On chinadaily.com.cn

Health: Water delivery as safe as land births

A study by the University of Michigan found that water births are no more risky than land births, and that women in the water group sustain fewer first-and second-degree tears. Researchers analyzed 397 water births and 2,025 land births from two midwifery practices, and found no differences in outcomes between water birth and land birth for neonatal intensive care admissions. Postpartum hemorrhage rates were similar for both groups. In water birth, the woman gives birth in a water-filled tub rather than a bed. During a water birth, babies take their first breath when removed from the tub. Until then, their lungs are filled with water, which is displaced when they hit the air and breathe. The connected umbilical cord provides oxygen. Researchers said that more studies are needed to understand the satisfaction levels of women who have water births.

Tech: First all-electric plane takes to the air

An all-electric powered seaplane has taken flight in Vancouver, Canada, in what the operators describe as a "world-first" for the aviation industry. The short test flight by Harbour Air and magniX involved a six-passenger aircraft fitted with an electric motor. The companies said it was a first step to building the "world's first all-electric commercial fleet". The push to electric could help slash carbon emissions in the high-polluting aviation sector. Canadian seaplane operator Harbour Air hopes to electrify its entire fleet by 2022, provided it secures safety and regulatory approval.

Biz: Bytedance to launch livestream quiz

Xigua, the video platform of tech giant Beijing Bytedance Technology Co, has disclosed that it will launch its livestream quiz from Saturday, which may once again spark a craze like last year, when millions of users played livestream quizzes. The game, dubbed Top Hero, will pose 12 questions. Those who can correctly answer them will share the prize pool. The company didn't disclose the prize amount. Early last year, a group of such quizzes became hugely popular.