Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Meet ‘Dasheng’: A system-level scientific AI agent

    Meet ‘Dasheng’: A system-level scientific AI agent

    Shanghai, March 1, 2026 – In a landmark development for artificial intelligence research, the Shanghai Academy of AI for Science and Fudan University have jointly launched a significantly upgraded version of their NovaInspire platform, featuring the groundbreaking scientific AI agent ‘Dasheng’. Named after the legendary Monkey King from Chinese mythology, this system represents a quantum leap in AI capabilities for scientific discovery.

    The Dasheng AI agent integrates multiple cutting-edge technologies including multimodal foundation models, long-term collective memory systems, and expert-level scientific capabilities within a secure, trustworthy framework. What distinguishes Dasheng from conventional AI systems is its capacity for multi-threaded processing and continuous autonomous evolution, enabling it to tackle complex, real-world scientific problems that have previously challenged researchers.

    This system-level scientific partner incorporates self-driving laboratory capabilities, allowing for unprecedented automation in experimental processes and data analysis. The integration of these advanced features positions Dasheng as a transformative force in research methodology, potentially accelerating breakthroughs across multiple scientific disciplines from materials science to pharmaceutical development.

    The development team emphasizes that Dasheng represents more than just incremental improvement – it constitutes a fundamental paradigm shift in how scientific research can be conducted. By combining artificial intelligence with laboratory automation, the system creates a continuous cycle of hypothesis generation, experimentation, and analysis that operates with minimal human intervention.

    This announcement comes at a time when global competition in artificial intelligence research has intensified, with multiple nations and corporations investing heavily in next-generation AI systems. The successful development of Dasheng demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in advanced AI research and its application to scientific challenges.

  • China issues guidelines to boost recycling, utilization of solar modules

    China issues guidelines to boost recycling, utilization of solar modules

    In a significant move toward sustainable energy management, China has launched comprehensive national guidelines to establish a robust ecosystem for recycling and reusing decommissioned solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, in coordination with five other governmental bodies, introduced the framework on Tuesday to address the impending surge of retired solar equipment expected from the nation’s massive renewable energy expansion.

    The newly released directives outline a multi-faceted approach to building system-level capacity for handling end-of-life PV components. Central to the strategy is the enhancement of green manufacturing standards for solar modules, increased incorporation of recycled materials in production, and the development of improved scrap assessment protocols alongside advanced testing methodologies.

    Technological innovation forms the cornerstone of China’s recycling initiative. The guidelines emphasize critical breakthroughs in several key areas including surface-structure dismantling techniques, high-efficiency separation of laminated components, and advanced material extraction processes. These technological advancements will enable the broader application of recycled PV-derived products across multiple industrial sectors such as metal smelting, equipment manufacturing, and construction materials.

    The policy framework establishes concrete targets, including achieving cumulative comprehensive utilization of retired PV modules reaching 250,000 tonnes by 2027. By 2030, China aims to realize substantial upgrades in recycling technology and equipment, strengthen industrial innovation capabilities, and expand application scenarios for recycled products. The long-term vision includes creating a tightly coordinated upstream-downstream supply chain with rationally distributed capacity布局 capable of handling large-scale retirements of solar infrastructure.

    Additionally, the guidelines call for the development of comprehensive technical standards for green design and utilization of PV modules while fostering a cohort of leading enterprises specializing in end-of-life solar component processing. This strategic move positions China at the forefront of circular economy practices within the global renewable energy sector.

  • Shanxi NPC deputies arrive in Beijing

    Shanxi NPC deputies arrive in Beijing

    BEIJING – Delegates from Shanxi province formally arrived in the Chinese capital on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, marking their participation in the upcoming Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC). The arrival signals the commencement of one of China’s most significant annual political events, where legislative agendas and national policies are set for the forthcoming year.

    The delegation, representing millions of constituents from the resource-rich northern province, traveled to Beijing to contribute to deliberations on critical national issues. Their attendance at the NPC, China’s top legislative body, underscores the province’s role in the nation’s governance framework. The session is anticipated to address a comprehensive range of topics, from economic development strategies and environmental initiatives to social welfare enhancements.

    Photographic documentation captured the deputies’ arrival, highlighting the organized and formal nature of the event. The NPC serves as a pivotal platform for integrating regional perspectives into national policy-making, ensuring that local interests from across China, including those of Shanxi, are represented at the highest level of government. The outcomes of this session are expected to have substantial implications for national legislation and the strategic direction of the country’s development.

  • Shane Lowry has no choice but to pick himself up and move on after PGA National collapse

    Shane Lowry has no choice but to pick himself up and move on after PGA National collapse

    In a stunning reversal of fortune at PGA National, Irish golfer Shane Lowry experienced one of the most devastating collapses in recent tournament history during the final round of the Cognizant Classic. The 2019 Open Champion held a commanding position with victory seemingly assured until a catastrophic sequence on the 16th and 17th holes transformed certain triumph into heartbreaking defeat.

    Lowry’s personal motivation centered around creating a special moment for his 4-year-old daughter Ivy, envisioning her ‘ginger hair running down the 18th green’ to celebrate what would have been her first time witnessing her father’s victory. This poignant family narrative made the subsequent collapse particularly emotional for spectators and players alike.

    The dramatic turnaround began when Lowry’s 3-iron approach on the 16th found water, resulting in a double bogey that narrowed his lead to a single stroke. The situation deteriorated further when opponent Nico Echavarria birdied the par-3 17th to draw level. Lowry’s response—a perfectly calculated 7-iron chip that should have secured advantage—instead found water, producing another double bogey and completing a five-shot swing across two holes.

    This collapse joins golf’s extensive history of dramatic reversals, including Scott Hoch’s missed 30-inch putt at the 1989 Masters and Mike Reid’s three-shot lead evaporation during the same year’s PGA Championship. Lowry himself referenced his recent Ryder Cup heroics—where he birdied three of the final four holes to secure Europe’s victory—highlighting the sport’s extreme emotional whiplash between triumphant highs and devastating lows.

    Golf legend Jim Furyk’s observation that ‘losing always hurts worse than winning feels good’ perfectly encapsulates the emotional reality facing professionals. Lowry’s response demonstrated professional resilience as he immediately looked toward his next tournament appearance at Bay Hill, acknowledging golf’s unpredictable nature while committing to move forward despite the disappointment.

  • Trump says US-UK relationship ‘not like it used to be’

    Trump says US-UK relationship ‘not like it used to be’

    Former US President Donald Trump has delivered a stark assessment of American-British relations, declaring the historically robust alliance between the two nations is fundamentally diminished. Trump’s criticism directly targets British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whom he accused of being uncooperative during recent US-Israeli military operations against Iran.

    The diplomatic friction emerged when Starmer initially refused British involvement in Washington’s conflict with Iran, telling Parliament his government rejects the concept of ‘regime change from the skies.’ Though Starmer later authorized limited use of two British military bases for defensive purposes at US request, the hesitation provoked Trump’s ire.

    In an interview with The Sun newspaper, Trump expressed disappointment: ‘This was the most solid relationship of all. I never thought I’d see that from the UK. We love the UK, but it’s just a much different kind of relationship.’

    The tension occurs against a complex geopolitical backdrop. British officials remain haunted by the legacy of the Iraq War, with Government Minister Darren Jones explicitly referencing learned lessons from ‘the mistakes of Iraq.’ Starmer’s government insists any military cooperation must have clear legal basis and serve British national interests.

    Meanwhile, security concerns escalate as Iranian-made drones attacked a Royal Air Force base in Cyprus, though officials confirmed the facility wasn’t being used by US bombers. UK media reports indicate the government is considering deploying HMS Duncan, a Type 45 destroyer recently trained in drone interception, to the region.

    Foreign policy experts suggest Starmer faces a delicate balancing act. Richard Whitman of the University of Kent warned Trump’s comments might signal a ‘new, not-so-special relationship,’ while think tank director Evie Aspinall noted the critical importance of maintaining US cooperation regarding Ukraine and other global issues.

    Despite the tensions, Starmer’s spokesman maintained that ‘the UK and US remain staunch allies,’ emphasizing decades of cooperation on national security and trade. The relationship, historically built on defense cooperation and intelligence sharing since World War II, now enters a potentially transformative phase.

  • Russia bans a prominent LGBTQ+ rights group as extremist in a new blow to the beleaguered community

    Russia bans a prominent LGBTQ+ rights group as extremist in a new blow to the beleaguered community

    A Russian court has formally designated the prominent LGBTQ+ rights organization Coming Out as an extremist group, marking another significant escalation in the Kremlin’s systematic suppression of sexual and gender minorities. The St. Petersburg City Court reached this verdict during a closed-door hearing on Tuesday, with details of the Justice Ministry’s lawsuit remaining classified as secret.

    This ruling represents the first application of Russia’s 2023 Supreme Court decision that effectively outlawed all LGBTQ+ activism by labeling the ‘international LGBT movement’ as extremist. The designation creates legal vulnerability for anyone associated with the group, potentially leading to criminal prosecution and imprisonment.

    Despite operating from abroad since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Coming Out has vowed to continue providing support to LGBTQ+ individuals both within Russia and internationally. The organization emphasized its long-term preparation for this development, having enhanced security protocols and developed sustainable remote working methods to ensure continued operation.

    The crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights has intensified dramatically under President Vladimir Putin, who has framed his Ukraine invasion as a defensive measure against Western values that he claims threaten Russia’s traditional family structure. Since the war began, Russia has implemented sweeping bans on any positive or neutral depiction of LGBTQ+ relationships, prohibited gender-affirming medical care, and banned legal gender recognition.

    Similar lawsuits are pending against two other LGBTQ+ rights organizations in St. Petersburg and the Samara region, indicating a coordinated nationwide effort to eliminate LGBTQ+ advocacy. The extremist designation creates practical barriers to support, making it dangerous for Russians to share the group’s content or provide financial assistance, while also potentially frightening those in need from seeking help.

    Despite these challenges, Coming Out continues to provide remote psychological and legal support while collaborating with international organizations to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and assist those fleeing the country. The organization’s leadership acknowledges the increased risks but remains committed to their mission, emphasizing that community solidarity remains stronger than government-imposed labels.

  • New study proposes scientific basis for improving concrete reinforcement in desert environments

    New study proposes scientific basis for improving concrete reinforcement in desert environments

    A groundbreaking study from Chinese researchers has overturned conventional wisdom about sandstorm damage, revealing that moderate wind and sand erosion can actually enhance the structural integrity of concrete surfaces in desert environments. The collaborative research between the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Lanzhou Jiaotong University provides a scientific basis for improving reinforcement methods for infrastructure in arid regions.

    Published in the prestigious journal Composites Part B: Engineering, the study investigated the interface performance of wind-and-sand-eroded concrete when reinforced with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). Unlike previous research that focused on ideal flat interfaces, this pioneering work simulated various wind-sand environments through mechanical testing and microscopic analysis.

    Lead researcher Liu Benli from NIEER explained the counterintuitive findings: “Moderate abrasion forms a microstructure conducive to the bonding of the reinforcing layer. In vivid terms, the process resembles a sculptor carving rough textures into stone for subsequent reinforcement.” The research demonstrated that wind and sand impact creates microscopic grooves on material surfaces, providing natural anchoring points for coatings and protective materials that significantly enhance interfacial bonding.

    The quantitative results were striking: sand erosion increased the interface ultimate bearing capacity of CFRP-concrete specimens by 31 percent and amplified surface roughness by a factor of 10 compared to uneroded specimens. The research team also developed predictive models for interfacial bearing capacity and bond-slip relationships that incorporate abrasion effects, showing strong alignment with experimental data.

    According to Zhang Kai, associate professor at Lanzhou Jiaotong University’s School of Civil Engineering, the study represents a significant advancement: “For the first time, we’ve achieved quantitative correlation between environmental conditions and interface performance. Engineers can now precisely predict material load-bearing capacity based on wind and sand intensity.” This breakthrough enables the scientific utilization of sandstorms as a ‘natural power’ to sustain infrastructure in desert regions, potentially transforming how engineers approach construction and maintenance in challenging environments.

  • Gallop towards luck with Fujian’s Lantern Festival

    Gallop towards luck with Fujian’s Lantern Festival

    The southeastern Chinese province of Fujian has reimagined its traditional Lantern Festival celebrations through a groundbreaking digital initiative featuring animated mascots Fu Fu Zai and Hua Hua Mei. These charismatic characters, accompanied by the symbolic Lucky Horse, guide participants through an immersive virtual journey across six culturally significant Fujian landmarks where lantern displays illuminate the night skies.

    This innovative approach to cultural preservation combines cutting-edge digital storytelling with time-honored traditions, allowing global audiences to experience Fujian’s rich cultural heritage remotely. The interactive experience showcases elaborate lantern installations at historically important sites while maintaining the communal spirit of the ancient festival through digital means.

    The initiative represents a significant evolution in how traditional Chinese festivals are celebrated and shared in the digital era, demonstrating how technology can enhance rather than replace cultural practices. By creating accessible virtual experiences, organizers have expanded the festival’s reach beyond physical boundaries while preserving the authentic atmosphere of lantern-viewing gatherings that have characterized the celebration for centuries.

    This digital transformation of traditional festival activities reflects broader trends in cultural preservation and technological integration within Chinese society, offering new models for celebrating heritage while adapting to contemporary technological landscapes.

  • UK considers sending Royal Navy warship to Cyprus

    UK considers sending Royal Navy warship to Cyprus

    The British government is actively contemplating the deployment of Royal Navy’s HMS Duncan, a Type 45 Destroyer, to the Mediterranean Sea following heightened security concerns around RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. This consideration emerges in response to increasing regional instability and recent drone incursions that targeted the British airbase.

    Defense authorities confirm that while no final decision has been formalized, HMS Duncan is undergoing preparatory measures for potential deployment. The Type 45 Destroyer represents one of the Royal Navy’s most technologically sophisticated warships, equipped with advanced air defense capabilities that could significantly enhance the protective perimeter around the Cyprus installation.

    This strategic evaluation follows direct criticism from Cypriot officials regarding inadequate air defense coverage as Middle East conflicts continue to escalate. The urgency was underscored when a drone struck RAF Akrotiri’s runway, though Ministry of Defence reports characterized the damage as minimal.

    Currently, the Royal Navy maintains no major warship presence in the Mediterranean theater. Of Britain’s six Type 45 Destroyers, three remain in various readiness stages while the others undergo maintenance procedures. The potential deployment signals a recalibration of Britain’s defensive posture in the region.

    The discussion of naval reinforcement coincides with France’s announced plans to relocate air defense systems to Cyprus, highlighting multinational concerns about regional stability. French military representatives confirmed their armed forces are adjusting regional deployments in coordination with defense partners, though UK officials declined to comment specifically on allied nations’ military movements.

    Prime Minister’s spokespersons emphasized that Britain has already committed substantial defensive resources to Cyprus, including radar systems, air defense technologies, and F-35 fighter jets. However, questions persist regarding the adequacy of existing protections against evolving threats.

    HMS Duncan recently completed intensive training exercises off the Welsh coast, successfully countering simulated swarm drone attacks and virtual missile threats exceeding 200 mph. These drills demonstrate the vessel’s preparedness for contemporary naval challenges, should deployment orders be issued.

  • ‘We back ourselves’: Underdogs New Zealand eye T20 World Cup final

    ‘We back ourselves’: Underdogs New Zealand eye T20 World Cup final

    Ahead of their crucial T20 World Cup semi-final confrontation, New Zealand’s cricket team embraces its underdog status while expressing unwavering self-confidence against South Africa. Captain Mitchell Santner articulated this mindset during a press briefing at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, emphasizing their readiness for high-stakes elimination matches.

    Santner openly acknowledged South Africa’s formidable form, referencing their commanding seven-wicket victory over New Zealand during the group stage and subsequent impressive performances against cricket powerhouses India and West Indies. Despite this, the New Zealand skipper highlighted the unique dynamics of single-elimination fixtures where previous records become irrelevant.

    The statistical backdrop reveals contrasting tournament journeys: South Africa enters undefeated while New Zealand secured their semi-final berth narrowly through net run-rate after suffering two defeats, including a Super Eights loss to England. Historically, both nations share the distinction of never capturing a World Cup title in either T20 or 50-over formats, adding psychological dimensions to their encounter.

    New Zealand brings extensive knockout experience to the match, marking their fourth semi-final appearance in the last five T20 World Cups. They reached the 2021 final before falling to Australia, while South Africa achieved their inaugural final earlier this 2024 edition before losing to India.

    Santner noted the parallel narratives between the teams, referencing South Africa’s recent heartbreak and emphasizing that match outcome would depend on adaptability and execution rather than historical context. The captain admitted New Zealand hasn’t yet delivered a complete performance throughout the tournament, suggesting untapped potential that could prove decisive if unleashed during the semi-final.

    Regarding team composition, fast bowler Matt Henry’s return from paternity leave remains uncertain pending a fitness assessment after his arrival in Kolkata Tuesday evening. Santner confirmed the team anticipates South Africa maintaining their successful lineup, presenting a consistent challenge that New Zealand believes they can overcome through strategic adaptation and peak performance timing.