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China is now a world leader in key science fields

By Zhang Zhihao | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2017-02-22 20:11

China is now one of the world's leaders in key fields of fundamental science, such as quantum physics, stem cell research and nano-technology, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on Wednesday.

"Fundamental research is the foundation for the entire science system, and the key to all technical problems,"said Ye Yujiang, the ministry's director of fundamental research. "They are also the prerequisite for becoming a technologically advanced nation."

In physics, China currently the world's highest superconducting transition temperature and the most number of photon entanglements. China also launched the world's first quantum satellite in 2016, leading the world in quantum communication, Ye said.

In stem cell research, a Chinese scientist was the first to prove that non-embryonic induced pluripotent stem cells are totipotent, meaning they can transform into any type of cell and form a complete embryo.

In nano-technology, Chinese scientist opened the new field of gradient nano-structured material, allowing industries to create new, high performance metal material on the nano-level, Ye said.

Apart from the microscopic, China is also building some of the world's largest and most advanced research infrastructures, including the 500-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) and the world's most powerful pulse laser, the SULF. Both were completed in 2016.

"These machines could allow scientists around to world to tackle the basic structure of matter, the origin of the universe and life, as well as other major scientific challenges,"Ye said.

China currently has 255 national key academic labs in eight fields, ranging from mathematics to engineering, as well as 177 national key labs for enterprises.

In 2015, China devoted 71.6 billion yuan ($10.4 billion) and more than 253,000 staff members into fundamental research.

"Our research team is young and knowledgeable, with a growing talent reserve,"he said. "The size is on par with the US and other technology powerhouses.”

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