China's "artificial sun" achieves new milestone on path toward near-limitless clean energy

China's nuclear fusion reactor, dubbed the "artificial sun," has achieved a new technological milestone with temperatures exceeding 100 million Celsius for both atomic nuclei and electrons for the first time, taking another step forward on the road toward near-limitless clean energy.

The "Huanliu-3" is a large-scale scientific device for controlled nuclear fusion, independently developed by China. Its energy generation principle is similar to the way the sun produces light and heat, which is why it is dubbed the new-generation artificial sun.

Latest experimental data shows that the device has, for the first time, reached a nuclear temperature of 117 million degrees Celsius and an electron temperature of 160 million Celsius, according to China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).

"Today, we achieved the 'double 100 million degrees Celsius temperature' targets in our experiment, with the comprehensive parameters showing significant improvement. It means that our country's nuclear fusion research has now entered the burning plasma experiment stage. Our self-developed heating, control, and diagnostic equipment and systems have been put into operation for the first time, with the relevant technical indicators now reaching the forefront of the world, setting new records in our country's nuclear fusion research," said Zhong Wulyu, deputy director of the Center for Fusion Science under the Southwestern Institute of Physics of the CNNC and head of the Huanliu-3 experiment.

Experts noted that the fusion reaction of the artificial sun releases tremendous energy, draws on abundant fusion resources, and produces clean and safe byproducts, making it known as "the ideal energy source for humanity's future."

Entering the burning plasma experiment phase signifies that controlled nuclear fusion has reached a core stage toward practical application. Moving forward, researchers will further upgrade the capabilities of "Huanliu-3" to obtain key core data necessary for controlled nuclear fusion reactions.

China's "artificial sun" achieves new milestone on path toward near-limitless clean energy

As China's elderly population grows, shopping malls in Shanghai have actively adapted part of their services to cater to the needs and preferences of elderly consumers, tapping into silver-haired consumer market.

This trend reflects the city's efforts to enhance elderly care services amid the population aging. By the end of 2023, people aged 60 and older reached 5.68 million in Shanghai, representing a whopping 37.4 percent of the city's total population.

A shopping mall on the downtown Nanjing East Road pedestrian street has opened a dedicated club for senior citizens, offering a diverse range of activities from the operation of health workshops to traditional handicraft classes.

"I gain a lot every time I come here. I can participate in various club activities and also exchange knowledge and everyday life hacks with others," said Fu Meilin, an elderly resident.

The mall houses nearly 60 time-honored brands, along with dining and entertainment options suited to senior citizens.

Another business district in Shanghai's Putuo District has adopted a different approach, focusing on attracting retirees during weekdays while catering to younger shoppers on weekends.

Restaurants offer affordable off-peak meal deals priced under 100 yuan (about 13.88 U.S. dollars), attracting a large number of senior customers.

To ensure a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for the elderly, many shopping malls have conducted age-friendly renovations, including providing comfortable seating areas, accessible restrooms, and consumer guidance services for the elderly shoppers.

Driven by the population aging, China's "silver economy" has shown vast growth potential, with the market currently estimated at around seven trillion yuan and projected to reach a 30 trillion yuan by 2035.

Shopping malls in Shanghai adapt to cater to growing 'silver economy'