1. China launches two satellites for gravitational wave detection
China sent two satellites for the detection of gravitational waves into planned orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province on Dec 10.
The two satellites, which compose the Gravitational Wave High-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor (GECAM) mission, were launched by a Long March-11 carrier rocket at 4:14 am (Beijing Time).
The GECAM satellites will be used to monitor high-energy celestial phenomena, such as gravitational wave gamma-ray bursts, high-energy radiation of fast radio bursts, special gamma-ray bursts, and magnetar bursts, as well as to study neutron stars, black holes, and other compact objects and their merger processes.
In addition, they will also detect high-energy radiation phenomena in space, such as solar flares, Earth gamma flashes, and Earth electron beams, providing observation data for scientists.
[Photo/WeChat account: szchtf]
2. New device allows brain to perceive images beyond the eyes
A team from the Netherlands Institute of Neurology has developed an implanted device that can bypass the eyes of monkeys and allow their brains to perceive artificially induced patterns, reported Agence France Presse. The team also designed a system to ensure that the input current is large enough to produce eye-catching point. They placed some electrodes in more advanced areas of the visual cortex, monitored how much signal passed, and then adjusted the input current.
[Photo/WeChat account: szchtf]
3. Orbiter-returner combination of Chang'e 5 separates from ascender
The orbiter and returner combination of China's Chang'e 5 probe successfully separated from the spacecraft's ascender at 12:35 pm Sunday (Beijing Time), according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
[Photo/WeChat account: szchtf]
4. Tibet breeds first cloned pig
According to the Science and Technology Department of Tibet Autonomous Region, the first cloned Tibetan pig was born in the Tibetan Pig Research Center of the Tibet Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry on Dec 3, marking the first successful application of somatic cell cloning technology in Tibet.
[Photo/WeChat account: szchtf]
5. China commissions new-generation 'artificial sun'
The HL-2M Tokamak, China's new-generation "artificial sun," went into operation on Dec 4 and has achieved its first plasma discharge, according to the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).
Designed to replicate the natural reactions that occur in the sun using hydrogen and deuterium gases as fuels, the apparatus in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, will provide clean energy through controlled nuclear fusion, said the CNNC.
The self-developed device is the country's largest in scale and highest in parameters, with a more advanced structure and control mode than its predecessor, the HL-2A Tokamak.
It is able to generate plasma hotter than 150 million C and is expected to greatly enhance the research and development of key technologies in plasma physics research in China.
[Photo/WeChat account: szchtf]