China’s stealth fighters, critical minerals from lithium waste: 7 science highlights

We have put together stories from our coverage on science from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.1. J-50 design team reveals leapfrog tech for China’s next-gen stealth fightersChina’s next-generation combat aircraft will be able to fly by themselves if a pilot loses consciousness, navigate without satellite signals and operate in self-reorganising large drone formations.2. Chinese scientists develop oil refining method that may cut energy use by 90%The new process, which works at a molecular level, may also produce higher value end-products, ranging from petrol to plastics.3. Chinese team achieves fourfold leap in fuel-cell powerHydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks are seen as a potential route to cutting emissions from China’s long-haul freight sector, offering an alternative to battery-electric vehicles limited by range and charging times. Photo: XinhuaChinese scientists have developed a way to generate a fourfold increase in power output of hydrogen fuel cells, an advance that could broaden their use from road vehicles to space missions.4. US, China trials suggest a single nanodrug shot might stop bad cholesterol foreverImagine swapping your daily cholesterol pill for a single injection that keeps “bad” cholesterol under control for a year, a decade – or even a lifetime.5. World first: Chinese plant extracts critical rare metals from lithium wasteA lithium battery production line at a factory in eastern China. Photo: AFPA 500-tonne production line is up and running for rubidium and caesium, critical to advanced technology including aerospace and quantum computing.6. I’ll write romance novels if AI solves all maths, Chinese Fields winner jokesDeng Yu, the 37-year-old Chinese mathematician who won the 2026 Fields Medal, has a backup plan if artificial intelligence puts him out of a job.7. China’s self-powered neural device helps stroke survivors walk naturallyThe device has helped to increase stride length and walking speed in stroke survivors. Photo: Nature CommunicationsScientists have developed a lightweight, battery-free device that could help improve the mobility of people with difficulty walking, such as stroke survivors.Further Reading