China in Africa

The base will be in the red cliff region of the Mongolian-Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Haixi in Qinghai. The base, which features a Mars-like landscape, will host a Mars community” and a “Mars campsite” which are intended as tourist space for astronomical education, film shooting and scientific research.”

CAS news release, August 9, 2017

The consortium consists of SDIC Biotech Investment Co. (90 %) and the Tiefa Coal Group (10 %), who plan to invest 3,99 billion Yuan in a plant in Diaobingshan City, Liaoning Province. Production capacity is aimed at 306,000 t of fuel ethanol, 276,300 t of protein-rich feed, and 20,000 t of corn oil. The project builds on the abundant corn resources in the Tieling area.

China Bio news release, August 7, 2017

The group of WANG Haowai has obtained a novel lightweight material suitable for aircraft and space applications by distributing nano ceramic particles into an alumnium alloy. During the process, the size, shape and distribution of the nanoparticles was carefully controlled. The new material is light, exhibits high stiffness and damping, low expansion, and no fatigue. If processed in 3D printers, the parts perform like forged materials. Nano-ceramic aluminum alloys are produced at 1000 t/y in a dedicated company, Anhui Xiangbang Composite Materials Co., and performance is already being investigated in China’s space program and b COMAC, China’s aviation industry.

CAS news release, August 7, 2017

According to a survey by the China Investment Advisory Network, the market for monoclonal antibodies and insulin-like drugs will grow rapidly and is expected to account for 46% of the total biotech market in 2018. In 2016, the global bio-similar drug market is estimated at about 4.2 billion US$. Due to the high threshold of market access, biosimilar drugs are expected to maintain a good market competitiveness, and their price will generally only decline by 10% -30%, whereas prizes of chemical generic drugs are expected to decline over 50 %.

China Bio news release, August 4, 2017

In the concept explored by Chenguo HU, a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) detects motions of the skin around the corners of an eye, leading to an electric signal which controls devices or even types texts once the blinking of an eye is connected to a computer screen where a cursor passes over different keys. The sensor device is extremely sensitive, stable and inexpensive, and a patent application has been filed.

CAS news release, August 3, 2019

Rural biogas plays a significant role in China’s plans to strengthen alternative energy sources. The 13th 5years plan calls for the construction of 386 large-scale biogas pilot projects based on agricultural waste. The share of biogas expenditure will be 22 billion Yuan.

China Bio news release, August 2, 2017

The company has independent IP for nucleic acid molecular detection technology (ADx-ARMS ®) and is specialized in the detection of tumor-related genes such EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, EML4-ALK, PIK3CA, ROS1, NRAS, Her-2 and other.

China Bio news release, August 2, 2017

The group of Zhaobing GAO has found that a channel protein in the neuron cell membrane, TRPA1, mediates organophosphate-induced neuropathy and that TRPA1 can be targeted effectively with existing drugs such as duloxetine and ketotifen (screened from over 2000 approved drugs) to alleviate effects. TRPA1 is a channel protein that mediates the movement of calcium ions into neurons, an important part of the process that leads to activation of a neuron and physiological effects such as smell, taste, vision and temperature sensation.

CAS news release, August 2, 2017

The group of ZHU Yongguan from the CAS Institute of Urban Environment has mapped 381 antibiotic resistance genes in 116 urban sewage samples taken from 32 wastewater treatment plants across 17 Chinese major cities. Urban sewage had high levels of antimicrobial resistance genes – around 1011-1012 copies per liter – with a distinct seasonal pattern. The graph shows log antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) in copies/day divided by total urban population.

CAS news release, July 28, 2017

The Energy Bureau, composed of members of the development and reform commission, provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, Xinjiang and State Grid representatives and others, has published directives how to develop wind, photovoltaic and biomass power plants further during the present 13th 5-years plan. Improved consumption monitoring, better inter-provincial power transmission lines and better access to the grid are some of the guiding principles.

China Industrial Biotech Network, July 28, 2017

The team of ZHU Zuyan has combined the actin gene promoter of the carp with the carp actin gene and the grass carp growth hormone gene coding region to form a whole fish” recombinant gene construct. Microinjection of this gene construct into fertilized carp eggs led to carps which grow 40 % faster than controls and achieve 2fold adult weight. Feed conversion rate was increased by about 20%. Safety testing at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety did not reveal any problems, but public concerns about ecology have prevented marketing so far. Tests in a 6,7 ha artificial lake and simulated ecological environments of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River suggest that transgenic carps in a natural environment have very poor viability. However, so far transgenic carps have not been cleared for human consumption.”

China Bio news release, July 27, 2017

According to a review by China Pharmaceutical Network, the world production of amino acids in 2016 was close to 8 million t and is expected to reach 11 million t in 2022. Amino acids used as feed additives such as lysine or threonine constituted about 52.5 % of the global market, with China as a major supplier. As of non-essential amino acids used in food production, China produces 50 % of all citrulline (10.000 t global market) and 80 % of all taurine (80.000 t world).

China Bio news release, July 26, 2017

In cooperation with Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Human Province, the company will launch a collection of stem cells isolated from maternal umbilical cords, which are cultivated and released on demand to the maternal donor and to Xiangya Hospital for stem cell clinical research and application. The stem cells will be stored at – 196 °C for 3 years free of cost, prolongation for payment is possible. Stem cell products can be used for the treatment of, e. g., endocrine diseases (premature ovarian failure, Intrauterine adhesions and menopausal syndrome, etc.), immune system diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus and ulcerative colitis), ischemic diseases (diabetic foot and ischemic cardiomyopathy), neurological diseases (Parkinson’s disease and stroke), degenerative osteoarthritis, type II diabetes, hypertension, and other.

China Bio news release, July 24, 2017

As a foundation for a future stronger clinical research in China, the nation now has available 32 national clinical medical research centers, about 260 at the prefecture- or city level, and more than 2,100 at all levels. They are usually specialized on either cardiovascular, nervous system, malignant tumor, respiratory diseases, and nine other nine areas of diseases and serve as a clinical research platform and for collaborative innovation networks

China Bio news release, July 24, 2017

China carries out a major underwater exploration in the South China Sea. To this end, the research vessel Kexue carries unmanned underwater gliders which are equipped with cameras, Raman spectrometers and other instruments. In the 1st phase of the program, 12 such gliders carried out observations and sent back data in real time. The home naval ports of this flotilla are Xiamen and Qingdao.

CAS news release, July 23, 2017