Chinese Academy of Sciences (PDF) - low res version

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CAS/In Focus
Figure 2. Illustration of the Quantum Science Satellite.
• Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE): The explorer will investigate
dark matter particles from deep space by high-resolution observation
of gamma-rays as well as electron spectra and their distribution in
space. It will also help scientists study the motion and acceleration of
cosmic rays in the galaxy by measuring the energy spectra of heavy ions.
• ShiJian-10 (SJ-10): Using recoverable satellite technology, SJ-10 focuses
on the behavior of matter and life activities in space. It will carry
out experiments in microgravity on heat and mass transport in fluid, biospace
adaptation, and mutation and gene expression.
• KUAFU Mission (KUAFU): Named after the legendary Chinese figure
who chases the Sun, the project will help scientists study solar influences
on earth space weather. It consists of three satellites, one located at
L1 (the point at which an object experiences the same gravitational pull
from both the Earth and the Sun, allowing it remaining in the same position
relative to these bodies) and two in polar orbits. It is a cooperative
mission with international collaborations. China will launch one satellite,
KUAFU A, to the L1 point.
• Intensive Study of Future Space Science Missions: Following the
space science strategic plan, this project aims to intensively study new
science missions, taking into account scientific objectives, optimization
of plan implementation, and development of key technologies, in preparation
for implementing the missions during the 13th Five-Year Plan period
(2016–2020).
Research
Stem Cells and Regenerative Both neurodegener-
Medicine
Research on stem cells and regenerative ative disorders and
medicine has flourished in China in the
last decade, despite some hurdles that liver diseases have
have limited their application. An intensive
research program to study stem cells was a major impact on
launched in order to understand the regulatory
mechanisms in these cells, inves- human health.
tigate the potential for stem cell therapy,
and establish standards and ethics for future applications.
Both neurodegenerative disorders and liver diseases have a major impact
on human health. Compared with traditional medical treatments, regenerative
medicine offers a promising approach for therapy. Research into the
developmental origins of nerves and liver tissue will provide a theoretical
basis for the clinical application of stem cells and regenerative medicine.
This program has established a system-wide academic network to support
the research involving more than 80 research groups from four centers of
stem cell and regenerative medicine research located in Beijing, Shanghai,
Guangzhou, and Kunming, as well as 17 other institutes studying life science,
material science, chemistry, and biomechanics.
The basic strategy is to study liver, mesenchyme, and neural stem cells
originating from the three germ layers: the endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm—from
which stem cell differentiation, development, and organ formation
take place—so as to integrate basic theoretical research with new
strategic applications of stem cells and regenerative medicine. Results from
the program will clarify the origin, maintenance, differentiation, and function
of stem cells during normal and pathological development of important
organs. The program also focuses on identifying important targets for stem
cell regulation, exploring drug candidates based on stem cell factors and
functional regulators, and establishing a translational research system for
stem cell technologies. The ultimate goals are to discover the basic mechanisms
underlying stem cell biology; to identify the roles of stem cells in the
origin, formulation, and regeneration of tissues and organs; to develop new
strategies for precisely regulating stem cells; to implement clinical applications
of stem cells in the repair of pathological damage; and to promote the
development of regenerative medicine.
Contact: Professor Zhou Qi, zhouqi@ioz.ac.cn
• Advanced Research of Space Science Missions and Payloads:
This research is intended to advance key technologies for future space
science satellites by supporting a related group of research subjects,
including innovative concepts for future space science missions, key
technologies of payloads, ground calibrations, and short-term flight
CAS; OF
demonstrations.
With the intention of encouraging cooperation in order to stay at the
COURTESY
forefront of discovery, this program is open to the entire science community
TOP)
for cooperation, with opportunities for mission to mission cooperation, payload
piggybacking with foreign partners, ground support, and data sharing.
(FROM
“Tiny,” the mouse developed from induced pluripotent stem cells
through tetraploid complementation.
Contact: Professor Wu Ji, wuji@nssc.ac.cn. CREDIT:
COURTESY OF THE INSTITUTE OF ZOOLOGY, CAS