SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

World's Deepest and Largest Underground Lab Operational in China

A 2,400-meter-deep physics laboratory in southwest China's Sichuan Province became operational on December 7,2023,making it the deepest and largest underground lab in the world.

Scientists believe the laboratory provides a "clean"space for them to pursue the invisible substance known as dark matter.They said the extreme depth helps block most cosmic rays that interfere with observation.

The Deep Underground and Ultra-Low Radiation Background Facility for Frontier Physics Experiments(DURF) is located beneath the Jinping Mountain in Sichuan's Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.

The DURF,with a total room capacity of 330,000 cubic meters,is the second phase of China Jinping Underground Laboratory.It started construction in December 2020 and was jointly built by Tsinghua University and Yalong River Hydropower Development Company,Ltd.

The DURF will become a world-class interdisciplinary deep underground scientific research center integrating multiple disciplines including particle physics,nuclear astrophysics and life sciences,to facilitate China's research in relevant frontier fields,said Yue Qian,a professor at Tsinghua University.

Smart Bedside Table

The table features built-in speakers and a wireless charging station which can be connected to a phone through bluetooth and play one’s favorite music.Phone calls can also be answered through the speakers.To charge a phone,it is placed on the charging icon on the table top.The fabric-covered speaker and stylish retro look help the table blend in as a chic bedroom accessory,while it also has an old-fashioned drawer for storage.

Electric Essential Oil Diffuser

This electric ceramic diffuser fills any room with a soothing mist of fragrant oil.Easy to fill with your scent of choice,the diffuser features four different timer settings,as well as being a lamp with different light choices.Fragrant oil needs to be bought separately.

Gingko Flip Click Clock

This smart and stylish alarm clock is made from medium density fiber board.It is sound-activated,meaning the display can be set to only be activated when sound is detected.There’s also a built-in battery,which lasts up to six months,so it can be moved around the home or office,or even taken along when traveling.Just tap the engraved buttons at the top to set alarms,and stroke them to“snooze.”