Black dust, fungi stalks converted to rich soil

For two decades it has been the primary source of pollution in villages and rivers near Beijing: 20 million metric tons of pulverized fuel ash from a coal-fired power plant.

Hate your roommate? Algorithm helps you find a better one in college

Nanjing University in Jiangsu province is using big data to assign dormitories to freshmen in a bid to help early birds and night owls flock together.

In Guangzhou, people save time by using online govt services

It took Chen Yizhu about a minute to successfully apply for a new ID card using a self-service machine at a nearby community center recently in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. The 21-year-old inserted a bank card and paid 40 yuan ($5.90) after quickly completing application forms on the machine.

Scientists find cheap way to turn gases into liquids

A research group from ShanghaiTech University has developed a novel method of using light to transform methane, ethane and other gases into valuable liquid products.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

China's first fully submerged fish farm, anchored in the Yellow Sea, is intended to meet the country's ever-growing appetite for seafood and provide a ordable food for all.

Internet is still hot spot for crimes

The problem of malware cyberattacks and the use of the internet to commit crimes - including fraud and invasion of privacy - has worsened in China, a report issued on Tuesday said.

6 dead in knife rampage; unrelated shootings kill 4

A 54-year-old man killed six people, including his girlfriend, during a knife rampage in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Monday morning, according to local police.

Expelled official wasn't paying his dues

A retired bureau-level official in Shaanxi province was expelled from the Communist Party of China for serious violations of discipline and law - including not paying Party membership dues for years.

Information office head named

Xu Lin, 55, was appointed minister of the State Council Information Office, replacing Jiang Jianguo, according to a statement published on the website of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Tuesday.

Study: Smoking kills, but quitting can make you fat

Quitting smoking may cause you to gain weight and initially lead to a higher risk of diabetes, even though it will reduce the chances of death from cardiovascular disease and other causes, according to a new study.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Political advisers wrestle with pollution

China's leading national political advisers offered suggestions for the country's pollution-control work as they gathered in Beijing on Monday for a three-day meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.