Latest Science News
China Surpasses US in R&D Spending Milestone
China's research and development investment has reached parity with the US and surpassed it by purchasing power parity, both exceeding $1 trillion according to a March 2026 OECD report. This caps a series of achievements including leading in most-cited papers since 2022 and total publications in 2024.
The shift marks a structural change in global scientific leadership.
China Leads in Top 1% Most-Cited Scientific Papers
China surpassed the US in 2019 for the share of top 1% most-highly cited papers, often called the Nobel class of research. By 2022, it took first place in most-cited papers overall.
This rapid progress challenges historical US dominance in science.
China Overtakes US in Total Scientific Publications
In 2024, China overtook the United States in total scientific publications for the first time since the US surpassed the UK in 1948. Researchers note China pulled ahead even earlier in some metrics.
This reflects growing Chinese scientific output.
China Leads Nature Index and Patent Filings
China posted a 17% advantage over the US in the 2024 Nature Index, tracking top scientific journals. Chinese entities filed 1.8 million patent applications in 2024 compared to the US's 603,191.
These metrics indicate China's advancing technological edge.
Global Conference on Transitioning from Fossil Fuels Concludes
Colombia and the Netherlands co-hosted the first global conference on phasing out fossil fuels in Santa Marta, April 24-29, 2026. It builds on COP30 momentum, focusing on just, orderly transitions aligned with climate science.
Stakeholders gathered to scale climate solutions for growth and security.
Governments Convene for Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Talks
On April 28-29, 2026, governments met in Colombia to initiate a global transition from oil, gas, and coal. The conference emphasizes critical steps for climate survival amid ongoing climate challenges.
It highlights commitments to equitable energy shifts.
Trump Nominates Erica Schwartz as CDC Director
President Trump nominated Erica Schwartz as CDC director on April 16, 2026, amid vaccine policy scrutiny. This follows patterns of political influence on health agencies.
Her background raises questions on scientific independence.
NIH Appoints Kristine Blanche to Integrative Medicine Council
Kristine Blanche, an integrative medicine physician, was appointed to the NIH Advisory Council for Complementary and Integrative Medicine. The council influences funding amid pressures on evidence-based medicine.
This reflects shifting priorities in health research funding.
Trump Fires National Science Board Members
President Trump dismissed all members of the National Science Board, governing the National Science Foundation. This impacts funding for basic research underpinning vaccines and public health.
It continues efforts to reshape scientific infrastructure.
New Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee Meets
The IACC held its first meeting on April 28, 2026, with membership appointed by Robert F. Kennedy. It coordinates over $300 million in annual autism research funding.
Changes may alter research priorities.
CDC Blocks COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy Report Publication
A study showing updated COVID vaccines halved ED visits and hospitalizations was blocked from MMWR after review. The full manuscript is available separately.
This raises concerns over transparency in vaccine data.
Moderna Launches Bird Flu Vaccine Trial Amid Delays
Moderna started a large bird flu vaccine trial months late after HHS funding cancellation. Separately, its EU-approved flu/COVID combo vaccine was withdrawn from US review.
These developments highlight regulatory challenges.