The 2nd International Symposium on Frontiers of Biomedicine and Health, organized jointly by the College of Biomedicine & Health at Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) and the BGI Research in Wuhan, was held at HZAU on Sept 28.

Over 100 scholars and graduate students from 14 domestic and international universities, research institutes and enterprises such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, the University of Hong Kong, the University of Chicago, the University of California, Davis, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and Cardiff University gathered to discuss cutting-edge scientific issues in life and health.

Wan Yu-Jui, professor at the University of California, Davis, highlighted the importance of the Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) as a significant target for preventing diet or age-related metabolic diseases. Sang Shengmin, professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, discussed the potential of flavonoids in preventing metabolic disorders by targeting reactive carbonyl species. Shi Hanping, professor at Beijing Shijitan Hospital emphasized the importance of nutritional therapy as a frontline treatment for diseases.

In the discussions on tumor development mechanisms and prevention strategies, Stephanie Ma, professor at the University of Hong Kong, discussed the plasticity of liver cancer stem cells and their association with epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Professor Wei Gonghong from Fudan University identified cancer risk-related gene variations through whole-genome association studies.

In the field of translational medicine, Associate Professor Yang Xin from Cardiff University shared successful cases of acoustic tweezers in single-cell selection and printing. Professor Bao Wei from the University of Science and Technology of China discussed methods for establishing large-scale cohort studies and long-term cardiovascular health management. Professor Chen Weihua from Huazhong University of Science and Technology explained the relationship between oral bacteria translocation to the gut and associated disease risks.

In the closing ceremony, Zhang Tao, a leading scientist from the BGI Research, noted that the symposium shared the latest research findings in the field of life and health, providing insights into the future development directions of biomedical science and health.