Core Insights - The rapid advancements in biomedical engineering are reshaping the future of human health, with innovations such as 3D bioprinting of organs and tissues becoming increasingly feasible [3][20] - Significant breakthroughs include the successful cultivation of a living heart organoid and the discovery of a molecular switch for organ regeneration in mammals [1][4] Group 1: Innovations in Biomedical Engineering - The first living heart organoid over 1 cm in diameter was successfully cultivated in Shanghai, offering new hope for organ transplantation [1][4] - Researchers have developed a method to 3D print active organoids using bioprinting technology, which can replicate the structure and function of real organs [4][20] - The production of bioprinting materials involves creating billions of living cells, which are cultivated in specialized environments to ensure rapid and large-scale expansion [6][8] Group 2: Applications of Bioprinting - Bioprinting technology is being utilized for drug testing, allowing for the creation of mini-tumor models that can simulate patient responses to various treatments [16][18] - The development of in-situ printing techniques enables the direct repair of damaged tissues within the body, such as printing new skin or heart patches [18][20] Group 3: Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations - Collaborative efforts among multiple research institutions have led to the creation of a novel visual prosthetic that allows blind animals to perceive infrared light, showcasing the potential of interdisciplinary research in biomedical engineering [21][27] - The integration of nanomaterials and advanced engineering techniques has resulted in significant improvements in the functionality and efficiency of bioelectronic devices [25][27] Group 4: Strategic Development in Life Sciences - The Chinese government is prioritizing life sciences in its strategic development plans, with initiatives aimed at accelerating the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies in cell and gene therapy [28] - Cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen are actively fostering innovation ecosystems around organoids and biomanufacturing, with ambitious targets for the growth of the biopharmaceutical industry [28]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the announcement of the 2025 "Scientific Exploration Award," recognizing 50 young scientists across various fields, with a focus on their significant research contributions in life sciences and medical sciences [2][47]. Life Sciences - Five young scientists were awarded in the life sciences category, including Mao Yafei, Xu Tongda, Xue Yuanchao, Yan Zhen, and Zhu Shujia [3][4]. - Mao Yafei's research published in Nature discusses the complete genome assembly of a macaque, revealing genetic differences with humans and providing a genetic basis for biomedical models [7]. - Xu Tongda's study in Nature uncovers a new mechanism of auxin signaling in plants, which is crucial for understanding plant growth and development [10]. - Xue Yuanchao's research in Nature identifies the principles of enhancer-promoter selectivity, linking non-coding variations to gene expression regulation [14]. - Yan Zhen's work in Cell explores the mechanisms of chloroplast protein import, potentially enhancing crop yields and carbon fixation [18]. - Zhu Shujia's research in Cell reveals the structure of NMDA receptors, providing insights for developing new drugs for neurological disorders [20]. Medical Sciences - Five young scientists were recognized in the medical sciences category, including Li Wei, Lin Xianfeng, Shu Yilai, Xu Heping, and Zhou Qing [4][5]. - Li Wei's research in Cell presents a novel gene therapy for autosomal recessive deafness, demonstrating safety and efficacy in clinical trials [23]. - Lin Xianfeng's study in Nature introduces a plant-derived photosynthetic system that enhances cellular metabolism, showing promise for treating degenerative diseases [27]. - Shu Yilai's research in The Lancet reports on a gene therapy trial for hearing loss, indicating significant improvements in patients [31]. - Xu Heping's work in Science reveals the role of neuromedin U in regulating intestinal immunity, providing new insights into immune system interactions [35]. - Zhou Qing's research in Nature identifies a molecular mechanism behind a dominant autoinflammatory disease, guiding clinical treatment strategies [38]. Frontier Interdisciplinary - Six scientists were awarded in the frontier interdisciplinary category, including Zhang Jiayi and Zhao Fangqing [5]. - Zhang Jiayi's research in Science develops a retinal nanoprosthesis that restores vision in blind models, showcasing advancements in visual prosthetics [41]. - Zhao Fangqing's study in Cell introduces a new framework for high-resolution spatial proteomics, enhancing tissue analysis capabilities [44].

Core Insights - Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology establishes a direct communication pathway between the brain and external devices, enabling unprecedented human-machine interaction and making "thought dialogue" a reality [1][2] Group 1: Technology Development - Recent advancements in language brain-computer interfaces have led to breakthroughs such as real-time communication for stroke patients and improved quality of life for ALS patients [1][3] - The "Beina No. 1" semi-invasive system developed in China has successfully restored communication abilities in ALS patients by utilizing a flexible high-density electrode for 128-channel synchronous signal acquisition [3] - A new language BCI system from the University of California, Davis, employs a 256-channel microelectrode array and deep learning algorithms to decode speech intentions from a patient with ALS, achieving near real-time decoding every 10 milliseconds [3][4] Group 2: Artificial Intelligence Integration - The integration of advanced AI models is crucial for decoding neural signals and generating natural language outputs in BCIs [4] - Research from Utrecht University and Radboud University has achieved 92%-100% classification accuracy for individual words, while maintaining the tone and timbre of synthesized speech [4] - A multi-stream neural network model developed by a collaborative team in China has achieved a 76% accuracy rate for tone and syllable classification in Mandarin, and a 91% accuracy rate for single-character decoding [4] Group 3: Future Challenges and Opportunities - Future challenges include decoding higher-level intentions and semantics, as many aphasia patients have damage in areas responsible for language organization rather than speech production [5] - The potential for BCI technology to revolutionize treatment for neurological diseases is significant, with applications ranging from restoring speech to enabling movement in paralyzed patients [6][7] - Innovations such as a brain-spinal cord interface and a visual prosthetic device have shown promise in restoring mobility and vision, respectively [7] Group 4: Ethical Considerations - The development of BCI technology must address ethical, privacy, and data security concerns, with ongoing efforts to establish standards and regulations to ensure sustainable and beneficial applications [8]

Core Viewpoint - The rapid advancements in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology highlight its potential to revolutionize medical applications, particularly in restoring vision for the blind and enhancing human capabilities, despite facing challenges in safety, cost, and ethical considerations [1][2][4]. Technological Developments - On June 6, a team from Fudan University published research in "Science" on the world's first visual prosthesis with ultra-wide spectral response capabilities, which can restore visible light vision in blind animals and expand visual functions [1]. - Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, raised $650 million in a recent funding round, pushing its post-money valuation above $10 billion [1]. Clinical Applications - The first clinical and translational ward for BCI was established at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, marking a significant step in applying BCI technology in clinical settings [1][2]. Policy Support - In March, the National Healthcare Security Administration issued guidelines for pricing invasive and non-invasive BCI services, facilitating the clinical application of this technology [2]. Challenges to Industrialization - Safety concerns remain paramount, as invasive BCI procedures involve surgical risks and potential long-term immune rejection issues. Recent incidents with Neuralink's human brain device raised questions about the technology's reliability [2][3]. - The cost of BCI procedures ranges from 300,000 to 500,000 yuan per case, making it unaffordable for many patients and hindering market adoption [3]. - Ethical issues surrounding privacy and human autonomy are significant challenges, particularly regarding the implications of reading and influencing human thoughts and consciousness [3][4]. Future Outlook - The BCI industry is at a critical juncture, requiring advancements in technology, cost reduction, and ethical frameworks to ensure safe and beneficial applications for humanity [4].

Core Viewpoint - The development of the world's first wide-spectrum visual prosthesis by a collaborative team from Fudan University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences marks a significant advancement in restoring vision and extending sensory capabilities beyond natural limits [1][2]. Group 1: Technology Development - The visual prosthesis allows blind animal models to regain visible light vision and perceive infrared light, achieving "super vision" capabilities [1]. - The device utilizes a tellurium nanowire network (TeNWNs) that has the highest known photogenerated current density, enabling the widest spectral coverage for visual reconstruction [1]. - The prosthesis is thin and can directly replace degenerated photoreceptor cells, activating retinal neurons and transmitting signals through natural pathways without external devices [1]. Group 2: Experimental Validation - The effectiveness of the prosthesis was validated in non-human primates, specifically in crab-eating macaques, showing no adverse rejection reactions after six months of implantation [2]. - The research team is investigating the efficient coupling mechanism between the visual prosthesis and the retina, which is crucial for future clinical applications [2]. Group 3: Future Implications - The new generation of super-visual prosthesis technology has the potential to not only restore sight to the blind but also to expand human sensory perception beyond natural limits [2].

Core Viewpoint - A groundbreaking visual prosthetic has been developed that enables blind animals to regain visible light vision and even perceive infrared light, marking a significant advancement in optical technology [1] Group 1: Product Development - The visual prosthetic has a wide spectral coverage range from 470 to 1550 nm, extending from visible light into the near-infrared region [1] - The prosthetic operates without the need for any external devices and can be implanted through minimally invasive surgery [1] Group 2: Research Collaboration - The development involved collaboration between teams from Fudan University, including the Integrated Circuit and Micro-Nano Electronics Innovation Institute and the Brain Science Research Institute, along with the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences [1] Group 3: Publication and Recognition - The research findings were published in the journal "Science" on June 6, 2025, under the title "Enhanced Visual Perception in Blindness Using Tellurium Nanowire Retinal Prosthetics" [1]