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Curation Team

1. Chinese scientists unveil Death Star-like converged energy beam weapon
Researchers have developed a high-power microwave weapon, similar to the Death Star in the Star Wars movies, that converges multiple beams into a single, precise energy attack, completing trials and demonstrating significant military potential. This groundbreaking technology could revolutionise warfare and spark concerns about its potential impact on global security.
2. China’s SpaceSail challenges Elon Musk’s Starlink after signing deal in Brazil following Xi’s state visit
The Chinese tech firm has partnered with Brazil’s Telebras to provide satellite internet to underserved areas and support Brazil’s digital transformation by 2026. SpaceSail is a rival to Musk’s network in the market to provide broadband internet access, boosting digital inclusion and reducing reliance on Starlink’s dominance.
3. China’s Mars mission to see lightweight spacecraft capture Martian rock samples for historic return to Earth
The innovative 12kg device is designed to capture Martian rock samples in a container about the size of a coffee can while in orbit, marking a significant advancement in space exploration technology. Researchers say it offers a more efficient and compact solution compared to Western counterparts, promising a groundbreaking advancement in planetary exploration.

4. China’s EV battery industry set to expand 7-fold into an industry worth US$138 billion, Tsinghua University scientist says
China’s EV battery industry is poised for explosive growth, potentially reaching a staggering US$138 billion in value, according to leading scientist Ouyang Minggao. Despite current overcapacity, the growth will be driven by lithium-ion advancements.
5. China’s scientists could decide fate of eLife journal as Web of Science delists it over controversial publishing model
A new publishing model adopted by eLife has sparked controversy in academia, with Web of Science delisting the journal. The battle could be decided by Chinese scientists, who are deserting eLife in droves, potentially impacting the future of academic peer-review publishing.
6. Nationalistic Chinese bloggers warned over attacks on renowned scientists He Zuoxiu and Yau Shing-Tung
Bloggers are launching nationalistic attacks on scientists such as He Zuoxiu and Yau Shing-Tung for their critical views on China’s tech ecosystem and the US-China research gap, risking the nation’s scientific progress and reputation.
Part of this article was produced with the assistance of generative AI.


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Chinese scientists are bringing a converged energy beam weapon from fiction to life. Image: Lucasfilm/Disney


A battle is under way in the academic publishing world after a journal database delisted a well-known life sciences journal over its new publishing model. Photo: Shutterstock

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Explore China’s cutting-edge innovations and latest scientific advancements in some of our latest science coverage


Explore China’s cutting-edge innovations and latest scientific advancements in some of our latest science coverage.


.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Explore China’s cutting-edge innovations and latest scientific advancements in some of our latest science coverage

1. .css-jfmysa{display:inline;word-break:break-word;}.css-1ankfgb{cursor:pointer;display:inline;word-break:break-word;}Chinese scientists unveil Death Star-like converged energy beam weapon

2. China’s SpaceSail challenges Elon Musk’s Starlink after signing deal in Brazil following Xi’s state visit

Explore China’s cutting-edge innovations and latest scientific advancements in some of our latest science coverage

1. Chinese scientists unveil Death Star-like converged energy beam weapon