Professor Xu Min
1. Pursue Depth and Essence:
The research has already reached molecular and chemical bond levels, which is crucial for uncovering the essence of life phenomena. This deep, fundamental exploration into core structures and relationships must be steadfastly continued.
2. Build Bridges to Clinical Practice:
Actively consider how basic research can connect with understanding and treating clinical diseases. Basic scientists and clinicians need to collaborate closely: clinicians identify problems, while scientists uncover mechanisms and propose solutions.
3. Leverage Top-Tier Environment：
Focus on the Future: Fully utilize the exceptional resources and intellectual atmosphere. Focus diligently on current experimental work while also planning long-term strategies, including potential collaborations with industry and pharmaceutical companies.
4. Cultivate Scientific Spirit and Macro-Thinking:
He recommended visiting historic scientific landmarks, such as the University of Cambridge, to absorb their ambiance and learn about the histories of major discoveries. Such experiences broaden perspectives, foster interdisciplinary connections, and help nurture ambitious scientific aspirations.
September 7th – We were privileged to hold an in-depth conversation with Dr. Xu Min, who shared his profound understanding of the history of DNA science. Through interactions with leading scholars, including those from the University of Cambridge, Dr. Xu has cultivated a robust interdisciplinary perspective. During the interview, he offered valuable insights into the practical applications, ethical considerations, and research methodologies of genetic engineering.
1、Regarding genetic engineering's potential, Dr. Xu highlighted its "highly effective" promise in treating diseases with clear monogenic or pathogenic mechanisms. He emphasized that integrating AI technology could significantly accelerate gene screening and research, pointing to substantial future prospects. However, he identified disease complexity as a primary challenge, noting that many conditions involve intricate interactions within multi-gene and protein networks rather than single genes. Furthermore, individual genetic variations mean treatment efficacy can differ significantly, making truly universal "miracle cures" difficult to achieve.
2、When questioned about ethical concerns, such as those surrounding cloning, Dr. Xu suggested they should not be the main barrier at this stage. He views current genetic engineering as still in its early developmental phase, where the priority is advancing technology and deepening scientific understanding. He believes ethical regulations will naturally become a central focus requiring resolution once technology reaches specific milestones, such as human organ cloning or genetic modification. Addressing these issues pragmatically based on the actual context then would be more effective.
3、Dr. Xu also expressed support for the project's aim to incorporate traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) concepts like Yin-Yang balance and syndrome differentiation. From a philosophy of science standpoint, he acknowledged that TCM theories, such as Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, represent profound summaries of natural laws. Their core principle—emphasizing balance and harmony within the body and with the environment—resonates strongly with modern systems biology. He pointed out that similar holistic views were espoused by Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, around 2,500 years ago, suggesting disease stems from disharmony between the body and its living environment.
Dr. Xu noted the key challenge lies in translating these profound philosophical principles into verifiable, operable models using modern scientific language.
Cross-Border Dialogue: Tsinghua-M2025 Team and Brazilian Biotech Expert Eamim Squizani Discuss the Future of Synthetic Biology
On September 4, 2025, Tsinghua University’s iGEM team Tsinghua-M2025 accompanied a delegation from the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI) on a visit to the Zhongguancun National Innovation Demonstration Zone and held an in-depth interview with Brazilian biotechnology expert Ms. Eamim Squizani. Ms. Squizani is a Biotechnology Innovation Researcher at the SENAI Institute for Biosynthesis and Fiber Innovation, with extensive experience in biomanufacturing and sustainable technology development. The CNI is the highest authoritative organization representing Brazilian industry and plays a central role in promoting national industrial development and policy-making.
Before the formal interview, the team and the Brazilian delegation visited the center to learn about China's cutting-edge advancements in synthetic biomanufacturing, including super cell factories, high-throughput nucleic acid synthesizers, and cell-free protein synthesis systems. Each innovation demonstrated China's substantial investment and support across the entire chain of synthetic biology, from fundamental research to industrial application.
The Tsinghua-M 2025 team then introduced their project design philosophy, particularly the intelligent yeast regulation system inspired by the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concept of "pulse-taking," to Ms. Squizani. A productive exchange ensued, covering topics from project communication and biosafety to public acceptance. During the Q&A session, the team first inquired about the effectiveness of using the TCM "pulse-taking" analogy for an international audience. Ms. Squizani suggested that while the analogy was insightful, it would be more accessible with additional cultural context. She recommended explaining that TCM involves observing bodily signs to predict and preemptively address future imbalances, which aligns perfectly with the project's core logic of enabling yeast to sense "signs" (gene expression) and respond preemptively to stress. She pointed out that Western medicine traditionally focuses on "treating manifested disease," while TCM emphasizes "preventing disease before it occurs" . Clarifying this contrast, she noted, would significantly aid understanding for Western audiences. Regarding public acceptance, Ms. Squizani shared insights from the Brazilian context. She mentioned that while genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were indeed a contentious topic earlier in the 21st century, particularly around 2020, Brazil is now one of the world's most successful adopters of agricultural biotechnology, with nearly 90% of its soy and corn being GM crops. She emphasized that wording is crucial: the term "transgenic" still carries negative connotations among older generations, whereas using terms like "biotechnology" or "GMO strain" is more palatable. Younger generations, she explained, are generally more receptive to the products themselves, often focusing on the benefits of biotechnology—such as reduced pesticide use and a lower carbon footprint—rather than the "GMO" label. She concluded that with continued science communication, public attitude in Brazil is becoming increasingly positive. Addressing biosafety and ethical concerns, Ms. Squizani provided clear guidance. She stated that as long as the team did not introduce toxin genes, used food-grade Saccharomyces cerevisiae, conducted work under contained laboratory conditions, and thoroughly inactivated the strains after experiments, the project would meet conventional Biosafety Level 1 or 2 (BSL-1/2) standards and raise no major biosafety or ethical issues. She also suggested using bioinformatics tools like ToxinPred to predict the toxicity of the expressed proteins for added assurance. Finally, Ms. Squizani offered numerous valuable practical suggestions for the project. She stressed the importance of utilizing digital tools like Benchling or Geneious for precise plasmid design and automatically checking details like reading frames to avoid rework. She advised the team to deeply understand the host yeast strain's genetic "grammar" and its preferences for elements like promoters and terminators. She shared practical tips for troubleshooting failed transformations and repeatedly emphasized the critical importance of meticulously documenting every experimental parameter, as most errors stem from minor mistakes like miscalculations. She encouraged the team to maintain curiosity and patience and to enjoy the exciting moment of seeing their first positive clone. This exchange not only deepened the Tsinghua-M2025 team's understanding of the challenges and opportunities in synthetic biology from a global perspective but also highlighted the unique charm of integrating science and culture. As Ms. Squizani remarked, "Science has no borders—true innovation stems from openness, collaboration, and mutual trust."