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]