Photosynthesis (光合作用) is a unique skill of green plants—they turn water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and food via sunlight. A group of Chinese scientists, however, have “copied” the process on animals.

To understand the new breakthrough, it is important to know how photosynthesis works. Plants take in carbon dioxide and water from the air and soil. Within the plant cell, the water is oxidized. This transforms the water into oxygen and the carbon dioxide into glucose (葡萄糖). The plant then releases the oxygen back into the air and stores energy within the glucose molecules.

In the study, the researchers from Zhejiang University developed an independent and controllable photosynthetic system, according to the study published in Nature in early December, 2022. They separated thylakoids (内囊体), a part of the cell where light reactions take place in plants, from young spinach (菠菜) leaves. The scientists then wrapped the thylakoids with the cover of animal cells, which made the implanted thylakoids more acceptable to foreign bodies. The mice used in the study were suffering from arthritis (骨关节炎), meaning cells in their cartilage (软骨) had degenerated and could not be repaired by themselves. With the thylakoids implanted into the mice and exposed to light, the mice recovered. Their metabolism (新陈代谢) returned to normal. In arthritis, patients usually have energy loss since fewer energy-carrying molecules are generated. The implant, however, can correct the imbalance by storing more energy via photosynthesis. The researchers also claimed that their tests would have medical usage. It can be used as part of the solution for degenerative diseases because the natural photosynthesis system may repair cells. It may also delay the aging process in cells.

The study showed “an exciting achievement that opens up possibilities of metabolism engineering,” commented one of the paper’s reviewers Francisco Cejudo, from the University of Seville in Spain, reported Xinhua.

In late spring and early summer each year, tens of millions of butterflies come out of their chrysalises (蚕蛹) in the butterfly valley in southwest China’s Yunnan province. For butterfly expert Yang Zhenwen, it is the busiest time of the year, but he greets it with great enthusiasm.

Before the break of dawn, Yang has already arrived at the observation point, busily tending to the needs of the awakening butterflies. “Due to warmer temperatures, the ‘butterfly explosion’ this year occurred slightly earlier than usual, and the size of the butterflies is larger than that in previous years,” said 46-year-old Yang, curator (馆长) of the butterfly valley museum. “We expect that there will be about 80 million to 100 million butterflies in the valley during this year’s ‘butterfly explosion’. That seems so crazy,” said Yang. According to Yang, in the valley, more than 320 butterfly species have been identified in specimens or photographs, including the rarest, most primitive, largest and smallest butterflies in China.

Besides Yang, many local villages have also assumed the role of butterfly guardians. However, the journey toward achieving human-butterfly harmony was far from easy. Some two decades ago, the villagers had little awareness of butterfly protection, believing wrongly that butterflies could endanger their food crops. They viewed them as pests that should be removed.

In 1998, Yang began his journey at the agricultural science station in Ma’an’di Township, the very place where the butterfly valley lies. “It was there that I got into a frequent dilemma— the local villagers, seeking to protect their crops, would often turn to pesticides to kill the butterflies,” he said. “However, my sincere love for these creatures forced me to prevent them from harming the delicate insects.”

Now, the development of ecotourism relying on butterfly resources has successfully changed the once extremely poor township. More villagers have started reproducing butterflies. He describes the butterfly valley as a “dream-making machine”, which extends the “butterfly dream” of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

Pets are an important part of the family. People can always count on the companionship of pets. 【小题1】

Pets relieve anxiety.

While studies have shown that pets may be important in reducing specific health issues, there is significant proof that they relieve stress and anxiety. When the chips are down—whether it was a tough day at work, sad news from friends or family, or tension over a major life change—pets are the one constant. 【小题2】

Pets give purpose to life.

Pets may give their owners a purpose—a reason to get up in the morning and begin again. 【小题3】 They need to be fed and given water. Most of all, they need attention. Attention may be anything from a nice long walk, if the pet is a dog or other walkable animal, to a nice brushing for a cat or petting and treats for birds, whatever the chosen pet.

【小题4】

Sometimes pets may act really silly—and silliness generates laughter and fun. Cats and dogs love to play, and playing gives owners a chance to act silly, be natural, and revel in (着迷于) the fun of their pets’ naughty.

Pets keep harmony in the home.

Pets may often be the reason a home feels like a home. They bring warmth and comfort to any situation, especially when hosting guests. Pets break the ice and become a way to welcome others into a home or even on the street. 【小题5】 Pets bring happiness, and happiness is infectious (有感染力的)—a way to brighten everyone’s day.