China's rise in scientific research poses both threats and opportunities for the West. Discover the secrets of longevity in the Mediterranean. The rare emergence of two cicada broods in the US prompts a closer look at their behavior and life cycle.
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Quick takeaways
China's rise as a scientific superpower was fueled by significant financial investments since 2000, boosting research capabilities.
Concerns arise regarding the credibility of Chinese studies due to issues like citation cartels and potential security risks.
Deep dives
China's Rise as a Science Superpower
China has significantly expanded its science production over the years, challenging the traditional dominance of Europe, America, and Japan. While excelling in physical and applied sciences, China still lags behind in fields like medical science and basic research. Despite producing numerous high-quality papers, the average impact of Chinese papers remains lower than those from America. China's substantial investments in research, cutting-edge technology, and talent have propelled its rapid ascendancy as a scientific superpower.
Factors Driving China's Scientific Progress
China's scientific progress has been primarily fueled by substantial financial investments, with research spending increasing significantly since the year 2000. Strategic allocation of funds to designated universities and the acquisition of advanced equipment have further boosted China's research capabilities. Additionally, China's emphasis on attracting talented researchers and promoting collaboration in well-equipped labs has contributed to its scientific advancements.
Implications of China's Scientific Expansion
The rise of Chinese science poses both opportunities and concerns for the global scientific community. While China dominates in specific scientific fields and has become a major producer of top-quality research papers, there are concerns over issues such as citation cartels compromising the credibility of some studies. Collaborations between China and Western countries have demonstrated positive outcomes, but questions persist about the intertwining of science and the state, and how collaboration can continue amidst potential security risks.
After decades as a scientific also-ran, China is becoming a superpower particularly in the physical sciences. We examine the risks and opportunities that poses for the West. Our correspondent looks into why denizens of the Mediterranean live so long (10.32). And this year’s confluence of two broods makes for a rare preponderance of cicadas (17.53).