Group 1 - The health industry is becoming a core pillar for high-quality economic and social development, with functional foods and skincare products being key sectors to meet public demand for a better life and establish a comprehensive health service system [1] - The Beijing University Life Sciences East China Industry Research Institute's Functional Food/Skin Care Engineering Technology Center will hold its inauguration ceremony on January 18, 2026, in Qidong, Jiangsu [1] - The center aims to promote the development of the life sciences industry, facilitate the transformation of scientific achievements, and provide public technical services as a new high-end platform [3] Group 2 - The center has made significant technological achievements in plant synthetic biology and natural product innovation, particularly in the transformation and industrialization of rare ginsenosides from ginseng and Panax notoginseng, achieving world-leading levels [3] - The center will continue to promote the application of its projects in functional foods and skincare products, addressing the slow metabolism and absorption issues of traditional ginseng saponins [3] - With the global aging population and increasing attention to public health, the functional food and skincare market is expected to experience significant growth, with a focus on natural products as essential components [10]

Core Viewpoint - Cotton is evolving from a traditional textile material to a multifunctional resource, capable of producing valuable compounds like astaxanthin through advanced biotechnological methods [4][12]. Group 1: Cotton's Traditional Uses - Cotton fibers are categorized into three main types: coarse short-staple cotton, fine-staple cotton, and long-staple cotton, each serving different textile applications [4]. - The majority of cotton grown in China is fine-staple cotton, which is widely used in everyday textiles and medical supplies [4]. Group 2: Innovative Applications - The development of engineered cotton capable of producing astaxanthin, a potent natural antioxidant, represents a significant advancement in cotton's utility [6][12]. - Astaxanthin is recognized for its superior antioxidant properties compared to vitamin E and β-carotene, with applications in food, feed, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics [6]. Group 3: By-products and Sustainability - Cotton seeds are a major source of edible oil and protein for animal feed, with cottonseed meal being the second-largest source of plant protein in China [8]. - Cotton by-products, such as cottonseed hulls and short fibers, have diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable materials, enhancing the overall value of cotton production [9][10]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The integration of synthetic biology in cotton research is expected to lead to the development of new cotton varieties with enhanced functionalities and colors, reducing environmental impact from dyeing processes [12]. - The ongoing research aims to expand cotton's application across agriculture, food, health products, energy, and environmental sectors, positioning cotton as a versatile and sustainable resource [11][12].