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SCMP

We have put together stories from our coverage on science from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. China blows up 300 dams, shuts hydropower stations to save Yangtze River habitat
China has demolished 300 dams and shut down most of the small hydropower stations on a major tributary of the upper Yangtze River to safeguard fish populations as part of an effort to restore the ecology of Asia’s longest waterway.
2. Buckle up: China unveils maglev marvel, redefining the future of high-speed rail

A Chinese-built maglev train that will be the nation’s fastest-ever ground transport vehicle has made its public debut in Beijing – an ambitious project that is expected to drastically reduce travel times and cement China’s reputation as a world leader in high-speed rail networks.
3. China’s ‘green great wall’ in Inner Mongolia traps 3 more deserts

China has completed a sand control belt spanning three deserts in Inner Mongolia, marking yet another milestone in the creation of a “green great wall” across the arid northern region.
4. Tools unearthed in China are first evidence of East Asia’s ‘Wood Age’
The earliest tools used by humans were made of stone, followed by bronze, then iron, and finally steel. But was there a “Wood Age”? This question has been difficult to answer as wood decomposes easily, leaving behind little evidence of ancient wooden tools – especially in East Asia. However, a study published in the top journal Science on Friday suggests that wooden tools were widely used in southwest China 300,000 years ago.
5. Cheng Ying, Jilin Cancer Hospital director and AstraZeneca-funded scientist, dies suddenly

A top Chinese oncologist and physician-scientist, Cheng Ying, has died suddenly aged 62, according to multiple sources. There has been no official statement about the doctor’s death, and the cause of death is not known.
6. Chinese team says carbon dioxide can turn to sugar, offering solution to global problems
Chinese scientists have developed a method to turn the alcohol methanol into white sugar, which they say could allow captured carbon dioxide to be converted into food.
7. Chinese study uncovers cancer-fighting potential of impotence drugs like Viagra

Men around the world dealing with sexual impotence have been treated for years with the drug sildenafil, sold under brand names including the well-known Viagra. A new Chinese study now suggests that the drug may perhaps also help to save lives.


Tokyo Sézanne’s missing stars; Hongkonger shed 32kg in 8 months: 7 Lifestyle highlights

Chinese carmakers race Tesla on humanoid robots; BYD launches ‘God’s Eye’: 7 EV reads

Philippines’ deadly quake, India’s rise in critical minerals: 7 Asia highlights

China turns African port into tourist spot, students rethink Hong Kong: 5 weekend reads

SCMP Highlights

China reveals superfast maglev, Viagra’s cancer-fighting potential: 7 science highlights

China’s railway authorities gave the public its first glimpse of a superfast maglev train this week in Beijing. The vehicle, which is currently undergoing testing, could cut travel times in half, according to experts. Photo: Handout

China’s Chishui He, also known as the Red River, is regarded by ecologists as the last refuge for rare and endemic fish species in the upper reaches of the Yangtze. Photo: Shutterstock


Tourists take photos of camels in the Badain Jaran Desert in China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Photo: Xinhua

In her career, oncologist and Jilin Cancer Hospital director Cheng Ying received the Chinese Physician Award and named Outstanding Hospital President. Photo: Handout

Analysis of samples from patients with pancreatic, breast and colorectal cancers showed cells that act as the “intelligence agents” of the immune system can become severely depleted as the tumour progresses. Sildenafil is able to reverse the process, the research team says. Photo: Shutterstock

Mount Fuji rescue, Trump’s pick for Singapore envoy, Mahathir turns 100: 7 Asia highlights

Visitors to Bali watching a Kecak dance performance. Photo: Anadolu via Getty Images

Mount Fuji in Japan seen from a mall in the city of Gotemba, Shizuoka prefecture. Photo: AFP

Anjani Sinha at his Senate confirmation hearing. Photo: C-Span

Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad (centre) joins a rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people, in Kuala Lumpur, on March 28. Photo: EPA

Trump’s new tariffs, Hong Kong bomb scare over British cannon barrel: SCMP’s 7 highlights

An expanded visa-free entry policy has provided a much-needed boost to China’s overseas tourism. Photo: Xinhua

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shows a letter on tariffs from US President Donald Trump to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, during a press briefing at the White House on Monday. Photo: Reuters

A cannon barrel has been found at a construction site on Mody Road. Photo: Handout

Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Malaysian beauty queen, actor and television host Lishalliny Kanaran alleges she was assaulted by a Hindu priest at a temple near Kuala Lumpur International Airport on July 5. Photo: Instagram/lishallinykanaran

In her career oncologist and Jilin Cancer Hospital diector Cheng Ying received the Chinese Physician Award and named Outstanding Hospital President. Photo: Handout

Karen Mok’s rise to Mandopop queen, Hong Kong second-hand clothes: 7 Lifestyle highlights

Karen Mok is pictured at an interview with the Post in 2010. The Hong Kong-born star has enjoyed more musical success in mainland China and Taiwan than in her home city. Photo: Oliver Tsang


Dianne Gupta is pictured at second-hand store Mee & Gee in Kowloon’s Mong Kok district. The Hongkonger, who shares sustainable styling tips on Instagram, reveals where she shops for clothes. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Research shows frequent or persistent nightmares may be an easily identifiable marker of dementia risk. Photo: Shutterstock

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From China’s expanding “green great wall” to East Asia’s “wood age” evidence, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting


From China’s expanding “green great wall” to East Asia’s “wood age” evidence, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting.


China reveals superfast maglev, Viagra’s cancer-fighting potential: 7 science highlights

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From China’s expanding “green great wall” to East Asia’s “wood age” evidence, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting

1. China blows up 300 dams, shuts hydropower stations to save Yangtze River habitat

From China’s expanding “green great wall” to East Asia’s “wood age” evidence, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting