] Group 2: Editorial Leadership - The editor-in-chief of Cell Press Blue is Dr. Andy Jobbins, who has a background in molecular and cellular biology and has worked in various prestigious research institutions [5] - A co-editor will be based in China, focusing on the field of physical sciences, with details to be announced soon [6] Group 3: Submission Benefits - Authors submitting to Cell Press Blue will engage with high-impact research that can disrupt scientific paradigms, with all papers selected by a professional editorial team from Cell Press [7] - The journal emphasizes a "service-first" philosophy, providing comprehensive support to authors throughout the submission and publication process [8] Group 4: Impact and Promotion - Cell Press Blue aims to promote disruptive scientific research that transcends disciplinary boundaries and contributes to sustainable development [9] - The journal will utilize a professional promotion team to ensure that every published paper receives broad attention and citation [9] Group 5: Additional Features - Collaborative promotion with other relevant Cell Press journals will enhance the visibility of research findings [10] - The journal maintains high standards aligned with other top-tier Cell Press publications, ensuring rigorous quality control [10] - Efficient review processes and direct communication with editors will streamline the publication timeline for authors [10] Group 6: Visibility and Outreach - Targeted marketing activities will significantly enhance the visibility of research published in Cell Press Blue [11] - The journal actively recommends research with news value to mainstream media, helping authors reach a wider audience [11]

Core Viewpoint - The recent application science ranking by the Nature Index reveals that all top thirty institutions are from China, marking a significant shift in global scientific competitiveness, with China contributing 56% of global application science output compared to the USA's 10% [1][4]. Group 1: Application Science Ranking - The Nature Index's application science ranking is based on articles published in 25 application science journals and conferences, covering fields such as engineering, computer science, and food science [3]. - The Chinese Academy of Sciences ranks first, followed by Zhejiang University, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Peking University, indicating a concentration of top institutions in China [3][4]. - China's application science output exceeds the combined total of the next six countries (USA, Germany, South Korea, UK, Japan, and India), showcasing a dominant advantage [4]. Group 2: Research Focus and Strategic Choices - There is a notable discrepancy between the application science ranking and the traditional comprehensive research ranking, highlighting different national research priorities [4]. - France ranks sixth in comprehensive research but falls to twelfth in application science, indicating a focus on basic research over practical application [4][5]. - South Korea, while ranked seventh in comprehensive research, excels in application science, with over 50% of its research output focused on practical applications [5]. Group 3: Implications of Research Strategies - The data suggests that countries overly focused on basic research may struggle to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global landscape [5][6]. - Asian countries, particularly China and South Korea, emphasize research that leads to practical innovations, supported by government policies [6][8]. - The USA's shift towards prioritizing basic research has created a gap in application research, leading to challenges in translating research into practical outcomes [7][8]. Group 4: Future Prospects for China - China's leading position in application science is expected to strengthen due to factors such as scale effects, a robust talent pool, strong industrial demand, and ongoing institutional reforms [11][12][13]. - The country has become a global leader in electric vehicle production, accounting for 70% of global output, driven by extensive application science research [10][12]. - China's focus on practical applications in fields like artificial intelligence has resulted in a significant number of patents, indicating a depth of research and innovation [10][11]. Group 5: Challenges for the West - The West faces challenges in maintaining its scientific leadership, with calls for a reevaluation of research funding priorities and a balance between basic and applied research [14][15]. - The aging population in Western countries may limit funding for research, necessitating a more efficient allocation of resources [14]. - The Western scientific community is urged to adopt a more pragmatic approach to research, aligning scientific endeavors with national and societal needs [16][17].

Core Points - The article discusses the significance of the work of physicist Yang Zhenning, emphasizing the importance of his contributions to theoretical physics and their impact on human understanding of the universe [2][11][43] - It highlights two major achievements: the proposal of "parity non-conservation" with Li Zhengdao and the development of the "Yang-Mills theory" [22][24][27] Group 1: Importance of Physics - Physics is described as a fundamental science with the mission to explore the essence of the world [5][30] - The article uses analogies to illustrate how advancements in physics provide a better understanding of the universe, comparing historical and modern tools [4][8] Group 2: Yang Zhenning's Contributions - Yang Zhenning and Li Zhengdao's 1956 paper challenged the established notion of "parity conservation," leading to their Nobel Prize win [18][22] - The "Yang-Mills theory" is recognized as a significant theoretical framework that attempts to unify the four fundamental forces of nature [26][27] Group 3: Impact on Chinese Science - Yang Zhenning's return to China in 1971 is noted as a pivotal moment for the development of theoretical physics in the country, helping to elevate its status to a world-class level [29][34] - His contributions are credited with fostering the growth of numerous academicians and enhancing research facilities in Chinese universities [34][37] Group 4: Future Implications - The article stresses the necessity of foundational research in physics for future technological advancements, particularly in areas like controlled nuclear fusion and high-temperature superconductors [40][41] - It concludes that Yang Zhenning's work is essential for addressing deeper scientific questions that transcend national boundaries, serving humanity as a whole [43][45]

Group 1 - The sudden resignation of NSF Director S. Panchanathan was prompted by a 55% budget cut ordered by the Trump administration, leading to the termination of half of the NSF's 1,700 staff members [1][2] - NSF has been perceived as a "fortress of basic science" in the U.S., but the scientific community is now lamenting its destruction under the current administration [2][3] - The NSF's funding has historically been limited, receiving only about 1.5% of the total U.S. annual R&D expenditure, indicating that the vision outlined by Vannevar Bush in "Science: The Endless Frontier" has never been fully realized [10][24] Group 2 - NSF has faced internal conflicts since its inception, with challenges from applied sciences and political pressures to align more closely with national interests, diverging from its original mission of supporting pure scientific research [11][28] - The establishment of the Engineering Directorate in 1981 marked a significant shift, allowing engineering to gain equal footing with basic sciences within NSF, reflecting a broader trend of NSF's evolving focus [14][20] - Recent legislation, including the CHIPS and Science Act, has further emphasized the importance of applied research and technology, indicating a departure from the original intent of NSF as a purely scientific institution [23][25] Group 3 - The NSF's current operational model has shifted to balance both basic science and applied technology, contradicting the initial vision of being a non-political entity focused solely on fundamental research [24][28] - The emphasis on technology within NSF has increased significantly, with the term "technology" appearing 230 times in recent legislative texts, compared to only 163 mentions of "science" [26][28] - The NSF's alignment with U.S. national interests has deepened, particularly in response to geopolitical challenges, marking a significant departure from its founding principles [29][30]