EU’s tech ban, China’s mysterious Nantianmen project: 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. EU bans Chinese organisations from critical tech programmes, including AI, chipsResearchers in China have been excluded from the European Union’s most advanced collaborative technology programmes. However, specialists in the sectors affected say the impact of the ban may be limited because some areas of collaboration are already at a historic low.2. World-leading computational biology pioneer Bao Zhirong returns to China from USComputational biologist Bao Zhirong has joined the Southern University of Science and Technology as a chair professor with its life sciences school. Photo: HandoutAfter 30 years in the United States, world-leading computational biologist Bao Zhirong has taken up a full-time position at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen.3. How did a prized red gemstone reach the ancient, mysterious Shu kingdom?In the highest-ranking sacrificial pit at Sanxingdui, 11 crimson beads remained undisturbed for 3,000 years among bronze vessels, ivory tusks and fragments of gold. They are carnelian – a red gemstone prized across the ancient world, from the Indus Valley to the Middle East and the Mediterranean.