Top 10 Sci-Tech News of 2024 in China
1. China Convenes Landmark National Science Conferences
On June 24, China held the National Science and Technology Conference, the National Science and Technology Award Conference, and the general assemblies of the members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. These meetings emphasized accelerating China's high-level sci-tech self-reliance and charted a path to achieving its goal of becoming a science and technology powerhouse by 2035.
2. LHAASO Identifies First Super Cosmic Ray Source
Chinese scientists used data from the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) to identify the first confirmed super cosmic ray source in the Cygnus star-forming region. A giant ultra-high-energy gamma-ray bubble structure over 5,000 light-years away was discovered, housing photons with energies up to 20 peta-electron volts, a significant milestone in astrophysics.
3. Breakthrough in High-Yield Rice Genetics
Chinese scientists decoded the genetic mechanism behind "clustered-spikelet rice," a unique variety producing multiple grains from a single position. They identified the BRD3 gene mutation and its role in regulating panicle branching and grain number, providing new angles for high-yield rice cultivation.
4. First Observation of Fractional Quantum Anomalous Hall State of Photons
A team led by Professor Pan Jianwei from the University of Science and Technology of China successfully realized the fractional quantum anomalous Hall state of photons, a major breakthrough in quantum physics. Using superconducting optical resonators, the team created an artificial gauge field, enabling efficient exploration of novel quantum states.
5. World's First Brain-Inspired Complementary Vision Chip
Tsinghua University unveiled "Tianmuc," the first brain-inspired complementary vision chip. Mimicking human visual systems, it can adapt to extreme scenarios like sudden light changes or night flashes. Published in Nature in May, this breakthrough overcomes the limitations of traditional vision chips.
6. Chang'e 6 Returns with Moon's Far Side Samples
On June 25, the Chang'e 6 mission achieved the world's first lunar far-side sampling and return, collecting 1,935 grams of material. The samples revealed volcanic activity 2.8 billion years ago, and provided the first-ever ancient magnetic field data on the moon's far side, advancing lunar research.
7. Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link Opens After Seven-Year Construction
On June 30, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, one of the world's most complex sea-crossing projects, opened to traffic. Spanning 24 km, it includes bridges, tunnels and islands, reducing travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan from two hours to 30 minutes.
8. Breakthrough in Allogeneic CAR-T Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases
Chinese researchers improved the situation of three patients with refractory autoimmune diseases using allogeneic CAR-T therapy. This groundbreaking approach marks the first reported successful use of such an approach for autoimmune diseases, offering new hope for patients.
9. Launch of Huawei's Native HarmonyOS
In October, Huawei introduced HarmonyOS NEXT, China's first fully self-developed mobile operating system. With zero reliance on Android's open-source code, this "pure" HarmonyOS represents a leap in domestic software innovation, setting new benchmarks in security and efficiency.
10. China's First Deep-Ocean Drilling Ship Commissioned
In November, the Meng Xiang (meaning "Dream" in Chinese) deep-ocean drilling vessel officially entered service. With a drilling capacity of 11,000 meters, the ship integrates scientific drilling, oil and gas exploration, and gas hydrate investigation. It represents a major achievement in deep-sea exploration and marine technology.