China Center News

Winter 2002

U Professor Zigang Dong's Tea Research

Not only is tea one of the most popular beverages consumed in the world but also it has been touted as one of the most potent health beverages ever. Research findings suggest that certain components found in green and black tea are highly effective anticancer agents. Some of these findings have been the results of research studies from the University of Minnesota's Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota where Dr. Zigang Dong, Professor and Executive Director of the Institute has been awarded a new 5 year $1.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to study the effectiveness of tea in preventing cancer. This award is a component of a Program Project Grant totaling $6 million, which is a collaborative effort between Dr. Dong and 5 other scientists at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Dr. Dong and his colleagues have been studying the mechanisms underlying the observed anticancer effects of tea.

The data seem to indicate that drinking 3-6 cups of green or black tea per day can have a major impact on overall health. Most of the tea produced and consumed worldwide is black tea (78%) followed by green (20%) and oolong teas (2%). All 3 types of tea all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensi, and are distinguished according to their level of oxidation or fermentation. Green tea is processed immediately from fresh leaves and is protected from oxidation whereas oolong tea has been partially oxidized and black tea has been fully oxidized. Consumption of these teas has been shown to effectively inhibit cancer development whereas herb teas do not appear to be effective. Green tea is consumed primarily in many Asian and Northern African countries, oolong tea in China, and black tea is favored in the United States, England, and other Western countries. In addition to caffeine, green and black tea contain several active compounds collectively known as catechins and theaflavins, respectively. The catechins include (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is the most abundant and active component and the theaflavins give black tea its characteristic color and taste.

Several mechanisms to explain the cancer preventive effects of tea have been presented but Dr. Dong suggests that tea components target specific cell-signaling pathways responsible for regulating cellular growth and/or cell death. He states that "Because one of the major problems associated with cancer prevention and treatment is the extreme toxicity of drugs used in chemotherapy, the use of natural food compounds, such as tea, in preventing and treating cancer has gained considerable acceptance as an alternative approach to the control of cancer because these types of compounds have little or no toxicity."

A major goal of Dr. Dong and his research group is to identify nontoxic anticancer agents, and thus, in collaboration with colleagues throughout the USA and the world, they are testing the anticancer effect of hundreds of food factors in addition to tea. Evidence from epidemiological and experimental studies, including data from Dr. Dong's group, indicates that compounds derived from tea have a strong inhibitory effect on cancer development with few side effects. The new research grant will further support work on the mechanisms by which tea prevents cancer. Understanding the mechanisms of the anticancer effects of tea will help in the development of more effective agents for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

In addition to this research grant, Dr. Dong has current research funding totaling $3.8 million from the National Institutes of Health, the American Institute for Cancer Research, and the University of Minnesota. These funds also support experimental studies on the development and testing of cancer preventive agents. Dr. Dong has also received travel grants from The China Center for promoting collaborations between the University of Minnesota and several Chinese universities. Recently, Dr. Dong has also received research funding from the University of Minnesota for pilot studies and equipment needed for investigating the mechanisms of cancer development. The success of Dr. Dong's work has not only been the result of federal and state government support, but has also benefited significantly from funding obtained from local donors including the Hormel Foundation and the Eagles Cancer Telethon.

U Alumnus Lou Cheng-Hou given Honorary Doctorate

Lou Cheng-Hou, a professor in the Plant Physiology Laboratory of Beijing Agricultural University and a joint research fellow in the Institute of Plant Physiology of Academia Sinica, received an honorary doctor of science degree from the University of Minnesota November 5, 2001. The degree was nominated by U of M alumnus and Nobel laureate Norman E. Borlaug.

Lou received a bachelor of science degree in biology from Tsing-hua University, Beijing, in 1932 and a master of science degree, also in biology, from Lingnan University in Guangzhou. In 1939 he was awarded a doctorate in botany from the University of Minnesota. He returned to China that year and taught until 1949 at Tsing-hua University. From 1947 to 1949 he was an honorary research associate in the Biophysics Research Unit of Liang University College, London. In 1949 he assumed his present positions. Lou has devoted his scientific career to studies of plant irritability and integrity.

The honorary doctorate was awarded in conjunction with a conference of the International Council of Agricultural Science and Technology during a ceremony at the China Hall of Science and Technology in Beijing. Charles Muscoplat, vice president for agricultural policy and dean of the College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Minnesota, presented the degree at a gathering of more than 150 Chinese and American friends. This award is the highest honor conferred by the University of Minnesota.

Report on U of M delegation at ICAST, Beijing

The University of Minnesota delegation, led by Charles Muscoplat, vice president for agricultural policy and dean of the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, was well represented at the International Conference on Agricultural Science and Technology, November 7-9, 2001, in Beijing. The University was one of the six foreign academic support organizations in attendance. Dr. Muscoplat gave a plenary address entitled "Biotechnology and Agriculture: New Methods and Impact on Sustainability" to the more than 1,500 international participants attending the conference.

Our alumnus and Nobel laureate Norman E. Borlaug gave another keynote address on "Prospects for World Agriculture in the 21st Century." By 2020, China will become the world's largest meat producer and India will become the world's largest milk producer. Dr. Borlaug noted, comparing China and India, that increased food production alone cannot successfully address food security. India has accumulated huge stocks of grain, but hundreds of millions go hungry for lack of the purchasing power to buy food. Dr. Borlaug referenced the work of Nobel laureate and economist Amartya Sen, who analyzed China's comparative success in achieving broad-based economic growth and poverty reduction due to the Chinese government's investments in rural education and health care services.

Gene Allen, executive director of the Office of International Programs, chaired a conference session and gave a presentation on the "Differences Between Extension and Technology Transfer." He was also invited to give the "Concluding Remarks of A Conference Participant." Dr. Allen noted that ICAST was unique because it bridged science and public policy in relation to global issues such as food production and distribution, malnutrition, biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, and related environmental issues. Another U of M participant was Professor H. H. Cheng, who served as a member of the ICAST academic committee and chaired several academic sessions.

The conference highlight was when Chinese President Jiang Zemin held a 90-minute conversation with Borlaug, Muscoplat, Cheng, and 20 other selected conference participants.

Reflections of a First-time Experience in China

"At the end of October, I visited China for the first time to attend a conference in Beijing and spend time at China Agricultural University. I also spent a few days visiting Guilin and Xian. The visit was quite wonderful and exceeded my expectations of what I hoped to accomplish professionally in a short visit. Trying to summarize my impressions is a challenge. I was moved by the historical continuity of China. This is not just an advanced culture that extends back relatively unbroken for millennia, but one that knows and treasures its history. I was surprised by the disposable income in evidence in Beijing - many, many expensive shops, designer boutiques, and high-end department stores busy selling to Chinese customers. The people with whom I came in contact through my work and while traveling were consistently warm, welcoming, friendly, gracious, and simply fun to be with. Perhaps my professional connections dissolved some usual reserve. I felt among friends wherever I went. The traffic is horrendous, and the air pollution is literally breath-taking in Beijing. Food in China has little in common with Chinese food in the U.S. - and it's much better (except carp, which must be an acquired taste)! China is excited about joining the World Trade Organization and hosting the Olympics in 2008. China is evolving rapidly and a very exciting place to visit and with which to work because it is committed to growth and development while it continues to honor its past."

— by Peggy Johnson, University of Minnesota Interim Librarian

Recent Visitors September – December 2001

Mr. Shane Wu, director of the Cultural Division at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, visited the University of Minnesota from September 9 to 10, 2001. He met with various representatives from the U, students from Taiwan, and also attended the 2001 annual conference of the Chinese American Academic & Professional Association of Minnesota.

From October 18 to 19, Dr. Ba Denian, former President of the Chinese Academy of Medical Science, along with his colleague, Dr. Zhao Chun-hua, visited the U of M. They met with Associate Dean Greg Vercellotti from the Medical School and Dr. Paul Quie from the International Medical Education and Research Program. Drs. Ba and Zhao also hosted an information session for all U of M Chinese students interested in the current medical research situation in China.

A south China medical delegation, led by Mr. Shuquan Li, a Senior Commercial Specialist at the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, China, visited the U of M December 11, 2001. The delegation was composed of hospital, clinic, and health bureau directors and chiefs.

A Message from the China Center Director

I am very pleased to share with you the creation of the China Center's Lecture Series "Building U.S. - China Bridges". The first lecture, coupled with the China Center's first fund raising event, was held December 10, 2001, in the McNamara Alumni Center. Professor Robert Kudrle of the Humphrey Institute and Chair of the China Center Advisory Committee opened the lecture series. Professor Fred Morrison of the Law School gave a speech entitled "The Elephant on the Bridge." Dr. Jiang Bo, Counselor and Director of Education, Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Chicago, presented a lecture on "Expanding China - U.S. Educational Exchange and Cooperation."

Our generous donors contributed more than $7,850 plus a full scholarship from the Ministry of Education in Beijing to support a University of Minnesota student to study a year in China for the 2002 - 2003 academic year. The Jennie and Fred Hsiao Scholarship Fund, a first of its kind at the China Center, offers financial assistance to students who are interested in studying and conducting research in China. The newly established Director's Fund helps support mutually beneficial activities between the University and China. Activities such as hosting guest speakers for the Building U. S. - China Bridges lectures, hosting important delegations from mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, and supporting faculty and student scholarly activities in China foster greater friendship and understanding among American and Chinese people.

On behalf of the entire staff at the China Center, I deeply appreciate your generous contribution and strong support of the China Center and its programs. We wish all of you a Happy New Year and a successful Year of the Horse! Let us all take part in the profound endeavor of "building bridges."

— Hong Yang

New Training Programs Coordinator

Yuedong Zhou recently joined the China Center as the Training Programs Coordinator. Yuedong is from Chongqing, China. He received his B.S. in Agronomy from Sichuan Agricultural University of China (SAU) in 1982. Yuedong then held several academic positions in China, including lecturer at the Agronomy Department of Xichang Agricultural College and associate professorships in Sichuan Agricultural University and Sichuan University (SU). He also served as the deputy director at the Triticeae Institute of SAU and Biotechnology Institute and the associate dean at the Life Sciences College at SU.

Yuedong came to the U. S. in 1995 to serve as a visiting scholar and assistant coordinator at the Flora of China Program of the Missouri Botanical Garden. After he received his master's degree in biology from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, Yuedong accepted the position of research associate at the Medical School of Washington University. Later he worked as the programs administrator for agriculture and training in the College of Agriculture and the Institute for Global Chinese Affairs at the University of Maryland, College Park. He is now happy to be part of the China Center team and living here in snowy Minnesota!

Training News

November '01: Mingda Institute for Leadership Training at the China Center was awarded a license by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, in Beijing as an official training site and authorized to conduct training for officials from Chinese government and academic organizations.

December '01: PRC Group #7 including agricultural officials from Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Hunan Zhongfang County came to the University to learn about organic agriculture, December 7 – 11, 2001. The USDA sponsored the group.

January '02: Mr. Ming Yalin, director of International Office, China International Centre for Economic and Technical Exchanges in the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation will lead a delegation to the University on January 24 to study seed cultivation.

April '02: Beijing Municipality is making arrangements to send 20 city executives to the University to participate in a four-month training program.

Chinese New Year 2002
The Year of the Horse

February 12, 2002, is the first day of Lunar New Year, also known as the "Spring Festival" — a time of great excitement and joy for the Chinese people. The high point of the season is New Year's Eve. Every member of every family returns home on this day, if possible, to share a sumptuous dinner with his or her family. Children receive "red envelopes" containing gifts of lucky money. Sleep is not easy on this night as the New Year is ushered in with the thunderous roar of exploding firecrackers.

2002 is the Year of the Horse. According to Chinese astrology, people born in the year of the horse are hard working, cheerful, popular, and quick to compliment others. They are full of life and enthusiasm and are regarded as passionate and faithful when the right partner is found.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Tang Peisung

We are saddened to report that Professor Tang Peisung passed away on September 6, 2001. Professor Tang received his undergraduate degree from the U of M in 1927, his Ph.D. at John Hopkins in 1930, and an honorary doctor of science degree from the U of M in 1996. He will live on in the memories of all who were touched by his life as an amazing scientist and honorable human being.

Travel Grants

To travel in May, June, July, August 2002 — Apply by April 1, 2002

To travel in September, October, November and December 2002 — Apply by August 1, 2002

To travel in January, February, March and April 2003 — Apply by December 2, 2002

To obtain guidelines please call the China Center at 612-624-1002, or download an application form from our Web site:
http://www.international.umn.edu/funding/travelgrant/apply_instructions.php