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N0.403

 

 

CHINA  SCIENCE  AND  TECHNOLOGY
NEWSLETTER
The Ministry of Science and Technology
People's Republic of China

N0.403

May 20,2005

 

 

 

 

 
IN THIS ISSUE


 

* China Biomedical Materials Harvest

* Molecular Testimony for Dinosaurs Extinction

* Landing System for Manned Space Flight

* Fluorine-Ion Exchange Membrane Production

* Fake-proof Technology Show

* Semiconductor Illumination into Business


 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

China Biomedical Materials Harvest

Under a theory proposed by Chinese scientists that lifeless biomaterials made of calcium and phosphor can induce bone formation, an artificial bone was induced to form at the Chinese National Biomaterials Engineering and Technology Center.  The material, with a function to form bones, rather than adding bone growth factors or cultured live bone tissues or cells, has been used in clinical trials, demonstrating fine therapeutic effects.

The success of the new technology raises the research level of China’s biomaterial science, and gathers together a great number of scientists in the field, which spurs up the development of the industry, said GU Weizhong, chief scientist for biomaterials under the national 973 program. He added that Chinese scientists discovered and proposed the theory that lifeless biomaterials made of calcium and phosphor can induce bone formation, and established an original theory on biomaterials based bone forming, which is of great international influence. Chinese scientists also proposed the theory that a biomaterial that maintains the core protein pattern unchanged in blood clotting system is clotting resistant, which opens up a new clue to address anti-clotting issues in preparing materials for repairing cardiovascular system.  Chinese researchers have worked out nanometer based phosphorite hydroxide, a structure like collagen. At the same time, they developed internationally advanced genetic target control and release carriers that can be used in caner treatment.  The biomaterial project also rolled out a new blood sorbent for treating high blood fat and rheumatoid arthritis, whose patented technology was transferred to overseas buyers.

Molecular Testimony for Dinosaurs Extinction

WANG Guangzhong, a Chinese student at Shandong Polytechnic University, uses his molecular theory to prove climate cooling attributes to dinosaurs’ extinction. His finding was published in the recent issue of journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.

By comparing amino acid make-ups of 13 existing species, WNAG found that reptiles, a close kin to dinosaurs, have an amino acid make-up noticeably different from other species. Reptiles’ CvP preference, in particular, is apparently lower than that of other species. Considering the positive correlation between CvP preference and optimal growth temperature (OGT), WANG believes that reptiles’ extremely low CvP preference reflects its adaptation capability to the low-temperature environment that possibly occurred in the past. Based on numerous evidences that dinosaurs are possibly the direct ancestors of modern birds, he assumes that dinosaurs’ CvP preference shall also be close to that of birds. Unfortunately, dinosaurs didn’t show a fit adaptation to the low-temperature environment. Though controversies remain on whether dinosaurs are poikilotherms, one thing is sure, that is incubation of dinosaur eggs can be affected in a low-temperature environment, which makes a fatal difficulty for the multiplication of dinosaur population, a possible reason that contributes to its extinction. At the same time, the explanation is partially evidenced by numerous fossilized dinosaur eggs unearthed from different parts of the world.

Landing System for Manned Space Flight

Not long ago, China made the debut of a compact and efficient landing system with powerful functions for its manned space project. The system makes the third space retrieval and rescue operation following the US and Russia. Under the design principle of optimized system, comprehensive utilization, ensuring priorities, and technological innovations, Chinese scientists have rolled out a manned space retrieval and rescue system, covering pre-launch, ascending and returning phases, and landing arrangements. To ensure astronauts’ safe return to land, scientists have found solutions to a range of difficulties, including tracking in the dark obstacle zone, high sea rescue, and communication capability for fast moving truck based satellite telecommunication stations. In addition, scientists developed a medical supporting system tailored to the needs of astronauts, together with a set of rescue facilities and associated working procedures. The new landing system makes prompt recovery of return capsule possible, with functionality for emergency return in ascending phase, marine rescue capability, emergency return of in-orbit capsule, and worldwide rescue capability.

Measuring Superhigh Oval Orbit

Chinese satellites Probe-I and Probe-II have been working smoothly in orbit. It is China’s new generation space measuring and control system that makes smooth data transmission possible. Having been in operation for more than one year, the new system  marks a new leap of China’s space measuring and control capability from near-earth orbit to geosynchronous orbit, and further to superhigh oval orbit. 

According to a briefing, before the implementation of the dual-satellite project, China’s space control network was designed to work with satellites in near-earth and geosynchronous orbit. The dual-satellite probe project is made up of six-point earth-space environment probing, the first of its kind in human history. However, the orbit altitude of Probe-II satellite doubles that of a geosynchronous satellite, and thus doubles the designed range of the existing measuring equipment. To address greatly extended ranging demand, researchers rationalized the configuration of ground control facilities, readjusted equipment parameters, and worked out better system design plan and associated measures. These efforts successfully enhanced the control reliability in weak signal environment. In the course of dual-satellite control, researchers also found effective solutions to two major technical difficulties: risky sea based satellite orbit entry control and followed tracking control. 

Mobile Weather Service

A mobile weather service system, developed by the Jiangxi Provincial Meteorological S&T Service Center, has passed experts’ verification check. The J2ME-based mobile weather service system is designed to provide real-time weather service products in image or text form for high-end users, who have to travel across different regions to direct disaster prevention and preparedness activities. The system, using KJAVA and C/S network technology as its core, is integrated with a range of advanced technologies, including KJAVA, mobile telecommunication, networking, and image processing. Researchers have so far established J2ME based operational terminals for mobile weather service, and a WAP online weather station that users can have an access to using their mobile phones. Researchers also developed an automatic background processing system allowing mobile phone users to view weather service products. 

 NEWS BRIEFS

1.2-Megawatt Wind Magneto

China’s first wind generator at a megawatt level, developed by the Xinjiang Jinfeng S&T Co. Ltd., was connected to grid on a testing basis, at the Dabancheng Wind Power Generation Site, in the Xinjiang autonomous region. With a fixed power capacity of 1200kw, rotor diameter at 62m, housing height of 69m, and a head weight of 80t, the new system is an up-wind, horizontal-axis, three- bladed turbine, designed with adjustable gear and oar, direct driving, and synchronous permanent magnet alternator grid applications. Thanks to patented technologies, the system makes a state-of-the-art wind generator, with numerous merits, including reliable safety, high efficiency, simplified structures, and lower maintenance cost.

Fluorine-Ion Exchange Membrane Production

On May 19, 2005, a phase II project was kicked off to expand the Dongyue International Industrial Park for fluorine-silicon materials. With a total investment amounting to RMB 1.2 billion, the new endeavor caters for numerous projects, including 500-ton full fluorine ion exchange resin and ion membrane, a key project listed under the national 863 program, 20,000-ton PTFE upgrading project, and 30,000-ton green coolant project. The phase-II effort will make China third country in the world possessing the capability to produce full fluorine ion exchange membrane, following the US and Japan. It will also advance the Dongyue Group’s PTFE production scale first place in Asia. Thanks to its technology cooperation ties with Shanghai Jiaotong University and a special fund worth RMB 20 million allocated by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, the Dongyue Group has greatly enhanced its R&D process.

Northeast Asia Tech Fair

A Northeast Asia Tech Fair will be held from September 21 to 24, 2005 in Shenyang. According to a briefing, the Fair will offer a display area of 30,000 m2 for 2000 showcase counters, of which 30% are expected to be booked by overseas businesses. During the session, major projects launches and talks, China-Russia business talks, China-Korea business talks, S&T projects and industrial investment talks, academic joint research talks, and new drug auctions will be held, in a move to rejuvenate the economy of provinces in northeast China.  As part of the event, high level domestic and international figures will be invited to appear at diverse forums, including northeast Asia high level S&T forum, Northeast Asia economy forum, high level forum for rejuvenating veteran industrial bases in northeast China, a forum jointly sponsored by China Ministry of Science and Technology and Japan Kyushu Sangyo University, a forum on secondary pioneering efforts of China’s high tech parks, and an international trade and investment forum.  

Fake-proof Technology Show

To promote the diffusion and application of label and fake-proof technology, automatic identification system, and smart card technology, a China international show for label and fake-proof technology, and an automatic identification system and smart card show were held May 19-21, 2005 in Guangzhou. Businesses from China, the US, Singapore, Germany, and India attended the show. The show displayed the following major systems and products: barcode related technologies, equipment, application systems, and raw and supporting materials; biological identification technologies and systems, image identification technologies, information and data collection technologies, smart card   systems and equipment, fake-proof technologies, and transmission frequency identification technologies and equipment. The equipment and technologies showcased also can find extensive applications in industry, chemicals, commerce, package, printing, pharmaceuticals, health products, wine industry, food and beverage, clothing, leather goods, electronic products, daily necessities, cosmetics, office necessities, and commodity circulation.  

China’s Cow Sex Control Project

A project to optimize the fast reproduction of fine cow species through gender control technology has found successful diffusion in the Daqing City. Approved by the State Development and Reform Commission, the technology has led to the birth of China’s first commercial application of the said technology in stock reproduction. The new reproduction farm has since last year produced 385 calves, of which 353 are females, with a gender control accuracy reaching 92%. The farm claims a current daily production capacity of 250 straws for sex controlled frozen semen, with a limited amount of embryos through the same process. The farm expects an expanded sex control production capacity up to 300,000 straws and 5000 embryos at the end of the year.

Started in 2000, the farm gave birth to China’s first sex control calf on November 2003. Tests have shown that the technology used has a successful artificial insemination rate higher than overseas record by 15%. Using the technology, the stock upgrading cycle can be shortened from a conventional 10-year to current 3-year or even shorter. The technology can also be used in reproduction and improvement of beef, sheep and deer. 

Semiconductor Illumination into Business

In collaboration with Jiangsu Changdian S&T Co. Ltd., Zhiyuan S&T Development Corp., part of Beijing University of Technology, has kicked off a project to expand the production of high illuminant light-emitting diode. Both collaborators agree to invest RMB 278.7 million in related R&D activities and commercial applications.

Built on semiconductor light-emitting diode epitaxial chip design and growth technology, and light-emitting diode chip manufacturing and engineering technologies developed by the Photoelectron Technology Lab, part of the University, the expansion project will turn S&T findings into productivity in a timely manner, taking advantage of Changdian’s manufacturing technology, marketing capability and financial strength. Striving to produce proprietary epitaxial chip and tube core at a massive scale in Beijing, the project will render contributions not only to the development of China’s semiconductor illumination industry, but also to the economic growth of the Beijing Municipality. The project constitutes an important event in collaborations between university and industry. It expects to materialize an annual capacity of 50,000 epitaxial chips and 500 million tube cores by 2006.

3-G Global Summit in Beijing

3G in China, a global summit sponsored by the Institute of Telecommunication, a part of the Ministry of Information Industry, will be held September 14-16, 2005 in Beijing. Under a theme to interpret global 3G, and plan for a win-win China future”, the summit will discuss the issues relating to industry policies, network development, operation, and technical progress, while analyzing 3G industry policy trends in China. 3G network planning, design, and optimization, Chinese telecommunication carriers’ technical alternatives for 3G technology, operating strategies for different carrier brands, operational positions, rate setting, 3G business integration, and innovative operations, are also the topics for discussion.

The summit will attract the participation of Chinese government leaders, major domestic and overseas telecommunication carriers, 3G experts, decision makers, and renowned economists, to share 3G activities in China, interpret global 3G development trends, and grasp 3G industrial opportunities in China.  

Plant Pathogen Test Kits

“Pilot study and application of pathogenic bacteria test kit for five major quarantine plants”, a project financed by the National Fund for Transfer of Agricultural S&T Findings affiliated to the Ministry of Science and Technology, has worked out proprietary technologies to accurately test plant pathogenic bacteria rated most dangerous both at home and abroad. Using modern molecular biologic means, researchers also worked out test kits for domestic plant quarantine systems.

The project has maturated the key technologies and techniques for the massive and standardized production of five different test kits, worked out the associated application technical system, and defined technology standards for production and application. Up to date, the project has produced 380 sets of test kits, which are used at major domestic quarantine portals and plant quarantine agencies at the provincial level.


       Comments or inquiries on editorial matters or Newsletter content should be directed to:Mr. Mao Zhongying, Department of International Cooperation, MOST 15B, Fuxing Road Beijing 100862, PR China  Tel: (8610)58881360 Fax: (8610) 58881364

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