In this week's Science Saturday, from Mars exploration to cryptocurrency, let's take a look at what's making news in the world of science. 

Mars exploration

NASA's Perseverance beamed back its first black-and-white images from the Martian surface after a successful touchdown on Mars early Friday morning. The rover now begins its two-year mission to look for signs of ancient life. UAE and China also have made progress in Mars missions. The UAE's Hope has sent back its first photo of Mars, showing three shield volcanoes in a line, as well as Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system. The probe will remain in orbit to study the daily and seasonal cycles of weather. China's Tianwen-1 has also released early imagery of the Martian atmosphere and surface topography. It will remain in orbit until May when its rover separates to descend to the planet's dusty red surface. 

Coronavirus vaccine 

One of the world's first single-dose COVID vaccines is under review by the U.S. and EU regulators. If approved, the U.S. drugmaker Johnson and Johnson's vaccine could increase supply and simplify the U.S. immunization campaign. The company says its vaccine has a 66-percent rate of preventing infections, and it hopes to roll out the vaccine in March. China, too, has its own single-shot vaccine – CanSino vaccine, which is 65.7 percent effective. The vaccine has already been approved for emergency use in Pakistan and Mexico. It's now seeking approval in other countries. 

U.S. ban on WeChat and TikTok 

U.S. President Joe Biden pauses bans on two Chinese apps. Former President Donald Trump had sought to ban TikTok and WeChat, claiming they are a national security threat. But the new U.S. administration has asked for a suspension to revisit whether the apps really pose a threat. The delay means both apps can continue to operate in the U.S. Messaging app WeChat has more than one billion users worldwide, while video-sharing app TikTok has about 800 million users worldwide. 

Cryptocurrency 

Tesla's investment of $1.5 billion in Bitcoin sent the digital currency rising 14 percent to a record high of $43,500 – a 300 percent increase on this time last year. The electric car company, run by Elon Musk, says it bought Bitcoin for more flexibility to further diversify and maximize returns on its cash. Its aim is to accept payment in the popular but controversial cryptocurrency. 

"Science Saturday" is part of CGTN's science and technology series "Tech It Out." The segment brings you the latest news about innovations and technological breakthroughs in the past two weeks from across the world.