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Historic Restructuring of Fundamental Theories in Life Sciences—To the Global Academic Community and the Ministry of Education of China: Revise Current Textbooks Immediately Based on Scientific Truth

发布时间：

2026-04-12

Dear Teachers, Colleagues, and Students,

The theoretical system long adopted in cellular bioelectricity, neuroscience, and basic life sciences originates from Bernstein's membrane theory (1902) and the Hodgkin-Katz ionic theory (1949), which was later developed into the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) model and related equation system by Hodgkin and Huxley (1952). The scholars involved were awarded the 1963 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for this work.

The relevant squid giant axon experiments were rigorously designed with objective and reliable data, representing respectable and inheritable classic achievements. Although the early membrane theory and ionic theory have historical value, they are not entirely accurate. Our team has systematically revised these theories and completely abandoned the fundamentally flawed GHK equation and HH equation.

To date, no one in the international community has been able to fully derive and coherently reproduce the GHK equation and HH equation from start to finish.

Such mathematical models are logically complex and inconsistent, with unclear correspondence between physical pictures and physiological mechanisms, failing to provide a complete and coherent academic explanation. Continued application hinders students from establishing correct cognition and cannot support exploration in cutting-edge fields.

Based on Roderick MacKinnon's 1998 research on the structure of potassium ion channels, our team proposed the "Origami Windmill" model of potassium ion channels in 2019, and successively established the Law of Conservation of Cell Membrane Area and the Ion Inequality Equation, which provide a more concise and self-consistent explanation for the mechanism of cellular bioelectric action potentials. A clear conclusion is drawn: the rising phase of cellular action potentials is dominated by potassium ion efflux, and the falling phase by potassium ion influx.

This theoretical system has been included and certified by authoritative platforms such as Science Popularization China, with a rigorous academic foundation and wide social recognition. Content built on flawed traditional equations that is difficult to explain and master should be treated with caution—not taught, not learned, and not tested—until the theoretical system is improved and textbooks are updated, to ensure the scientificity and rigor of basic education.

Rational interpretation of the "Origami Windmill" model of potassium ion channels naturally leads to the important conclusion that neurons can generate and radiate electromagnetic waves—a key mechanism that cannot be deduced or accommodated within the traditional theoretical framework. On this basis, we can systematically develop scientific explanations for the nature of consciousness and neural information, providing novel insights into pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for major neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. It also extends to a series of cutting-edge fields including bionic neuron construction, artificial intelligence, bionic robot development, and invasive/non-invasive brain-computer interface research, while offering a new underlying logic for the unified integration of DNA genetic mechanisms, bioelectricity, and genetics.

A complete future track covering cutting-edge technology and clinical needs has taken shape, from fundamental theoretical breakthroughs to tackling major diseases, and from high-end intelligent equipment to interdisciplinary industrial applications. This will open up vast research and career opportunities for young students, guiding life sciences research toward addressing major human health needs and connecting with top-tier technology industries.

At present, fundamental theories in life sciences are facing historic restructuring. Alarmingly, some traditional theories have long concealed the lack of physical mechanisms through overly complex mathematical packaging, creating an "illusion of profundity" with obscure partial differential equations. Essentially, they replace real explanations of life mechanisms with mathematical fog. This academic inertia of "incomprehensibility equals authority" not only confuses teachers and students but also creates professional barriers, making it difficult for authorities to distinguish truth from falsehood. As a result, flawed theories have long occupied textbooks and wasted massive research resources and national investment. Only by returning to physical essence and breaking academic inertia can educational authorities face problems squarely and revise textbooks.

The outdated theoretical system has fundamental flaws and seriously lags behind contemporary cognition. Failure to update it promptly will continue to mislead generations of young students.

Therefore, we solemnly appeal to the Ministry of Education of China and the Chinese Academy of Sciences to promptly organize authoritative experts to conduct special demonstrations and scientifically evaluate the relevant theoretical achievements. Once confirmed that the new theoretical system is closer to the essence of life and more consistent with objective facts, we earnestly request taking the lead in launching a comprehensive revision of national textbooks on physiology and neuroscience, demonstrating China's scientific confidence and responsibility as a major country through concrete actions.

Only by following scientific laws and upholding the attitude of seeking truth can we promote fundamental research and talent cultivation toward a broader future.

Respectfully,

Sun Zuodong

April 12, 2026