The Shenzhou-23 spaceflight mission's three-member crew has carried out a series of scientific experiments at the country's space station in orbit over the past week, as they approach their two-month mark in orbit, while also maintaining the space station and monitoring their health.
According to video footages released by China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Sunday, mission commander Zhu Yangzhu and fellow astronauts Zhang Zhiyuan and Lai Ka-ying have conducted experiments on brain activity in microgravity using electroencephalogram (EEG) equipment and virtual reality headsets. Researchers on the ground will analyze the data to better understand how the human brain adapts to the space environment.
The crew has also collected saliva and environmental samples to study how long-term spaceflight affects the immune system and microorganisms. The samples will be returned to the Earth for further analysis.
Other experiments have focused on the astronauts’ movement, decision-making and emotional well-being during extended stays in orbit. The crew also replaced experiment samples in scientific research cabinets used for microgravity studies.
In addition to scientific research, the trio inspected and maintained the space station's life support system, monitored cabin air quality and drinking water conditions, and continued daily exercise to help reduce bone and muscle loss caused by prolonged exposure to microgravity.
China launched the Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship on May 24. The mission includes a one-year in-orbit study designed to gather data for future long-duration human space missions.
Shenzhou-23 crew carry out in-orbit research in medical science, equipment maintenance
Shenzhou-23 crew carry out in-orbit research in medical science, equipment maintenance
Business leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs from around the world gathered at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), where discussions are focusing on turning AI innovation into cross-border partnerships and real-world applications.
The 2026 WAIC is running in Shanghai from Friday to Monday under the theme "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future."
Across the exhibition halls, conversations often extended beyond product demonstrations, with visitors exploring potential partnerships, supply chains and overseas expansion.
Among them was Paolo Brizzi, chief information officer of Italy's Competence Center for Industry and Manufacturing (CIM), who met with a Chinese AI company to discuss cooperation ranging from industrial applications to entering the European market.
"My point is not to be a customer or a provider of technologies, but to identify parts [where we can] actually collaborate and work together," he said.
The four-day conference has also created opportunities for startups to connect with investors, researchers and potential customers. One startup launched an online networking group on the opening day, attracting hundreds of participants who exchanged ideas, explored business opportunities and sought technical solutions.
Participants said AI innovation depends not only on technological breakthroughs but also on cooperation across industries and countries.
"Collaboration is important because alone you cannot do so much. It needs to be a team support ecosystem," said Florian Wohlrab, CEO of Canada-based OpenHW Foundation.
For many international visitors, the conference is also an opportunity to explore how AI can help address practical challenges. Omar Khan, a participant from Pakistan, said international cooperation is essential to ensuring AI benefits everyone.
"I think, for me, we are all the one. We're human and I think we can cooperate a lot," he said.
Some attendees were looking for solutions to challenges in their home countries. A visitor from Kenya said AI applications such as weather forecast and soil analysis could help improve agricultural productivity across many parts of Africa, where farming remains a cornerstone of the economy.
As countries race to advance AI technologies, participants at this year's WAIC said the conference has become a platform for connecting ideas, technology and demand across borders, helping turn AI innovation into practical international cooperation.
World AI Conference highlights growing demand for global AI partnership
