Explore recent advances in the study of mapping class groups of 4-manifolds through this 47-minute mathematical lecture that employs invariants from configuration spaces. Learn how to construct proofs demonstrating that the mapping class group of a surface crossed with the 2-sphere is not finitely generated, and discover the connections between these results and Gabai's lightbulb theorem. Examine applications of these theoretical developments in symplectic topology, particularly regarding nonisotopic symplectic forms on 4-manifolds. Gain insights into cutting-edge research in algebraic topology and differential geometry through work conducted in collaboration with Boyu Zhang, Yi Xie, and Weiwei Wu, presented by a researcher from the Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications.