《科学》杂志 recently revealed its selection for the top ten scientific breakthroughs of 2025, with three achievements led by China making it to the list. These advancements span energy transformation, food security, and research into human origins, showcasing China's growing strength in scientific research.

Driving Global Energy Transition

Last year marked a significant milestone in global renewable energy development as renewable energy generation surpassed coal for the first time. The growth rate of solar and wind energy was so rapid that it alone met the new power demand in the first half of 2023.

China has emerged as the driving force behind this transformation. Approximately 80% of global solar panels, 70% of wind turbines, and 70% of lithium batteries are manufactured in China, with significant cost advantages. The country's booming green technologies are reshaping other regions worldwide, including Europe and countries in the Global South.

Unraveling the Mystery of Human Origins

A team led by Chinese researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the enigmatic Denisovans.

In June last year, two papers were published based on analyses of ancient proteins and DNA. The research involved collaboration between the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Hebei University of Geosciences. They studied a nearly complete human skull discovered in Harbin, dated back to at least 146,000 years ago.

The study revealed that this ancient individual belonged to the Denisovan group, with mitochondrial DNA matching early Denisovan lineages. This finding has provided crucial evidence for understanding the evolutionary history of ancient humans in East Asia.

Unlocking Rice Heat Tolerance

A research team from Huazhong Agricultural University identified a key gene, QT12, which helps rice resist yield loss and quality degradation caused by high nighttime temperatures. This discovery offers new hope for ensuring food security in the context of global warming.

By evaluating 533 rice varieties under night-time heat conditions, the researchers found that QT12 determines the plant's tolerance to high temperatures. Varieties susceptible to heat exhibited activation of QT12 at night, leading to reduced grain quality. In contrast, varieties carrying a heat-tolerant version of QT12 maintained both yield and quality.

When this gene was introduced into the commercial rice variety "Huazhan," it resulted in a 78% increase in yield under high nighttime temperatures. This finding could potentially be applied to other staple crops as well.