The technological process of sequencing the SARS-CoV-2 virus genome by the new generation sequencing machine PacBio is the result of a scientific project assigned by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to the Institute of Biotechnology. (biotechnology) implementation, in order to meet the needs of supporting the handling of the COVID-19 epidemic in Vietnam. Phylogenetic tree of SARS-CoV-2 strains collected in Vietnam until April 1, 2021. The NCBI reference MN908947.3 was also included as a comparison (black), while the SARS-CoV-2 genomes analyzed and provided by the Institute of Biotechnology were included in the comparison (boxed in red). Sequences are colored according to the GISAID classification. The taxonomic tree shows the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 as well as when the strains entered Vietnam one by one. Prof. Dr. Truong Nam Hai – Project leader said that the Institute of Biotechnology has collaborated with the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) to develop a technical process to sequence the entire SARS virus genome. CoV-2 by PacBio’s long segment sequencing technology, including 6 steps: (1) Culture and extraction of viral RNA. (2) Synthesis of double-stranded cDNA from viral RNA. These two steps were carried out at the Pasteur Institute in HCMC and NIHE in clean room conditions of class III biosafety. (3) Prepare a DNA library for gene sequencing. (4) Sequencing the whole genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. (5) De novo assembly of the viral genome. (6) Annotation and analysis of viral genomes. The following four steps were performed at the Institute of Biotechnology in about 48 hours. Also according to Prof. Dr. Truong Nam Hai, in Vietnam, to sequence the SARS-CoV-2 virus genome, domestic units use short-sequencing technology. Then assemble and reference the previous genome. This technology takes a long time to read the complete genome (3-4 days) and there are still errors in reading. “Some other units can sequence with next-generation equipment based on the principle of sequencing short fragments. That is, they sequence short fragments, then assemble these fragments together into long segments. To sequence a genome, and to sequence that, the units must now use the reference sequence that has been solved previously (as before, China was the country that successfully sequenced the strain in Wuhan) After solving the short segments, use the reference sequence to assemble to form the genome of the strain that we are sequencing.This is often a long process, short sequencing is often difficult to do. read the entire genome fully, so sometimes it is necessary to use an additional sequence called sanger sequencing to fully read the genome that we are interested in.Besides, this method also has other advantages. reading errors, so editing it also takes more time “- Professor Truong Nam Hai said. Prof. Dr. Truong Nam Hai also said that the project has sequenced the entire genome of four strains of SARS-CoV-2 virus, with a length of over 29500 nucleotides/genome. The results of genome assembly showed that there were no reading errors or blanks, and the sequencing results achieved 99.99% accuracy. “Currently this is the only device in Vietnam, it doesn’t have to read short paragraphs, but read long ones. Reading short paragraphs only reads 100-200 nucleotides/fragment, then assembles into a full genome. But Long segments can read thousands, tens of thousands of nucleotides/segment, and reading long fragments, when assembled to produce a genome, it is simpler and more accurate, the accuracy is equivalent to 99.99%- ie reading errors are almost nonexistent, assembly is very fast.It takes about 2 days for sequencing, assembly and analysis to complete the genome of a virus “- GS Hai said. With the construction and mastering of PacBio’s long-range genome sequencing technique for SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to scientists’ assessment, it has opened up the possibility of fast and accurate viral genome sequencing. without relying on international reference gene sequences. This allows Vietnamese scientists to sequence new viral pathogens in the future without the need for a reference genome. Genome sequencing data contributes to determining the origin of the virus and the number of sources of infection (F0) in the outbreaks, is a scientific basis and important information in the development of strategies and plans for prevention and control. effective spread of the virus in the community. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Quy Quynh – Head of Technology Application and Deployment Department, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology emphasized: “The successful study of the technological process of decoding the SARS-CoV-2 virus gene is contributed to the treatment regimen that we were able to suppress the epidemic, in particular, gene sequencing along with tracing allowed us to determine the source of the virus’s spread – the F0s, from which We have a scientific basis for us to isolate and isolate the number of people involved, and we also have a scientific basis to deploy optimal treatment regimens.” With the mastery of the existing technological process, capacity and conditions, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology also said that it is ready to cooperate with medical institutions in sequencing the system. genes of SARS-CoV-2 virus on a large scale in urgent cases, in order to effectively serve the prevention of COVID-19 epidemic in Vietnam./.

Water Bear – Tiny tardigrada that lives in the water. Photo: Earth Life According to CNN (USA), the SpaceX ship will carry necessities, scientific research experiments and even solar panels to the ISS station. In particular, 5,000 water bears and 128 small squids will also be sent to space this time. Both animals will participate in the experiments here. The scientists wanted to find out how water bears can tolerate the environment on the space station and whether microgravity affects the symbiotic relationship between squid and probiotics. Water bear in space Water bears look like little bears under a microscope. Photo: CNN According to Thomas Boothby, Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology at the University of Wyoming, water bears are known to be able to survive and thrive in the most extreme environments. They are a group of microorganisms that can survive under extreme pressure. “Water bears have the ability to survive drying, freezing and heating past boiling point. They can withstand radiation levels thousands of times higher than humans and can survive days or weeks without oxygen,” said Boothby. He said this is not the first time water bears have been sent into space. They have been shown to survive and reproduce in spaceflight, and can even survive long periods of exposure to the vacuum of space. “Scientists were able to sequence the genome of the water bear, thereby testing how the microorganism is affected by different environmental conditions based on their gene expression,” he said. more. Boothby’s experiment is also aimed at understanding how water bears are adapted to life in low Earth orbit. This could help to better understand the stressors humans face in the universe. The water bear will arrive at the ISS in a frozen state, then be defrosted, revived and grown in a special system. The results of the study will allow scientists to track which genes help water bears survive. For example, if researchers determine that water bears are making lots of antioxidants to help cope with high radiation levels, that means astronauts need to eat a diet rich in these nutrients. more anti-oxidant. “Our hope is that this knowledge will pave the way to the development of countermeasures or therapies to help protect astronauts during extended space missions,” said Boothby. Glowing squid ink Young long-tailed squid are swimming in sea water. Photo: CNN In addition, the researchers will also conduct the UMAMI experiment – a study that investigates microgravity on interactions between animals and microorganisms. Jamie Foster, a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida and the lead researcher on the experiment, said the study aimed to understand how healthy bacteria interact with animal tissue in space. . “Animals, including humans, rely on the microbiome to maintain a healthy gut and immune system,” Ms Foster said. “But we still don’t fully understand how the universe changes those beneficial interactions. The UMAMI experiment using glow-in-the-dark dumpling squid will shed light on these important issues in human health. “. The stomach squid is only about 3mm long, making it the perfect model to study for two reasons. They have special luminous organs in their bodies, which may contain a species of luminescent bacteria. The squid then uses the bacteria to glow in the dark. Since there’s only one species of bacteria and one type of host tissue, it’s easy for researchers to track how that happens. “Squid has a similar immune system to humans. We can see a lot of similarities in how the immune system responds to these beneficial bacteria in the space environment,” she added. The baby squid are born without bacteria, so they must be collected from the environment. The team of experts conducting the experiment will promote a symbiotic relationship by introducing bacteria into the squid and observing what happens in the first few hours. In the experiment, the squids will be placed in an automatic container. The pump will pump water or bacteria as they need it. After that, the squid tissue will be frozen on the ISS station and brought back to Earth. In addition, the scientists also carried out other experiments including mobile ultrasound, remote control of the robotic arm with virtual reality technology, analysis of how kidney stones form in space, studying the microbiome of the kidney. organisms in the mouth and produce more resistant cotton. Hundreds of scientific experiments are conducted every day on the ISS station, which is likened to a space laboratory. Astronauts will monitor this experiment and report their observations to researchers on Earth. These studies will help us better understand zero-gravity life and explore possible benefits on Earth.

Attending the program were Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Xuan Nhi – Vice President of Vietnam Association of Universities and Colleges; Dr. Le Viet Khuyen – Vice Chairman of Vietnam Association of Universities and Colleges; leading representatives from all departments of the association; Heads of some association’s permanent clubs and leadership representatives of 16/23 universities were autonomous The whole scene of the opening ceremony of the College Block Club is autonomous. Photo: NEU From the National Economics University, there were Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Hong Chuong – Rector of the school and Professor, Dr. Hoang Van Cuong – Vice Rector of the school. Associate Professor Tran Xuan Nhi shares positive signals with the establishment of the Self-Control College Bloc Club. Photo: NEU Sharing at the launch, Associate Professor Tran Xuan Nhi said: “The College Bloc Club is autonomous is the 23rd club of the Association. The members are all universities with extensive experience in autonomy. We will exchange, share, and solve existing problems together, to autonomously achieve the best results and comply with the laws of the State ”. In addition to the participation of autonomous universities, the ceremony also featured leaders from many universities that are not autonomous and about to be autonomous. According to Associate Professor Tran Xuan Nhi, this is a good sign and shows that autonomy is the desire of all universities, only self-control can really take off. Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Hong Chuong – Rector of the National Economics University emphasized: “University autonomy is an inevitable trend, not only helping schools have more power in academic development, improve the quality of training but also demonstrate the responsibility of schools to the society. The launching ceremony of the College Bloc Club has marked a new step in its own initiative, making a useful contribution to the development and increased autonomy for Vietnamese universities. As one of the pioneering universities in self-reliance, the National Economics University will support and actively participate in the activities of the club and association ”. Professor Hoang Van Cuong was appointed as the club’s leader. Photo: NEU At the ceremony, Mr. Pham Ngoc Lan – Head of School Club Support Board announced his decision to establish a club. Associate Professor Tran Xuan Nhi awarded the decision to establish the club and the decision to appoint the provisional chairman of the club. Professor Hoang Van Cuong shared the club’s operation plan in the first term. Photo: NEU The College Block Club decided to appoint Professor and Doctor Hoang Van Cuong – Vice Rector of the National Economics University as the Chairman of the Club. The Board of Directors of the Club and leaders of the Association of Vietnamese Universities and Colleges take souvenir photos. Photo: NEU The meeting also agreed to elect the Board of Directors for the first term. Professor, Dr. Hoang Van Cuong – National Assembly member, Vice Rector of National Economics University was elected to be the Head of the club. The Vice Chairman is Professor and Doctor Su Dinh Thanh – Rector of University of Economics, Ho Chi Minh City. Board members are leaders of the following schools: Hanoi University of Technology, University of Industrial Economics and Technology, University of Economics – University of Danang, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Also at the ceremony, Associate Professor Tran Xuan Nhi awarded the medal for the educational career to Professor, Dr. Tran Tho Dat – Former President of the School Council, Former Rector of National Economics University and Associate Professor. Professor, Dr. Nguyen Mai Huong – Chairman of the Council of Hanoi Open University. Associate Professor Tran Xuan Nhi awarded the medal for the cause of higher education in Vietnam to Professor Tran Tho Dat. Photo: NEU Associate Professor Tran Xuan Nhi awarded the medal for the cause of higher education in Vietnam to Associate Professor Nguyen Mai Huong. Photo: NEU The Board of Directors also held a seminar to discuss university autonomy in the current context. The seminar shared problems and directions to solve the university autonomy problem. Photo: NEU Professor Hoang Van Cuong – Head of the club raised the issue: “Implementing autonomy has helped schools overcome many difficulties and progressed to developing the quality of higher education. However, the current legal corridor still has certain problems. That is why the schools we need to exchange, share, to promote the highest autonomy, freedom to create, freedom to innovate, to create real values ​​together. According to Professor Hoang Van Cuong, one of the issues that need to be discussed of university autonomy is the need to have a mechanism to protect those who dare to think and dare to do. There must be people who dare to think and dare to do things in management to have positive and breakthrough changes. The removal of barriers and entanglement of university autonomy is also a task set for the Club. Talking at the seminar, Professor Su Dinh Thanh said that, in addition to the existing problems, the legal corridor also created a very good direction for schools to autonomy, from association, cooperation, and scientific research. technology transfer and study. Together, the schools study legal documents to solve the problem of autonomy. Club delegates and members took pictures to celebrate at the launching ceremony. Photo: NEU Professor Su Dinh Thanh also emphasized the issue of unity between the school board and the school administrators when exercising autonomy. The seminar also recorded many comments from university leaders on the issue of autonomy in the current context. The program has opened up new perspectives, helping schools share problems and solve some problems that schools are facing. It is known that the next time the club will be held at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City is scheduled in October 2021.

China pushes up chip production for technology autonomy In addition to “Made in China 2025”, China also has a “dual circulation” strategy, with the ambition to introduce new technology standards different from the West. Fast but unstable With this new strategy, China moves towards a self-sufficiency policy, reducing dependence on foreign countries. Specifically, with semiconductor technology, China will mobilize its own human resources to develop a new-generation chip research, design and production network to disrupt the isolation created by the US. The trade war with Western countries is seen as a reminder to the Chinese leadership that the country cannot depend on imports but must develop domestic core technology and pursue leaps and bounds. technology, especially in essential industries like semiconductors. China has set out many goals to realize its ambition such as: fostering a contingent of domestic technology talent, building high-tech companies with global influence to expand the model of “sovereignty network “in order to strictly control the Internet. In addition, there is securing secure information infrastructure, enhancing state censorship and surveillance in the digital space, and building a managed and enhanced digital economy. network security capabilities. Beijing has also stepped up building a “digital China” towards fulfilling its future technological ambitions of the world in the fields of quantum computing, 5G, semiconductors, and blockchain technology. (blockchain), big data, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and robotics. With the aim of accelerating the technology autonomy plan, China Development Bank prepared more than $ 60 billion in loans for more than 1,000 key businesses in its strategic innovation plan, and raised $ 30 billion for a new government-backed microchip fund. From March this year, news that Eastern Communications, a subsidiary of China Putian Information Industry Group (Potevio), will restructure and merge with China Electronic Technology Corporation (CETC) to make surplus. attention comment. The reason is that Potevio and CETC are both state-owned enterprises, run by the China State Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC). Potevio is an enterprise specializing in manufacturing telecommunications equipment, such as components for 5G infrastructure, server systems, memory, automatic teller machines. Potevio’s strengths relate to wireless communication and security. Meanwhile, CETC is the main supplier for the Beihou satellite system and is known to be a software and service provider for the Chinese military. The company also participates in the development of a Chinese version of the Windows operating system and develops many other areas such as the manufacture of semiconductors and antennas for 5G networks, and equipment for technology. self-propelled vehicle. The merger is intended to enhance the CETC’s resilience from US sanctions against the group’s companies, including Hikvision, the world’s top security camera maker. However, although China is actively promoting domestic technology development, it is difficult for observers to reach its goal of technological autonomy. In the past, Beijing had planned to spend 2.5% of its GDP on research and development, but actual spending has yet to reach that target. One area that has struggled with China is microchips, where most electronic products depend on it. In the past, Chinese companies were confused by the extremely complicated chip manufacturing process, so they decided instead of researching, they imported most of the necessary semiconductors. Over the years, although the government has supported the Chinese manufacturers to develop some chip manufacturing capabilities, the results have not been as expected. According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, Chinese chipmakers have received government subsidies of up to $ 50 billion over the past 20 years. Domestic companies also benefit from tax exemptions, free land, concessional loans, and priority purchases. Despite progress in chip design, China’s problem lies in its ability to produce high-end chips. China is currently only able to make mid-range chips because making semiconductor chips requires high precision. Many doubts The gradual technological autonomy has led China to a bolder plan: to export technology abroad. The dominant Chinese products in the world market are drones, laser equipment, equipment used in space technology, 3D printing, telecommunications equipment … China has taken advantage of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to implement this plan. Through the BRI, in Africa, China provides loans, exports technology and builds infrastructure to countries such as Guinea and Kenya, while exploiting the natural resources of the leading country. private. China has organized a number of technology fairs, digital economy with many countries participating in BRI such as: Digital technology fair with 17 countries in Central and Eastern Europe belonging to Group 17 + 1; Digital technology forum with 5 countries in Central Asia including: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan. These fairs aim to launch 1,334 digital and information technology projects along the “Digital Silk Road” corridor with 3 continents of Asia – Europe – Africa, of which, the focus is on regions. : Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Central Europe, Eastern Europe and East Africa. At the same time, to deploy new types of technology such as Internet connecting things, big data, digital infrastructure and project “Smart Africa” ​​with 26 countries in Africa. Major Chinese technology companies such as Huawei and ZTE expand their “Digital Silk Road” plan through Chinese-built fiber-optic networks, as well as equip local authorities with monitoring tools. Internet monitoring and censorship. There are no official technology export statistics for 2020, but the most recent report said that in 2019, China’s technology exports reached a trade value of 32.1 billion USD, equivalent to import value. This is a miraculous development, because 6 years ago, the proportion of export – import was 1 – 2. However, the technology “made in China” still caused many doubts. Observers say that Chinese companies are exporting “next generation surveillance systems” in several regions of the world, including Latin America. Venezuela alone, with the help of Chinese telecommunications conglomerate ZTE, has built up a database that can track citizens’ behavior through citizenship. The use of big data for security purposes is acceptable to the general public in South America, but after being widely used, those systems can be misused for espionage purposes. Moreover, according to observers, the Chinese technology industry, although developing rapidly, is not stable. This country has not mastered the technology of new generation chip production that the US, Japan, and South Korea are very proficient in. China’s domestic chip production will only meet 15.9% of the country’s demand in 2020, said IC Insights, a semiconductor research company in the US, compared with 15.1%. in 2014.