Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a groundbreaking technology developed by Chinese scientists that enables the synthesis of sugar from carbon dioxide, significantly reducing the time and resources required compared to traditional methods [1][2]. Group 1: Key Breakthroughs - The technology breakthrough involves the artificial synthesis of hexoses (six-carbon sugars) from carbon dioxide, marking China's advancement in the field of artificial carbohydrate synthesis [2]. - In 2023, the team successfully synthesized hexoses, including glucose and other sugars, in just 17 hours, achieving a carbon conversion rate of 0.67 grams per liter per hour, which is over ten times more efficient than natural photosynthesis [3][8]. - By 2025, the team achieved direct synthesis of sucrose from carbon dioxide, with a product concentration of 14 grams per liter, representing a 20-fold increase in efficiency compared to hexose synthesis [4][8]. Group 2: Technical Advantages - The energy consumption for sucrose synthesis is only 2 ATP per sucrose, compared to 37 ATP in natural pathways, resulting in approximately 85% energy savings [9]. - The engineered enzymes allow for precise control over the synthesis of various sugars, addressing the challenge of controlling the stereochemistry of sugar molecules [9]. Group 3: Application Prospects - In the pharmaceutical sector, precisely synthesized sugar molecules are crucial for vaccines and anticancer drugs, with costs being only one-third of those derived from natural extraction [13]. - The industrial biotechnology sector consumes over ten million tons of glucose annually; utilizing carbon dioxide synthesis could reduce food consumption by 60% [14]. - The technology can consume 1.6 tons of carbon dioxide for every ton of sugar produced, equivalent to the annual emissions of three family cars, contributing to carbon neutrality efforts [15].