On Friday, 23 May 2025, Michaela Boehme, representing the DCZ Science & Technology Platform, visited the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (YAAS) in Kunming. The visit included an in-depth exchange with Professor Zeng Yawen and his team at the Biotechnology and Genetic Germplasm Resources Research Institute, who are engaged in cutting-edge research on functional foods.
Functional foods are increasingly recognised for their ability to deliver health benefits beyond basic nutrition, including the potential to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Professor Zeng’s research focuses on understanding the links between dietary changes—especially the rising consumption of refined grains—and the increase in non-communicable diseases in China. His team primarily works with highland rice and barley varieties traditionally cultivated in Yunnan Province.
The research process begins with the collection and conservation of germplasm resources, which form the genetic foundation for crop improvement. These samples are systematically analysed to identify varieties rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, melatonin, vitamins, minerals, peptides, and bitter substances—ingredients that contribute to regulating blood sugar and improving overall health. Based on these findings, the team has successfully developed new rice and barley lines shown to help maintain stable blood sugar levels and lower the risk of diabetes.
The exchange also touched on opportunities for collaboration with German institutions. Researchers at the University of Bayreuth, for instance, are investigating health-promoting ingredients in beverages and other novel food products. Both research strands reflect a growing interest in diet-based approaches to public health and open up new possibilities for Sino-German cooperation in the field of agricultural and nutritional sciences.
The visit concluded with a tour of the YAAS genebank, which conserves more than 6,000 accessions of plant genetic resources, with a particular focus on highland crops native to Yunnan, and a tour through the Institute’s laboratories.
