Moon samples collected by China will be on display at the 2025 Osaka Expo, which is scheduled to open on April 13 in Osaka, Japan, marking the first time for samples collected from both sides of the moon to be showcased together in a foreign country.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Hu Hao, chief designer of China's Chang'e-6 mission, which was the first to bring back samples from the far side of the moon, shared insights on the mission and the upcoming exhibition.
"I think it is of great significance to showcase China's lunar soil samples at the China Pavilion. It symbolizes China's great aerospace capabilities and its technological advancement, and it also reflects our confidence in the peaceful use of outer space. Our efforts aim to contribute to the common development of the international community," said Hu.
Hu noted a detailed observation indicates there are some differences between the samples from the two sides of the moon, adding that the differences are quite significant when viewed by a scientist, though they look somewhat similar from appearance.
"Previously, as no one had ever collected samples from the far side of the moon, scientists have been highly interested in these samples. Meanwhile, it was a great challenge for us. Now, with the Chang'e-6 samples, our understanding of the Moon has deepened significantly," said the scientist.
On June 25, 2024, China's Chang'e 6 lunar probe brought nearly 2 kilograms of lunar samples to the Earth for the first time in human history.
These samples were collected from the South Pole-Aitken Basin (SPA Basin), the largest, deepest and oldest basin on the moon's far side.
Themed "Designing Future Society of Our Lives," the 2025 Osaka Expo will be held from April 13 to Oct 13.
Covering around 3,500 square meters, the China Pavilion ranks among the largest foreign self-built facilities at the expo.
Lunar samples collected by China to be displayed at Osaka Expo
Gaza's healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, as Israel continues its attacks and blocks the entry of humanitarian aid, with hospitals overwhelmed by a relentless influx of wounded civilians and many patients left untreated.
The situation in Gaza's hospitals is rapidly deteriorating into a catastrophe. Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital has become the primary center for hundreds of injured Palestinians in Gaza City, with every corner of the facility overwhelmed. Medical workers at the hospital have expressed their inability to cope with the growing number of patients flooding in from the daily Israeli strikes.
"Each airstrike on high-rise buildings or residential areas leaves hundreds of casualties. No hospital in Gaza can handle such numbers," said Tamer Sultan, a medical worker.
Amid the conflict, not only trauma patients but also chronically ill individuals are unable to access basic medical treatment. Medical workers warn that lives are being lost -- not just to bombs, but to the lack of essential care.
"My brother has been here for 20 days. He needs spinal surgery, but nothing has happened. He's in constant pain as the painkillers aren't working anymore," said Mahmoud Nasser, brother of a patient.
As the number of wounded continues to rise, Gaza's hospitals are running critically low on essential medicines and supplies. With no way to restock, health officials say the ability to treat even the most urgent cases is slipping away.
"The high number of injuries has led to massive consumption of medicines and supplies. With border crossings closed, we can't replenish stock, and this severe shortage means we can't properly treat patients and the wounded," said Alaa Helles, director of the Hospital Pharmacy Department at Gaza's Ministry of Health.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has issued a stark alert about the health crisis in Gaza, stating that the suspension of humanitarian aid has led to a dramatic shortage of medical supplies.
Gaza's healthcare system near collapse as Israeli attacks, aid blockade persist
