Neuroscience and Ancient Traditions - Neuroscience validates ancient traditions like mindful meditation and acupuncture, revealing tangible brain changes [2][3][8] - Ancient approaches once considered pseudoscience are now being validated by scientific discoveries, highlighting the interconnectedness of ancient wisdom and modern technology [4][5] - Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other traditional complementary alternative medicines (TCAM) are being investigated for their validity and potential benefits [10][11] Brain Modulation and Neurotechnology - Modern technology is used to scrutinize the brain, leading to a better understanding of how to modulate thought, feeling, and sensory-motor functions [5][6] - Neurotechnologies like neurofeedback, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are being used to enhance brain function and treat disabilities [14][16][17][19] - Brain mapping techniques are used to study brain wave dynamics and functional structures, revealing the unique fingerprints of individual brains [8][9] - Neural plasticity allows for reshaping and remodeling of the brain, enabling interventions to improve functionality and quality of life [14][15] Ethical Considerations in Neurotechnology - The rapid advancement of neurotechnology raises ethical concerns about privacy, confidentiality, and the potential for misuse [23][24][25] - There is a need for regulation and ethical guidelines to ensure that neurotechnology is used for the betterment of humanity [25] - Questions arise about the limits of technological intervention and the potential impact on human identity and autonomy [23][26]

Core Insights - The article highlights significant advancements in various fields of research published in the journal Cell, with a notable contribution from Chinese scholars, indicating a strong presence in cutting-edge scientific research [1]. Group 1: Measles Virus Research - A study by Zhang Heqiao and Roger Kornberg's team elucidated the structure of the measles virus polymerase complex and its interaction with non-nucleoside inhibitors, laying the groundwork for rational antiviral drug design [3][4]. Group 2: AI in Protein Engineering - The research team led by Gao Caixia developed a novel AI protein engineering simulation method called AiCE, which integrates structural and evolutionary constraints, enabling efficient protein evolution simulation and functional design without the need for specialized AI model training [7]. Group 3: Vertebrate Genomics - The team from Zhejiang University introduced a high-throughput, sensitive single-nucleus ATAC sequencing technology (UUATAC-seq) to create chromatin accessibility maps, and developed the Nvwa model for predicting cis-regulatory elements, revealing the conserved syntax of vertebrate regulatory sequences [10][11]. Group 4: Primate Brain Research - A study identified cell type-specific enhancers in the macaque brain, establishing tools for understanding primate brain structure and diseases, which could enhance insights into cognitive functions [15]. Group 5: Peripheral Nerve Imaging - Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China pioneered a high-speed, subcellular resolution imaging technique for whole-mouse peripheral nerves, providing a detailed peripheral nerve atlas and new tools for studying nerve regulation and disease mechanisms [19]. Group 6: Primate Prefrontal Cortex Connectivity - A study reconstructed the whole-brain connectivity network of the macaque prefrontal cortex at the single-neuron level, revealing refined axon targeting and arborization, which is crucial for understanding complex cognitive functions in primates [23]. Group 7: Optogenetics in Drug Discovery - The research led by Felix Wong developed an optogenetics platform for discovering selective modulators of the integrated stress response, identifying compounds that enhance cell death without toxicity, and demonstrating antiviral activity in a herpes simplex virus mouse model [27][28]. Group 8: Engineering Yeast Behavior - A study from Imperial College London established engineering principles for yeast, enabling programmable multicellular behaviors, transforming yeast from a "single-cell factory" to a "multicellular system chassis" [33][34].