Science News
Latest science news and updates
Total: 154
Starward Integration: Hong Kong’s First Astronaut Signals a New Era for China’s Space Ambitions
Hong Kong’s Lai Kai-ying has been named as a payload specialist for the Shenzhou-23 mission, becoming the first astronaut from the city to join China's space program. The mission highlights the increasing integration of Hong Kong into national strategic projects and underscores China's commitment to diversifying its astronaut corps with scientific specialists.
From Hong Kong to the Heavens: Shenzhou-23 Crew Signals a New Era for China’s Space Ambitions
China has unveiled the Shenzhou-23 crew, featuring the nation’s first astronaut from Hong Kong and the first flight engineer to serve as commander. The mission will include a record-breaking one-year stay for one crew member, highlighting China's focus on long-duration spaceflight and national unity.
From Hong Kong to High Orbit: Beijing’s Shenzhou-23 Crew Signals a New Era of National Integration
China has announced the Shenzhou-23 crew, led by veteran engineer Zhu Yangzhu and featuring historic payload specialist Li Jiaying from Hong Kong. The mission highlights the technical evolution of the Tiangong station and uses space exploration as a tool for national integration.
China’s Lunar Ambitions Pivot to the South Pole: Chang’e-7 Confirmed for Late 2026 Launch
China has confirmed the Chang’e-7 mission will launch in late 2026, targeting the lunar South Pole to search for water ice. This mission is a critical precursor to building a permanent lunar base and highlights the intensifying space race between Beijing and Washington.
Seeds of Autonomy: Shenzhou-23 Expands China’s Orbital Ambitions with High-Stakes Experiments
Shenzhou-23 is set to deliver a diverse scientific payload to the Tiangong Space Station, focusing on life sciences and next-generation energy technology. This mission underscores China's transition from space station construction to a phase of mature, application-driven orbital research.
China’s Lunar South Pole Ambitions Intensify with Scheduled Chang’e-7 Launch
China has scheduled the launch of its complex Chang’e-7 lunar probe for the second half of 2026, a key step in its plan to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030. The mission will focus on searching for water ice and testing technologies required for a permanent lunar base.
Reclaiming Mobility: How a Chinese Robotic Breakthrough is Reversing Pediatric Muscle Atrophy
Researchers at Beihang University have developed a wearable robot capable of reversing muscle atrophy in children, a breakthrough recently published in the journal Nature. The device uses precise physical training to stimulate substantive muscle regrowth, offering new hope for patients with severe neuromuscular degeneration.
China’s Polar Ambitions Solidify as Xuelong 2 Concludes Record 42nd Antarctic Mission
China’s 42nd Antarctic expedition concluded with the return of the Xuelong 2 icebreaker, marking 199 days of scientific and infrastructural breakthroughs. The mission involved 550 personnel and emphasized ecosystem research, domestic technology testing, and China's growing role in polar governance.
Polar Presence: China Solidifies Antarctic Foothold with Completion of 42nd Expedition
China has successfully concluded its 42nd Antarctic expedition with the return of the Xuelong 2 icebreaker to Shanghai. The 199-day mission involved 550 personnel and focused on ecosystem research, equipment testing, and international cooperation, further cementing Beijing's status as a major polar power.
China’s Celestial Relay: Shenzhou-23 Prepares for Launch as Tiangong Enters Mature Operations
China has successfully transferred the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft and its Long March 2F rocket to the launch area, signaling an imminent crewed mission to the Tiangong space station. This mission highlights the operational stability and maturity of Beijing's permanent presence in low-Earth orbit.
China’s Orbital Assembly Line: Shenzhou-23 Moves to Launch Pad for Imminent Tiangong Mission
China has moved the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft and its Long March-2F rocket to the launch area in preparation for an imminent crewed mission to the Tiangong Space Station. This launch marks another step in China's routine biannual crew rotations, demonstrating the country's mature and disciplined approach to maintaining a permanent presence in Low Earth Orbit.
The Goldilocks Zone: New Science Pinpoints the Eight-Hour Sleep Sweet Spot for Longevity
A massive study of 500,000 adults published in Nature reveals that 6 to 8 hours of sleep is the optimal window to minimize disease risk and slow biological aging. The research utilizes 23 biological markers to show that both insufficient and excessive sleep can accelerate physiological decline.