分类： science

China’s National Astronomical Observatories has unveiled a monumental astronomical dataset from its Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST), distributing over 30 million celestial spectra to researchers worldwide. The newly released DR13 dataset, covering observations from 2011 through June 2025, represents the most extensive spectral survey ever conducted, solidifying China’s position at the forefront of astronomical research.

The comprehensive data release includes approximately 13.47 million low-resolution spectra and 17.35 million medium-resolution spectra, accompanied by a stellar parameter catalog containing nearly 12.94 million entries. This unprecedented collection continues LAMOST’s reign as the world’s leading spectral survey project in both data volume and stellar parameter scale.

Since becoming operational as China’s first major national scientific infrastructure in astronomy, LAMOST has revolutionized large-scale spectroscopic sky surveys. The telescope’s pioneering design has enabled 14 years of efficient and stable operation, during which it has transformed our understanding of the Milky Way’s structure and evolution.

The scientific impact of LAMOST’s data is demonstrated by its widespread adoption across the global astronomy community. Researchers from 278 institutions worldwide, including significant participation from the United States, Germany, Belgium, and Denmark, have utilized the telescope’s data to produce more than 2,200 high-quality research publications. Recent years have seen particularly robust output, with over 300 annual publications—more than 40 percent authored by international astronomers—placing LAMOST’s scientific productivity among the world’s elite 6-to-10-meter class telescopes.

Beyond galactic studies, LAMOST’s spectra have facilitated groundbreaking discoveries across multiple astronomical domains, including the identification of compact objects, advances in stellar physics, exoplanet detection, and quasar research. This latest data release promises to further accelerate astronomical discovery and international collaboration in the coming years.

A groundbreaking discovery by a Chinese-led international research team has unraveled a long-standing cosmic mystery through the first direct detection of negative hydrogen ions on the lunar surface. The findings, captured by specialized instrumentation aboard China’s Chang’e 6 lunar lander, reveal how solar wind interactions generate these elusive particles on airless celestial bodies.

The research team employed the Negative Ions at the Lunar Surface (NILS) detector, a pioneering instrument co-developed by the Swedish Institute of Space Physics and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. During its operational window, the instrument recorded six distinct energy signatures of negative hydrogen ions over a 48-hour period, marking the first direct measurement of such particles on another planetary body.

Negative ions—atoms or molecules that have gained extra electrons—represent a crucial component of universal plasma but have remained notoriously difficult to study due to their fragility. Solar radiation typically strips away their additional electrons almost immediately, making remote detection virtually impossible.

The investigation confirmed these ions form through a scattering process where solar wind particles collide with lunar regolith and rebound, capturing electrons from the soil in the process. By cross-referencing data with the European Space Agency’s Artemis satellites, researchers established a direct correlation between solar wind intensity and negative ion production rates.

Simulations revealed dramatically different behaviors between the moon’s illuminated and dark sides. On the sunlit surface, ions survive mere moments within an extremely thin surface layer, while on the night side, they persist significantly longer, being carried by electromagnetic fields to form a massive tail extending thousands of kilometers behind the moon.

This discovery provides critical insights into space weathering—the gradual physical and chemical alteration of celestial surfaces by the space environment. The researchers suggest these ions may contribute to lunar water formation and help maintain the moon’s tenuous exosphere, with ion density surging over 1,000% during periods of intense solar activity.

The findings establish a new framework for studying similar phenomena on other airless solar system bodies, including asteroids and planetary moons, advancing our understanding of universal plasma behavior and celestial evolution.

China has announced a groundbreaking geological discovery with the identification of the world’s second-largest light rare earth deposit in Mianning County, Sichuan Province. The Ministry of Natural Resources revealed on Tuesday that the find adds a substantial 9.67 million metric tons of rare earth oxides to the nation’s reserves, representing a remarkable 300 percent increase in current inventory.

The newly discovered deposit contains rare earth oxides that are critically important for modern industrial applications and advanced manufacturing sectors. These materials serve as essential components in the production of magnetic and fluorescent materials that power various high-technology devices and industrial equipment.

Beyond the rare earth elements, geological surveys identified significant associated resources within the Maoniuping mining area. The discovery includes massive deposits of fluorite totaling 27.14 million tons and barite reserves measuring 37.23 million tons, both classified as ultra-large deposits according to international mining standards.

Fluorite, a non-renewable mineral resource, represents the primary source of industrial fluorine that is indispensable for emerging and future-oriented industries. Barite, valued for its unique chemical properties including resistance to acids and alkalis, high density, and exceptional radiation absorption capabilities, serves as a critical raw material across multiple sectors including petroleum, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and construction industries.

This discovery significantly enhances China’s strategic mineral resources position globally while providing substantial raw material security for high-tech manufacturing sectors dependent on these specialized materials.

In a landmark study with profound implications for treating genetic disorders, scientists from Zhejiang University have developed a novel method to engineer artificial proteins capable of rectifying malfunctions in critical cellular receptors. The research, recently published in the prestigious journal Nature, represents a significant departure from conventional drug design paradigms.

The multidisciplinary team focused on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a large family of membrane proteins that facilitate cellular communication by transmitting external signals into cells. These receptors are targeted by approximately 30% of all approved pharmaceuticals worldwide, typically through interaction with their primary binding pocket, known as the orthosteric site.

According to Professor Zhang Yan, Vice-Dean of Zhejiang University’s School of Medicine and a lead researcher on the project, genetic mutations in these receptors can impair their signaling functions, leading to hundreds of clinical conditions including Parkinson’s disease, obesity, and hypercalcemia. Traditional drugs designed to target the receptors’ ‘switches’ generally cannot repair these structural dysfunctions, often leaving patients with long-term chronic burdens.

The innovative approach developed by the Zhejiang team involves creating artificial transmembrane proteins that function as customizable molecular ‘armor’ or exoskeletons. These modulators attach to malfunctioning receptors, enabling precise regulation of their functions. Professor Zhang likened the technology to ‘installing prosthetic limbs for persons with disabilities, or implanting medical devices supported by brain-computer interface technologies, only at the molecular level.’

The research team selected the dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) as their prototype model, successfully engineering four modulators that could bind to the receptor and restore activities in various loss-of-function mutants. The complexity of this endeavor was immense—designing a modulator composed of 60 amino acids from 20 available types presents approximately 20^60 possible combinations.

Critical to overcoming this challenge was the implementation of artificial intelligence. As explained by Professor Zhang Min from the University’s College of Computer Science and Technology, AI-driven protein design, particularly generative models for de novo design, provided tools to create entirely novel proteins with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The team developed an AI-guided probe to thoroughly profile targeted receptor structures and identify potential binding sites, using ‘structural prompts’ analogous to inputs for language models like ChatGPT but specifically for protein structures.

The resulting technology not only enables precise switching of receptor functions but also offers programmability to a certain degree. More significantly, the team’s findings establish a platform for similar research, potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches for disorders stemming from genetic mutations in cellular receptors.

Residents and skywatchers in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province were treated to a spectacular natural light show as vibrant auroras painted the night sky from March 22 through the early hours of March 23, 2026. The celestial phenomenon, typically associated with polar regions, became visible across multiple locations in China’s northernmost province due to intensified geomagnetic activity.

The auroral display was particularly prominent in Mohe city, China’s northernmost settlement, where photographers captured stunning images of the dancing lights. The phenomenon occurred as charged particles from solar winds interacted with Earth’s magnetosphere, creating the colorful patterns that shimmered across the heavens.

Scientists note that such visible aurora displays at relatively low latitudes remain uncommon, making this event particularly noteworthy for both astronomical observers and the general public. The occurrence provides valuable research opportunities for space weather specialists studying the effects of solar activity on Earth’s magnetic field.

The event attracted significant attention from photography enthusiasts and nature lovers who braved the cold nighttime temperatures to witness the rare atmospheric spectacle. Local tourism officials reported increased visitor interest in the region following the celestial event.

In a groundbreaking fusion of science fiction and meteorological advocacy, Chinese authorities have launched an innovative educational campaign marking the 66th World Meteorological Day. The China Meteorological Administration, in collaboration with China Daily, has developed an extensive illustrated series inspired by the acclaimed sci-fi film “The Wandering Earth” to communicate the vital importance of weather observation.

The narrative follows protagonist Liu Xiaoqiang, a maintenance technician stationed at Earth Engine C0323 in a dystopian future where planetary rotation has ceased and atmospheric phenomena have disappeared. Experiencing existential doubts about his repetitive duties, Liu’s perspective transforms when he encounters a mysterious communication directing him to the abandoned “Museum of Countless Weather.”

This repository of meteorological history, constructed within a derelict observation station, contains preserved instruments and records documenting centuries of scientific dedication. Through interactive exhibits, Liu discovers the extensive legacy of human commitment to weather monitoring—from research stations in polar extremes to high-altitude observatories where generations of scientists meticulously documented climate patterns.

The exhibition reveals how continuous meteorological observation protected civilizations through advanced warning systems and climate research. Liu emerges with profound understanding of this year’s World Meteorological Day theme: “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow.”

The initiative represents a creative approach to public science education, using compelling storytelling to highlight how contemporary meteorological work safeguards future generations. By connecting current climate observation efforts with humanity’s long-term survival, the project underscores the critical role of sustained environmental monitoring in building climate resilience.