Core Viewpoint - Renowned physicist Yang Zhenning passed away on October 18, 2025, at the age of 103, leaving a profound impact on China's scientific development and international scientific exchange [1] Contributions to Science and Education - Yang Zhenning played a pivotal role in promoting scientific progress and international communication, especially during a time when Sino-American relations were strained [1] - He was instrumental in the introduction of the Chinese edition of "Scientific American" in 1979, which became the first international copyright cooperation journal in China post-reform [3] - Yang emphasized the importance of science popularization and actively participated in outreach activities, using accessible language to explain complex scientific concepts [3][5] Advocacy for Talent Development - Yang Zhenning advocated for sending Chinese students abroad for education, believing in their potential to contribute significantly to China's scientific community upon their return [5][6] - He personally recommended over 1,200 young scholars for study abroad programs and established the "Committee for Academic Exchange with China" to support these initiatives [5] Legacy and Recognition - In 2015, Yang Zhenning renounced his American citizenship to restore his Chinese nationality, becoming a symbol of patriotism and commitment to China's scientific advancement [8] - He donated over 2,000 valuable documents and manuscripts to Tsinghua University in 2021, showcasing his dedication to education and research [8] - Yang's contributions to physics and education have been recognized as significant, with many young physicists emerging under his mentorship [8][9]

Group 1 - The book "Science and Hypothesis: A Historical Collection on Scientific Methodology" by Larry Laudan discusses the evolution of the hypothesis method in science, highlighting its initial lack of prominence in the 17th century and its eventual establishment as a core tool in 20th-century scientific exploration [2] - The collection includes important papers by Laudan that analyze key historical moments and recurring thought patterns, providing significant insights into the evolution of modern scientific methodology [2] Group 2 - "The Light of the Netherlands: The Huygens Family and the Formation of European Science" by Hugh Aldersey-Williams focuses on the life and scientific achievements of Christian Huygens during the Dutch Golden Age, detailing his contributions in astronomy, optics, mechanics, and mathematics [4] - The book also explores Huygens' interactions with contemporaries like Newton, Descartes, and Leibniz, illustrating the academic atmosphere and social context of the scientific revolution [4] Group 3 - "Harvard University Science General Course: Exploring the Universe, Earth, and Life" by Irwin Shapiro investigates major scientific discoveries that have transformed human life and expanded our understanding of nature, structured into three parts: looking up at the universe, down at the Earth, and inward at life [6] - The author employs an accessible writing style to address fundamental questions about the nature of science, encouraging readers to observe, understand, analyze, and judge the world through a scientific lens [6] Group 4 - "Mathematical Philosophy Lectures" by Joy David Hamkins presents a unique approach to understanding mathematical philosophy through the lens of mathematical exploration and practice, discussing significant achievements in mathematical logic [8] - The book balances deep mathematical concepts with philosophical inquiry, covering various philosophical positions such as Platonism, realism, and formalism [8] Group 5 - "What is a Vector" by Robin Arianhod demonstrates how vectors and tensors provide an elegant language for expressing behaviors in space and time, showcasing the contributions of notable physicists and mathematicians [11] - The book explains the significance of vectors and tensors in representing physical quantities and dimensions, as well as their applications in modern technology [11] Group 6 - "The History of Mathematics: From Building Pyramids to Exploring Infinity" by Anne Rooney offers engaging insights into the development of mathematics, covering topics from the origins of numbers to calculus [14] - The book is structured into nine chapters, each focusing on different aspects of mathematics and its historical figures, making it accessible to a broad audience [14] Group 7 - "The Exploration History of Earth" by Yeshan presents a narrative of human understanding of Earth from the Roman Empire to the colonial era, highlighting significant geological studies and their impacts [20][21] - The book combines historical anecdotes with scientific developments in various branches of Earth sciences, providing a comprehensive overview of humanity's relationship with the planet [20][21] Group 8 - "The World is Unequal: Geography and Human Destiny" by Harlm de Blij argues that despite increasing globalization, geographical and cultural environments continue to shape individual and group destinies, leading to persistent inequalities [23] - The author categorizes global populations into internationalized, localized, and globalized groups, analyzing how factors like language, religion, and disaster response capabilities differ across regions [23] Group 9 - "The Shining Water Ring" by Gavin Maxwell recounts the author's solitary life in the Scottish Highlands post-World War II, exploring themes of nature and solitude through his interactions with wildlife [27] - The narrative captures the beauty and challenges of the natural environment, emphasizing the transformative power of nature on human experience [27] Group 10 - "Life-Saving Animals: Health Lessons from Nature" by Matt Morgan explores how various animal traits can inform human health practices, linking evolutionary biology to modern medical challenges [29] - The book presents a journey through different ecosystems, showcasing how animal adaptations can provide insights into human health and survival [29] Group 11 - "Marine Biology: Oxford General Readings" by Philip V. Mladenov offers a comprehensive overview of marine ecosystems, emphasizing their role in climate regulation and biodiversity [31] - The book systematically organizes information across various marine environments, helping readers understand the intricate balance of oceanic life [31] Group 12 - "Global Food Systems: Industrialized Britain, Food Systems, and World Ecology" by Chris Otter traces the origins of modern dietary habits in late 18th-century Britain, highlighting the shift from local to global food sources [33] - The author discusses the health implications of energy-dense diets and the increasing reliance on global resources for food production [33] Group 13 - "Plant Life: The Metaphysics of Mixtures" by Emanuele Coccia redefines the relationship between plants and the world, proposing a philosophical perspective on life and existence [35] - The book integrates discussions of the microscopic and macroscopic, offering a fresh interpretation of humanity's place within the life sciences [35] Group 14 - "The Orchid Phenomenon" by Jim Endersby examines the cultural significance of orchids throughout history, exploring their representation in literature and art [37] - The author investigates how cultural perceptions of orchids have evolved and influenced scientific understanding, providing a historical context for their allure [37] Group 15 - "My Mother is a Computer: Digital Subjects and Literary Texts" by N. Katherine Hayles analyzes the impact of algorithms on human identity and literature in the digital age [40] - The book explores the complex relationship between humans and intelligent machines, offering a conceptual guide for navigating the challenges of a digitally driven culture [40] Group 16 - "Eating Right for Three Meals a Day to Avoid Alzheimer's Disease" by Kazuhiko Yamagane presents dietary strategies based on the ReCODE method to prevent and improve Alzheimer's disease [42] - The author emphasizes the importance of diet in managing the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein in the brain, which is linked to Alzheimer's development [42]