Core Insights - Scientists have successfully extracted ancient proteins from fossils dating back at least 18 million years, indicating that protein preservation lasts much longer than previously thought [1][2] - The studies highlight the potential for these ancient proteins to provide new insights into the evolutionary history of various species [1] Group 1: Research Findings - The research teams from Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institution extracted proteins from fossils found in the Turkana Basin, Kenya, which is known for its significant evolutionary history [1] - The oldest previously extracted proteins were from about 3.7 million years ago, but these new findings expand that timeline significantly [1] - The Turkana Basin is one of the warmest places on Earth, challenging the assumption that ancient molecules could not be preserved in such conditions [1] Group 2: Additional Research - A separate study by a team from the University of Copenhagen extracted partial sequences of enamel proteins from a true rhinoceros fossil dating back approximately 21 to 24 million years [2] - The cold conditions of the Canadian High Arctic are noted to be favorable for the preservation of biological molecules, aiding in the understanding of animal evolution [2] - Both studies collectively suggest that proteins can retain molecular information about ancient animals for much longer than previously believed [2]

Core Insights - The "North Gas Southward" energy corridor has surpassed a cumulative gas transmission volume of 1000 billion cubic meters as of July 10, marking over 2000 days of safe and stable operation, which is significant for national energy security and green transition [1][2] - This energy corridor, completed during the 14th Five-Year Plan, runs from Heilongjiang to Shanghai, traversing nine provinces and providing an average daily gas supply of over 110 million cubic meters, with an annual capacity of 38 billion cubic meters, sufficient for 130 million urban households [1][2] Infrastructure and Technology - The completion of this energy corridor has broken multiple technical barriers, including construction technology for oil and gas pipelines in extremely cold conditions and achieving 100% localization of key equipment such as 36 high-power compressor units [2] - It is also the first intelligent pipeline project in China, integrating data throughout the project lifecycle and establishing a digital, networked, and intelligent management system [2] Regional Impact - By the first half of 2025, the corridor is expected to supply nearly 15.7 billion cubic meters of natural gas to the Yangtze River Delta, accounting for one-third of the region's current gas consumption [2] - During the peak summer period this year, the pipeline supplied 6 million cubic meters of gas daily to Shanghai and Zhejiang, representing a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2024, alleviating the pressure on gas and electricity supply in East China [2]

Core Insights - Dalian University of Technology's mechanical engineering team has developed a rapid cooling technology for high-temperature alloy turbine discs used in next-generation fighter jet engines, addressing significant manufacturing challenges [1][2] - The new technology utilizes a combination of high-speed multi-medium jet and zoned cooling, significantly improving cooling rates and control precision compared to existing methods [1][2] Group 1: Technology Development - The team has innovated a cooling method that injects a small amount of cooling water into an air jet, creating a fine mist that enhances cooling rates and ensures thorough cooling of the disc core [1] - A computer simulation model was established to optimize nozzle layout and jet parameters, allowing for precise temperature control across different zones of the turbine disc [1] Group 2: Performance Metrics - Experimental data shows that during cooling at 1200°C, the maximum cooling rate achieved is 673°C per minute, which is 3.75 times faster than current international technologies [2] - The control range of the cooling process has increased by over 5 times, and the grain size range has improved by more than 4 times, indicating that the cooling rate and organizational control precision have reached an international leading level [2]

Core Insights - Over-reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT may weaken critical thinking skills among students, as evidenced by brain activity studies showing reduced engagement compared to traditional methods [1][2][3] - The phenomenon of "AI dependency" is raising concerns about its impact on youth's academic and cognitive development, potentially affecting key psychological traits such as learning motivation and resilience [1][2] Group 1: Academic Performance - Students using ChatGPT exhibit a noticeable decline in creativity, often resorting to copy-pasting and showing diminished ownership of academic work [2] - High levels of learning motivation and engagement are crucial for mental health, with boredom linked to issues like anxiety and depression [2] - While AI tools can enhance learning efficiency when used appropriately, they risk becoming a "crutch" that undermines cognitive development if misused [2][4] Group 2: Cognitive Function - Research indicates that students relying on AI struggle with memory recall and exhibit reduced brain wave activity associated with relaxation and problem-solving [3] - This "academic vulnerability" may lead to a decline in creativity and an increase in feelings of frustration when faced with real academic challenges [3] Group 3: Social Development - High-quality social support is essential for preventing mental health issues among youth, prompting a need to evaluate the role of AI assistants in this context [5] - Initial use of AI for emotional support may alleviate loneliness, but excessive reliance can lead to increased feelings of loneliness and social skill deterioration [6] - Concerns arise regarding the potential for AI to provide harmful advice without professional oversight, highlighting the need for careful management of AI's role in emotional support [6] Group 4: Recommendations for AI Use - The dual nature of AI tools necessitates a balanced approach, where they can serve as academic aids while also being mindful of their potential to diminish learning motivation [6] - Establishing evaluation mechanisms in psychological counseling is crucial to mitigate risks associated with AI misuse while leveraging its positive aspects [6]

Core Viewpoint - The resurgence of measles in the United States, which was declared eliminated in 2000, is attributed to a decline in vaccination rates and the highly contagious nature of the virus [1][2]. Group 1: Measles Resurgence - In 2025, the U.S. reported 1,284 confirmed measles cases, a significant increase from the average of 180 cases per year [1]. - The basic reproduction number (R0) of measles is estimated to be 18, meaning one infected person can infect 18 susceptible individuals [2]. - The likelihood of infection for unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with a measles patient is approximately 90% [2]. Group 2: Vaccine Hesitancy - Vaccine hesitancy has emerged as a major barrier to maintaining herd immunity, particularly in developed countries where anti-vaccine movements have gained traction [3][4]. - The global death toll from measles has decreased by about 79% due to widespread vaccination, affecting approximately 171 million people [3]. - The decline in vaccination rates in developed countries has led to the resurgence of previously controlled infectious diseases [4]. Group 3: Health Risks and Responses - Measles can lead to severe complications such as laryngitis, pneumonia, myocarditis, and encephalitis, with at least three reported deaths in the recent U.S. outbreak [5]. - It is crucial for individuals, especially those in vulnerable groups, to consult healthcare professionals regarding vaccination to prevent severe outcomes [5]. - Continuous monitoring and effective response strategies are essential to maintain low measles incidence rates and manage outbreaks effectively [6].

Core Viewpoint - The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic publishing presents both opportunities for efficiency and risks related to academic integrity and innovation [1][2][3] Group 1: AI's Role in Academic Publishing - AI technology, particularly generative AI, is significantly enhancing the efficiency of academic publishing, with over 90% of document processing tasks at CNKI being completed by machines [1] - The rapid development of AI models is deeply embedding itself in the writing and publishing of scientific journals, which raises concerns about potential risks, such as data leaks during the peer review process [1] Group 2: Challenges and Risks - Over-reliance on AI may challenge academic innovation, as it primarily depends on historical data and may introduce algorithmic biases, potentially harming research originality and raising issues of academic integrity [2] - There is currently no consensus in the industry regarding the boundaries of generative AI's application in academic publishing, highlighting the need for clear regulations [2] Group 3: Regulatory Measures and Tools - The implementation of specific rules for AI usage in academic publishing requires effective technical supervision, with CNKI actively exploring academic achievement detection and developing a generative AI detection tool for educational institutions [3] - Existing guidelines, such as the "Guidelines for the Use of AIGC in Academic Publishing 2.0," have been established, but further refinement is needed to clarify the scenarios and extent of AI usage [2]

Core Viewpoint - Weichai Power is making significant strides in developing domestic engines, showcasing China's pursuit of self-reliance and its journey towards the global value chain [1] Group 1: Industry Challenges - The heavy mining equipment market in China is largely dominated by international giants, leading to high market prices and maintenance costs [2] - Mining equipment must operate under extreme conditions, including temperature variations from -45°C to 45°C, and maintain over 90% operational uptime for up to 30 years [2][3] Group 2: Technological Advancements - Weichai has invested 120 million yuan over 10 years to overcome various technical challenges in methanol engine development, resulting in the first domestically produced methanol fuel mining excavator engine [3] - The company has developed 73 types of electronic control units (ECUs) for engines, enhancing performance across traditional and new energy platforms [4] Group 3: Diversification of Power Sources - Weichai has transitioned from 100% diesel engines to a multi-fuel platform including gas, hybrid, methanol, and pure electric power, aligning with China's dual carbon goals [5] - The innovation in power solutions is expected to enhance the competitiveness of China's mining industry and pave the way for greener and smarter mining practices [5] Group 4: Smart Manufacturing - Weichai's digital factory is the world's first fully automated engine manufacturing facility, producing an engine every 90 seconds [6] - The factory boasts 100% automation in processing and logistics, with real-time monitoring of key parameters, showcasing advanced smart manufacturing capabilities [6]

Core Viewpoint - The "Tian Guan" satellite has successfully captured a fleeting cosmic X-ray signal, providing a new perspective on the process of stellar death, marking a significant advancement in the field of time-domain astronomy [5][6]. Group 1: Satellite Overview - "Tian Guan" satellite is the first large-field X-ray imaging satellite in the world, designed for high-sensitivity real-time dynamic sky monitoring in the soft X-ray band [5][10]. - The satellite aims to discover transient sources and explosive celestial bodies, referred to as "cosmic fireworks," which appear briefly and then vanish [8][9]. - The satellite's name is derived from a historical supernova event recorded in ancient China, symbolizing a reconnection with historical astronomical observations [6][7]. Group 2: Technical Innovations - The satellite features three standout characteristics: large field of view, high sensitivity, and precise positioning, enabling it to detect and locate transient sources effectively [10][11]. - It employs a unique "big eye" and "small eye" design, utilizing 12 soft X-ray telescopes for wide-field observation and 2 follow-up X-ray telescopes for detailed imaging [11][12]. - The "Tian Guan" satellite incorporates "lobster eye" microchannel optical technology, allowing it to focus soft X-rays effectively, which is a significant innovation in X-ray astronomy [12][13]. Group 3: Communication and Collaboration - The satellite is designed to communicate effectively with ground-based equipment and other satellites, establishing a real-time communication network using VHF and BeiDou short message systems [15]. - This communication capability enhances the satellite's observational effectiveness by allowing rapid sharing of data with global astronomical observatories [15]. Group 4: Team and Talent Development - The development team for the "Tian Guan" satellite is relatively young, with a focus on fostering new talent in the field of space science, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary skills [16][17]. - The team aims to cultivate a new generation of space science professionals who are passionate about long-term engagement in this field, ensuring sustainable development [18][19].

记者7月2日从中国科学技术大学获悉，该校教授卢征天、研究员夏添团队在实验上首次成功观测到 原子能级在电场中的布赖特—拉比位移现象。研究论文日前发表于国际期刊《美国国家科学院院刊》。 在原子物理学中，量子态能级通常在磁场中会发生与磁场强度成正比的塞曼位移。1931年，理论物 理学家布赖特和拉比描述了一种非线性的能级位移现象，这一现象后被命名为布赖特—拉比效应。这是 一种由原子的超精细结构与磁场共同作用产生的量子力学基本效应，已在众多实验中被观测到，并在量 子精密调控领域得到广泛应用。 在本研究中，研究团队首先将镱-171原子载入光偶极阱，利用激光囚禁的高选择性排除了可能带来 干扰的其他同位素；随后，利用光偶极阱精确操控原子，将其置于间隔仅1毫米的一对万伏高压电极之 间；同时，通过激光冷却技术将原子温度降至40微开尔文，有效消除了多普勒效应对谱线的加宽影响。 通过实验，研究团队成功实现镱-171原子在强电场环境下的高精度光谱测量。 实验结果显示，原子能级的变化显著偏离了常规的斯塔克效应。研究团队观测到能级位移中与电场 四次方、六次方成正比的高阶贡献，直接验证了电场布赖特—拉比效应。 （原载于《科技日报》 2025 ...

研究人员介绍，这种电子结构变化显著抑制了电子—声子耦合，使电子耗散从连续态跃迁转变为赝 朗道能级间的量子化跃迁，导致热电子冷却时间从暴露边缘的0.32皮秒延长至折叠边缘的0.49皮秒，有 效降低了能量耗散，从而显著降低了摩擦。 据了解，研究不仅提供了固—固界面量子摩擦的首个实验证据，还构建了基于拓扑结构调控耗散模 式的研究框架，验证了量子态调控界面电子耗散过程的可行性，对发展低能耗纳米器件，以及进行拓扑 量子材料中的摩擦调控具有指导意义。 （原载于《科技日报》 2025-07-10 第06版） 7月6日，记者从中国科学院兰州化学物理研究所获悉，该所纳米润滑课题组首次在实验上观察到固 —固界面量子摩擦现象，系统构建了电子、声子耗散与摩擦的内在关系，揭示了拓扑应变诱导的量子态 调控摩擦机制。相关研究论文发表于《自然-通讯》。 摩擦本质和作用机制是摩擦学的基本科学问题，数百年来，科学家对这一难题展开了不懈探索，先 后提出分子—机械学说、粘着摩擦理论等学说，奠定了经典摩擦学的理论基础。随着纳米力学技术、低 维材料和量子材料体系的发展，摩擦研究逐渐从宏观尺度拓展至声子、电子尺度。 在本研究中，团队基于原子力显微镜纳米针 ...