(1) clinical biochemistry
Hsien Wu has done a series of work based on 19 19' s doctoral thesis "A blood analysis system", which provides an important analytical method for modern clinical blood chemical analysis, with historic and innovative significance and has been widely used internationally for a long time. Among them, the method of blood sugar determination has been used internationally for 70 years, so he is known as the authority of international blood analysis. Before the 1920s, it was a heavy burden for patients to detect non-protein nitrogen components in blood. For example, only one uric acid test requires 25 ml of blood. Flynn-Wu's new method only needs 10 ml to determine urea, sarcosine, creatinine, uric acid and sugar (only one drop of blood is needed to determine blood sugar). Besides blood, he continued to analyze and discuss urine, saliva and cerebrospinal fluid for many years.
(2) Balance between gas and electrolyte
This is Hsien Wu's cooperative research with Van slack (then a visiting professor at Union University) and F·c· McLean during 1922- 1923. According to the experimental results, on the basis of osmotic equality, Tang Nanping balance and potassium and sodium non-diffusion, this book has become a classic in biochemical literature.
(3) Study on protein's degeneration.
This is a large-scale research conducted by Hsien Wu in Concord period, aiming at solving this unresolved international problem at that time. During the period of l929- 1940, he and his colleagues Yan, Deng Bai, Li Zhenpian, Lin, Lin Shumo, Chen Tongdu, Huang Ziqing, Liu Sizhi, Yang Enfu, Zhou Qiyuan, Xu Jiaxiang and Wang Chengfa successively published a series of l6 monographs. Later, on the basis of further in-depth research, he formally put forward the "sex change theory" in China Journal of Physiology in 193 1. It is proved by various facts that the long peptide chain of naturally soluble protein (globulin) must be formed by the regular folding of various polar groups of amino acids connected by some secondary bonds in the molecule, which makes the protein molecule have a compact configuration. Once the secondary bond of protein is destroyed by physical and chemical forces, the configuration is opened, and the peptide chain changes from regular folding to disordered and loose form, that is, denaturation occurs. Although protein's transsexual theory was once ignored, it finally won the verification and praise of scholars at home and abroad. As the famous protein chemist Felix Haurowitz commented in 1950, this is "the first reasonable theory about protein's transsexuality", which he thinks was published at least five years earlier than others. American biochemist J.S.Fluton recorded this point in his monograph "History of Biochemistry": "This hypothesis was widely accepted and soon supported by further experiments, but it failed to show the problem of maintaining the chemical force in the natural protein conformation, which was later solved by A. Mirsky, L. Pauling and M.Huggins.. In addition, some scholars in China believe that from his research results on hemoglobin and globulin, Hsien Wu seems to have been exposed to the quaternary structure of protein molecules 50 years ago, and thus began to study the higher structure of protein macromolecules. In a word, his work "wrote a valuable page for the study of the higher structure of macromolecules in protein".
(4) immunochemistry
Hsien Wu started this research in 1927, and achieved many leading results. He and Li Zhenpian, Zheng, Sabentie, Zhou Tian, Li, Liu Sizhi and Wang Chengfa conducted a series of fruitful research in 15, among which he pioneered the marking method in the world. He used hemoglobin with colored groups and then albumin iodide as a labeled antigen, which was many years earlier than using isotopes as labels for similar research. Using this method, Hsien Wu et al. quantitatively analyzed the antigen and antibody precipitation in the presence of other protein, thus determining the quantitative relationship between antigen and antibody, and then separating pure antibody, confirming the monism of antibody.
(5) Nutrition
From 1927,, Yan,, Chen Tongdu, Xiao Min, etc. China's diet has been systematically analyzed and studied, and they have also conducted a series of studies on vegetarian and carnivorous rats. Through the inheritance and feeding experiments of dozens of generations of rats, the nutritional value of vegan and omnivorous meat and their effects on animal growth, reproduction, basal metabolism, spontaneous activity and longevity were compared. As long as nutrition is strengthened, it can be completely improved, which theoretically denies foreigners' prejudice against China people's physical problems. From 65438 to 0989, he compiled and published the earliest monograph on nutrition in modern China-Introduction to Nutrition. In 1930s, he also compiled the first food composition table based on the analysis of China's food system. Hsien Wu's research on nutrition is not only of academic significance, but also of practical significance to China at that time.
(VI) Amino acid metabolism
This is his research in America in his later years (1948- 1953). In order to study human biology, he labeled amino acids and other related compounds with N 15, and carried out a series of metabolic experiments on them, and published the first paper in this series at 1949. After 1953, due to health reasons, this work could not be continued. But after retirement, he still taught himself advanced mathematics, and applied his calculus and mass spectrometry to analysis and determination, thus putting forward a general principle to explain the data about excretion obtained in these experiments, and published the last three papers in 1959.
In addition to the above work, the research on hormones and antifertility conducted by Hsien Wu organization is also very valuable.
Wu Xian has keen observation. He has the ability to distinguish important things from unimportant things and can grasp the essence of the problem in any discussion. He can quickly and timely grasp the frontier work of international research at that time and the problems of value to China society, conduct high-level research and innovate constantly. At the same time, he also has superb experimental research skills. Everyone who has worked with him thinks that he has a keen mind, is knowledgeable and dares to explore. Van Slack, a famous American biochemist who is both a teacher and a friend, said of Hsien Wu: "Only when you see his work with your own eyes can you fully appreciate his brilliant wisdom and technical perfection. He is one of the greatest and original leaders in the field of biochemistry today. "
Judging from Hsien Wu's research in China, his research ideas seem to have developed from two routes: one route is pure basic theoretical research, aiming at pursuing a high level and exploring true knowledge. Starting with protein, the basic element of life, this paper studies its nature, structure (denaturation research), biological function (immunity research, amino acid metabolism) and various related characteristics, in order to finally rise to the study of solving the basic human life mechanism. On this road, he adhered to the principle of "science knows no borders". Another route is applied basic research, aiming at solving practical problems in China with science. It mainly starts with the analysis of Beijingers' diet and various foods, and then studies vegetarianism, and designs and puts forward optimized nutrition, hoping to finally improve the physical quality of China people. This road embodies his good wish of "saving the country by science". His research career has developed almost simultaneously in these two paths, and he has made great achievements. However, there is no doubt that the research results of nutrition are different from his hope, because solving the problem of China people's physical quality (nutrition) is by no means a pure scientific problem. With the Japanese invasion of China and the deterioration of the political situation, he gradually realized this clearly, but he did not stop there, but paid more and more attention to social problems. Although his scientific research was finally interrupted by the Japanese invasion, it opened the way for biochemical research in these fields in China. Hsien Wu not only pursues true knowledge in science, but also takes it as his duty to develop science in China. As we all know, Concorde was a first-class high-level school in Asia at that time funded by the Rockwell Foundation of the United States. From the dean to the professor, it is originally foreign. As Sheikh's earliest director from China, he was a member of the Education Department, the Professors' Committee and the three-person leading group (namely, the Executive Committee formed from 1935 to 1937) to implement the CEO's task. He actively participated in school management, fought for the welfare and improved teaching for colleagues, teachers and students in China, and won people's respect and trust. As a professor and director of biochemistry, he always has a strategic vision of development: he attaches importance to academic exchanges. As early as 1922, when he founded the Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine (Beijing Branch) with foreign teachers, he participated in the academic activities of the Society. Famous American biochemists such as Van Slack, A.E.Cohn and Hastings were invited as visiting professors to give lectures and cooperate in research, and participated in international academic conferences many times.
He attaches great importance to the construction of laboratories and the setting of experimental courses for students. As soon as I arrived at school, I set up experimental classes and compiled experimental handouts. On the basis of many years' practice, he co-authored the book "Biochemical Experiment" with Zhou Qiyuan (1903- 1986) (written by Hsien Wu in English and translated into Chinese by Zhou Qiyuan), and edited by Chinese Medical Association l94 1. He also innovated the branch and teaching of biochemistry, put forward the concept of "physical biochemistry" for the first time, applied the theory, technology and method of physical chemistry to the interpretation and research of biochemical problems, and considered biochemical problems at the molecular level. Based on his years of teaching and the development of international biochemistry, he published Principles of Physical Biochemistry written in English in l934 (there was no such work at home and abroad before), which was used as a biochemistry textbook for the first year of pre-medical students of Union University, and he taught in person, laying a solid theoretical and experimental foundation for students. He strictly selects teachers and attaches importance to cultivating young people. In addition to medical students, he also attracted more than a dozen young chemists who had just returned to China to work in the laboratory and trained more than 20 advanced students and graduate students. According to his students' estimation, by the 1950s, "more than 70% biochemical teachers and researchers in China were trained in Union Medical College." Later, they held leadership positions in teaching or scientific research units and devoted themselves to the front line of teaching and scientific research. Most of them have made important contributions to the development of biochemistry or other chemical disciplines in China. Under his leadership, the Department of Biochemistry of Peking Union Medical College, from the 1920s to the early 1940s, produced a large number of talented people with remarkable achievements and enjoyed a high reputation at home and abroad.
Hsien Wu's scientific achievements and leadership have brought him many reputations. He also took these achievements seriously and made contributions to the development of science in China without hesitation. 1926 assisted Lin Kesheng to establish the China Society of Physiological Sciences in Union Medical College, and has been involved in the specific work of the Society since its establishment. Director (to 1940), secretary and accountant (1929- 193 1 year), president (193 1- 1935). In 1930s, China's physiological science attracted the attention of scientific circles at home and abroad, which was related to the promotion of chinese association for physiological sciences. In addition, Hsien Wu is a member of the Chemistry Group of China Scientific Terminology Editorial Committee (1921-kloc-0/927), a founding member of the Chinese Chemical Society, a member of the Editorial Committee of Journal of chinese chemical society (1935- 1937), and the board of directors of China Education and Culture Fund. Chairman of Special Nutrition Committee of Chinese Medical Association (date unknown), Communication Researcher of Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (date unknown), member of the first Council of the Institute (1935- 1940), the first batch of academicians (1948 March). He is conscientious in all the above positions (groups).
In order to support War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and develop China's scientific career in wartime,1in March, 944, he took great risks, left his wife and children, quietly left Beiping under Japanese occupation, and after a long journey, arrived in Chongqing, the rear area, to set up and lead the Nutrition Research Institute of the Central Health Laboratory. At that time, the materials were scarce, the conditions were difficult and the experimental equipment was rudimentary, but he always went to the laboratory to guide the experiment in person, sometimes until late at night. With his vigorous preparation, the Nutrition Institute of the Central Health Laboratory has expanded from a dozen people to dozens of scholars. After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, Hsien Wu was responsible for the establishment of Beiping Branch of the Central Health Laboratory. He temporarily chose Beiping Xiannongtan as the meeting place, and actively recruited talents, raised funds and purchased research equipment under many difficulties. He also took the opportunity of going abroad for a meeting to visit the United States, and discussed with his old friend Hou in the United States the plan to establish a "Institute of Human Biology" in the Yellow Sea Chemical Industry Research Institute funded by Wynn. In order to realize this plan, on the one hand, he traveled all over the United States, raised money to buy precision instruments and shipped them back to China, negotiated with MIT to train some China students, and sent the collected books and materials back to China for future construction; On the other hand, as a visiting professor, he studied advanced experimental research techniques in American universities to welcome the arrival of a new research period after returning home. For various reasons, his plan to return to China to build a hospital failed to come true, but he did not give up the plan until his later years, just because of illness. As Wu Rui, the eldest son of Hsien Wu, said, "It is my father's lifelong wish to develop China's scientific career."
As a master of science, the significance of Hsien Wu's work lies not only in the development of science itself, as Anderson pointed out in the book "Research on Change": "Hsien Wu's international reputation was established very early, and it was continued by his later work, which made him invited to attend international conferences, become a member of western scientific groups, and board the list of various well-known scientists. Frequent travel and close cooperation with foreign scientists helped him become a bridge between two cultures.