China advances space medicine to support manned missions

China's constant progress in space medicine has facilitated its four manned missions in the past two years since the Tiangong space station was built, according to a report released on Monday.

The report on the progress in scientific research and applications of Chinese space station was released by the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) to celebrate the second anniversary of the comprehensive completion of the Chinese space station.

In the past two years, a total of 68 projects have been implemented in orbit in the fields of space life sciences and human research, mainly focusing on basic space biology, space biotechnology and applications, space life ecology, the origin and intersection of space life, the impact of space environment on human physiology, traditional medicine and new health testing techniques, human factors in space flight, and space brain science, according to the report.

"Our space medicine experiments mainly focus on the impact of space flight, such as microgravity and radiation, on human health, including the behavioral capacity of astronauts in space, and the relevant protection. We have also carried out some systematic and large-scale studies on advanced medical monitoring and support technologies and the space application of traditional medicine, with some theoretical and technological breakthroughs made. No matter in theoretical level or that of technological support, space medicine is indeed maturing and improving constantly with the development of flight missions," said Liu Zhaoxia, a fellow with the China Astronaut Research and Training Center.

To protect astronauts from bone loss and muscle atrophy in space, Chinese researchers have developed a device countering bone loss and some other kinds of medical equipment, which can also serve public health.

"The device not only functions to prevent astronauts from bone loss in microgravity, but also helps with treatment of disuse bone loss for elderly and long-term bedridden patients on the ground, so it could be promoted to clinical application. We have also developed acupoint stimulation devices such as acupoint stimulation clothing and portable acupoint stimulation devices, which can function to a certain extent prevent cardiovascular diseases, muscle atrophy and bone loss. It can also be applied to clinical treatment," Liu said.

In 2024, the Shenzhou-18 crew, who were sent to the space station on April 25 and returned to Earth on Nov 4, stayed in orbit for a record 192 days.

In the future, astronauts will stay and work longer in orbit in more complicated space environments, which requires more advances in space medicine, Liu noted.

"It's an inevitable trend that the manned space missions will operate longer flights and go farther into space, so we will surely aim at longer flights into farther and deeper space in our further development. To support such endeavors, our relevant space medicine guarantee must constantly go deeper to cope with new problems cropping up in manned missions," she said.

China advances space medicine to support manned missions

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests