Chinese Journal of Nature

Insect Behavior: Visual Cognition in Fruit Fly

GUO Ai-Ke;BANG Yue-Qing;ZHANG Ke;XI Wang

2009, 31(2): 63-68.

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Visual cognition, as one of the fundamental aspects of neurobiology, is the way to explore “How does the brain function as a whole?”“How matter becomes imagination?” Drosophila, as a model organism, shares certain features of visual cognition in common with mammals at the genetic, molecular, cellular, and even higher behavioral levels. Thus the fly brain therefore could provide a useful vehicle for exploring the neural mechanisms underlying visual cognition from a genesbrainbehavior perspective. Here, we consider mainly the higher cognitive behaviors based on learning and memory, such as visual pattern recognition, context generalization, visual saliencebased decision, and attentionlike behavior. It seems that even fruit fly with very small brain can behave in a surprisingly rational manner under a broad range of conditions. This seems to argue against the concept that in order to behave rationally humans would have needed to evolve some unique facility. We hope that our focus on these aspects of Neuroscience will shed light on our understanding the “brainmind” relationship.

Taiji Graph Reflects the Most Basic Cyclical Motion, the Simple Harmonic Vibration

WANG Yong-Tan;ZHANG Qi-Meng;DIAO Yi-Jun

2009, 31(2): 69-72.

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Yinyang in Chinese medicine has several kinds of meaning. Based on the Western logic and philosophy, the paper defined Yin, Yang as relative attributes, Yinyang as relationships. It is found that the sum of Yin and Yang is a constant. Yinyang is a series of special contradictions. The obliquity of ecliptic results in the seasonal rhythm of solar illumination. It is deduced from the rhythm that the curves in Taiji Graph are two Archimedes helices. Taiji Graph reflects the most basic cyclical motion, the simple harmonic vibration.

Research in Arctic, a Coming True Dream

DIAO Jin-Beng;WANG Yong;BIAN Lin-Gen;CHEN Li-Ai;SHI Jiu-Xin; Chen-Jian-Fang;CHEN Bei;JU Gan;XIAO Cun-De;WANG Ru-Jian

2009, 31(2): 73-80.

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As the “top” of the earth, the Arctic is a remote and strange place. What we only know about the Arctic is the boundless ice and snow, the oppressive chilliness, the gleaming aurora, and the unbeatable polar bear. Marching to the Arctic, the charming world, Chinese scientists went well up to bridle with ancient dreams and grand expectation. During the past ten years, they focused themselves on the Arctic sciences and achieved the significant results. It is identified that the changes in Arctic is inevitably impacted onto the global climate and our living condition, which might be linked to the future of the earth. In this article, the research works of Chinese scientists are highlighted in the comprehensible words to show the present hope and future prosper in Arctic.

Polar Expeditions for Arctic and Antarctic Sciences in the 21st Century

CHEN Li-qi

2009, 31(2): 81-87.

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In 21st century, polar rapid changes will seriously challenge to human and greatly chance to develop the polar science. Arctic and Antarctic sciences will be focused on global climate change and polar environmental change. Polar expeditions will be strengthened spatially and temporally on multidiscipline and integrative researches, global cooperation and innovative technology application. Uses of the Antarctic resources, especially biological resources will be developed under the regulation of the Antarctic Treaty for the treaty parties.

Antarctic Krill and Southern Ocean Ecosystem

SUN Song;LIU Yong-Qin

2009, 31(2): 88-90.

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Explore the Complexity of Polymer Phase Transitions in Multicomponent Systems

HU Wen-Bing

2009, 31(2): 91-95.

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The paper first introduced phase transitions among gas, liquid and solid states in the single component substance, then introduced how to apply the method of transplantation in the scientific research of binary mixtures according to their resemblance to the singlecomponent substance. The method was also applied in the study of polymer phase separation and crystallization in multicomponent systems. The interplay of two phase transitions reveals the complexity of polymer phase transitions.

Archaea in Seas and Oceans

SUN Pi-Chi;CHEN Hao-Wen;WANG Bo

2009, 31(2): 96-99.

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The Course of 90 Years for the International Astronomical Union

FU Cheng-Qi

2009, 31(2): 100-104.

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In order to promote the popularization and education in astronomy over the world，the Project for International Year of Astronomy in 2009 (IYA2009) has been suggested by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and authorized by the United Nations and the UNESCO. In this paper the objects, organizations, and scientific bodies of the Union and its scientific activities are mainly introduced. Also, the history of adhering to, withdrawing from and returning to the Union for our Mainland China is reviewed in outline.

The Wonderful Scientific Achievements

TU Wen

2009, 31(2): 105-108.

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Why Do We Feel Anxiety?

GU Ruo-Lei;LUO Yue-Jia

2009, 31(2): 109-117.

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Talk About Wild Geese Flying in Lane

WANG Zhen-dong

2009, 31(2): 118-119.

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If I Were Him

FANG Hong-Hui

2009, 31(2): 120-123.

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