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Science news this week: Artemis II lifts off, diabetes cured in mice, and smog in China shapes Arctic storms
By Nicoletta Lanese published
April 4, 2026: Our weekly roundup of the latest science in the news, as well as a few fascinating articles to keep you entertained over the weekend.

Chinese satellite with robotic 'octopus arm' passes key refueling test in orbit — making longer-lived space assets more likely
By Harry Baker published
The experimental Hukeda-2 satellite and its highly flexible robotic arm have passed a major refuelling test in low Earth orbit. The demonstration is the latest step toward China significantly expanding the longevity of its spacecraft.

China's huge push to reduce air pollution had an unexpected consequence in the Arctic
By Quentin Septer published
China's cuts to aerosol emissions reduced sea ice loss, but it may have revealed a bigger story about climate change.

Chinese lander reveals giant 'cavity' of radiation between Earth and the moon — and it could change how lunar exploration is done
By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry published
A new study using data from China's Chang'e-4 moon lander found an area of reduced radiation from cosmic rays near the moon. The findings could be used to improve the safety of lunar explorations.

Critically endangered hare spotted in surprising location for the first time in 40 years — but it was already dead
By Aristos Georgiou published
Scientists in China have announced the first confirmed sighting of the critically endangered Hainan hare in part of its native range in four decades, after spotting its completely flattened carcass on a roadside.

Artemis II: NASA is preparing for a return to the moon, but why is it going back?
By Patrick Pester published
NASA's Artemis II mission is sending humans back to the moon for the first time since the Apollo era. Here are the reasons why the U.S. wants to return.

Meet Sky Dragon, the giant 10-person 'flying taxi' that just passed its first flight test in China
By Alan Bradley published
China's massive Sky Dragon and Matrix aircraft are suitable for up to 10 passengers, or more than one ton of cargo.

Chinese EV maker claims it's engineered the world’s first semi-solid-state EV battery with huge 620-mile range
By Alan Bradley published
The experimental manufacturing process could one day deliver a vehicle with a 1,000-plus mile range, researchers say.

Climate disasters caused societal upheaval 3,000 years ago in China, study of 'oracle bones' hints
By Kristina Killgrove published
Some civilizations in inland China underwent dramatic changes and population drops 3,000 years ago. Now, researchers are using oracle bones, archaeological evidence and climate modeling to find out why.

Chinese astronauts describe moment a crack was discovered on Shenzhou-20 spacecraft
By Patrick Pester published
Taikonauts from the ill-fated Shenzhou-20 mission have described what happened when they discovered cracks on their spacecraft as they prepared to depart China's Tiangong space station last year.
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