Ch. 721You Pick One
Key Plot Points and Events
- The team decides to submit their main paper, "Rat Study on Multiple SHANK3 Gene Editing Methods," to Nature due to its high impact factor (IF).
- Wu Junqiang contacts Dr. George Blake at Nature, bypassing the usual submission system.
- Dr. Blake forwards the paper to Dr. Matt Harris, the Life Sciences editor, as it's outside his expertise.
Character Developments
- Shen Qi is revealed to have a preference for Nature, having published many papers there previously.
- The five experimentalists are shown to have returned to China due to political reasons, not lack of excellence.
- Dr. George Blake is introduced as the editor-in-chief of the Natural Sciences Group at Nature, who values emails and forwards the paper to a more suitable editor.
Significant Themes
- The high stakes and competitive nature of academic publishing, with journals like Nature being highly sought after.
- The political climate affecting scientists' careers, with the five experimentalists returning to China due to national security concerns.
- The fast-paced nature of scientific research and publishing, with Nature's quick update cycle being emphasized.
Character Interactions
- Shen Qi reassures his team about publishing in Nature and encourages them to vote for it.
- Cui Hualin expresses concern about keeping a low profile, contrasting with Shen Qi's confidence.
- Wu Junqiang drafts and sends the email to Dr. Blake, with Shen Qi CC'd.
- Dr. Blake forwards the paper to Dr. Matt Harris, showing professionalism and respect for Shen Qi's work.