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SCMP

We have put together stories from our coverage on science from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. J-50 design team reveals leapfrog tech for China’s next-gen stealth fighters
China’s next-generation combat aircraft will be able to fly by themselves if a pilot loses consciousness, navigate without satellite signals and operate in self-reorganising large drone formations.
2. Chinese scientists develop oil refining method that may cut energy use by 90%
The new process, which works at a molecular level, may also produce higher value end-products, ranging from petrol to plastics.
3. Chinese team achieves fourfold leap in fuel-cell power

Chinese scientists have developed a way to generate a fourfold increase in power output of hydrogen fuel cells, an advance that could broaden their use from road vehicles to space missions.
4. US, China trials suggest a single nanodrug shot might stop bad cholesterol forever
Imagine swapping your daily cholesterol pill for a single injection that keeps “bad” cholesterol under control for a year, a decade – or even a lifetime.
5. World first: Chinese plant extracts critical rare metals from lithium waste

A 500-tonne production line is up and running for rubidium and caesium, critical to advanced technology including aerospace and quantum computing.
6. I’ll write romance novels if AI solves all maths, Chinese Fields winner jokes
Deng Yu, the 37-year-old Chinese mathematician who won the 2026 Fields Medal, has a backup plan if artificial intelligence puts him out of a job.
7. China’s self-powered neural device helps stroke survivors walk naturally

Scientists have developed a lightweight, battery-free device that could help improve the mobility of people with difficulty walking, such as stroke survivors.


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SCMP Highlights

An image of what appears to be one of China’s sixth-generation fighters, sometimes referred to as the J-50 and consistent with designs developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, surfaced on Chinese social media late last year. Chinese authorities did not confirm the authenticity of the images. Photo: Handout

Hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks are seen as a potential route to cutting emissions from China’s long-haul freight sector, offering an alternative to battery-electric vehicles limited by range and charging times. Photo: Xinhua

A lithium battery production line at a factory in eastern China. Photo: AFP

The device has helped to increase stride length and walking speed in stroke survivors. Photo: Nature Communications

China breaks ground on the world’s first supercritical CO2 and molten salt energy plant

Construction began on the Ruitan demonstration project at China Huaneng’s Bajiao power station in Yantai City on September 16. Photo: China Huaneng

US sanctions boost China’s science-driven innovation by over 70%, study finds

Chinese companies are more engaged with science, both as consumers who increasingly cite scientific publications in their patents and as producers who generate a growing volume of academic publications. Photo: Getty Images

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China

Science

From oil refining with reduced energy use to a self-powered neural device, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting


From oil refining with reduced energy use to a self-powered neural device, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting.


United States

China’s stealth fighters, critical minerals from lithium waste: 7 science highlights

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From oil refining with reduced energy use to a self-powered neural device, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting

1. J-50 design team reveals leapfrog tech for China’s next-gen stealth fighters

2. Chinese scientists develop oil refining method that may cut energy use by 90%

From oil refining with reduced energy use to a self-powered neural device, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting