BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The following is a summary of published science and technology news of China.

KEY GENES FOR LODGING RESISTANCE IN MAIZE

Chinese researchers have recently discovered key genes in maize to improve its root lodging resistance, offering new hope for increasing planting density and crop yield, according to a Science and Technology Daily report.

The researchers identified ZmYUC2 and ZmYUC4, two key genes to regulate maize root architecture. The study demonstrated that the ZmYUC4 single mutant and ZmYUC2/4 double mutant exhibit enlarged brace root angle compared with the wild-type plants, and evidently display enhanced root lodging resistance.

COMMERCIAL SERVICE OF SPACE LAUNCH SITE

The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, which is currently China's only site for launching manned spacecraft into orbit, is looking to tap into the burgeoning commercial market by offering more services and stronger capabilities.

In light of the growing demand, the launch hub has taken the lead to build a handful of new facilities for multiple types of commercial spacecraft, including a new liftoff field for liquid oxygen-methane launch vehicles and one more pad for solid-fuel rockets. For testing and launching cryogenic liquid rockets, Jiuquan has also set up a team of professionals who have mastered technologies like fast and automatic propellant filling.

ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, returned to Shanghai on Thursday, marking the end of the country's 39th Antarctic expedition.

Two icebreakers participated in the Antarctic expedition, with the Xuelong arriving in Shanghai on Monday. This is the third time that China has sent two icebreakers to the Antarctic since the 36th polar expedition.

The icebreakers embarked on the scientific trip in late October 2022, and traveled more than 60,000 nautical miles over the past 163 days. Enditem

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