分类： science

The crew of China’s Shenzhou-20 mission is reported to be in excellent health and continuing their daily activities despite an unexpected delay in their return to Earth. The astronauts, Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, were originally scheduled to return on November 5, but their plans were disrupted after their spacecraft was suspected to have been hit by a small piece of space debris. The exact date for their return remains unspecified, but the mission team is actively conducting tests and drills to ensure a safe journey back. The China Manned Space Engineering Office confirmed that the crew is ‘in good condition, working and living normally.’ The trio had been stationed at the Tiangong space station since April, completing a six-month rotation. Meanwhile, the Shenzhou-21 mission successfully docked with the space station on November 1, marking a milestone by transporting mice for the first time for scientific experiments. China’s space program has seen significant advancements since its inception in 2003, including the construction of its own space station and ambitious plans to land a human on the moon by 2030.

China’s scientific journals have made significant strides in recent years, with a notable increase in both the number of journals and the volume of published papers. However, a recent report highlights that there is still considerable room for improvement in terms of scale and global influence. The blue book on China’s scientific journal development, published by the Service Center for Societies of the China Association for Science and Technology, reveals that 247 Chinese international journals were included in the Science Citation Index (SCI) last year, accounting for 1.7 percent of the 40,000 total SCI papers published in 2024. The report also notes that the academic quality and global recognition of these journals have steadily improved. The citation impact of papers published in these journals reached 5.11 last year, surpassing the 3.51 for all international papers authored by Chinese scholars and the global average of 2.77. Additionally, 63.2 percent of the journals were positioned in the top quarter of Journal Citation Reports (JCR), and 68.7 percent of the papers published in China’s journals were in the top quarter of the JCR, up from 50 percent in 2022. Despite these improvements, the scale of publishing in China’s journals still falls short compared to the over 830,000 international papers published by Chinese scholars. This underscores the need to enhance the overall carrying capacity of China’s domestic journal platforms. Furthermore, 88 percent of the papers published in China’s journals last year were authored by Chinese scholars, but this represented only 4.2 percent of the total international papers published by Chinese scholars. This indicates that more than 95 percent of their work is still being published in overseas journals, highlighting the need for further development of world-class international journals in China.

The return mission of the Shenzhou XX crew is advancing smoothly, marking a significant milestone in China’s space exploration endeavors. As of November 11, 2025, the mission is progressing in an orderly manner, reflecting the meticulous planning and execution by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). This mission is part of China’s broader strategy to enhance its capabilities in manned spaceflight and to contribute to global space research. The successful return of the Shenzhou XX crew will not only demonstrate China’s technological prowess but also pave the way for future missions, including potential lunar and Mars explorations. The CNSA has been closely monitoring the mission, ensuring all systems are functioning optimally to guarantee the safety and success of the crew’s return.

A revolutionary new variety of tree-form pepper has been successfully cultivated in Shaodong, Hunan province, marking a significant advancement in agricultural innovation. This breakthrough, developed over 25 years by a team led by researcher Li Pei from the Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, promises to transform traditional pepper farming into a more efficient and sustainable practice. The tree-form pepper, which grows vertically and densely, maximizes space and yield while reducing labor costs, making it a game-changer for farmers. The project began with skepticism, as few believed peppers could grow like trees, but through persistent research, the team developed a robust and flavorful variety suitable for various regions, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The innovation lies in its vertical growth, which allows for higher yields and easier harvesting compared to traditional methods. At the technology-driven farming demonstration base in Qingshan village, local farmer Zhang Feihua has become a local sensation by successfully cultivating these peppers in his greenhouse. Under Li’s guidance, Zhang started trial-planting in April, and within two months, the plants grew over two meters tall, laden with green fruit. Unlike traditional peppers, which require bending and stooping to harvest, these can be picked while standing or using ladders. The greenhouse environment also protects the plants from adverse weather conditions. By August, Zhang’s greenhouse was already profitable, with each tree-form pepper plant yielding 15 kilograms annually—over four times more than ordinary peppers. The first harvest yielded a net income of over 10,000 yuan from just one mu of land, with high demand and rising prices offering potential for lucrative off-season sales. Zhang envisions these peppers thriving on urban balconies, contributing to a ‘balcony economy’ with plans for a comprehensive supply chain. News of Zhang’s success has attracted farmers like Zhou Dong and his wife from Ningxiang, who are eager to try growing the innovative peppers. Meanwhile, Li’s team is promoting the tree-form pepper in seven cities, including Loudi and Changsha, through online tutorials and on-site training. Despite the slow promotion due to the yearlong maturation period and the need for greenhouse cultivation, Li plans to expand this exceptional variety to spice-loving regions such as Yunnan and Guizhou provinces.

On November 9, 2025, China achieved another milestone in its space exploration endeavors with the successful launch of the Lijian 1 Y9 carrier rocket. The rocket, which carried two technical experiment satellites, took off at 11:32 am Beijing Time from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone, located near the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China. The mission was executed flawlessly, with the satellites being deployed into their designated orbits as planned. This launch underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation. The Lijian 1 Y9 rocket is part of China’s broader strategy to enhance its presence in the global space industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering international collaboration. The successful mission also highlights the country’s ability to conduct complex space operations with precision and efficiency, further solidifying its position as a key player in the global space race.

The 2025 Beijing Forum commenced on November 7 at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, focusing on the theme ‘Civilizational Co-Existence in the Age of Digital Intelligence.’ During the event, Michael Levitt, the 2013 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, emphasized the critical need to provide young scientists with enhanced support and independence. In an interview with China Daily Youth Channel, Levitt highlighted that fostering autonomy among emerging researchers is essential for driving innovation and addressing complex global challenges. He argued that young scientists often bring fresh perspectives and creativity, which can be stifled by excessive oversight. Levitt’s call for greater independence aligns with broader discussions at the forum about nurturing talent in the rapidly evolving digital and intelligent era. His insights underscore the importance of creating an environment where young researchers can thrive and contribute meaningfully to scientific advancements.