Moon, cement and glue

October is a time for celebrations in China. On the very first day of the month, the country commemorates the founding of the People's Republic, which 76 years ago heralded the birth of New China, a territory and people declared free from imperialism and all forms of colonialism. In these few years, China has undertaken remarkable technological, scientific, and social development that surprises the West, especially in its large infrastructure projects, such as the world's highest bridge, which reduces travel time between cities in Guizhou province from two hours to no more than two minutes, integrating this part of southwestern China into the national road system. But the investments go beyond that.

In the healthcare field, researchers at Zhejiang University have created bone glue that corrects fractures without the need for surgery, making traditional prostheses obsolete. The glue was inspired by the natural viscosity of oysters, which allows the mollusk to adhere securely to rocks, stones, and other concrete surfaces. In just 3 minutes, Bone-2, as it is being called, fixes the cracks after being injected.

Clinical trials were conducted on over 150 patients and certified the effectiveness of the glue, which is also absorbed by the body and therefore does not need to be removed from the application site. Research on bone restoration has been carried out for several years in medical centers in various countries. China took the lead and is now seeking to register the discovery. This is yet another patent to add to the approximately 43 million that bear the mark of its creative ingenuity, always ready to serve the common good.

China is not just about cement and glue. That same October, the grand event is the Moon Festival, an ancient tradition that brings the country to a standstill so families and friends can gather to appreciate the brilliance of the month's fullest moon and give thanks for the end of the autumn harvest, which will ensure provisions during the harsh winter. Along with the moonlight, the Chinese sky fills with colorful lanterns, and on the ground, diners feast on sweet mooncakes.

This year, a sad note. Both on Earth and in Heaven. Kongjian Yu, the architect who achieved harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, has passed away. It is not unlikely that the yellow autumn leaves will be found dressed in white, the color of mourning in China.