On the afternoon of April 27th, the 112th session of the "Apricot Forest Lecture Series" titled "Hide and Seek within Cells—The Balance of Proteins" was held as a public science class. This event was part of a series of medical public welfare science popularization activities conducted by the Health Science Center of Ningbo University for primary school students across the city. It was led by Jin Xiaofeng, a distinguished researcher from the Health Science Center of Ningbo University. The aim was to help young people understand the role of protein balance within cells in normal cellular metabolism, to advocate for good dietary habits, to support the healthy growth of youth, and to explore the mysteries of life. The event was co-hosted by the Health Science Center of Ningbo University and the Ningbo University Science and Technology Association, with the organization being undertaken by the Party Branch of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Health Science Center. Accompanied by their parents, 31 primary school students participated in this scientific exploration journey.
Teacher Jin Xiaofeng started the lecture by asking "Who would win in a game of cat and mouse?" which quickly captured the children's attention. He then introduced the basic unit of the human body—the cell, the executor of cellular functions—proteins, the role of protein balance in cellular metabolism, and the role of ubiquitination modifications in regulating protein balance, all in simple and understandable language, sparking great interest among the children.
The interactive Q&A session became a highlight of the event, with the children thinking actively, asking questions, and Teacher Jin patiently answering them, creating a strong atmosphere of scientific inquiry. At the end of the lecture, Teacher Jin introduced the scientific value of the ubiquitination process and the related Nobel Prize honors, inspiring the children to aspire to make discoveries and contributions in the field of science in the future.
Amidst the laughter and cheerful voices of the children, this science popularization activity came to a successful conclusion. The Health Science Center will continue to promote medical science popularization work, dedicated to cultivating scientific literacy and a spirit of exploration in young people.
