As 2024 unfolds, China is celebrating remarkable advancements in scientific research, especially notable for its large-scale research facilities. This ambitious approach has not only resulted in groundbreaking discoveries but has also significantly bolstered global scientific collaboration. The following overview highlights pivotal achievements made possible through China's scientific infrastructures.

Among the notable accomplishments is the successful operation of the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), which has deduced over 1,000 new pulsars since its launch in 2016. This extensive finding, disclosed by the National Astronomical Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences in November 2024, surpassed all previous pulsar discoveries from international telescopes combined.

In another significant initiative, China has initiated the construction of phase II of its Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in March 2024, making strides in the field of neutron science. Located in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, this expansion aims to enhance the neutron source's capabilities, offering more powerful experimental tools for scientists. The completion of this phase is projected to take approximately five years and nine months.

Meanwhile, the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), renowned for being the world's largest transparent spherical neutrino detector, reached a critical milestone in December 2024 by being filled with ultrapure water. Positioned deep underground in Kaiping, Jiangmen City, this project aims to advance our understanding of particle physics and is anticipated to play an instrumental role in global research exploring the universe's origins and quantum interactions.

Enhancements have also been made to the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF), a cornerstone of scientific research in eastern China. Successfully passing national inspections in May 2024, the upgraded facility has significantly increased the intensity and precision of synchrotron radiation output, thereby fostering advancements across various fields, particularly in physics, materials science, and life sciences.

Notably, a team of researchers from Tsinghua University has developed an innovative super intravital microscope named RUSH3D. This advanced imaging tool enables detailed three-dimensional observations of large-scale cellular networks within mammalian organs, offering low toxicity monitoring options. The insights generated by this microscope are expected to greatly enhance our understanding of neural circuit architecture and function, marking a leap forward in neuroscience endeavors.

Further reinforcing China's scientific pursuits, the recently launched Einstein Probe satellite has begun to unveil the mysteries of astrophysics, capturing what have been described as the 'fireworks' of the universe. These extraordinary discoveries provide crucial insights into cosmic evolution, as well as the enigmatic nature of black holes and other celestial entities, contributing novel perspectives to fundamental questions within the field of astrophysics.