May 12, 1983

Children's centers, libraries flourishing

Facilities for children have expanded rapidly in the last two years. The expansion came about after the Party Central Committee in 1981 called on everyone to pay attention to the well-being of children.

There are now 132 family education research organizations, 76 children's palaces and 596 children's centers in the country.

The Children's Foundation of China, which was established in 1981, has received donations of over 40 million yuan. Last year, the National Children's Center was opened in Beijing.

May 13, 1983

Scholar develops new method for DNA analysis

Hong Guofan, an assistant researcher at the Shanghai's Institute of Biochemistry, developed a new technique for the analysis of DNA, the basic building blocks of life.

The study of the sequences of nucleotides is of great importance in exposing the genetic information of organisms, and aids research in genetic engineering.

Hong's method involved the cutting of fragments from the ends of long chains of nucleotides within DNA molecules. This made recovery of the particles easier and their analysis less time-consuming.

Technical schools to increase

Structural reform of secondary education placing a greater emphasis on vocational education will be speeded up, according to the Ministry of Education.

Provincial departments are asked to change over more ordinary senior middle schools to vocational or technical schools, and open short or long term vocational training classes.

The Ministry of Education plans to systematize and edit a complete curriculum for vocational study before 1983.

(China Daily 05/15/2008 page9)