China ‘breeding’ uranium; PLA’s hypersonic ‘morphing’ missile: 7 science highlights

From chipmaking breakthrough to a STEM crisis in China’s universities, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting

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Researchers from the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics are working on a thorium-based molten salt reactor that could transform nuclear energy in the Gobi Desert. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 3:00pm, 5 Nov 2025

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. PLA releases photo of hypersonic ‘morphing’ missile that changes shape at Mach 5

Chinese military scientists have unveiled a rare glimpse into one of the most advanced frontiers of aerospace technology: a prototype of a morphing hypersonic vehicle capable of flying at speeds exceeding Mach 5.

2. China reaches energy independence milestone by ‘breeding’ uranium from thorium

An experimental reactor developed in the Gobi Desert by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics has achieved thorium-to-uranium fuel conversion, paving the way for an almost endless supply of nuclear energy.

3. The STEM crisis in China’s universities: how outdated courses are wasting talent

Many Chinese degrees prioritise theory over practical experience and fail to prepare students for real-world employment, critics say

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