BEIJING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The following are the highlights of China's science news from the past week:
COVID-19 VACCINE FROM INSECT CELLS
China has approved human trials for a new COVID-19 vaccine candidate, which was produced by the use of insect cells.
The vaccine is designed to trigger antibodies against specific areas on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Results of animal tests were published in the journal Nature, which showed that the vaccine could induce immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice, rabbits and non-human primates as early as seven or 14 days after a single dose injection, with no obvious side effects.
MENTAL DISORDER
Researchers have proved that mind-body exercises can effectively improve the typical clinical symptoms of schizophrenia patients, according to a recent research article published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry.
Drug therapy alone is effective in treating the first acute phase of schizophrenia, but is less effective and has obvious side effects for relapsed and chronic patients. Mind-body exercises have been widely accepted as a complementary therapy for patients with low exercise tolerance.
TIANQIN-1 EXPERIMENTAL SATELLITE
The results of the first round of tests for China's Tianqin-1 experimental satellite were published by the international journal Classical Gravity and Quantum Gravity, which showed encouraging results, the People's Daily reported Monday.
Launched on Dec. 20, 2019, the satellite is for space-based gravitational wave detection. Its core task is to verify technologies, including high-precision inertial sensing, micro-Newton propulsion and drag-free control.
ROYAL JELLY STUDY
Chinese researchers have found that 10-HDA, an active substance only found in natural royal jelly, can enhance and restore the proliferation of T cells and B cells in the thymus and spleen. T cells and B cells are two primary types of lymphocytes that play a crucial role in the immune response.
DINOSAURS' GROWTH PATTERNS
An international research team has discovered that dinosaurs developed yearly growth lines on their bones throughout their lives, a find that sheds light on growth patterns of the ancient animals. Enditem
