The year 2010 has been designated the International Year of Biodiversity by United Nations. The theme for this initiative is 'Biodiversity is life and biodiversity is our life.' A
Through analysis of the historical and present development of botanical gardens, both domestic and international, with particular focus on botanical garden practices within the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the a...Through analysis of the historical and present development of botanical gardens, both domestic and international, with particular focus on botanical garden practices within the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the authors propose that science-based botanical gardens (which differ from common public gardens), should be founded on plant diversity inventory and ex-situ conservation of wild plant species. Efforts should be directed to rarer species from biodiversity-rich areas and biodiversity hotspots, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to effectively preserve germplasm in living collections. Science-based botanical garden management should be directed by sound scientific evaluation of plant resources and guaranteed by innovative operational mechanisms. Science-based botanical gardens should also emphasize the establishment of identifiable and specialized living collections, research platforms and recruitment of qualified experts. In addition to curating living specimens, science-based botanical gardens should pursue research and development of new plant varieties or patents based on their plant collections, thus providing continual support to bio-industry.展开更多
With richest biodiversity in the world, Africa is the center of most conservation priorities. The difference in the composition of biodiversity is phenomenal between Africa and China, where the resources are almost co...With richest biodiversity in the world, Africa is the center of most conservation priorities. The difference in the composition of biodiversity is phenomenal between Africa and China, where the resources are almost complementary. This essay reviews the characteristics of African biodiversity, as well as the current status and international cooperation on biodiversity conservation. It also evaluates the significance and impendence of developing Sino-African research projects in this regard, and blueprints detailed plans for such an initiative in possible regions.展开更多
On July 5,2001,Nature published an article:“Wang Ying-lai(1907–2001)”in honor of Dr.Yinglai Wang and his contributions to the advancement of total chemical synthesis of biological molecules.It is rather rare for Na...On July 5,2001,Nature published an article:“Wang Ying-lai(1907–2001)”in honor of Dr.Yinglai Wang and his contributions to the advancement of total chemical synthesis of biological molecules.It is rather rare for Nature to describe a biochemist in this manner.However,Yinglai Wang is an admired and revered scientist,and as such,deserves such an honor!展开更多
Duck egg drop syndrome virus(DEDSV) is a newly emerging pathogenic flavivirus isolated from ducks in China.DEDSV infection mainly results in severe egg drop syndrome in domestic poultry,which leads to huge economic lo...Duck egg drop syndrome virus(DEDSV) is a newly emerging pathogenic flavivirus isolated from ducks in China.DEDSV infection mainly results in severe egg drop syndrome in domestic poultry,which leads to huge economic losses.Thus,the discovery of ways and means to combat DEDSV is urgent.Since 2010,a remarkable amount of progress concerning DEDSV research has been achieved.Here,we review current knowledge on the epidemiology,symptomatology,and pathology of DEDSV.A detailed dissection of the viral genome and polyprotein sequences,comparative analysis of viral antigenicity and the corresponding potential immunity against the virus are also summarized.Current findings indicate that DEDSV should be a distinct species from Tembusu virus.Moreover,the adaption of DEDSV in wildlife and its high homology to pathogenic flaviviruses(e.g.,West Nile virus,Japanese encephalitis virus,and dengue virus),illustrate its reemergence and potential to become a zoonotic pathogen that should not be overlooked.Detailed insight into the antigenicity and corresponding immunity against the virus is of clear significance for the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs specific for DEDSV.展开更多
文摘The year 2010 has been designated the International Year of Biodiversity by United Nations. The theme for this initiative is 'Biodiversity is life and biodiversity is our life.' A
文摘Through analysis of the historical and present development of botanical gardens, both domestic and international, with particular focus on botanical garden practices within the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the authors propose that science-based botanical gardens (which differ from common public gardens), should be founded on plant diversity inventory and ex-situ conservation of wild plant species. Efforts should be directed to rarer species from biodiversity-rich areas and biodiversity hotspots, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to effectively preserve germplasm in living collections. Science-based botanical garden management should be directed by sound scientific evaluation of plant resources and guaranteed by innovative operational mechanisms. Science-based botanical gardens should also emphasize the establishment of identifiable and specialized living collections, research platforms and recruitment of qualified experts. In addition to curating living specimens, science-based botanical gardens should pursue research and development of new plant varieties or patents based on their plant collections, thus providing continual support to bio-industry.
文摘With richest biodiversity in the world, Africa is the center of most conservation priorities. The difference in the composition of biodiversity is phenomenal between Africa and China, where the resources are almost complementary. This essay reviews the characteristics of African biodiversity, as well as the current status and international cooperation on biodiversity conservation. It also evaluates the significance and impendence of developing Sino-African research projects in this regard, and blueprints detailed plans for such an initiative in possible regions.
文摘On July 5,2001,Nature published an article:“Wang Ying-lai(1907–2001)”in honor of Dr.Yinglai Wang and his contributions to the advancement of total chemical synthesis of biological molecules.It is rather rare for Nature to describe a biochemist in this manner.However,Yinglai Wang is an admired and revered scientist,and as such,deserves such an honor!
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China,Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2011CB504703)National Natural Science Foundation of China (81021003)Gao George Fu is a leading principal investigator of the NSFC Innovative Research Group
文摘Duck egg drop syndrome virus(DEDSV) is a newly emerging pathogenic flavivirus isolated from ducks in China.DEDSV infection mainly results in severe egg drop syndrome in domestic poultry,which leads to huge economic losses.Thus,the discovery of ways and means to combat DEDSV is urgent.Since 2010,a remarkable amount of progress concerning DEDSV research has been achieved.Here,we review current knowledge on the epidemiology,symptomatology,and pathology of DEDSV.A detailed dissection of the viral genome and polyprotein sequences,comparative analysis of viral antigenicity and the corresponding potential immunity against the virus are also summarized.Current findings indicate that DEDSV should be a distinct species from Tembusu virus.Moreover,the adaption of DEDSV in wildlife and its high homology to pathogenic flaviviruses(e.g.,West Nile virus,Japanese encephalitis virus,and dengue virus),illustrate its reemergence and potential to become a zoonotic pathogen that should not be overlooked.Detailed insight into the antigenicity and corresponding immunity against the virus is of clear significance for the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs specific for DEDSV.