For decades, farmers and scientists have debated a simple but critical question: Is it better to plow fields before planting or to leave the soil undisturbed? Now, an international research team, led by Shi Qibin from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has found an answer by "listening" to the ground.

Many people with chronic pain find their discomfort manageable during the day but unbearable at night, and a team from China has now uncovered the neural mechanism behind these daily fluctuations. The study, led by Zhang Zhi of the University of Science and Technology of China in eastern Anhui province, was published on Friday in the journal Science.

A new study by Chinese researchers has summarized the generation mechanisms and key influencing factors of abiotic geological hydrogen, a well-concerned clean energy source amidst the global energy transition, according to the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

A new study by Chinese scientists reveals that the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau did not experience a steady, continuous rise, but underwent two distinct cycles of dramatic uplift and fall. By linking deep-underground activities to changes on the plateau's surface, the findings offer new insights into how massive mountain plateaus form.

A research team in Shanghai has identified and cloned a "longevity gene" in wild rice that determines its perennial nature, a breakthrough with significant implications for ecological agriculture and sustainable development. The discovery could make it possible to transform rice from an annual crop into a perennial one.

Chinese researchers have recently made a breakthrough by developing a novel and highly efficient mitochondrial capsule transplantation therapy, achieving the safe and efficient transplantation of healthy mitochondria into cells and tissues for the first time. This new therapy can significantly alleviate symptoms of severe diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Scientists have recently revealed the formation and evolution mechanisms of megadunes on a global scale, shedding light on the long-standing scientific question of how high loose sand can naturally be piled, according to the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

A study by the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, recently opened a door of possibility by showing that fungi can be used to enhance the flavor of coffee. A research team led by Qiu Minghua established a microbial repository containing 655 endophytic fungal strains from five Yunnan Arabica cultivars across three maturity stages and selected six representative strains that could make coffee more flavorful.

An international research team led by Chinese scientists has discovered new evidence about Type II-P supernovae, suggesting that some of these stellar explosions may originate from merged binary stars. The study, involving researchers from China, Greece, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, and Switzerland, was recently published in the journal Science Bulletin.

Scientists announced the discovery of a new heavy, proton-like particle in experiments with the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world's most powerful particle accelerator, at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) on Tuesday. The achievement was led by Professor He Jibo and his research team from the School of Physical Sciences at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Recently, the international collaboration team of the Dark Matter Particle Explorer satellite, "Wukong," utilized eight years of observational data to precisely measure eight Forbush decrease events involving electrons and positrons. For the first time, the study revealed the behavioral characteristics of electron and positron fluxes during both the decline and recovery phases as well as their correlation with the physical parameters of CMEs responsible for the Forbush decreases.

A Chinese research team has developed a novel magnetic fluid material and proposed a liquid-based technical system for left atrial appendage occlusion of the heart. They address the core challenges in left atrial appendage thrombus therapy for the first time, marking a transition of left atrial appendage occlusion technology from "solid adaptation" to a new stage of "complete fluidic sealing."

Chinese researchers have achieved a medical breakthrough by using endoderm stem cell-derived islet-like tissues (E-islet) to restore pancreatic islet function in patients with diabetes, potentially offering a new therapeutic option for millions worldwide. This innovative therapy showcases the potential efficacy of such approaches in addressing this severe chronic condition, which traditionally necessitates lifelong insulin injections.

Chinese researchers have provided key in-situ evidence that advances understanding of hydrological interactions in marginal permafrost regions, according to the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Chinese scientists recently provided a new perspective on the origin of the asteroid 2016HO3 -- the target of the country's first asteroid sample-return mission, Tianwen-2, according to the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

A research team using the Tibet ASγ experiment in Xizang has for the first time detected small-scale magnetic turbulence in the Milky Way. Published in Science Advances, the research studied the Geminga pulsar, finding electrons accelerated up to about 100 TeV and cosmic-ray diffusion slowed to 1% of the galactic average, advancing understanding of cosmic-ray propagation.

The rise of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage systems has led to a growing number of retired batteries, posing a significant challenge for sustainable energy development. Chinese scientists have introduced a green recycling strategy that extracts lithium with more than 95 percent efficiency under mild conditions.

During the ongoing "two sessions," the annual meetings of China's top legislature and top political advisory body, several scientists have shared exciting updates about the country's major science and technology infrastructure projects. These facilities, which include massive telescopes and deep underground laboratories, are entering a new phase of development during the country's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).