Latest news with #ZhangYan
Borneo Post
28-06-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Chinese scientists join classrooms to inspire teenagers to become innovators
A teacher instructs as a student uses a computer in a programming class at a primary school in Yuhu District of Xiangtan City, central China's Hunan Province on April 11, 2024. – Xinhua photo BEIJING (June 29): Peking University life sciences professor Zhang Yan, who has been researching Alzheimer's disease for two decades, has taken on a new mission this semester: educating young teens. Beyond lectures and experiments, Zhang is committed to giving her young students an authentic glimpse into the world of scientific research. She believes such hands-on learning should begin early in basic education, and as a scientist, she sees it as her responsibility to contribute. Zhang is one of thousands of researchers to be appointed as a 'vice principal of science' – a position introduced by China's Ministry of Education two years ago, in an initiative aiming to ensure every primary and secondary school engages the services of at least one scientific researcher from a university, research institute or technology company to strengthen science education. Scientist-led classes Dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, sipping milk tea and switching seamlessly between Chinese and English, Zhang teaches her middle school students much like she does her doctoral candidates in university labs. This casual approach is the first message she hopes to convey: scientists are not always solemn, bookish or eccentric. During her first lecture at Beijing Guangqumen Middle School in late May, she said that in reality, many scientists have diverse interests, lead balanced lives and possess both intellectual and emotional intelligence. Similarly, Zhang seeks to dispel another common misconception about careers in science: success comes solely from hard work, much like scoring high in college entrance exams. 'You may spend years with few breakthroughs, and that is the first challenge scientists must face – learning to deal with frustration,' she said in English during a recent class. Her students listened carefully, not distracted by phones or computers. They are preparing to enter senior high school after their summer vacation, and in three years, they will choose a university and a major. 'The earlier they learn, the more they benefit,' Zhang said, noting that understanding scientific careers as teens will help them make choices in the future. Using examples ranging from the discovery of penicillin to the gene-editing of white mice in labs, Zhang also encouraged her young students to develop habits of critical thinking, questioning authority and pursuing lifelong learning. Next month, she plans to take them to her university lab, where they will observe and conduct basic scientific experiments. 'They will experience real scientific work,' she said. Students learn about spacecraft models at the fourth live class of the 'Tiangong Class' series in Yan'an Science and Technology Museum in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province on Sept 21, 2023. – Xinhua photo National push To make classes more engaging, researchers nationwide are adopting diverse approaches. Besides lab experiments, some organise field expeditions or showcase models of scientific facilities such as lunar probes, submarines and large telescopes. The study of emerging technologies like AI and humanoid robots has also made its way into classrooms, becoming part of the content being taught by scientists. Tasked with more than teaching, these vice principals of science also help schools with science curriculum planning, teacher training and bringing in scientific resources, forming part of the country's broader picture of science education. Since 2023, under a national 'double reduction' policy launched in 2021 to ease the burdens of excessive homework and off-campus tutoring that students face in their compulsory education years, greater emphasis has been placed on enhancing science education and nurturing young people with both the potential to become scientists and aspirations to dedicate themselves to scientific research. According to a January report by the state broadcaster CCTV citing the latest data from the Ministry of Education, 45 per cent of primary and secondary schools have appointed a vice principal specialising in science over the past two years. Schools are also striving to nurture their own science teaching staff. Beijing Haidian Aerospace Tuqiang Primary School, for example, employs 15 full-time or part-time science teachers. The number of science teachers in the country's junior high schools has increased by more than 8,400 nationwide, and by over 28,000 in senior high schools. And technology firms are also joining this national push for improved science education. Leading AI company iFlytek has launched study tour programmes to showcase its voice-recognition tools and robots to students, and carmaker Geely has opened its workshops to students, allowing young people to learn about the manufacturing process of new energy vehicles. Students have a class in a prefabricated classroom in Guanting Town, Minhe Hui and Tu Autonomous County, northwest China's Qinghai Province on March 1, 2024. – Xinhua photo Duty of educators However, serving as a school educator does not offer extra pay or benefits for her research work, Zhang said. 'It is purely driven by a sense of duty.' China has intensified efforts to encourage scientist participation in science education. A revised Science and Technology Popularisation Law came into effect last year and introduced concrete measures, such as those on professional recognition and evaluation, to reward researchers for public engagement. Zeng Fankui, a researcher at the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is passionate about popularising his potato studies and serves as vice principal of science at three local schools. He applauds the progress the country has made in science education, but points to some problems: many rural schools lack proper science equipment and specialised teachers, and traditional mindsets that prioritise rote learning over scientific thinking remain. Xiong Bingqi, dean of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, said that the goal of the vice principal of science role is to cultivate true scientific literacy. 'If science classes only assign mechanical exercises, AI could replace them,' he warned, adding that science education should shift focus from knowledge delivery to the cultivation of self-directed learning and nurturing innovation. Students crammed with scientific knowledge alone will find it difficult to adapt to the rapid changes of the future, Xiong said. – Xinhua China education schools scientists Xinhua
Malaysian Reserve
18-06-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Angel Yeast Marks Sustainable Gastronomy Day with Outstanding Results in Weight Management Year
YICHANG, China, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Angel Yeast (SH:600298), a global leader in yeast manufacturing, is celebrating Sustainable Gastronomy Day (June 18) by promoting low-carbon healthy diet solutions as part of its ongoing mission to reshape the nutritional health landscape. This initiative expands on the company's 'Weight Management Year' program introduced at Yichang's National Nutrition Week opening ceremony (May 17, 2025). Centered on the innovative theme 'The Awakening of Yeast Power,' the campaign masterfully blended nutritional science with engaging public demonstrations, highlighting yeast's unique benefits for metabolic health and weight management. Among Angel Yeast's key innovations is AngeoPro® yeast protein, a decade-long research breakthrough that addresses global protein shortages while contributing to the achievement of China's 'Dual Carbon' goals. According to the 'World Obesity Atlas 2025' released by the World Obesity Federation, the number of obese adults worldwide is projected to increase from 524 million in 2010 to 1.13 billion by 2030—an increase of over 115 percent. This stark projection accentuates on the growing trend of obesity and its potential threats to public health, and the urgency for taking proactive measures. Effective weight management is crucial for preventing diseases such as hypertension and diabetes and improving quality of life. In response to the global challenge, Angel Yeast launched the 'Weight Management Year' initiative in May 2024. Since then, the program has engaged 15,000 people with nearly 1,000 active participants, 70 percent of whom lost weight successfully, averaging at 1 kilogram per person. 'The foundation of effective weight management is maintaining a balanced diet and physical activity, Angel Yeast has innovatively developed a range of products, including yeast protein, low-sodium yeast extract seasonings and low-sugar soft bread, leveraging advanced technologies to reduce salt, oil and sugar to bring a more science-based and efficient approach of weight management,' said Zhang Yan, chief engineer of Angel Yeast. Yeast is a type of probiotic, and the yeast protein has been shown to significantly alleviate the histological and functional degradation of intestinal health caused by aging. Additionally, it enhances the microbial population of intestinal tract and promoting overall gut health. The AngeoPro® yeast protein is non-animal derived, environmentally friendly, safe and nutritionally rich, and has emerged as a strong option of protein, contributing to improving the global protein supply and advancing sustainable development. Currently, the use of yeast protein in the global food industry is experiencing a steady annual increase. Yeast protein has become a fundamental component of daily diets, driving a shift towards healthier eating habits. 'Yeast protein boasts a complete set of amino acids – including all nine essential amino acids needed by the human body, and its composition closely aligns with the ideal amino acid profile recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). With a digestion and absorption rate of up to 90 percent and a biological value of 87, its amino acid score adjusted for digestibility (PDCAAS) is equal to 1, surpassing soy protein and matches whey protein, making it a highly valuable source of quality nutrition,' noted Zhang. Yeast protein also contains a high content of lysine, making it particularly suitable for groups whose main source of food is grains, as nutritional yeast protein powder is also rich in B vitamins. AngeoPro® yeast protein can increase the abundance of Bacteroides the taiotaomicron in the gut, which may enhance the body's metabolic efficiency and positively impact weight management. The use of yeast protein in global food industry is increasing steadily and has become a fundamental component of daily diets to drive a shift towards healthier eating routines. As research continues to advance, the functional applications of AngeoPro® yeast protein are being further explored in areas such as muscle reconstruction, sports injuries recovery, digestive health, immune support, and lipid metabolism. Moving forward, Angel Yeast is committed to continuously promoting the global application of yeast protein, contributing to healthier and more sustainable diets and lifestyles.
Korea Herald
18-06-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
Angel Yeast Marks Sustainable Gastronomy Day with Outstanding Results in Weight Management Year
YICHANG, China, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Angel Yeast (SH:600298), a global leader in yeast manufacturing, is celebrating Sustainable Gastronomy Day (June 18) by promoting low-carbon healthy diet solutions as part of its ongoing mission to reshape the nutritional health landscape. This initiative expands on the company's "Weight Management Year" program introduced at Yichang's National Nutrition Week opening ceremony (May 17, 2025). Centered on the innovative theme "The Awakening of Yeast Power," the campaign masterfully blended nutritional science with engaging public demonstrations, highlighting yeast's unique benefits for metabolic health and weight management. Among Angel Yeast's key innovations is AngeoPro® yeast protein, a decade-long research breakthrough that addresses global protein shortages while contributing to the achievement of China's "Dual Carbon" goals. According to the "World Obesity Atlas 2025" released by the World Obesity Federation, the number of obese adults worldwide is projected to increase from 524 million in 2010 to 1.13 billion by 2030—an increase of over 115 percent. This stark projection accentuates on the growing trend of obesity and its potential threats to public health, and the urgency for taking proactive measures. Effective weight management is crucial for preventing diseases such as hypertension and diabetes and improving quality of life. In response to the global challenge, Angel Yeast launched the "Weight Management Year" initiative in May 2024. Since then, the program has engaged 15,000 people with nearly 1,000 active participants, 70 percent of whom lost weight successfully, averaging at 1 kilogram per person. "The foundation of effective weight management is maintaining a balanced diet and physical activity, Angel Yeast has innovatively developed a range of products, including yeast protein, low-sodium yeast extract seasonings and low-sugar soft bread, leveraging advanced technologies to reduce salt, oil and sugar to bring a more science-based and efficient approach of weight management," said Zhang Yan, chief engineer of Angel Yeast. Yeast is a type of probiotic, and the yeast protein has been shown to significantly alleviate the histological and functional degradation of intestinal health caused by aging. Additionally, it enhances the microbial population of intestinal tract and promoting overall gut health. The AngeoPro® yeast protein is non-animal derived, environmentally friendly, safe and nutritionally rich, and has emerged as a strong option of protein, contributing to improving the global protein supply and advancing sustainable development. Currently, the use of yeast protein in the global food industry is experiencing a steady annual increase. Yeast protein has become a fundamental component of daily diets, driving a shift towards healthier eating habits. "Yeast protein boasts a complete set of amino acids – including all nine essential amino acids needed by the human body, and its composition closely aligns with the ideal amino acid profile recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). With a digestion and absorption rate of up to 90 percent and a biological value of 87, its amino acid score adjusted for digestibility (PDCAAS) is equal to 1, surpassing soy protein and matches whey protein, making it a highly valuable source of quality nutrition," noted Zhang. Yeast protein also contains a high content of lysine, making it particularly suitable for groups whose main source of food is grains, as nutritional yeast protein powder is also rich in B vitamins. AngeoPro® yeast protein can increase the abundance of Bacteroides the taiotaomicron in the gut, which may enhance the body's metabolic efficiency and positively impact weight management. The use of yeast protein in global food industry is increasing steadily and has become a fundamental component of daily diets to drive a shift towards healthier eating routines. As research continues to advance, the functional applications of AngeoPro® yeast protein are being further explored in areas such as muscle reconstruction, sports injuries recovery, digestive health, immune support, and lipid metabolism. Moving forward, Angel Yeast is committed to continuously promoting the global application of yeast protein, contributing to healthier and more sustainable diets and lifestyles.
South China Morning Post
18-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
MingMed seeks Hong Kong listing to fund research and launch Botox alternative
MingMed Biotechnology is seeking a Hong Kong listing this year to raise funds to research and market a genetically engineered alternative to Botox in China. The drug developer, based in the Nansha district of Guangzhou, said it would set up an incubation centre in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park in the third quarter. 'Hong Kong has many good universities and research institutes, but it [does not have] a lot of innovative biotech firms,' said MingMed CEO Zhang Yan in an interview on Friday. 'We aim to [turn] early-stage research discoveries at the city's universities into commercial products.' He said Hong Kong was a good platform for fundraising , early-stage drug research and global commercialisation, while Nansha was an ideal location for research and manufacturing. MingMed has raised 1.75 billion yuan (US$243.7 million) from multiple private fundraisings, Zhang said, adding that its largest institutional investor was Beijing-based Gaorong Ventures. The company filed a Hong Kong listing application in 2022, but let it lapse due to unfavourable global market conditions for biotech stocks, he said. Last year, MingMed completed a late-stage, phase-three clinical trial on a genetically manipulated alternative to Botox, which is used to reduce wrinkles. Botox is made from a naturally occurring botulinum toxin, a protein produced by a bacterium. Genetically engineered products could lower production costs and enhance product safety, Zhang said.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla's China-made EV sales fall 6% y/y in April
BEIJING (Reuters) -Tesla sold 58,459 China-made electric vehicles in April, down 6% from last year, data from the China Passenger Car Association showed on Wednesday. Deliveries of locally made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles slid 25.8% from the previous month. Tesla's Chinese rival BYD, with its Ocean and Dynasty lineup of EVs and plug-in hybrids, last month saw a 19.4% year-on-year jump in passenger vehicle sales to 372,615 vehicles. (Reporting by Qiaoyi Li, Zhang Yan and Brenda Goh; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
