News on China's scientific and technological development.

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Re: China Biotech and Pharma Thread

on: May 14, 2011, 07:52:18 AM »



Scientists generate liver cells from skin

By David Mark

Posted May 12, 2011 12:53:00

A team of scientists in China has found a way to restore damaged livers using adult skin stem cells.

The technique raises the possibility of what one liver specialist is calling the "Holy Grail" - that people now needing liver transplants could be simply treated with an injection of their own cells.

Researchers spent three years on the study in which they took skin cells from mice to reproduce fully functional liver cells.

The results, being published in the Journal of Nature today, show the mice were able to live healthy lives.

Professor Geoff McCaughan, the head of the Liver Research Program at the Centenary Research Institute at the University of Sydney, is excited by the Chinese team's work.

He has worked nationally and internationally in the field of liver transplants for 25 years and says the findings could have dramatic ramifications.

Every year, around 200 Australians have a liver transplant.

"The commonest cause for liver transplantation is the adult community in the western world is people with chronic hepatitis C infection who develop sclerosis or liver cancer," Professor McCaughan said.

The Chinese scientists have generated large amounts of liver cells in the test tube.

"Then using them to treat animals, in this case a mouse, then dying of liver failure with 100 per cent mortality or 100 per cent death rate, and then transfusing these new cells and only having a 50 per cent death rate," he said.

"The really exciting bit is that they've generated these liver cells from non-liver cells - what they've done is get them out of old skin and then transform these cells from skin cells into liver cells."

Professor McCaughan says the process should be achievable with human cells.

But he says people would have to also stop whatever was producing the liver damage in the first place.

"You would have to have drugs and other treatments to control the toxicity while the new cells in a human grow and weren't subjected to the same toxicities," he said.

"So that's an important concept and an important difference between doing it in humans and doing it in mice.

"Conceptually, it could be done, there's no question about that."

Professor McCaughan says the technique, if it worked for humans, would first be used to keep people alive while they waited for a transplant.

"If that worked and that was successful, then people could undertake the Holy Grail with this type of approach," he said.

"On an individual basis, which would be enormously resource intensive, you would essentially be having to have a group of scientists and medical people working on an individual patient's cells in the test tube in a laboratory in the same for liver disease in the same way they do now for bone marrow transplantations.

"But that would be the Holy Grail ... that's the dream, we love to live the dream."

*ttp://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/12/3214951.htm?section=justin

Looking inside nanomaterials in three dimensions



"Looking inside nanomaterials in three dimensions

(Nanowerk News) On May 13th 2011, the journal Science published a paper where scientists from Risø DTU in collaboration with scientists from China and USA, report a new method for revealing a 3D picture of the structure inside a material ().

Most solid materials are composed of millions of small crystals, packed together to form a fully dense solid. The orientations, shapes, sizes and relative arrangement of these crystals are important in determining many material properties.



Traditionally, it has only been possible to see the crystal structure of a material by looking at a cut surface, giving just 2D information. In recent years, x-ray methods have been developed that can be used to look inside a material and obtain a 3D map of the crystal structure. However, these methods have a resolution limit of around 100nm (one nanometer is 100,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair).

In contrast, the newly developed technique now published in Science, allows 3D mapping of the crystal structure inside a material down to nanometer resolution, and can be carried out using a transmission electron microscope, an instrument found in many research laboratories.

Samples must be thinner than a few hundred nanometers. However, this limitation is not a problem for investigations of crystal structures inside nanomaterials, where the average crystal size is less than 100 nanometers, and such materials are investigated all over the world in a search for materials with new and better properties than the materials we use today.

For example, nanomaterials have an extremely high strength and an excellent wear resistance and applications therefore span from microelectronics to gears for large windmills. The ability to collect a 3D picture of the crystal structure in these materials is an important step in being able to understand the origins of their special properties.

An example of such a 3D map is given in the figure, showing the arrangement of crystals in a 150nm thick nanometal aluminium film. The crystals have identical lattice structure (arrangement of atoms) but they are orientated in different ways in the 3D sample as illustrated by the labels 1 and 2. The colours represent the orientations of the crystals and each crystal is defined by volumes of the same colour. The individual crystals of various sizes (from a few nm to about 100 nm) and shapes (from elongated to spherical) are clearly seen and mapped with a resolution of 1 nanometer.

An important advantage of such 3D methods is that they allow the changes taking place inside a material to be observed directly. For example, the mapping may be repeated before and after a heat treatment revealing how the structure changes during heating.

This new technique has a resolution 100 times better than existing non-destructive 3D techniques and opens up new opportunities for more precise analysis of the structural parameters in nanomaterials.

Source: Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy"

----------



"Science 13 May 2011:
Vol. 332 no. 6031 pp. 833-834
DOI: 10.1126/science.1202202

* Report

Three-Dimensional Orientation Mapping in the Transmission Electron Microscope

1. H. H. Liu1,
2. S. Schmidt1,
3. H. F. Poulsen1,
4. A. Godfrey2,
5. Z. Q. Liu3,
6. J. A. Sharon4, and
7. X. Huang1,5,*

+ Author Affiliations

1. 1Center for Fundamental Research: Metal Structures in Four Dimensions, Materials Research Division, Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
2. 2Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, P.R. China.
3. 3Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 110016 Shenyang, P.R. China.
4. 4Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
5. 5Danish-Chinese Center for Nanometals, Materials Research Division, Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark

1. *↵To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Over the past decade, efforts have been made to develop nondestructive techniques for three-dimensional (3D) grain-orientation mapping in crystalline materials. 3D x-ray diffraction microscopy and differential-aperture x-ray microscopy can now be used to generate 3D orientation maps with a spatial resolution of 200 nanometers (nm). We describe here a nondestructive technique that enables 3D orientation mapping in the transmission electron microscope of mono- and multiphase nanocrystalline materials with a spatial resolution reaching 1 nm. We demonstrate the technique by an experimental study of a nanocrystalline aluminum sample and use simulations to validate the principles involved.

* Received for publication 27 December 2010.
* Accepted for publication 1 April 2011."

Chinese applies graphene in batteries.

Graphene is the new wonder material
-------------------------------------------
source:


MoS2/Graphene composite materials as high-performance anodes for Li-ion batteries
21 May 2011
Chang

Left: Rate capability of MoS2/G samples at different current densities1) MoS2/G (1:1); (2) MoS2/G (1:2); (3) MoS2/G (1:4). Right: cartoon of the composite. Credit: ACS, Chang and Chen. Click to enlarge.

A pair of researchers from Zhejiang University (China) have synthesized layered MoS2/graphene (MoS2/G) composites using a facile biomolecular-assisted process for use as high-performance anode materials in Li-ion batteries. The MoS2/G composite with a Mo:C molar ratio of 1:2 exhibited the highest specific capacity of ~1100 mAh/g at a current of 100 mA/g, as well as excellent cycling stability and high-rate capability.

In a paper published in the journal ACS Nano, researchers Kun Chang and Weixiang Chen attributed the electrochemical performances of the MoS2/G composites to their robust composite structure and the synergistic effects between layered MoS2 and graphene.

Graphite, widely used in current commercial Li-ion batteries (LIB), is limited by a small theoretical specific capacity (372 mAh/g). Graphene, a flat, one-atom-thick monolayer exfoliated from graphite, shows excellent electronic behavior and mechanical properties, as well as a large specific surface area, and has attracted considerable research interest for many applications, the authors note.

Graphene nanosheets and their composites thus have been intensively investigated for their electrochemical properties to determine their suitability as anode materials for LIBs, with high capacities from ~600 to 1000 mAh/g having been observed.

To date, numerous studies on metal and metal oxides supported on graphene have been conducted, in which their electrochemical performance as anode materials for LIBs was considerably enhanced. However, research on layered metal sulfides supported on graphene as LIB anode materials has hardly been reported thus far.

As a typical layered transition metal sulfide, MoS2 has the analogous structure of graphene; this structure is composed of three stacked atom layers (S–Mo–S) held together by van der Waals forces. This layered structure enables the convenient intercalation and exfoliation of Li+ ions.
—Chang and Chen

Chang and Chen synthesized their layered MoS2/G composites by an L-cys-assisted solution phase method and subsequent annealing in a H2/N2 atmosphere at 800 °C for 2 h. The layered MoS2 are supported on the graphene surface, which then form the MoS2/G composites.

The MoS2/G composites exhibit a 3D architecture morphology consisting of curved nanosheets, attributed to the self-assembling of graphene hydrogel during the hydrothermal process. In particular, the MoS2/G (1:2) composite delivers a 3D sphere-like architecture.

In addition to the high specific capacity, the composites showed excellent cyclic stabilities. After 100 cycles, the reversible capacities of the MoS2/G (1:1), MoS2/G (1:2), and MoS2/G (1:4) electrodes remained at 734, 1187, and 978 mAh/g, respectively.

Among the different composite materials fabricated, MoS2/G (1:2) also demonstrates better rate performance. Even at a high current density of 1000 mA/g, the specific capacity remains at ~900 mAh/g, which is still higher than that of MoS2 at a low current density of 100 mA/g. Additionally, the extraordinary cycling stabilities of the three electrodes are exhibited at various current densities, the authors found.

The electrochemical evaluations reveal that all the MoS2/G composite electrodes exhibit much higher specific capacities and more cyclic stability than bare MoS2 electrodes...the present results suggest that this novel kind of MoS2/ G composite holds great potential as an anode material for LIBs.
—Chang and Chen

Resources

*

Kun Chang and Weixiang Chen (2011) L-Cysteine-Assisted Synthesis of Layered MoS2/Graphene Composites with Excellent Electrochemical Performances for Lithium Ion Batteries. ACS Nano doi: 10.1021/nn200659w

The Most Innovative Countries In Information Technology
May. 25 2011 - 9:54 pm | 166 views | 0 recommendations | 0 comments
By MATTHEW HERPER
This story is one of four parts examining the scientific output of different nations in biology, clean energy, and computer science. Start here.


China surpassed the United States as the top producer of scientific publications about information technology in 2008, and the difference widened in 2009, according to an analysis conducted by SciVal Analytics, a division of Elsevier, for Forbes.

However, information technology papers published in scientific journals by Chinese researchers were far less likely to be referenced by other scientists than those that were published by researchers in the U.S., a sign that they are less influential and may be of lower quality. Chinese info-tech researchers were also likely to collaborate with scientists outside their own country.

China's first 6-megawatt wind turbine made public14:06, May 31, 2011

Another first in China's ambition to become world leader in green technology Wind turbine is better solution than solar energy as it is 24hr/7days operation

China's first six-megawatt wind turbine unit made its commercial debut in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province. Sinovel Wind Group Co., Ltd., maker of the turbine, said the unit was indigenously developed and has the largest single-machine capacity in China at the current time. Public files provided by an independent authority show this is the first 6-megawatt wind turbine in the world that has been put into commercial use.

Sinovel's new wind turbine unit has wide applications in generating power on the land, ocean and in the intertidal zone. The length of the turbine's paddle wheels reaches 128 meters, which helps to capture stronger wind force and increase energy efficiency. The turbine even could work normally in the extreme cold and set a record of 62.5 meters per second in the speed test

Xinjiang Goldwind is slower in scaling up compared with Sinovel.

China's Endgame


Visitors look at a spacesuit used by astronaut Zhai Zhigang during China's first spacewalk.

Why is it so important for China to become the preeminent economic and technological power in the world?

If you are willing to expand the boundaries of your mind and look at China's vision, the answer should be apparent.

Modern science has made space travel a reality. China has announced that it will land a person on the Moon (circa 2025), build a permanent moon base, and land a person on Mars (circa 2050). What's going on?

The 21st century is 1492 all over again.

China's space program is not merely a prestige project. China's space program is laying the framework for Chinese interplanetary colonization. By mid-century, there will most likely be a permanent Chinese moon base and eventually, a permanent Mars base. Chinese permanent outposts on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn may occur in the latter half of this century.

After China becomes an interplanetary power by the end of this century, China should have the economic resources and technology to build a starship to our nearest neighbors. During the 22nd century, China will probably attempt to colonize the nearest habitable star systems.

Any scientist can tell you that there are no laws of physics to prevent interplanetary or interstellar travel. It is a difficult engineering problem and costs lots of money. However, if China becomes sufficiently technologically advanced, grows its economy into the range of $60 trillion by 2050, and possesses the pioneering spirit then the future is endlessly bright for Chinese civilization.

Just like 1492, whichever country that colonizes the New World will reap a huge bonanza. Therefore, it is imperative that China stays on a peaceful path, muster her economic and technological strengths, and push for an unbeatable lead in space technologies. The stars beckon. The galaxy is ours for the taking.

----------



"China may set up moon base camp by 2030
By Xin Dingding (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-06-12 07:29

China may send manned flights to the moon and set up a base there by 2030 and it could land on Mars by 2050, a technology think thank said.



In a roadmap for the development of China's space technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) said that China's manned spacecraft could also launch from a moon base to explore further planets in 2050.

The roadmap was part of a report titled "Creation 2050: Science, technology and China's Future", a long-term strategy for the country's development of science and technology.

Guo Huadong, leader of a CAS space technology strategy research team, said the roadmap is "not an official plan, but more of a strategic suggestion to the decision makers."

The central government has not announced any plan or timetable for sending astronauts to the moon or building a moon base.

Guo said the report had been given to the central government for its consideration.

"The roadmap has provided perspectives, based on China's current abilities, the international community's outlook in the field and the country's strategic needs," Guo told China Daily Thursday.

On the topic of deep-space exploration, the roadmap estimates that China's probes may reach Mars by about 2020 and be used to explore other planets like Jupiter by 2030.

It suggests that the probes may fly out of the solar system and enter cosmic space by 2050.

As for a manned flight mission, the roadmap said China could have the capacity to develop technology that would guarantee astronauts' long-term survival in low-Earth-orbit space stations by about 2020.

It also said that China could further develop technology that would improve the autonomous navigation capability of space vehicles, near-space vehicles and flight hardware.

The Creation 2050 report covers 18 fields, including space, health, mineral resources, energy and agriculture, which could help the country become more competitive and assist in its sustainable development and security.

Lu Yongxiang, president of the CAS and vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said at a conference Wednesday: "China cannot simply copy other countries' models of development of science and technology."

China must try to develop a creative road in science and technology with its own characteristics, he said.

According to the report, China could be involved in the development of emerging strategic industries like energy by 2050.

It could also be involved in the development of new energy and environmentally-friendly products, according to the report.

Xinhua contributed to the story"

Re: China's Endgame

Martian said:

Why is it so important for China to become the preeminent economic and technological power in the world?

Click to expand...

It is crucial that R & D facilities in tertiary institutions are up to the world's best and this area should be given high priority.

Re: China's Endgame

Martian said:

Visitors look at a spacesuit used by astronaut Zhai Zhigang during China's first spacewalk.

Why is it so important for China to become the preeminent economic and technological power in the world?

If you are willing to expand the boundaries of your mind and look at China's vision, the answer should be apparent.

Modern science has made space travel a reality. China has announced that it will land a person on the Moon (circa 2025), build a permanent moon base, and land a person on Mars (circa 2050). What's going on?

The 21st century is 1492 all over again.

China's space program is not merely a prestige project. China's space program is laying the framework for Chinese interplanetary colonization. By mid-century, there will most likely be a permanent Chinese moon base and eventually, a permanent Mars base. Chinese permanent outposts on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn may occur in the latter half of this century.

After China becomes an interplanetary power by the end of this century, China should have the economic resources and technology to build a starship to our nearest neighbors. During the 22nd century, China will probably attempt to colonize the nearest habitable star systems.

Any scientist can tell you that there are no laws of physics to prevent interplanetary or interstellar travel. It is a difficult engineering problem and costs lots of money. However, if China becomes sufficiently technologically advanced, grows its economy into the range of $60 trillion by 2050, and possesses the pioneering spirit then the future is endlessly bright for Chinese civilization.

Just like 1492, whichever country that colonizes the New World will reap a huge bonanza. Therefore, it is imperative that China stays on a peaceful path, muster her economic and technological strengths, and push for an unbeatable lead in space technologies. The stars beckon. The galaxy is ours for the taking.

Click to expand...

Yeah...there's a few problems I have with this...

1. Permanent moon base and eventually Mars base by mid century? Perhaps. Though landing on Mars in 2050 doesn't mean a Mars base is completed the next year. We can't rule out bases on several planets when the time-scale stretches 70 years, but we must remember that most people expected us to have this thirty years ago. One cannot easily account for policy over this time-scale (and it all comes down to politics eventually). That being said, nothing wrong in a bit of pioneering spirit!

2. There are indeed great physical constraints on interstellar and even interplanetary travel. Even simply going to Mars takes several years. If you travel by the speed of light (which is impossible as per Einstein) it would still take many years to reach the nearest star (Alpha Proximo), and many many many many more years to reach others. As per physics as we know them today, there is no practical way of actually constructing a galaxy-wide civilization (communication would also be limited to the speed of light, a message sent would take tens or hundreds of years to arrive). However, we might be able to make some breakthrough in experimental physics at some point, like in wormholes or something or rather.

Going to have learn how to colonize this system before going out. I believe at the right time it takes about half a year to reach Mars. I think China should master making space stations and not just for Earth orbit. They're going to be needed for any colonization of outer bodies within the solar system. It would probably be easier to build a space station orbiting Mars before a landing is attempted. That way a lot can be learned about Mars before making a human landing.