1. Exploration of Biometabolic Network Modeling via GEM

Investigated mainstream algorithms for Genome-Scale Metabolic Models (GEMs), such as Flux Balance Analysis (FBA), dynamic Flux Balance Analysis (dFBA), and associated tools including COBRApy, COBRA Toolbox, Snoopy, and SurreyFBA.

2. Preliminary Study on Integrating FBA with Machine Learning

This phase primarily involved a literature review and foundational understanding. Team members focusing on in silico work familiarized themselves with iGEM requirements and explored relevant computational tools and modeling approaches.

1. Conducted analysis of modeling frameworks and wiki documentation practices from previous gold-award-winning iGEM teams.

Reviewed examples from teams such as Heidelberg, BNUZH-China, and Tsinghua iGEM 2024 to identify standard practices and requirements for in silico work.

Fig.3 Analysis of previous iGEM teams

2. Identified and evaluated open-source tools and resources for foundational learning.

Focused primarily on mastering COBRApy and studying established metabolic models.

1. Defined the objectives, content, and methodology for constructing the target dataset.

Objective: Develop a Question-Answering (QA) system, comprising two versions (Base and Professional).

Content: To be consolidated and finalized at a later stage.

Methodology: A hybrid approach combining API data retrieval with manual curation and modification.

2. Developed and tested preliminary demonstrations for FBA and dFBA.

Successfully established and executed foundational versions of Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) and dynamic FBA (dFBA) simulations.

1. Refinement of the QA database and initial development of the front-end web interface.

2. Expansion of the disease-probiotic relationship data.

3. Supplementary work on the background literature and manuscript.

4. Integration of AI models (DeepSeek and Qwen).

5. Initiation of mobile application development.

6. Implementation of fuzzy matching for the QA system.

The foundational dataset was successfully established and subjected to preliminary validation. The core framework of the platform was largely established, marking a significant milestone in the development lifecycle.

1. Preliminary construction of the knowledge graph.

2. Further enhancement of the database -- completed integration of Chinese and English content and implementation of fuzzy matching.

3. Platform improvement -- finalized browsing features and the QA module, and achieved online deployment of the database.

4. Completion of the initial version of the mobile application (APP).

5. Application for software copyright.

The month focused on dataset updates, software copyright application, and finalization of the mobile app, representing a consolidation of the computational and legal foundations.

1. Formal submission of the software copyright application (initiated at the end of July).

2. Finalization of the mobile application, ensuring functional compliance with design specifications.

3. Initiation of the second version of database curation -- primarily involving functional screening of microbial strains, supplemented with abstracts, relevant publications, and verification of strain-disease relationships.

4. Initial setup of metabolite data for Flux Balance Analysis (FBA).

5. Refinement of the dynamic Flux Balance Analysis (dFBA) framework.

Work centered on intensive dataset curation and concurrent advancement of the metabolic modeling components, ensuring both data quality and model robustness for subsequent stages.

1. Public Science Lecture: "Scientists Explain: Are Probiotics a Waste of Money?"

Fig.4 Public Science Lecture

Fig.5 Public Science Lecture

1. Preparatory work for Tianjin University's 2025 Haitang Festival: design of display boards, roll-up banners, and flyers.

Fig.6 Haitang Festival preparation

2. Pre-event promotional posts for the Haitang Festival.

Fig.7 Haitang Festival promotion

1. Tianjin University Haitang Festival 2025

Fig.8 Haitang Festival 2025

2. Summary article on the Haitang Festival

Fig.9 Haitang Festival summary

3. World Parkinson's Disease Day awareness feature

Fig.10 World Parkinson's Disease Day

4. "Technology Connecting Global Youth" International Youth Science & Technology Exchange Event

Fig.11 International Youth Science & Technology Exchange

1. Collaborative event with The Sixth Hospital of Peking University

Fig.12 Collaborative event with The Sixth Hospital

Fig.13 Collaborative event with The Sixth Hospital

2. Science Communication Series -- Issue 1

Fig.14 Science Communication Series Issue 1

1. Shaoxing City "New Quality Productive Forces" Science Communication and Exhibition Event

Fig.15 Shaoxing Science Communication Event

Fig.16 Shaoxing Science Communication Event

Fig.17 Shaoxing Science Communication Event

1. Science Communication Series -- Issues 2, 3, and 4

Fig.18 Science Communication Series Issue 2

Fig.19 Science Communication Series Issue 3

Fig.20 Science Communication Series Issue 4

2. Summary feature on the collaborative event with The Sixth Hospital of Peking University

Fig.21 Collaborative event summary

3. Interview feature with the Head Nurse of The Sixth Hospital of Peking University

Fig.22 Interview with head nurse

4. Interview feature with a physician from The Sixth Hospital of Peking University

Fig.23 Interview with physician

5. Patient story feature from The Sixth Hospital of Peking University

Fig.24 Patient story feature

6. Activity planning for the Shaoxing Science Education Base

7. Promotional feature on Tsingke Biotechnology

8. High School Science Education Base Activity: "From Powder to Pill: The Preparation and Testing of Tablets"

Fig.25 From Powder to Pill activity

9. High School Science Education Base Activity: "Culture Medium Art"

Fig.26 Culture Medium Art activity

10. High School Science Education Base Activity: "Perfume-Making Workshop"

Fig.27 Perfume-Making Workshop

1. Science Communication Series -- Issues 5, 6, 7, and 9

Fig.28 Science Communication Series Issue 5

Fig.29 Science Communication Series Issue 6

Fig.30 Science Communication Series Issue 7

Fig.31 Science Communication Series Issue 9

2. Parkinson's Disease Science Communication Video

Fig.32 Parkinson's Disease Science Communication Video

1. Science Communication Series -- Issue 8

Fig.33 Science Communication Series Issue 8