Introduction
Numerous instances show that obtaining a quality education plays a vital role in building a brighter future. This holds true not just for individuals, but also for countries and communities alike. Our alma mater, Lanzhou University, is located in northwestern China—a region marked by a relatively sparse landscape and economic growth that lags far behind more prosperous areas like Shanghai or Guangdong. Furthermore, its inland location leads to insufficient transportation choices. All these elements combine to result in a less-than-ideal state of educational advancement in this area.
Amid globalization, coastal areas are thriving, whereas our inland region seems to face a grim prospect. It appears our university has little chance of regaining its position as one of China's top ten universities. Our current situation and the resources we can access are similar to those of people living in other inland regions and nations. In a global context driven by maritime commerce, individuals in inland areas struggle to obtain the same resources as their coastal counterparts across multiple fields, including economy, trade, technology, and education.
One pivotal night, along the quiet paths of our educational journey, a discussion took place that would change the trajectory of our lives:
“Compared to people from coastal areas, do those in inland regions face an inherent obstacle when it comes to education?” a team member pondered, his tone tinged with frustration. “As inland residents, does having fewer resources make it more difficult for us to achieve success?”
Another team member responded, “Maybe we don’t always have to pursue the highest accolades. Through diligence, we can become our own role models, forge our distinct identities, and set an example in our region. Although we may not be able to help more people gain access to high-quality educational resources, developing a comprehensive set of educational activities that target the broadest possible audience is already a meaningful contribution!”
Thus, we made the decision to embark on an extensive science popularization initiative. We hold the view that the spread of scientific knowledge should be inclusive—catering to all age groups and reaching the largest number of people possible.
Our initiative covers four distinct levels: schools, communities and cities, the nation, and the world. Each level presents its own unique challenges and opportunities. At the school level, we focused on two specific age groups: young children (including elementary school students) and university students.
In schools, we held engaging science games for kids, arranged laboratory visits, organized scientific conferences for university students, and hosted slide painting events. These efforts sparked children’s interest and encouraged them to express complex scientific ideas through artistic means.
In Lanzhou, Gansu Province, we teamed up with community service centers and hospitals to deliver science popularization activities open to people of all ages. These events mainly included interactive games and informative lectures to make science accessible and enjoyable.
On a national scale, we designed targeted educational programs to address regional gaps in resources. We also distributed printed handbooks on gut health knowledge to locations across the country, ensuring valuable health-related scientific knowledge reached more people.
Globally, we developed and spread multilingual handbooks on gut health knowledge, shared science articles via WeChat official accounts, and created a guide advocating for educational equity. We are dedicated to removing all barriers to the spread of scientific knowledge—whether those barriers are related to national borders, natural conditions, age, or gender.
By adopting a precision-focused strategy, we have guaranteed that everyone—no matter their age, ethnicity, gender, or background—can access scientific knowledge. We successfully merged art and science, carrying out educational activities in lively, engaging ways that bring people together globally in spirit and purpose.
Our view of education
From our team’s perspective, education has been invested with far deeper, more abundant meaning—it extends well beyond simple knowledge indoctrination and skill instruction, evolving into a profound spiritual journey and a transformative feast of wisdom awakening. We firmly hold that the true essence of education, as articulated by French Enlightenment thinker Jean-Jacques Rousseau, goes beyond merely sowing knowledge seeds in students’ hearts; it also kindles the inner fire that drives them to explore the unknown and pursue truth, guiding them onto an extraordinary path of self-discovery and growth.
The ancient Chinese sage Laozi once stated, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” As a group of explorers fueled by scientific aspirations and a passion for education, we are dedicated to creating an open, inclusive, and innovative learning space. Here, every student can thrive freely on this fertile ground of knowledge and dare to push boundaries in their exploration. We believe the power of education lies in unlocking students’ inherent learning potential. Through a project-based learning approach, we encourage students to think independently, engage in hands-on practice, and connect theoretical knowledge with real-world problems. This way, they deepen their understanding through experience, strengthen their resolve amid challenges, and learn to communicate and collaborate effectively in teamwork.
On the iDEC platform, we urge students to dare to question and challenge authority. We also guide every member to pay attention to social hot topics, reflect on science and technology ethics, view the world through a scientific lens, and touch people’s hearts with humanistic compassion. In various community initiatives, we put our acquired knowledge into practice to assist others—this not only supports community residents but also serves as a valuable learning experience for every team member. Because we place great emphasis on spiritual connection and enlightenment, our ultimate goal in education is to nurture future leaders who possess independent thinking abilities, a strong sense of social responsibility, and genuine humanistic care. We are convinced that such education can cultivate interdisciplinary talents with both profound scientific literacy and noble moral character, thereby contributing to societal progress and development.
In summary, the iDEC team’s educational philosophy and mission center on prioritizing the enlightenment of the mind and the awakening of wisdom alongside imparting knowledge. By leveraging innovative educational methods, we stir up students’ intrinsic drive, equipping them to become young people of the new era—individuals with an innovative spirit, practical skills, a sense of social responsibility, and humanistic empathy. We firmly believe this is education in its truest form: one that not only illuminates students’ futures but also lights the path for the advancement of human civilization.
Schools
1.Elementary school
Future Scientists Launch Program Co-hosted by LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA and Lanzhou Children's Palace: Learning Synthetic Biology to Enlighten Children's Minds
Date: August 4, 2025
Time: Monday morning at 9:00
Location: Genetics Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University
In the summer of 2025, our team teamed up with Lanzhou Children's Palace to carry out a remarkable educational activity for primary school students. With the theme of "Future Scientists Launch Program: Learning About Synthetic Biology", this activity aimed to guide children to get up close to scientific research activities, experience the charm of scientific inquiry, and plant seeds of science in the children's hearts—all by combining science popularization with fun experiments.
On the day of the event, team members from LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA had carefully prepared science popularization materials and experimental equipment, and explained the mysteries of synthetic biology to the children in a lively and engaging way. They used methods that attract kids to introduce the meaning, applications, and future potential of synthetic biology to the primary school students. At the same time, they showed the children around the "cool and awesome" experimental equipment (as the kids saw it), which greatly broadened the children’s scientific horizons.
To enable the children to have a more direct encounter with synthetic biology, our team planned to guide them through interesting DNA experiments. While encouraging the kids to get hands-on with the experiments, the team also explained the key operational precautions. These simple hands-on tasks sparked their enthusiasm for participating in the activity, allowed them to enjoy the fun of experimentation, and helped them learn basic knowledge about synthetic biology. Amid laughter and joy, the children carried out the experiment, and through each step of the operation, they learned to be careful and rigorous.
At the event site, the children were full of enthusiasm and actively asked questions. One of our team members said, “Seeing how engaged they are, I feel all the preparations were worthwhile. Not only do we want them to understand what synthetic biology is, but we also hope to make them realize that ‘science is close to them.’ Who knows—this small seed planted today might grow into a towering tree in the future.”
This popular science education activity received unanimous praise from parents and children. It not only allowed the children to learn knowledge about synthetic biology and master basic experimental skills, but more importantly, it fostered their scientific way of thinking, rigorous academic attitude, and innovative spirit of daring to explore. LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA will continue to seek opportunities to support youth science and technology education, enabling more children to have the chance to get close to science and fall in love with it.
LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA Travels to Gannan: Illuminating the Education Cause on the Grasslands
In July, in Xiahe County of Gannan, the greenery of Ganjia Grassland stretches as far as the eye can see. Our team members arrived at Xike Administrative Village in Ganjia Town, bringing knowledge and hope to this grassland village. LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA has built a bridge connecting cities and rural areas, and through practical actions, it has interpreted the profound connotation of "taking medical benevolence as the foundation and education as the priority".
Book Donation to Build a Library, Cultural Nourishment to Enrich the Village
The scorching afternoon sun could not dampen the team members’ enthusiasm for passing on knowledge. During the book donation activity in the afternoon, everyone braved the blazing sun, carried and hauled boxes of books, and transported them to the local rural library. Sweat soaked their clothes, but no one complained—they worked together to sort and shelve the 752 books by category: popular science books, storybooks, books on the history of civilizations, and more. Each book was neatly arranged on the shelves, making the library cleaner and more organized. This not only made it easy for villagers to borrow books anytime, but also opened a gateway for villagers in the Tibetan-inhabited area to learn about the vast world beyond the grasslands, enriching their spiritual and cultural lives.
Knowledge Exchange, Cultural Communication
Beyond donating books, our team members also communicated with local rural teachers: they explained the basic knowledge of synthetic biology to the teachers and sent them PPTs designed by LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA for rural children. These materials make it easier for the teachers to teach synthetic biology to the kids and ignite their interest in pursuing a career in scientific research. Meanwhile, we also learned about the local basic conditions, gained insights into the local culture, and even learned to make unique handicrafts.
To promote grassland rural culture, our team also posted articles on social media platforms and campus platforms to publicize this event. We sincerely hope that through our efforts, we can inject new vitality into rural economic development and allow more people to experience the unique charm of the Gannan Grassland.
Conclusion
While our trip to the grassland villages—during which we donated books, engaged in cultural exchanges, and learned to make handicrafts—has come to an end, our efforts to bring knowledge and hope to the children will never stop. We firmly believe that in the days ahead, this knowledge will guide the children in their journey forward when they need it most, encouraging them to strive for growth and contribute their part to the prosperity and development of rural areas.
Jiayuguan Road Primary School: Supporting Youth Education
Date: May 26, 2025
Time: Monday morning, 10:30 a.m
Location: Jiayuguan Road Primary School, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province
On a vibrant morning, members of LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA walked into Jiayuguan Road Primary School and gave the primary students here a fun-filled lesson on synthetic biology. The team members’ lively explanations made complex knowledge engaging, sparking the children’s curiosity about this subject.
Medical Students Transform into Science Class Teachers
When we think of medical students, the image that comes to mind is always of them in white coats, rushing between hospitals and laboratories. But this time, the medical students in the team transformed into science teachers and stepped into primary school classrooms. The carefully designed courses and activities by team members are intended to help primary students gain a basic understanding of the charm of this cutting-edge scientific field—using easy-to-understand language and vivid, interesting experiments. While imparting knowledge, we are also undergoing our own learning and growth.
Biology with a Difference
During the class, our team members skillfully transformed complex synthetic biology concepts into engaging stories and experiments. They talked about how to "customize" microorganisms through amazing gene editing technology, turning them into little experts that produce drugs or clean up pollution; they also demonstrated how to use the principles of synthetic biology to design glowing plants, making late nights more colorful. These high-tech technologies, which originally only existed in university laboratories, seemed within reach under the volunteers’ explanations—keeping the primary students engrossed, their eyes sparkling with curiosity and yearning for the unknown world.
The children enthusiastically asked questions one after another. One child asked, “Can we use synthetic biology to keep grass from ever withering?” Instead of directly saying “No,” the team member replied, “This is a great idea! Right now, scientists are also researching ways to make plants more resilient—maybe you’ll be the ones to make it happen someday.” This kind of interaction made the children more willing to voice their ideas. Some pointed at the microorganism images on the PPT and asked, “Can I be a scientist who studies these?” The children were not only drawn to the wonders of synthetic biology, but also inspired by the team members’ passion for science. All the children said that this class felt like opening the door to a new world.
This event was not only a simple popular science activity, but also a vivid practice of the deep integration of education and science. It allowed the students to experience the charm of science in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, sparking their interest and enthusiasm for scientific exploration. Meanwhile, for the medical students in our team, this was also a rare social practice opportunity—it enabled them to gain the growth and realization of their self-worth while imparting knowledge.
Conclusion
As science and technology develop rapidly, cutting-edge technologies such as synthetic biology are gradually changing our lives. Carrying out popular science education on synthetic biology at the primary school level can plant seeds of hope for the cultivation of future scientific and technological talents. We look forward to the day when, in the near future, the former students—once drawn to the knowledge of synthetic biology—will grow into pillars that drive the advancement of science and technology, bringing benefits to human society.
2.University
Lanzhou University Campus Science Popularization Exhibition and Experimental Equipment Painting Competition
In response to the call for science popularization education from the World Health Organization (WHO) and to enhance students' understanding of synthetic biology and gut microbiota health, we carefully planned the Science Popularization Exhibition and Experimental Equipment Painting Competition. This event is not only a feast of knowledge, but also a journey of science popularization. Through lectures and interactions, we aim to arouse students' interest in cutting-edge science—especially in the emerging field of synthetic biology and the prevention and treatment of gut microbiota imbalance.
Highlights of the event：
1. Science Popularization Poster Display: For this event, our team members created two exquisite posters. One focuses on the wonders and applications of synthetic biology, while the other explains in simple terms the causes, prevention, and treatment of perioperative gut microbiota imbalance. The posters are vivid and engaging in design, attracting a large number of students to stop and watch.
2. Experimental Equipment Painting Competition: During this unique event, we specifically selected three types of experimental equipment that are easy to create with—glass slides, Petri dishes, and centrifuge tubes. This activity not only fully showcases the participants' artistic abilities, but also focuses on popularizing biological knowledge and content related to chronic diseases, further promoting the public's awareness and understanding of health issues.
3. Mascot appearance: The mascot image of our team also made its debut at the event. Its cute design makes science popularization no longer dull and catches everyone's attention.
4. Popular Science with Fun Small Experiments: For the children from the Primary School Affiliated to Lanzhou University on the campus of Lanzhou University, we had prepared interesting experimental materials in advance and demonstrated a series of vivid small experiments for them. These experiments not only intuitively demonstrated the marvelous charm of science, but also guided the children to proactively explore the principles behind the experiments, helping to improve their scientific literacy.
5. Prize Setup: To make the event more engaging, we not only prepared exquisite gifts printed with the team symbol (such as customized eco-friendly canvas bags, mascot keychains, and rollerball pens), but also specially prepared hands-on wooden microscopes and experimental material kits for primary school students. The former is practical and has commemorative value, while the latter can enhance the children's hands-on skills and at the same time spark their curiosity about science. These gifts are highly favored by students for balancing practicality and thoughtfulness.
Activity site：
The atmosphere at the event was lively: students actively participated in the painting activity, couldn’t wait to showcase their artistic talents. Meanwhile, in front of the science popularization posters, they carefully looked at the content, discussed with their peers from time to time, and our team members also actively explained the information to them. During the interactions, the students showed their eagerness for knowledge and passion for science. Students came to the booths one after another for inquiries; our team members not only carried out publicity and explanation work, but also gained a fulfilling experience in the process.
This event not only popularized knowledge of synthetic biology and gut microbiota health, but also sparked students’ enthusiasm for scientific exploration. Through interaction and practice, the students gained a deeper understanding of science and developed a stronger commitment to healthy living. We believe that such activities not only enrich students’ campus life, but also plant seeds of science and health in their hearts.
We sincerely thank every student who participated in this event. It is precisely your enthusiasm and curiosity that have made this science popularization journey so meaningful. We look forward to having more opportunities in the future to explore the mysteries of science with you, grow together, and let the light of science illuminate our lives.
Achievements Display：
During the painting process, participants infused cells and molecules with unique artistic flair from their own perspectives. With just a few simple lines, they could sketch molecular structures—and the originally obscure biological knowledge thus became intuitive and easy to understand.
Participants made full use of the characteristics of different experimental equipment to create works with clear layers and rich imagination. This process was not only an artistic exhibition, but also a transmission of scientific knowledge. Participants communicated constantly with each other, sharing their understanding of synthetic biology.
In the end, we collected all the works, selected the First Prize, Second Prize, Third Prize, and Excellence Award winners, and conducted a centralized achievements display of the entries.
Significance of Education
Through this event, we aim to break the constraints of traditional educational models, achieve the deep integration of art and science, and convey health knowledge to the public in more vivid ways. During the event, the organizers emphasized the significance of chronic disease prevention, and also guided participants through painting creation to reflect on: how to reduce the risk of illness through healthy lifestyles.
Furthermore, in-depth discussions were conducted on-site regarding the causes and prevention methods of chronic diseases. Everyone actively shared their views, and the atmosphere was lively. Many people stated that this interactive learning format allowed them to understand bioscience knowledge and health common sense more easily.
Participant feedback
Participants highly recognized this event. “This is not just an art event—it’s more like a vivid health knowledge class,” one participant said. Another participant expressed their expectation: “I really hope there will be more activities like this in the future.” Yet another participant shared, “Through creating, I truly felt the beauty of biology and the importance of health. This experience is especially valuable.”
After the event, many participants continued to share their reflections on their creations, and some even took the initiative to propose passing on the knowledge they had learned to more people. These positive responses not only prove the effectiveness of the event, but also intuitively reflect the public’s urgent demand for health knowledge.
Summary and Outlook
This glass slide painting activity not only enriched participants' artistic experience, but also enhanced their understanding of biology and chronic diseases. The integration of art and science made knowledge more vivid and accessible, sparking public attention to health issues.
In the future, we plan to continue organizing similar activities, integrating more art forms with scientific knowledge to further broaden the public's understanding of biology and health. Meanwhile, we also hope to cooperate with more organizations to promote the popularization of health knowledge and jointly build a healthier society.
We sincerely thank all participants and supporters for their active participation, and look forward to seeing them again in the future to jointly explore the wonderful integration of art and science.
Online Scientific Painting and Photography Competition
In order to arouse students' interest in medicine and enhance medical students' understanding of the knowledge they have learned and experimental processes, we have planned an online scientific research painting and photography activity, which is divided into two categories: painting and photography. Students in the painting category submit cell or tissue diagrams they have painted; students in the photography category submit "beautiful" images taken during scientific research. This activity integrates medical knowledge with artistic creation, aiming to cultivate medical students' strong interest in medical knowledge and scientific research, while enabling the public to understand medical knowledge in a more accessible way.
Highlights of the event：
1.Theme Design: We encourage college students to integrate medicine with art, guiding them to discover or create artworks that are both representative and easy to understand.
2.Submission and Review of Works: Works are submitted via online upload, with no errors in the process. Subsequently, we invite college experts to review the works and select outstanding ones.
3.Work Display and Popularization: We display the outstanding works and popularize them to the public through online platforms, allowing more people to understand and appreciate the beauty of medicine.
Excellent works:
Photography Category：
Painting Category：
Outstanding works present the morphology of cells and tissues in the human body in creative ways, seamlessly integrating medical knowledge with art. Such aspects as the color matching, composition design, and detail handling of the works all reflect medical students’ solid knowledge and exceptional artistic talent.
Effectiveness of the activity:
This event not only allowed students to showcase their talents, but also aroused their interest in medicine and art. At the same time, the popularization of the works has given the public a new understanding of medicine. We believe that such activities not only enrich medical students’ campus life, but also plant seeds of the integration of medicine and art in their hearts. Beyond the medical field, such activities can also enhance the overall scientific literacy of participants and audiences.
We would like to thank every medical student who participated in this event. Your enthusiasm and creativity have made this event so meaningful. We look forward to having more opportunities in the future to explore the wonderful integration of medicine and art with you, grow together, and make the light of medicine even brighter. We sincerely invite you to pay attention to and participate in the research of medicine and art. Let us work together to inject new vitality into the cause of human health and artistic creation!
LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA:"Synthetic Biology into Campuses" Science Popularization Roadshow Activity
On the campus of Lanzhou University, a Science Popularization Poster Roadshow themed "Synthetic Biology into Campuses"—imbued with a strong scientific atmosphere—is underway. This is not only a visual graphic display, but also a starting point for guiding students to approach cutting-edge science and embark on a journey of exploration.
Meticulously planned by members of LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA (a team affiliated with Lanzhou University), the event takes themed posters as its core medium. Through vivid graphic design and on-site explanations, the team has brought the cutting-edge discipline of Synthetic Biology "to life"—attracting a large number of students to stop and participate, all with great enthusiasm.
On the day of the event, members of LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA arrived early to set up posters in high-foot-traffic areas on campus, focusing on the core section of the team’s project: the application of Synthetic Biology in treating perioperative gut microbiota dysbiosis.
The carefully designed posters were highly appealing, making passing students couldn’t help but stop to look. With the team’s detailed explanations, the students gained a deeper understanding of the content on the posters—an experience that made them feel as if they were immersed in a scientific adventure into Synthetic Biology.
Soon, the area around the posters was gathered with students curious about Synthetic Biology. They fixed their eyes on the details of the posters and discussed the knowledge points in the graphics and text with each other.“Who knew genetic components could be assembled this way?”“Can this biological system really achieve new functions?”Soft voice of questions and exclamations arose from time to time. The graphics and text on the posters were like a key, quietly unlocking the door to students’ understanding of Synthetic Biology.
Our team members stood beside the posters with bright smiles, their eyes shining with passion and dedication for science. When they saw students pausing in front of a poster, they would step forward proactively, point to key elements in the graphics, and start explaining. When it came to specific mechanisms, the team members did not pile up professional jargon; instead, they used vivid metaphors to explain, allowing students to grasp the concepts more directly.
Throughout the roadshow, the sound of discussions at the booth never faded. Many students even took out their phones to snap photos of the key points on the posters for future reference. As the event drew to a close, some students still gathered around the team members to ask: “Will there be more science popularization activities like this in the future?” “I want to learn more introductory knowledge about Synthetic Biology—are there any recommended directions?”
In response to everyone’s enthusiasm, the team members responded to each question patiently and also shared the team’s popular science materials. Many students said the poster roadshow gave them a brand-new understanding of Synthetic Biology: “Hearing the term ‘Synthetic Biology’ made me think this discipline was advanced and distant. But after looking at the posters and listening to the explanations, I suddenly realized it’s actually very close to us.” Another student sighed: “Turns out I can also understand these scientific principles. Maybe in the future, I can really try to participate in related research and explore unknown mysteries.”
The success of this “Synthetic Biology into Campuses” Science Popularization Roadshow is a vivid practice of the educational philosophy “Giving someone a fish is not as good as teaching them to fish.” Members of LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA did not stop at merely “displaying knowledge”; furthermore, through the intuitive presentation of posters and on-site interactive explanations, they inspired students’ interest and enthusiasm for proactive scientific exploration, lighting a light for their future scientific research journey. This roadshow also sowed the seeds of scientific exploration in the students’ hearts—and we have reason to believe that in the days to come, these seeds will take root and germinate alongside the students’ curiosity and passion, eventually blooming into brilliant flowers of science.
LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA Heads to CCiC: Shining with Academic Brilliance on the National iDECer Stage
When the call to gather for the China iDECer Community Conference (CCiC) sounded in Beijing, members of LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA traveled thousands of miles to attend this annual national iDECer gala—armed with a meticulously polished Synthetic Biology project and overflowing academic enthusiasm. As a platform that brings together China's top young talents in Synthetic Biology, CCiC is not only a stage for academic exchange, but also a bridge for the collision of ideas and connection of resources. The team’s goal for this trip was clear and firm: to showcase their achievements, learn cutting-edge experience, and forge inter-university collaborations, allowing the innovative spark of Synthetic Biology to grow even brighter through exchanges.
During the defense session of the conference, the team delivered a presentation focusing on gut microbiota health. Accompanied by exquisite PPTs, they explained the core logic of their project to the audience in detail. Off-stage, students from various teams fixed their attention intently on the big screen. In the end, this presentation not only conveyed the project design completely and clearly, but also helped many students in the audience get to know the team LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA.
In the poster exhibition area, project posters from teams across the country were neatly arranged and densely posted on the display boards. These posters combined both theme and creativity, covering a wide range of fields—from cosmetics R&D to agricultural improvement—and each team presented unique insights and applications for Synthetic Biology. Our team’s poster was also quietly displayed among them, and its research direction focused on the "treatment of perioperative gut microbiota dysbiosis" attracted many people to stop and take a look.
During the visit and learning period, DUT, the iDEC team from Dalian University of Technology was drawn to our project, so they stopped by and took the initiative to invite our team members to exchange ideas and discuss. In the exchange, they gave a detailed introduction to their team’s RNA drug design scheme, and then put forward the idea of cooperating with us. This proposal immediately received the approval of team members from both sides. Everyone exchanged contact information on the spot and agreed to further refine the cooperation direction in the follow-up.
This participation in CCiC is a vivid practice of the academic philosophy of "Promoting innovation through exchanges and pursuing common progress through cooperation". The team members did not stop at the "one-way presentation of project results"; instead, through the in-depth elaboration in the defense session, interactive exchanges in the poster area, and cooperative discussions with other teams, they not only ignited their own passion to deepen scientific research, but also built a bridge for inter-university academic resource sharing, illuminating the direction for the team’s subsequent scientific research journey.
This exchange conference also lit a spark of scientific research cooperation and innovative thinking in the members’ hearts—and we have reason to believe that these sparks will gradually grow into a prairie fire with continuous exploration and collaboration, and one day converge into a mighty force driving the development of the Synthetic Biology field.
Communities and cities
LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA Cooperates with Wulipu Community: Establishing a Health Defense Line and Cultivating Gut Health Awareness
Date: August 14, 2025
Time: 14:00 (2:00 PM), Thursday
Location: Wulipu Community, Lanzhou City
On Liqiu (the Start of Autumn), one of China’s traditional solar terms, team representatives from LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA, on behalf of Lanzhou University, visited Wulipu Community. Their trip was not only for scientific exploration, but more importantly for the dissemination of health knowledge—aiming to spread health awareness to every corner of the community. Particularly, with the increase in the number of surgical operations, perioperative gut microbiota dysbiosis and its impact on postoperative recovery have gradually attracted the attention of the medical community. Against this backdrop, the team planned to deliver a vivid and practical health lecture to community residents.
"Using technology to safeguard health and taking action to serve people's wellbeing" is the core philosophy of LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA. They are well aware that, as future researchers, they have the responsibility and obligation to integrate their knowledge with social practice and contribute to improving public health. Wulipu Community, where the event was held, became an ideal partner thanks to its harmonious community atmosphere and the residents' eagerness to learn about health.
When the event started, team members gave opening remarks, and then clarified to the community residents the importance of perioperative gut health and the significance of this event. The team members delivered a clear and accessible explanation on the functions of gut microbiota, common causes of perioperative gut microbiota dysbiosis (such as antibiotic use, anesthesia, and surgical stress), its clinical manifestations, and its impact on postoperative recovery. They especially emphasized the key role of a balanced diet, the use of microecological preparations, and pre- and postoperative nutritional support in regulating gut microbiota.
During the lecture, community residents listened with great interest and took the initiative to raise their hands to ask questions from time to time, making the on-site interaction very active. In response to everyone’s enthusiastic participation, members of LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA remained patient and meticulous throughout, answering each question in detail—whether it was the residents’ concern about "how to adjust diet to maintain the stability of gut microbiota," their confusion about "which postoperative care details can help restore gut microbiota," or their eager attention to the conditioning technologies related to perioperative gut microbiota dysbiosis, the team members all provided clear and organized responses based on their solid professional knowledge reserve. Their professionalism and attentiveness won unanimous trust and praise from the residents.
Luoyu New Village, Tianshui City: Bringing Services to the Community and Fortifying the Gut Health Defense Line
In the activity room of Luoyu New Village Community, Tianshui City, Gansu Province, a "Little Guardians of Gut Health" themed activity—tailored specifically for children—was unfolding warmly in a child-friendly, playful way.
Initiated by LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA, this health promotion activity was more than just a transfer of knowledge; it was a warm interaction that used fun to bridge the gap between science and children. The team members brought carefully prepared sports props and colorful popular science picture books, turning "gut health" into an enjoyable experience that the children could understand, engage with, and remember.
The activity aimed to enhance children’s awareness of gut health management by combining scientific exercise with health knowledge lectures, thereby laying a solid foundation for potential postoperative recovery in the future.
During the activity, children played games amid laughter and cheers. They also crowded around the team members, holding promotional pamphlets and asking eagerly: “If I jump rope every day from now on, will the ‘good bacteria’ all like me?” The team members responded patiently and carefully explained to the children ways to maintain gut health.
Many parents expressed that they hoped more such activities would be held—not only do they allow children to learn health knowledge through play, but they also provide parents with practical care guidelines.
For LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA, this community-based children’s gut health activity is not only a "practical application" of professional knowledge, but also a vivid interpretation of the concept of "technology serving the people." The team members deeply realized that when facing children, professional knowledge needs to be hidden in fun and integrated into interactions; furthermore, protecting children's perioperative health requires the joint efforts of families, communities, and society.
Additionally, this activity highlights the warmth of iDEC education—while fostering research capabilities, it guides young people to convey science in ways accessible to children and practice care for life through actions, allowing the seeds of "health" to take root and germinate quietly in the depths of children's hearts.
The nation
Street Survey and Advocacy on Perioperative Gut Health Knowledge
At first, we conducted street interviews, invited passers-by to fill out questionnaires, and gathered information on the public's understanding of perioperative gut health issues.
However, through these interviews, we found that the general public’s awareness of perioperative gut health issues remains very limited—many people are not even aware of its importance. Therefore, we designed and produced simple promotional posters and brochures. While providing the public with information related to gut health, we also urged more people to pay attention to their own gut health.
While distributing the brochures, we also simultaneously introduced the team’s research project, hoping to help the public understand that: there are not only traditional treatment approaches to address gut microbiota dysbiosis, but also the possibility of relying on the cutting-edge technology of synthetic biology to provide more efficient and gentler solutions for gut health issues.
Globe
LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA: Building a Global Health Dream Through a Multilingual Bridge
At Lanzhou University, LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA is spearheading a cross-border journey of science and health communication with unprecedented enthusiasm and creativity. Recently, the team has not only meticulously produced a promotional book on the prevention and management of gut health issues (titled Gut Health Guardians), but also disseminated the benefits of health in multiple languages—including English, French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Turkish. The initiative aims to convey the diverse values of iDEC education to every corner of the world via the globally interconnected platform of social media.
放多语言宣传册pdf
Social Media: The Amplifier of Voices
In the digital age, social media has become a key channel for information dissemination. LZU-MEDICINE from Lanzhou University, China, makes full use of this platform: it publishes content from its promotional brochures, shares team stories, and engages with netizens around the world through its social media accounts on Weibo, WeChat Official Account, Facebook, and X. These vivid and engaging posts have not only garnered significant attention and likes, but also sparked public attention and discussions on health-related issues, generating a positive social impact. Additionally, we have developed a handbook on educational equity, advocating for greater educational equality worldwide and enabling education to break through barriers.
放教育公平促进手册双语pdf
Popular Science Articles: Seeds of Knowledge Sown Across the World
This article is available in both languages and represents a crystallization of the wisdom and efforts of LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA. It not only covers the basic knowledge, prevention strategies, and latest research advancements regarding perioperative gut microbiota health, but also incorporates the profound insights and reflections of team members gained from their scientific research practices. Through a combination of pictures and text, it renders complex medical knowledge vivid, engaging, and easy to understand, providing a valuable health guide for the global public.
放科普文双语pdf
Conclusion
This action by LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA serves not only as a vivid practice of the iDEC educational philosophy but also as a sincere tribute to the global health cause. Through their practical efforts, they have unfolded the profound meaning of "strengthening prevention starts with me" and established a multilingual communication bridge—one that allows health knowledge to transcend national borders and bring benefits to people around the world. Looking ahead, we anticipate that LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA will continue to uphold its original aspiration, courageously scale the heights of science, and contribute more wisdom and strength to the health and well-being of humanity.
Shone Brightly at the China Comprehensive Biology Exchange Forum: Innovative Solutions Pioneer a New Perspective in the Treatment of Perioperative Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis
Recently, at the China Synthetic Biology Forum, our team took center stage and presented the latest progress in our exploration of new strategies for treating perioperative gut microbiota dysbiosis using synthetic biology technologies to experts and colleagues from China and around the world. This experience not only earned our team wide recognition for its research achievements but also broadened our vision for future research.
During the forum, based on in-depth research into the mechanisms of perioperative gut microbiota dysbiosis, our team detailed the current limitations of gut microbiota intervention methods during the perioperative period. We proposed an innovative approach: developing engineered probiotics using synthetic biology techniques to directly alleviate gut microbiota dysbiosis by reducing the activity of pathogenic bacteria and enhancing the function of beneficial bacteria.
Our presentation received high praise from experts at the forum. They noted that our team’s research approach is novel and unique, opening up a new path for the treatment of perioperative gut microbiota dysbiosis. A senior professor commented, “Your work not only demonstrates the great potential of synthetic biology but also reflects a deep concern for patients’ quality of life—it is highly valuable.”
Beyond gaining valuable recognition, we also made the most of the forum opportunity to engage in in-depth exchanges and discussions with other teams. Amid a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, we shared our research progress, challenges, and solutions. These interactions not only broadened our horizons but also allowed us to witness the diversity and creativity of different teams in addressing the same problem.
In particular, our team also proactively established outreach connections with other teams, which laid a solid foundation for subsequent collaborative research. We believe that through interdisciplinary exchanges and cooperation, we can jointly advance the development of synthetic biology and bring hope to the treatment of more diseases.
This Synthetic Biology Exchange Forum served not only as a platform to showcase our team’s research achievements but also as a valuable learning and growth experience. We will take this as an opportunity to continue delving deeper into the field of synthetic biology, explore new methods and approaches for treating T2DM, and contribute our wisdom and strength to the cause of human health.
Conclusion
By September 15, 2025, our iDEC journey has resulted in notable achievements and outreach initiatives with real impact. Through our dedication and hard work, we have reached key milestones and demonstrated the success of our Human Practices initiatives— a core pillar of iDEC’s mission. Looking back on our iDEC journey so far, we feel immense pride and gratitude for the support from our team, collaborators, and the broader community. We have not only made meaningful contributions to disease research but also successfully communicated the importance of synthetic biology and genetic engineering to the public. Importantly, while striving to benefit others, we have also enhanced our own skills and knowledge, and found great joy in the process. This journey has been about more than just scientific progress; it has also been about personal growth and the profound sense of fulfillment that comes from working to make a positive difference in the world.
Future Plan
In the years ahead, we will keep developing captivating science popularization materials and investigating intriguing topics at the crossroads of biology and creativity. We will stay committed to partnering with other local communities and organizations to nurture a diverse, dynamic community of science lovers. We remain dedicated to maintaining our well-loved artistic events—like biology film salons and appreciation events—which will infuse our educational journey with distinct appeal. Moreover, we will enhance partnerships with local enterprises. We also look forward to the opportunity of expanding our influence and establishing partnerships with schools across the globe, making sure the magic of biology has no limits.
Beyond that, we will stay committed to spreading knowledge. Besides sharing health knowledge booklets, we will expand our focus to cover a broad range of scientific subjects. Our mission stays the same: to inspire, educate, and spark curiosity in people across the globe, tear down obstacles in science communication, and ensure science is accessible to all. Hand in hand, we will keep exploring the wonders of biology—especially within the realms of synthetic biology and art—to create a brighter, more perceptive future. We aim to rouse not just individuals’ minds, but their souls as well.