分类： science

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.

James Watson, the renowned scientist who co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA, has died at the age of 97. His passing was confirmed by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he spent a significant portion of his career. Watson died on Thursday while in hospice care on Long Island, New York. Watson’s groundbreaking work alongside Francis Crick in 1953 revolutionized the field of molecular biology, earning them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962. Their discovery laid the foundation for modern genetics and biotechnology, cementing Watson’s legacy as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. However, Watson’s later years were marred by controversy due to his repeated racist remarks, which led to widespread criticism and the revocation of several honors. Despite this, his contributions to science remain monumental. The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory acknowledged his scientific achievements while distancing itself from his personal views, stating that his work ‘transformed our understanding of life itself.’ Watson’s death marks the end of an era for the scientific community, as the world reflects on his complex legacy of groundbreaking discovery and personal controversy.

In a remarkable display of marine symbiosis, scientists have captured rare footage of remoras, also known as sucker fish, engaging in high-speed whale surfing off the coast of Australia. These hitchhiking fish, known for their adhesive head plates that create a vacuum seal, cling to humpback whales as they migrate from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Queensland. The footage, recorded by marine scientist Olaf Meynecke from Griffith University, reveals the remoras’ precision in detaching just before the whale breaches and reattaching moments later, showcasing their remarkable instincts. While remoras benefit from feeding on the whales’ dead skin and sea lice, the footage suggests that the whales may find their clingy companions somewhat irritating. Meynecke’s research, initially aimed at studying whale behavior, has inadvertently highlighted the complex relationship between these two species. The study also raises questions about the remoras’ lifecycle, particularly how much of the humpbacks’ 10,000-kilometer migratory journey they accompany their hosts. In the absence of whales, remoras seek other large marine creatures, including manta rays, dolphins, and even scuba divers, to avoid predators. This fascinating interaction underscores the intricate dynamics of marine ecosystems and the adaptability of species within them.