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Scientists

Scientists
Latest news and updates on Chinese scientists, including the hundreds of researchers who in recent years have switched affiliations from American universities to institutions in China.
An animation of the structure of DNA. Photo: Shutterstock Images
Science

As I see it | We can now watch our own genes dance

Modern biology reveals a real miracle: how broken pieces of molecules evolved into a species that became conscious of its own genetic make-up.

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SCMP Highlights

7 scientists, mathematicians, physicists and experts who moved to China in 2025

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US-China relations

US-based scientist Valery Fokin wins Vyzov Prize, beating fierce Chinese rivals

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US-China relations

China still targeting US-based researchers for ‘malign’ purposes, lawmakers told

Multiple US government agencies told a House committee that security concerns should not stop efforts to retain foreign-born researchers.

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There is growing political pressure for the US to sever scientific ties with China. Photo: Getty Images
Science

China-born architect Wang Fei dies in suspected car crash in London

Tributes to the ‘distinguished architectural educator, scholar and curator’ from Syracuse University say he was killed on Monday.

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Science

Chinese team reports way to extract hypersonic weapon fuel boron from seawater

Inspired by ‘novel sustainable technology’ research, the team designs a single, powerful system using solar energy for extraction.

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Science

Russia academy breaks up with China naval institute chief scientist under probe

Chinese headquarters of Russian Academy of Engineering says it is taking note of case against Guo Wei, who is accused of ‘faked’ credentials.

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Guo Wei has been suspended as a foreign academician to the Russian Academy of Engineering after he became subject to a Chinese police probe over alleged academic misconduct. Photo: Handout
Science

As I see it | Not all genetic questions about race are racist

Without denying the offensive remarks of James Watson, co-discoverer of the DNA structure, some of his speculation on race does have merit.

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Science

Chief scientist at China’s top warship-building research institute detained

Jiangsu University of Science and Technology says it has fired Guo Wei over the accusations of academic misconduct.

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Science

Why ‘racist’ biologist James Watson is remembered in China with respect

Controversial Nobel Prize winner helped to lay the groundwork for China to become a genomics and biotech powerhouse.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
US-China relations

Chinese scientist pleads guilty in US toxic fungus smuggling case

Jian Yunqing’s boyfriend Liu Zunyong was caught with samples of Fusarium graminearum, a pathogen, while arriving at a US airport in 2024.

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A Fusarium graminearum infection on wheat heads spreads from one flower to another. Photo: Shutterstock
Science

Database of younger scientists’ deaths triggers heated debate in China

The list fuels concerns about the pressures researchers face, but critics warn it may not provide an accurate picture.

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Science

Biologists find array of deep-sea survival mechanisms in Ring of Fire creatures

Scientists from Australia and Japan studying three trenches find ‘organisms have adapted strategies to filter things out of the waters’.

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Science

Was Venice’s winged lion made in China and delivered by Marco Polo’s family?

Italian researchers believe the famous statue may have originated in Tang dynasty China but Chinese scholars are not convinced.

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The bronze winged lion sculpture overlooking St Mark’s Square is one of Venice’s most iconic symbols. Photo: AFP
Science

Can China’s new tech crack Einstein’s brain? Scientists hope to give it a try

Mapping technique allows analysis of old biological samples often poorly preserved.

A new technique developed by Chinese scientists has shown potential in analysing old biological samples, including cancer tissues stored for nearly 10 years. Photo: Shutterstock
Science

Death of 3 bright young scientists highlights China’s ruthless academic system

As China’s innovation and self-reliance drive shifts into high gear, experts say revamping ecosystem may overlook well-being of people in it.

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Science

Leading AI scientist Alex Kot moves to a Sino-Russian university in China

Information and electronic engineering scholar joins Shenzhen MSU-BIT University (SMBU), a Chinese-foreign cooperative university.

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US-China relations

Abandoning the US: top Chinese scientists return home

Top scientists have been leaving the US for China in a wave that is changing the landscape of global research. In this series, the Post focuses on some of the experts who have made the move.

Photo: Shutterstock
Science

Top mathematician Zhang says he left US for China due to political climate

Researchers in computers, chips or anything related to the military industry ‘need to be especially careful’, Shanghai native warns.

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US-China relations

University of Michigan under investigation over Chinese bio-smuggling cases

The US Education Department is looking into the school’s foreign funding, citing illegal bids to bring biological materials into the country.

Science

Chinese scientists thank Nasa for sharing data critical to deep-sea mining

Chinese oceanographers say information from Nasa satellites is indispensable for determining ‘distribution of mineral resources’.

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China’s Shiyan 6, geophysical and seismic survey ship, was sent to investigate in 2022 after oceanographers detected an undersea anomaly in Nasa data that could yield natural resources. Photo: Chinese Academy of Science
Science

Human heart structure beats 21 days in pig embryo in Chinese chimera study

The research could have implications for organ transplants, which are limited by the small number of donors.

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A Chinese research team from the Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health says a pig embryo with human heart cells has survived for 21 days. Photo: Daniel Sambraus/Science
Science

Family of China-born neuroscientist Jane Wu files death-related civil complaint

Court filing accuses Northwestern University of discriminating and isolating actions that became a ‘decisive factor’ in her fatal decision.

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Science

Trailblazing mathematician Yitang Zhang leaves US for job at Chinese university

Zhang, known for his pioneering work on prime numbers, has been appointed to Sun Yat-sen University’s new research centre in Hong Kong.

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Science

Mammals could regenerate tissue by turning on ‘genetic switch’: Chinese team

Scientists studying ability of mice to regenerate ear damage say therapies based on retinoic acid might work across various tissue types.

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Chinese scientists studying regeneration say a mouse’s failure to regenerate stems from an inability to produce sufficient retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A. Photo: Shutterstock
Science

The unsung spleen may play a big role in fighting diabetes: Chinese scientists

Researchers say nanoparticles could help engineer the spleen – a more promising long-term survival site than the liver – into a transplant hub.

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An estimated 589 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, expected to rise to 853 million by 2050, the International Diabetes Federation says. Photo: Shutterstock
US-China relations

Chinese scholars in US bio-smuggling cases agree to stay in jail

There was concern that Han Chengxuan and Jian Yunqing would flee the US if released on bond, like a Chinese national in an unrelated case.

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Science

From a shepherd to world-renowned scientist, Xie Yimin leaves Australia for China

Globally celebrated scientist who grew up in a poor rural area, now returns to his hometown as dean of Hohai University.

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