WEEKLY REVIEW (Jan.11-17)
Energy-Efficient Carbon Fiber Metro Train Launched
A new carbon fiber metro train, CETROVO 1.0, started passenger service in Qingdao, Shandong province, on January 10. Its lightweight design reduces energy consumption by 7 percent, cutting annual carbon dioxide emissions by 130 tonnes.
Space Station to Undertake 1,000+ Research Projects
Over the next 10-15 years, China's space station plans to conduct more than 1,000 research projects, focusing on interdisciplinary collaborations to achieve significant scientific and technological advances, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences on January 13.
Scientists Advance Lithium Battery Research
A Chinese research team has developed a stable solid electrolyte interphase for lithium batteries, improving performance and safety. The findings of the research team, led by South China University of Technology, have been published in the academic journal Nature. This interphase is highly electronically insulating, has excellent ionic conductivity, and remains chemically stable, addressing key challenges in lithium battery technology.
Multifunctional New Gene Editing Platform Developed
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed the Minimal Versatile Genetic Perturbation Technology (mvGPT) platform, which integrates gene editing and expression regulation to address hereditary diseases. Unlike previous tools requiring multiple systems for simultaneous genetic modifications, the mvGPT combines these functionalities into one platform, making it a powerful tool for studying genetic diseases like Type 1 diabetes.
2024 Confirmed as Hottest Year on Record
The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that 2024 was the hottest year since record-keeping began in 1850. The year broke multiple climate records, including global average temperatures and ocean heat levels. These alarming trends underline the urgency of global action to combat climate change and mitigate its far-reaching impacts on ecosystems and human society.