Big brains win big fame

A science-quiz TV show ignites passion for knowledge and makes victors celebrities, Xu Fan reports.

When he spouts scientific jargon and displays his knowledge of various unconnected subjects, Chen Kunyu seems like a Chinese version of Sheldon Cooper, a fictional character in the CBS television series, The Big Bang Theory.

The 18-year-old student of physics from Tsinghua University is now an internet celebrity. And some of his fans even use his photo with his name on as an amulet hoping it will help them pass a challenging exam.