China’s space programme is a step closer to securing more efficient and lightweight energy supplies after extensive testing of a new power switch and converter device built with third-generation semiconductor materials.

The silicon carbide (SiC) power device designed by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has been tested in orbit since it was delivered to China’s space station in November by the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft.

“The main task of this mission is to conduct space verification of domestically developed, high-voltage, radiation-resistant SiC power devices, and to verify their application in aerospace power supplies,” Liu Xinyu, a researcher at the CAS Institute of Microelectronics (IME) told state news agency Xinhua on Sunday.

“We will also research radiation effects, improve the output of China’s aerospace digital power supplies, and support future single modules to reach kilowatt level power,” Liu said.

Power semiconductor devices – or power devices – are considered the “heart” of electronics systems because they function as a switch or circuit converter.

The emerging third-generation material shows promise for use in electric vehicles and aerospace devices due to its ability to operate at higher temperatures, withstand higher voltage, and improve power density.

Electronics based on SiC will play a key role in future expeditions to the most hostile environments in space, including spacecraft missions near the sun and base construction on the moon and Mars, according to Nasa.

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Chinese scientists have used embryonic stem cell engineering to create the first mice with two fathers to reach adulthood, which has also revealed a possible way to enhance the developmental potential of embryos.

While scientists successfully created mice with two female parents over two decades ago, achieving the same feat with two male parents has proven a challenge.

The latest development was made possible through the targeted genetic engineering of imprinted genes. Those genes are typically expressed from only one copy from either the mother or father while the other copy is silenced.

“We show that correcting 20 imprinted loci enables the development of viable bi-paternal mice,” the team led by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences wrote in a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell Stem Cell on Tuesday.

“These findings provide strong evidence that imprinting abnormalities are the main barrier to mammalian unisexual reproduction,” Luo Guanzheng, co-corresponding author and a professor at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, said in a journal press release.

“This approach can significantly improve the developmental outcomes of embryonic stem cells and cloned animals, paving a promising path for the advancement of regenerative medicine,” Luo said.

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The driver behind a deadly car attack in China’s southern city of Zhuhai in November was executed on Monday, state news agency Xinhua reported.

Fan Weiqiu, 62, was convicted of deliberately driving his SUV into a group of people exercising outside a sports centre in Zhuhai on November 11.

The attack killed 35 people and injured 43 others – an act of public violence that shook the nation, a local court ruled late last month.

The court found that Fan’s actions were driven by a broken marriage and dissatisfaction with his life, particularly regarding the division of property after his divorce. Fan was found guilty of “endangering public safety by dangerous means”.

The court sentenced Fan to death and deprived him of his political rights for life, citing his “despicable” motives, the “heinous” nature of the crime, brutal methods, and the severe consequences and significant social harm caused by his actions.

Fan’s behaviour warranted the most severe punishment under the law, the court emphasised.

After the initial sentencing, Fan did not appeal.

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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/36408345

"The DoJ further said 'no one disputes' China’s goal of undermining US interests by collecting sensitive data about Americans through 'ostensibly private companies subject to its control' and by positioning assets stateside to be used at strategically advantageous moments."

Categorically untrue. Many people doubt this.

Thanks @[email protected] for the link