godfather of surgery

Chapter 1324 Time Will Give You the Answer You Want
Xiao Chen, the administrative receptionist at the Sanbo Institute's laboratory, has been very busy lately. Every day, she has to handle a large number of inquiries from domestic and foreign universities seeking cooperation, visit appointments, express deliveries, and so on.

“Dr. Tang, we received 37 international emails this week.” Xiao Chen held a stack of printouts, his voice filled with disbelief. “Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge, the Max Planck Society… all inquired about the possibility of cooperation. There are also 9 multinational pharmaceutical companies that want to send high-level delegations to exchange and learn.”

Tang Shun glanced at the email summary; the wording was extremely polite, but the intention was clear: he hoped to establish contact. The scientific community sometimes has a more acute sense of opportunity than the capital market.

"Standard reply template: Thank you for your interest. Sanbo Research Institute is currently focused on existing research projects. New collaborations require the submission of formal proposals according to the established procedures, which will be reviewed periodically by the Academic Committee." Tang Shun said without looking up. "Furthermore, all visit requests from non-academic institutions, especially those with investment or commercial cooperation backgrounds, will be politely declined!"

"Well... Nature magazine wants to do an interview? And Scientific American..." Xiao Chen turned to the next few pages.

"We will not accept any media interviews for the time being. We will just say that the team is busy with experiments and it is inconvenient to disturb them." Tang Shun paused for a moment, "But we can provide them with a list of our latest published papers and links to videos of our public speeches."

Xiao Chen noted it down, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Dr. Tang, there's something else... These past few days, there seem to be more people loitering around the institute's entrance. They don't seem like students, nor do they seem like family members from the clinical wards. I even saw some people carrying telephoto lenses twice."

Tang Shun then raised his head, his brows slightly furrowed.

He walked to the window and looked down. The Sanbo Hospital, where the research institute was located, was shaded by green trees. At that moment, there were indeed a few figures wandering on the path downstairs. They seemed casual, but their eyes kept glancing towards the research institute building.

"Notify the security department to increase daily patrols in this area," Tang Shun said. "In addition, emphasize to everyone on the team: no interviews are allowed without permission, and no discussion of any topics related to the Nobel Prize review is permitted. Work continues as usual, and attitude remains the same."

After Xiao Chen left, Tang Shun leaned back in his office chair and pondered.

Professor Yang's previous award went unnoticed, but this time it caused such a sensation even before the award was given, showing that the impact of winning the award a second time is still significant.

Looking back, when he graduated from the University of Tokyo, he had many options: he could go to the top university labs in the United States, stay at the University of Tokyo, or choose from labs in Europe.

If he stayed in Japan, Professor Fukunaga's daughter, Masako, would be eager to marry him. He would not only have access to a wealth of academic resources, but he could also become Professor Fukunaga's ideal son-in-law.

However, after meeting Professor Yang in Tokyo, Tang Shun made a decision without hesitation to follow Professor Yang for the rest of his life.

Looking back on the establishment of this laboratory, he can be considered one of the founding members. At that time, Professor Yang entrusted him with scientific research and Song Ziming with clinical work.

Looking back today, it seems like the right choice.

Tang Shun rested for a while and opened his email. It was filled with invitations to various academic conferences. Many of the conference topics had nothing to do with the current research of the Sanbo Institute, but they all gave him the title of "invited speaker", which was just as if they were saying "just come and show your face".

He immediately called Song Ziming, but things weren't much better for Song Ziming. In one day, Song Ziming received six calls from "old classmates" and "old friends" he hadn't contacted in over a decade since graduation. They suddenly became very enthusiastic about his work and eventually asked about "that big prize" in a roundabout way.

"The tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease." Tang Shun remained calm. "This is only the beginning. Once the news spreads further, or if there are results in October, our doorstep will probably be worn down by the crowds."

“So our ‘Stockholm contingency plan’ needs to be upgraded.” Song Ziming lowered his voice. “It should not only include what to do after winning the award, but also how to deal with harassment during this ‘waiting period’.”

The two agreed to meet again to discuss important matters.

……

Dr. Zhang Wei encountered a more specific and thorny "trouble".

His several incisive blog posts exposing frauds continued to generate buzz in science popularization circles and on social media, eventually drawing a strong backlash from those health technology companies. Among them, the largest and most aggressively marketed company, "Yuankang Technology," sent a strongly worded lawyer's letter directly through its lawyers, accusing Zhang Bo of "fabricating and disseminating false facts," "defaming business reputation," "infringing on trade secrets," and threatening to "report to the police if necessary." They demanded the immediate removal of all related articles, a public apology, and compensation for huge economic losses.

Somehow, copies of the lawyer's letter ended up in the hands of several media outlets. Suddenly, "Researchers from the Sanbo Institute Team Accused of Commercial Defamation" became a minor hot topic. While mainstream science media remained cautious, some financial and technology-focused independent media outlets began speculating and sensationalizing the issue.

When Zhang Bo received the lawyer's letter, his face turned pale. His research into commercial fitness trackers was purely a personal interest, and his blogging was driven by passion; he never imagined it would lead to a lawsuit. The legal clauses and the enormous sums of money demanded in the lawyer's letter made his hands tremble.

He hurriedly went to find Tang Shun, the director of the laboratory.

"Dr. Tang... have I caused trouble for the research institute?" Zhang Bo stood in Tang Shun's office, head down, clutching the printed copy of the lawyer's letter tightly in his hand.

Tang Shun took the lawyer's letter and quickly glanced through it. "Is all the data cited in the article based on your own measurements? Is your analytical logic supported by peer review or publicly verifiable methods?"

“It’s all based on actual testing!” Zhang Bo said hurriedly. “I bought their product and used standard instruments to conduct synchronous tests and comparisons, recording all the data differences. The analysis methods are also publicly available statistical methods, and I’ve open-sourced the code on GitHub. The talk of trade secrets is utter nonsense. I did completely black-box testing and had no access to their core code at all.”

"Then there's nothing to be afraid of. It's not a big deal, why are you so nervous?" Tang Shun put down the lawyer's letter. "Scientific questioning, let the data and facts speak for themselves. As long as your methods can withstand scrutiny, the data is not falsified, and the conclusions are reasonable, it is not defamation."

“But… going to court costs money and time…” Zhang Bo’s voice trailed off, “I’m just an ordinary postdoctoral researcher…”

Tang Shun looked at him and said, "You are a researcher at our Sanbo Institute. Although what you did is not within the scope of your main research, the starting point is to expose pseudoscience and maintain public trust in real science. This is in line with the institute's values. Professor Yang often emphasizes values ​​to us, so don't be afraid."

He picked up the intercom: "Xiao Chen, please ask Attorney Li from the legal office to come over."

Zhang Bo was stunned: "Dr. Tang, what's wrong...?"

"Don't worry, the institute will stand up for you," Tang Shun said calmly. "This isn't about covering up for someone, but rather based on a principle: researchers' responsible public statements based on scientific facts should be protected, not silenced by commercial lawsuits. Of course," he looked at Zhang Bo, "the premise is that your work is indeed rigorous and fair. If there are any omissions or exaggerations, you must bear the corresponding responsibility."

"I guarantee that every word I say is supported by data!" Zhang Bo was so excited that he almost jumped up, and his eyes were a little red.

“Then go and compile all the raw data, experimental records, and analysis processes into an irrefutable chain of evidence, and give me a copy as soon as possible. I want to take a close look,” Tang Shun said. “If you win this lawsuit, it will not only be a victory for you personally, but also a victory for scientific rationality over commercial hype. It will benefit the research institute and the public.”

Attorney Li arrived quickly and, after understanding the situation, said, "This type of case is very representative. If the other party really files a lawsuit, we can turn it into a landmark case—regarding academic freedom, the social responsibility of researchers, and false advertising by companies and counterfeit goods. I immediately contacted several senior lawyers familiar with science and technology law and intellectual property law to form a legal team to deal with this lawsuit."

In truth, Attorney Li knew this was the highlight of his career. It wasn't because he was so capable, but because Professor Yang and the research institute would be supporting him. With Professor Yang's support, he feared no company or power. Wasn't this an opportunity that had fallen from the sky? He was about to become famous overnight!
"Dr. Tang, leave this to me, I will definitely handle it well." Attorney Li was extremely excited.

When Zhang Bo left the office, his back was much straighter. Although he no longer had the bracelet on his wrist, he felt more at ease than if he had been wearing any "health score" device. The news quickly spread throughout the research institute. Everyone looked at Zhang Bo with more admiration and secretly thought: Sanbo Research Institute is truly protective of its own and truly principled.

...Amidst constant external disturbances, the internal scientific research efforts were not without their challenges.

During the animal experiments of their vaccine enhancer research, Jiang Jitong and Chu Xiaoxiao's team encountered a perplexing "abnormal data cluster." After administering the novel adjuvant to aged mice, the immune response of most mice was significantly enhanced as expected. However, approximately 15% of the mice showed a lackluster response, with some indicators even performing worse than the control group.

“We examined every possible technical aspect: dosage, timing, animal strain, rearing environment… we even measured the baseline gut microbiota of each mouse,” Chu Xiaoxiao reported at the group meeting, her brow furrowed. “We couldn’t find a unified explanation; this 15% is like randomly appearing ‘non-responders.’”

Jiang Jitong rubbed his temples as he carefully studied the lab report: "The proportion of repeated experiments remains the same."

This 15% anomaly is like a thorn stuck in the otherwise beautiful data curve.

"Perhaps this is the inherent complexity of biological systems?" Wang Chao said somewhat dejectedly. "Individual differences always exist."

“But our theory should provide a framework for explaining these differences, rather than being stumped by them,” Liu Yang insisted. “We need more refined stratified analysis. Perhaps within this 15%, there are different subtypes?”

The discussion went on until 9 p.m., but they still hadn't come to a conclusion, and everyone left exhausted. Chu Xiaoxiao ran to Yang Ping's office and quickly explained the situation and her confusion.

Yang Ping looked at the data: "A 15% non-response rate... that's an interesting number. Remember the poor response rate in the Lynch syndrome clinical trial?"

Chu Xiaoxiao thought for a moment: "The initial data was about 6%, but after individual adjustments, it dropped to below 2%."

“Yes! But that’s the result after multiple rounds of adjustment and detailed analysis.” Yang Ping slowly sipped his tea. “In the initial intervention phase, it’s probably normal to see a certain percentage of non-responders or abnormal reactions in a highly heterogeneous population. In biology, a perfect 100% is often an illusion caused by oversimplification or insufficient data.”

He pulled up a distribution chart of the data: "Look, these 15% outliers are not completely random. They seem to cluster together in a small group at the concentrations of several metabolic intermediates. Although not statistically significant, it suggests a possible direction: the immune metabolic state of these mice may be in a special low point that existing adjuvant combinations cannot effectively reach."

Chu Xiaoxiao's eyes gradually brightened: "You mean, it's not that our method is ineffective?"

Yang Ping nodded, “But this requires you to design new experiments to verify it. For example, can you predict which mice might belong to this 15% before the intervention using simple blood indicators or metabolomics? If you can predict it, then design fine-tuning programs for the different predicted types and see the results.”

He took a sip of tea: "Science often aims not to eliminate anomalies, but to understand them. This 15% may not be evidence of failure, but rather an entry point to a deeper understanding. Just like the adverse reactions of P-009, it actually made us realize the importance of TIM variants."

“Abnormal data in scientific research is actually very valuable. If used well, it is a signpost; if not used well, it is a roadblock.”

Chu Xiaoxiao's anxiety subsided instantly, replaced by a clear desire to explore. "I understand, Professor. We shouldn't rush to solve this 15%, but rather treat it as a new research question."

"Well, that's what it means."

……

After getting off work on Saturday, Yang Ping went straight home.

Xiao Su has already bought low-gluten flour, eggs, milk, a small amount of sugar, and some pumpkin. They are going to make a pumpkin-flavored cake with Xiao Shu.

When they got home, Xiao Su had already pushed Xiao Shu's high chair to the kitchen doorway. The little guy, wearing a small bib, watched curiously as his parents put on their aprons.

"Dad! Mom!" Little Tree pointed at the ingredients on the counter and waved his little hand excitedly.

“Yes, Mom and Dad are making a cake.” Yang Ping washed his hands and began weighing the ingredients. Xiao Su helped him and supervised him—after all, Yang Ping was very steady with his scalpel, but he didn’t use the egg beater much.

Separating the egg yolks and whites, whipping, mixing, sifting flour... the steps are simple, but require patience. Little Tree watched intently, occasionally reaching out to touch the mixing bowl.

To let him experience it, Yang Ping brought the mixing bowl to him and let him try mixing as well.

"Do you know how I feel right now?" Yang Ping said to Xiao Su as he carefully poured the batter into the mold.

"What does it feel like?"

"It's more nerve-wracking than doing an experiment," Yang Ping laughed. "You can redo an experiment if you make a mistake, and you can adjust a formula if it's off, but if this cake is ruined, Xiaoshu won't have anything to eat tonight."

Xiao Su was amused. The humming of the preheating oven, the rustling of the batter spreading in the mold, and Xiao Shu's babbling "explanation" blended into a warm background sound in the kitchen.

While waiting for the food to bake, Yang Ping played with building blocks with Xiao Shu. His phone vibrated a few times; he glanced at it and saw it was an unfamiliar international number calling. He turned off the screen, silenced the phone, and tucked it under the sofa cushion.

The cake came out of the oven, golden brown, fluffy and soft, with the aroma of pumpkin and milk. After it cooled slightly, Yang Ping awkwardly tried to spread some unsweetened yogurt on it to act as "cream," and then arranged strawberries and blueberries into a crooked smiley face.

Although it wasn't as elaborate as the ones sold in stores, when this simple cake was served, Xiaoshu's eyes widened in pure surprise and joy.

He pointed at the cake and babbled, indicating that he had also participated in the cake-making process.

Nobel Prize shortlist, business lawsuits, and anomalous data—all receded into the distant background. Only the aroma of cake, the giggles of his son, and the tender gaze of his wife remained.

The little tree grabbed a small piece of cake with its tiny hands, tried its best to put it in its mouth, smearing it all over its face, then squinted its eyes in satisfaction, gave it the highest praise, and clapped its hands excitedly.

Yang Ping wiped the cream off his son's face, and the tension he had felt due to the attention from the outside world completely relaxed.

Late at night, Xiaoshu was asleep, and more than half of the cake was still left. Yang Ping sat in his study, turned on his computer, and replied to a few necessary work emails. Then he opened a blank document and began drafting an internal letter to all staff members of the research institute.

He wrote:
"...Recently, the institute has received some external attention. This is both an acknowledgment of our past work and a source of new challenges and distractions. We hope everyone remembers why we embarked on this journey: to understand the unknown and complexities of life. The noise from the outside world, whether praise or trouble, is merely scenery along this long road and should not determine the direction or speed of our steps. Continue to focus on the work at hand; only those who are focused will receive the answers they seek from time..."

In short, we must remain focused and not get carried away by our achievements. Our main task is research, not winning awards.