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TOPIC COLLECTION

Science

Included topics:
Employees put a robot through its paces at the Qingdao Humanoid Robot Data Training Centre in Qingdao, Shandong province, on March 23. Photo: Xinhua
China economy

Opinion | Beyond subsidies: what’s really driving China’s industrial climb

Engineers, supply chain depth and policy execution matter as much as spending for countries chasing advanced manufacturing.

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US, Israel war on Iran

US carrier Spirit Airlines shuts down, industry’s first Iran war casualty

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Animals

Humpback whale ‘Timmy’ released in North Sea after weeks stranded off Germany

The ageing dilemma: why robots can’t save us but China-US cooperation might

US medical anthropologist Arthur Kleinman looks for path out of a social paradox: longer lives without a defined social role.

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Arthur Kleinman, a founding father of modern medical anthropology, says retirees in China may face decades without a defined social purpose. Photo: Shutterstock

New Mexico trial citing ‘public nuisance’ laws against Meta, social platforms

The case is being closely watched as governments across the US pursue similar claims seeking to force big tech platforms to change to protect young users.

UAE’s Opec exit signals aim to accelerate foreign policy diversification

Iran’s attacks on Gulf states have forced Abu Dhabi to rethink its place within the Saudi Arabia-led diplomatic architecture, analysts say.

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Macroscope | Mini-crises sparked by the Iran war may add up to a big collapse

From energy, inflation and trade to slowing global growth and investment uncertainty, these mini-crises have the makings of a massive crisis.

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The United Arab Emirates said on April 28 it would leave Opec and Opec+ on May 1. Photo: EPA

ByteDance’s drug unit presents AI-designed therapies at global conferences

Chinese tech giant fields teams in Boston, Rio de Janeiro and Barcelona as its unit unveils frameworks and therapies powered by AI.

3 fashionable dog influencers to follow

They’re more than adorable pets – animal influencers are rising social media stars, with stylish pooches like Kala, Luc and Niko setting trends.

Takaichi to hold talks in Vietnam on economic security, critical minerals

Both sides are expected to discuss cooperation in areas such as energy and artificial intelligence.

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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrives at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Friday. Photo: AFP

US Pentagon signs AI deals with Google, Nvidia and SpaceX, focus on ‘lawful’ use

The deal comes even as some tech workers raise concerns about the use of AI for autonomous weapons and mass surveillance.

The Pentagon seen from Air Force One as it flies over Washington in 2022. Photo: AP

Being Chinese | 3 months in China became 10 years. Here’s why I stayed

My three-month China stint grew to 10 years, as predictability disappeared from my work around UK-China, EU-China and US-China relations.

China trend of digital exes to help people heal from heartbreak sparks debate

Advocates claim that these AI exes offer emotional solace and aid in the process of overcoming past regrets.

Hong Kong tech hub progress ‘significant’, Dalton Venture’s Steve Sun says

City’s measures to retain research talent and encourage the commercialisation of research results ‘gradually taking effect’, venture capitalist says.

Hong Kong’s skyline viewed from Victoria Peak. Photo: Eugene Lee

From Malaysia’s book bans to Iran war, Anwar’s reform agenda faces sternest test

Anwar’s government has tilted to the right in recent years in a move to win the support of Malay voters, analysts say.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Putrajaya earlier in April. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP/dpa

Healing like Wolverine? Why peptide stacking is taking off and risks involved

Taking multiple synthetic peptides to target goals like weight loss, muscle growth and injury recovery is not without its risks, experts say.

US sanctions China-based operator, others over alleged Iran oil trade links

State Department targets Qingdao Haiye Oil Terminal for allegedly importing ‘tens of millions of barrels of sanctioned Iranian crude oil’.

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Wall Street rises towards more records as oil prices slip

The main uncertainty for the global economy is where oil prices will go because of the Iran war.

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A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Friday. Photo: AP

Beijing backs Cuba, Chile reveals smuggling ring: Latin America relations reads

From a smuggling ring in Chile to rare earth wrangling in Brazil, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in March 2026.

Video | The AI shamans ‘predicting’ fortunes in Seoul

Artificial intelligence-equipped shamans in Seoul are calculating customers’ futures using an ancient fortune-telling system.

From banking to AI, these are the major economic bodies based in China

Amid what China sees as US’ polarising unilateral measures, a push for ‘global governance’ gives rise to a network of multi-country agencies.

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The International Organization for Mediation, located in Hong Kong’s Old Wan Chai Police Station, was established last year to resolve disputes through mediation. Photo: Stanley Shin

Could Chinese mathematicians tip the balance in a US conference boycott?

Petition signed by 2,300 scholars from 80 countries urges ‘World Cup’ to be moved due to American policies towards foreign academics.

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Organisers of a petition to boycott this year's “World Cup of mathematics” which is being held in Philadelphia, are urging Chinese academics and societies to get involved. Photo: Shutterstock

Man arrested in Hong Kong after police seize HK$800,000 of suspected heroin

Suspect, 44, held in Tuen Mun operation for allegedly trafficking in dangerous drugs, police say.

Outside In | China’s manufacturing rise is here to stay. The West must recalibrate

The changes are structural and protectionism will only weaken long-term growth.

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Elephants never forget? Malaysians demand Japan return ‘homesick’ trio

One video shows Dara, Amoi and Kelat responding to their names in Malay while another reportedly reveals one of the elephants ‘weeping’.

The three Malaysian elephants stand in their enclosure at the Tennoji Zoo in Osaka. Photo: Facebook/The Patriot Studio

Do you feel more anxious after googling symptoms? You could have cyberchondria

Also known as ‘Dr Google syndrome’, cyberchondria can lead to depression or, at worst, illness anxiety disorder.

Cyberchondria is an unfounded fear of, or heightened attention to, serious physical illnesses based on perusal of internet content, according to one doctor. Photo: Shutterstock

‘It’s hard to compete’: how China is using AI to churn out 500 dramas per day

In China, micro drama companies are harnessing AI to create shows at jaw-dropping speed and cost – often with the help of lavish subsidies.

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Famous Chinese short drama actor facing AI-linked lay-off returns to farming

From domineering, romantic control freak on-screen characters to real-life chilli producer, popular actor comes to terms with digital reality.

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Science
The latest news on science, including scientific research and innovation. Also covers the latest scientific discoveries and investigations, renowned scientists, science investment and funding and technological breakthroughs, plus stories on space, biology, health and physics.