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[Technological Breakthroughs, Urban Mobility, Cultural Heritage, and Healthcare Advancements in China]-[Beijing launches pilot subway service allowing bicycles on board]

Special English · B1 · 2026-05-15

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📋 Summary

Technological Innovation: The Hydrogen Heart for Drones

The Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has achieved a significant milestone in drone technology by developing a "high-specific power cathode closed air-cooled stack." This innovation, described as the "Hydrogen Heart for Industrial Grade Drones," addresses the critical constraints of the low-altitude economy, specifically the "limited flight time of traditional lithium batteries" and the "heavy weight of current fuel cell systems."

During recent test flights in Dalian, the stack demonstrated remarkable efficiency, achieving a "specific power as high as 1970 watts per kilogram" and an "area power density of 115 watts per square centimeter." Technical lead Chen Zhongwei noted that this technology has successfully transitioned from laboratory development to large-scale application, currently supporting vital sectors such as "forestry, agriculture, power grid inspection, and emergency response missions."

Urban Mobility: Beijing's Bicycle-Friendly Subway Pilot

To accommodate the growing number of cycling enthusiasts, Beijing has launched a pilot service allowing passengers to bring bicycles onto subway trains. The Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport has opened this service across 11 pilot stations on four specific lines: Line 6, Line 17, the Changping line, and the S1 line. This initiative is designed to connect urban transit with "cycling routes in Beijing's surrounding suburbs."

To maintain safety, the commission has implemented strict regulations. While human-powered bicycles with wheels up to 28 inches are permitted on weekends and public holidays for a 30-yuan fare, there is a "ban on all electric bicycles and other vehicles equipped with power devices." Furthermore, riders are prohibited from cycling within stations, and must adhere to rules preventing the obstruction of "passenger flow corridors" or "emergency evacuation routes."

Cultural Exchange: Ancient Civilizations of the Americas in Shanghai

Shanghai is preparing for a major cultural event at the Shanghai Museum on the People's Square. Titled "Ancient Civilizations of the Americas," this exhibition marks the sixth installment in the museum’s "A Dialogue with the World" series. Following the success of the ancient Egypt exhibition, this show is slated to run for 16 months.

According to Zhong Xiaomin, head of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, the exhibition is the result of "two years of preparation" and will feature over 1,000 cultural relics, many of which are "making their debut in China." The display aims to provide a "systematic overview" of iconic cultures, including the "Olmec, Maya, Aztec, and Inca," and will incorporate "immersive virtual reality experiences" to engage visitors.

Healthcare: Growth and Specialization of the Nursing Workforce

China has experienced a notable expansion in its healthcare sector, reporting a 29% increase in registered nurses between 2020 and 2025, with total numbers surpassing 6.06 million. The National Health Commission highlighted that the ratio of "registered nurses per 1000 people rose from 3.34 in 2020 to 4.32 in 2025," with over 80% of these professionals holding college-level qualifications or higher.

Beyond sheer numbers, the workforce is becoming increasingly specialized. More than 90% of nurses in high-demand fields, such as "rehabilitation, geriatric care, paediatrics, intensive care, and infectious disease care," have completed specialized training. Additionally, the commission is expanding "home-based nursing services" across nearly 6,000 medical institutions, covering essential areas like "chronic disease management, maternal and infant care, and hospice care." Moving forward, the government plans to further "strengthen the nursing workforce" and improve support measures to enhance elderly care accessibility.

🎯Key Sentences

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The world is changing fast, but you can learn it at a slower pace.
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You are listening to Special English.
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Demonstrating excellent performance on key indicators.
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They connect to several cycling routes in Beijing's surrounding suburbs.
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The operating companies have established strict riding regulations.
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📝Key Phrases

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emerging as major constraints
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demonstrating excellent performance
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achieved the transition from
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large-scale application
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accounting for
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📖 Transcript

The world is changing fast, but you can learn it at a slower pace.
Special English.
You are listening to Special English.
The high-specific power cathode closed air-cooled stack developed by the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences has passed the SciTech Achievement Appraisal, dubbed the Hydrogen Heart for Industrial Grade Drones.
The new stack combines lightweight design, high power output and air-cooling technology, and is capable of doubling the flight endurance of industrial-grade drones.
With the rapid growth of the low-altitude economy, issues including the limited flight time of traditional lithium batteries And the heavy weight of current fuel cell systems are emerging as major constraints hindering the progress of the drone industry.

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