Surgery Godfather-Chapter 1944 - 1332: You Are Both

She presented data charts, including perplexing anomalous results and initial solutions. During the explanation, she gradually forgot her nervousness, her eyes shining with pure enthusiasm for scientific questions.

"This discovery is interesting," said Professor Li, "but how do you ensure safety? An excessive immune response could lead to autoimmunity or a cytokine storm."

"That’s exactly what we are researching," Jiang Jitong replied, "We are looking for a ’safety window’—adjusting the chemical structure of the vaccine boosters, or pre-regulating the intestinal tract microbiota to turn excessive reactions into controlled strong responses. This requires numerous experiments, but the preliminary data is promising."

The inspection team members exchanged glances, visible admiration in each other’s eyes.

At noon, Yang Ping invited the inspection team to lunch at the institute’s cafeteria. No special arrangements were made; it was just a regular work meal—simple three dishes and one soup.

"The atmosphere here reminds me of the laboratories I worked in during my youth," Professor Carlson remarked, "People discuss science without regard to seniority, unafraid of debates. Such an environment nurtures true innovation."

"Science requires equal dialogue," Yang Ping said, "Not only dialogue between researchers but also between researchers and research subjects—whether they are cells, animals, or patients. We listen to the data’s voice, even if it doesn’t meet our expectations."

After lunch, the inspection team visited more laboratories and communicated with different teams. At three in the afternoon, as per the schedule, Yang Ping needed to have a closed-door meeting with the inspection team.

The meeting was held in a small meeting room. On either side of the long table were members of the Nobel Committee and Yang Ping with his core team.

"Professor Yang," Professor Carlson began straightforwardly, "Your systemic regulation theory indeed holds revolutionary potential. However, some members of the committee are concerned that it might be too theoretical, with unclear clinical application prospects. How do you respond to such concerns?"

Yang Ping gestured for Song Zimo to turn on the projector. The screen showed a world map, marked with dozens of light spots.

"These are clinical centers applying the systemic regulation concept," Yang Ping said, "Some are testing personalized immune regulation plans, some developing diagnostic tools based on systems thinking, and some exploring the connection between metabolism and neurological diseases. Although most are still in early stages, they have already accumulated some encouraging cases."

He presented several anonymous case reports: a woman with a complex autoimmune disease whose illness was controlled through a multi-system regulation plan; a depression patient unresponsive to traditional treatments who improved through metabolic and immune regulation; even some early cancer cases where systemic regulation as an adjunct treatment showed potential in enhancing effects and reducing side effects.

"These are not large-scale clinical trials, insufficient to prove the theory’s universal effectiveness," Yang Ping said honestly, "But they are important proof of concept, showing the possibilities of new thinking directions. Scientific progress often begins with small-scale exploration."

Dr. Sara asked, "Your theory emphasizes ’holism’ and ’complexity,’ but this also brings challenges of reproducibility. Each patient is a unique system. How do you ensure the predictability of the treatments?"

"That’s a key question," Yang Ping nodded, "Our answer is that although the human body is individual, it also has commonalities, through more refined stratification and more intelligent predictive models. Traditional medicine tends to categorize patients into a limited number of types, but systems thinking requires us to acknowledge diversity while seeking common patterns."

He presented a patient stratification system under development: based on multi-omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, microbiome) and clinical phenotypes, patients are divided into hundreds of subtypes. Each subtype has a specific systemic imbalance pattern corresponding to different regulation strategies.

"That sounds like a huge amount of work," Professor Li said.

"Yes, which is why we need artificial intelligence’s help," Yang Ping switched the display to show a machine learning platform interface, "We are training models to identify patterns from massive data and predict intervention effects. This is not to replace doctors’ judgments, but to provide stronger decision support."

The meeting lasted for two hours. The committee members’ questions came one after another, from theoretical foundations to clinical practice, from technical challenges to ethical considerations. Yang Ping and the team responded to each, not avoiding difficulties or exaggerating achievements.

Finally, Professor Carlson said, "Professor Yang, I have one more personal question. Your decision not to go to Stockholm to receive the award is rare in Nobel Prize history. Could you tell us the real reason?"

The meeting room fell silent. All eyes focused on Yang Ping.

After a moment of thought, Yang Ping slowly spoke, "This is not out of disrespect for the Nobel Prize. On the contrary, it’s because I highly respect the spirit it represents, the recognition of scientific exploration. And in my understanding, this exploration happens in the laboratory, at the clinical front line, and in daily interactions with the team and patients."

He looked out the window at the institute’s courtyard, where several young researchers were walking and discussing, gesturing animatedly.

"If I went to Stockholm, I would stand under the spotlight, give a speech, and receive congratulations. This is, of course, an honor. But at the same time, meetings here would miss my involvement, Lele’s treatment plan design would be delayed, and young researchers’ questions wouldn’t get timely answers. For me, the greatest value of the Nobel Prize is its ability to inspire more people to engage in scientific exploration. And my best contribution is to continue exploring itself."

Professor Carlson was silent for a while, then stood up and extended his hand to Yang Ping, "Thank you for your honesty. Today we have seen not just an outstanding scientist, but a true embodiment of the spirit of science."

After the inspection team left, the institute returned to calm. But change had already happened invisibly.

Chu Xiaoxiao found Yang Ping, "Professor, after today’s communication with the committee experts, I have some new ideas. About the research on that strain’s metabolites, perhaps we can explore its application in regulating autoimmunity, not just enhancing vaccines."

"Let’s hear it," Yang Ping encouraged.

"If we can precisely control the concentration and timing of this metabolite’s action, maybe we can ’train’ the immune system to be less sensitive to self-antigens. This could be safer and more effective than broadly suppressing the immune system."

Yang Ping’s eyes lit up, "Great idea. Write up a preliminary proposal, and we’ll discuss it next week."

"Yes!" Chu Xiaoxiao left excitedly.

Elsewhere, Lele’s parents called. The child had a good day.

In the evening, Yang Ping finished his day’s work and was preparing to go home when Tang Shun and Song Zimo came to him.

"Professor, the committee gave us some feedback," Tang Shun said, "They were deeply impressed by our team’s cooperative atmosphere. Professor Carlson specifically mentioned that in too many places, he sees research driven by personal heroism, but here, he saw a true scientific community." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"Also," Song Zimo added, "They understood your decision not to accept the award. Professor Carlson said they would respect your choice and ensure that this spirit is conveyed at the award ceremony."

"Thank you," Yang Ping said, "Please handle the preparations for going to Stockholm. Remember, you are representing the entire team and everyone who supports us."

"We’ll be ready," Tang Shun said earnestly.

On the way home, Yang Ping remembered what Professor Carlson said upon parting, "Professor Yang, history of science will remember two kinds of people: those who made great discoveries, and those mentors who pioneered new research models and cultivated a new generation of scientists. You are both."