分类： science

James Watson, the renowned scientist who co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA, has died at the age of 97. His passing was confirmed by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he spent a significant portion of his career. Watson died on Thursday while in hospice care on Long Island, New York. Watson’s groundbreaking work alongside Francis Crick in 1953 revolutionized the field of molecular biology, earning them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962. Their discovery laid the foundation for modern genetics and biotechnology, cementing Watson’s legacy as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. However, Watson’s later years were marred by controversy due to his repeated racist remarks, which led to widespread criticism and the revocation of several honors. Despite this, his contributions to science remain monumental. The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory acknowledged his scientific achievements while distancing itself from his personal views, stating that his work ‘transformed our understanding of life itself.’ Watson’s death marks the end of an era for the scientific community, as the world reflects on his complex legacy of groundbreaking discovery and personal controversy.

In a remarkable display of marine symbiosis, scientists have captured rare footage of remoras, also known as sucker fish, engaging in high-speed whale surfing off the coast of Australia. These hitchhiking fish, known for their adhesive head plates that create a vacuum seal, cling to humpback whales as they migrate from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Queensland. The footage, recorded by marine scientist Olaf Meynecke from Griffith University, reveals the remoras’ precision in detaching just before the whale breaches and reattaching moments later, showcasing their remarkable instincts. While remoras benefit from feeding on the whales’ dead skin and sea lice, the footage suggests that the whales may find their clingy companions somewhat irritating. Meynecke’s research, initially aimed at studying whale behavior, has inadvertently highlighted the complex relationship between these two species. The study also raises questions about the remoras’ lifecycle, particularly how much of the humpbacks’ 10,000-kilometer migratory journey they accompany their hosts. In the absence of whales, remoras seek other large marine creatures, including manta rays, dolphins, and even scuba divers, to avoid predators. This fascinating interaction underscores the intricate dynamics of marine ecosystems and the adaptability of species within them.

Gulf Medical University (GMU) and the Thumbay Group have announced an extension for the submission deadline of the Thumbay International Research Grant 2025-26, now set for December 15, 2025. This extension provides researchers, academicians, and healthcare innovators worldwide additional time to refine their proposals for one of the UAE’s most prestigious research funding initiatives. The grant, valued at Dh3 million, supports groundbreaking projects in medical, clinical, and interdisciplinary research, aiming to drive significant advancements in patient outcomes, healthcare systems, and medical education. Professor Dr. Manda Venkatramana, Chancellor of GMU, highlighted the grant’s role in fostering innovation and global collaboration, stating, ‘The Thumbay International Research Grant offers a platform for researchers to explore bold ideas and translate science into solutions that improve lives.’ The 2025-26 cycle focuses on high-impact areas such as precision oncology, AI in healthcare, drug discovery, and public health. The grant’s first cycle attracted 192 applications from 34 universities globally, with 14 projects selected for funding, including contributions from Harvard Medical School, the University of Arizona, and other renowned institutions. GMU’s initiative underscores its commitment to advancing healthcare research and innovation on a global scale.

The dream of resurrecting dinosaurs, once confined to the realms of science fiction, may become a reality within the next 100 to 200 years, thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and genetic technologies. This groundbreaking perspective was shared by leading paleontologists at the international symposium ‘China’s Dinosaurs: From Research to Science Education,’ held in Shanghai from October 28 to 31. The event gathered over 20 top international experts to discuss the future of paleontology and China’s growing influence in the field. While the idea of dinosaur revival sparked lively debate, the symposium also highlighted China’s pivotal role in global dinosaur research, driven by its rich fossil discoveries and innovative public science initiatives. The ongoing ‘China Dinosaur World’ exhibition in Shanghai, featuring 118 representative dinosaur specimens from 12 national institutions, has drawn international acclaim. Experts like Xu Xing, a prominent Chinese paleontologist, emphasized that while current technology cannot resurrect dinosaurs using DNA, new methods involving bone proteins and AI offer promising avenues. British paleontologist Emily Rayfield highlighted AI’s transformative potential in understanding dinosaur biology. However, ethical considerations remain a significant hurdle. The symposium also underscored China’s contributions to paleontology, with nearly one-third of known dinosaur species discovered in the country. The event concluded with a focus on bridging scientific research with public education, as exemplified by the Shanghai exhibition, which has attracted nearly 400,000 visitors and garnered international interest for a global tour.

In a groundbreaking scientific breakthrough, a team of Chinese researchers has uncovered the phenomenon of rare-earth mineralization in ferns, marking the first time such a discovery has been made in the plant kingdom. This finding, published in the prestigious international journal *Environmental Science & Technology*, could revolutionize the extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) by offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional mining methods. The study, led by Zhu Jianxi of the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, focused on *Blechnum orientale*, an evergreen fern known as a hyperaccumulator plant. The researchers discovered that this fern not only absorbs and concentrates REEs from the soil but also facilitates their self-assembly into a mineral called Monazite-(La) within its tissue cells. This biomineralization process, previously observed only in microorganisms and animals, represents a significant leap in understanding plant mechanisms. Unlike traditional rare-earth mining, which often causes severe environmental damage, this plant-based approach could enable the recovery of valuable REEs while simultaneously remediating contaminated soil and restoring ecosystems. The discovery also highlights the potential of nearly a thousand known hyperaccumulator plants for sustainable resource utilization. The ‘biomonazite’ formed by *Blechnum orientale* is pure and nonradioactive, making it a promising candidate for green extraction methods. This research not only advances scientific knowledge but also offers a practical solution to the global challenges of resource scarcity and environmental degradation.

In a groundbreaking achievement, China’s Mars orbiter, part of the Tianwen 1 mission, has successfully captured images of a rare interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, as it traversed the solar system. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced the milestone on Thursday, marking a significant advancement in space exploration. The comet, first discovered on July 1 by NASA-funded ATLAS telescopes, is the third confirmed interstellar object to pass through our solar system, following 1I/’Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov. The Tianwen 1 orbiter, positioned approximately 29 million kilometers from the comet, executed one of the closest observations of such a celestial body. Scientists and engineers meticulously planned the observation, conducting extensive calculations and simulations to optimize the imaging process. The comet, estimated to be between 3 to 11 billion years old, offers invaluable insights into the composition and evolution of exoplanets. Its unique characteristics, including a tail direction opposite to typical comets, have piqued scientific interest, providing a rare opportunity to study extraterrestrial icy objects. This observation also serves as a technical test for the upcoming Tianwen 2 asteroid exploration mission, launched in May. The discovery underscores China’s growing prowess in space exploration and its contribution to understanding the cosmos.