Shenzhou-18 carried life science experiment samples delivered to scientists

China

Shenzhou-18 carried life science experiment samples delivered to scientists

2024-11-04 17:20 Last Updated At：23:07

The life science experiment samples brought back to earth by the Shenzhou-18 crew have been transported to Beijing and were delivered to scientists on Monday.

The return capsule carrying astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Monday morning.

The Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship was launched on April 25, 2024. During the three astronauts' six-month stay in the Tiangong space station, they conducted some 90 experiments and tests in material science, life science, medicine, space technology and the basic physics in microgravity.

The crew brought back 55 categories of scientific experiment samples, involving 28 subjects in space life sciences, space materials sciences, microgravity combustion science and other fields. The samples weigh 34.6 kilograms in total.

There are 24 categories of life science samples, including zebrafish culture medium, amino acids, and radiation-resistant microorganisms. The zebrafish culture medium focuses on the study of the substance circulation mechanism of aquatic ecosystems in space environment, so as to provide theoretical support for the construction of complex ecosystems in long-term stable operation in space.

"What was conducted in orbit mainly were to collect fish egg boxes and water samples in the early stage. We sampled water three times in total, respectively on the 10th, 20th and 30th day (from the beginning of the experiment), and replace the fish food boxes in the middle stage. Next, we will study the physical and chemical properties of the collected water samples to explore the law for stable operation of the binary system composed of zebrafish and hornwort," said Tao Yi, a senior engineer at the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The material and combustion samples brought back this time will be transported to Beijing later along with the return capsule of Shenzhou-18. There are 30 categories of material samples including composite lubricating materials, optical fibers and optical films.

Over 400 new products, new technologies displayed at 7th CIIE

2024-11-05 13:25 Last Updated At：13:37

Over 400 new products, new technologies, and new services are showcased at the ongoing seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), which opened in Shanghai on Tuesday.

Themed "New Era, Shared Future", the six-day event is attended by 77 countries and international organizations in national pavilions, along with nearly 3,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions in the business exhibition.

At its exhibition area, U.S.-headquartered multinational enterprise Honeywell presented a series of new products that are exhibited in China for the first time, such as the latest terrain warning system for airplanes, plastic recycling technology, and products and solutions for buildings and smart manufacturing. "This gas detector debuted in China is mainly used in the semiconductor and photovoltaic production fields. Because of its relatively sensitive sensing technology, it can detect more than 35 types of harmful gases, toxic gases and flammable gases during the production process, which can ensure the safety of production and operating personnel," said exhibitor Hou Sai.

Meanwhile, global clothing giant Uniqlo also brought new technologies and new concepts this year, such as the "air cotton jacket", which used ultra-fine hollow fiber technology to greatly enhance the temperature lock effect; as well as a new down jacket specifically designed for the Chinese market, which can withstand temperatures as cold as minus 35 degrees Celsius.

"This is the high-quality down we use. If we compare 100 grams of this down with ordinary down, its fluffiness is almost doubled, so it can provide better warmth. Here is a small test. It is simulating the scenario where plants sway in winds while keep still with the cover of windproof fabric," said exhibitor Ding Yun.

In addition, high-tech products including humanoid robots, drones, and self-driving vehicles are all on display.

As the world's first national-level import-themed expo, the CIIE is held annually at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

Since its first edition in 2018, this expo has become an important stage spotlighting China's new development paradigm, a platform for high-level opening-up and a public good for the whole world.