
From an artificial pancreas to a cancer trial with 84 per cent efficacy, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting.
SCMP highlights recent science coverage, featuring a Chinese research breakthrough for low-cost sustainable aviation fuel and a landmark cancer trial achieving 84% efficacy using waste water technology.
AI-generated summary
SCMP compiles science reporting highlights from the past two weeks.
From an artificial pancreas to a cancer trial with 84 per cent efficacy, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting
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 breakthrough unlocks low-cost, high-margin sustainable aviation fuel
Chinese researchers have developed a catalyst that converts synthesis gas into sustainable jet fuel – an advance that could boost production, help meet net-zero carbon goals and yield a gross profit margin above 50 per cent.
2. Landmark China trial achieves 84% efficacy treating cancer with waste water tech
The 2026 World Science, Technology and Development Forum opened in Chongqing on the 21st. The "Top Ten Science and Technology Foresights" for 2026 were released at the meeting, covering the five most transformative technological directions such as energy, material manufacturing, and life and health, attracting about 800 guests at home and abroad.
2026 will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the discovery of the Liangzhu ruins. The fourth "Liangzhu Forum" was held recently. Scholars from many countries discussed the uniqueness of Liangzhu civilization in rice farming, collective collaboration and spiritual beliefs, emphasizing the diversity of the origin paths of human civilization and the value of civilization diversity.

Chinese researchers have discovered that dendrites in neurons act as minicomputers, integrating learned rules with sensory data to enable flexible decision-making in mice. This finding offers new potential for developing more adaptable AI systems.

On October 20, the 4th "Liangzhu Forum" released six Liangzhu archaeological research results, including the "Complete Collection of Liangzhu Jade Artifacts". Experts said that these results demonstrate the latest progress in Liangzhu archeology and emphasize the important role of international cooperation in the study of Liangzhu ruins.

By analyzing 25 years of global ionospheric observation data, a team from Chuo University and Kyoto University confirmed for the first time that the ionosphere has a "saturation effect" on solar activity. This subverts the previous intuitive understanding that "the stronger the sun, the more active the ionosphere is" and helps improve the reliability of GPS positioning and satellite communications.
During the 4th "Liangzhu Forum", Wang Wei, the principle director of the Chinese Archaeological Society, accepted an exclusive interview to analyze the unique growth method of Liangzhu civilization that relied on water due to rice cultivation and gathered due to water control, and discussed the local growth and foreign exchange and mutual learning of Chinese civilization.