Latest news with #Niu
Scientific American
12-05-2025
- Science
- Scientific American
Knitting's Complex Shapes Explained in New Physics Model
In the core of a knitting machine or at the tips of a skilled knitter's needles, a strand of fiber can be transformed into anything from a delicate scarf to a bulletproof vest. But different knitting stitches tend to twist in different directions—think of a T-shirt curling at the bottom edge if the hem is cut off. The tension these stitches create can warp a two-dimensional fabric into complex 3D shapes, and predicting the final structure of a knitted project challenges crafters and manufacturers alike. Now a mathematical model published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA uses physics to untangle this issue. Physicists are always searching for rules that govern materials' behavior, explains study lead author Lauren Niu, a physicist at Drexel University. Once rules are established, Niu says, 'that's where the magic happens.' Prediction becomes possible. Niu worked with University of Pennsylvania physicist Randall D. Kamien and Geneviève Dion, founding director of Drexel University's Center for Functional Fabrics, to find a mathematical model that reliably forecasts a knitted textile's complicated shapes and folds based on the stitch pattern used. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. The researchers started by knitting complex patterns—including squiggles, peaks, and fabric that folded into the shape of a face—and then reverse engineered the knitted items' geometries. They realized they did not have to account for each stitch's actual shape and stretch, which would require too much computational power at the necessary scale, to foretell a textile's final form. Instead they needed to know only how each kind of stitch tended to curve the fabric. The new model incorporates information about how stitches produce tension into an intricate mathematical construction called a Föppl–von Kármán equation. These equations describe how thin, flexible materials—such as cellular tissues and submarine hulls—behave under internal and external forces. Mapping knit stitches this way makes it possible to experiment with textile designs before physically knitting the material, Kamien says. He hopes such virtual testing will lead to more advanced, customized textiles for objects such as wearable medical devices. 'Having something that is as incredibly tunable and scalable and cheap as knitting for wearable devices is, I think, very exciting,' says Stanford University mechanical engineer Cosima du Pasquier, who was not involved in the new study. Du Pasquier, who studies soft robotics that use functional textiles, would like to see how the model's predictions quantitatively line up with real-world fabrics and whether varying factors such as fabric thickness and yarn type affect that comparison. Even without refinement, the study authors say, the model offers a practical starting point for trying new designs. 'You can't capitalize on [knitting's] potential if you're still based on trial and error,' Dion says. 'We're starting to be able to experiment in the virtual environment.'
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First Post
30-04-2025
- Business
- First Post
It's China vs US again, this time in Chile over a space project
China is building a new observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert to track objects in Earth's orbit and look for new stars. The project, however, has made Washington anxious as it flags growing Chinese presence in Latin America read more China and the US cannot seem to catch a break from all the disputes they have been engaging in for the past couple of months. As the two countries have barely settled a trade dispute triggered by tariffs, Beijing has now slammed Washington over its concerns about an increased Chinese presence in Chile. During a press conference in Santiago, the Chinese Ambassador to Chile, Niu Qingbao, defended the country's space project in the South American nation. He accused the US of meddling in Chile's autonomy and spreading false information about the project. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is the space project? In December 2024, Newsweek reported that a new observatory is being built at Cerro Ventarrones in Chile's Atacama Desert. It's a joint project between Chile's Universidad Católica del Norte and China's National Astronomical Observatories. The observatory will track objects in Earth's orbit and look for new stars. However, it may also support China's military space program—something Chilean partners reportedly knew little about. Construction has started on the 10-square-mile Ventarrones Astronomical Park, located below an 8,600-foot peak in the Andes. Why is the US concerned? China's presence in Chile has made Washington anxious about its intentions and growing presence in Latin America. During his Senate confirmation, US President Donald Trump's Chilean Ambassador nominee Brandon Judd flagged Beijing's project in the country. He said, 'We are the better partner in everything, whether it's Antarctica, fisheries, marine conservation - in all of the areas that are very important to Chile. We will continue to strengthen our ties to Chile and limit China's access to all of the resources that Chile might have available.' What has China said? Meanwhile, China has dismissed America's concerns with Niu stating that Beijing has no geopolitical interests in the region. 'We are closely monitoring the developments of the incident and hope that the Chilean side can eliminate US interference and approve the implementation of the project as soon as possible,' Niu said. On the other hand, Chile, in March, halted the Chinese project to put it under review. 'We are aware of it, so we are revising and analysing it,' a spokesperson for Chile's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Newsweek.
RTHK
30-04-2025
- Politics
- RTHK
China slams US defamation of Chile space observatory
China slams US defamation of Chile space observatory Chile's Atacama Desert produces exceptionally clear conditions that have made it a major hub for global astronomy. File photo: AFP China struck a defiant stance in response to American concerns about Beijing's efforts to expand its influence in the South American nation of Chile, escalating tensions over a Chinese astronomical venture in Chile's arid north. At a press conference on Tuesday in Chile's capital of Santiago, China's ambassador Niu Qingbao lambasted the United States for 'interfering in Chile's sovereign right to independently choose its partners' and spreading "disinformation about the project'. The astronomy project stems from a 2023 agreement between China's National Astronomical Observatory and Chile's Catholic University of the North to work on a powerful space observatory in the country's vast northern Atacama Desert. The proposed high-resolution telescope would be able to observe near-Earth objects, which are classified as asteroids or comets. But Washington has expressed concern over China's clout on its doorstep, as Beijing builds infrastructure, boosts investment in agriculture, energy, mining and other sectors across Latin America and displaces the United States as the region's biggest trading partner. During his Senate confirmation hearing this month, Brandon Judd, Trump's nominee for US ambassador to Chile, said he would seek to persuade Chile that 'we are the better trade partner.' He added: "We will continue to strengthen our ties to Chile and limit China's access to all of the resources that Chile might have available.' As US concern grew, the Chilean government announced it was suspending the project for review. Niu dismissed fears on Tuesday, saying, 'China has no interest in geopolitics." He accused the United States of provoking tensions by 'defaming Chinese projects by invoking geopolitical arguments.' He claimed the proposed observatory was 'of the same nature' as the many other telescopes in northern Chile, including an American-funded telescope known as the Rubin Observatory coming into operation this year. 'We are closely monitoring the developments of the incident and hope that the Chilean side can eliminate US interference and approve the implementation of the project as soon as possible,' Niu said. The United States, the European Union, Australia and a range of other countries operate observatories in Chile's Atacama Desert. The region's geography – bone-dry and high-altitude, with steady air and the cloud-blocking Andes Mountains to the east – produces exceptionally clear conditions that have made it a major hub for global astronomy. (AP)
South China Morning Post
13-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China's ‘Dairy Godfather' rises from unwanted baby to head US$410 million ice cream empire
The rise of China's so-called Dairy Godfather, from being an abandoned baby to becoming the head of a three-billion-yuan (US$410 million) ice cream empire, is a story of true resilience and vision. Advertisement Niu Gensheng, 67, is the founder of the corporate giant Mengniu Dairy, and the creator of Aice, an ice cream brand popular across Southeast Asia. Born into poverty in Inner Mongolia, a northern region of China known for its vast grasslands and deserts, Niu's parents struggled to make ends meet. Unable to care for him, they sold him to a cattle farmer for 50 yuan (US$7) shortly after he was born, and the farmer adopted him. At the age of eight, Niu's adoptive father lost his assets after a political row, forcing Niu to sweep streets and do hard labour with him. A short time later, both of his adoptive parents passed away. Advertisement In 1983, Niu started as a bottle washer at a local dairy factory, which later became Yili, one of China's leading dairy companies.
BBC News
04-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Leigh defeat Wakefield to reach last four of cup
Betfred Challenge Cup, Belle VueWakefield (0) 12Tries: Russell, Rourke Goals: Lino 2Leigh (6) 20Tries: Lam, Niu, Hodgson Goals: O'Brien 4 Second-half tries from Fanitesi Niu and Bailey Hodgson helped Leigh Leopards through to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup after a 20-12 victory over Wakefield Lam's try put the visitors 6-0 up at the break before two quick tries after the interval from Matty Russell and Josh Rourke turned the game around to put Trinity 12-6 Rourke's knock-on led to Niu's try to bring Leigh level, before Gareth O'Brien kicked a penalty to put them again lost possession cheaply and Hodgson pounced to score the decisive try and send Leigh to follow. Wakefield: Rourke; M Russell, Scott, Pratt, Johnstone; Lino, O Russell; McMeeken, Hood, Hamlin-Uele, Croft, Vagana, Rodwell, Atoni, Cozza, Armstrong; Hodgson, Niu, Hanley, Brand; O'Brien, Lam; Trout, Ipape, Mulhern, O'Neill, Halton, Hughes, Tuitavake, Davis, BroganReferee: Jack Smith.
