The HKU Primary Health Care Academy has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Collaborating Centre for health and nursing workforce development in primary care. The centre will support workforce development and health system transformation through capacity building, research, and knowledge exchange.
A HKU study has discovered a previously overlooked process controlling phosphorus availability in ancient iron-rich oceans. Phyllosilicate minerals effectively trap dissolved phosphate on their surfaces via an 'Fe(II) bridging effect', removing essential nutrients from seawater and limiting marine life.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a sustainable biopolymer mixture from tung oil acid emulsion to seal cuticles and increase elasticity in damaged hair. The new application has the potential to reduce breakage and improve hair health, set to join the growing natural personal care product pipeline.
The University of Hong Kong has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Phoenix Yuen Foundation Fund Limited to enhance education and student development. The donation reflects the shared values of dedication to education and the arts, strengthening HKU's mission to nurture creative leaders.
The Shanghuang Observatory is a key research center for atmospheric physics in China, playing a crucial role in enhancing the country’s weather forecasting capabilities. The observatory has made significant contributions to improving weather prediction models, supporting disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.
Researchers developed inch-scale, binder-free ultrahard diamond wafers with Vickers hardness exceeding 200 GPa. The ultra-hard diamond wafer exhibits outstanding wear resistance and structural stability, making it suitable for applications in extreme-environment electronics, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor thermal management.
The University of Hong Kong Libraries and the Chamber of Young Snow have signed a 10-year MoU to advance Chinese cultural education and foster cross-cultural understanding. The partnership aims to strengthen HKU Libraries as a cultural hub and support CYS's mission to elevate Chinese heritage.
Researchers at Tohoku University discovered a way to control tiny magnetic properties using electric current, paving the way for new computing technologies. This approach stabilizes spins in energetically unfavorable states, allowing for more flexible data storage.
Researchers at The University of Osaka discovered that the cyanobacterial circadian clock is controlled by factors intrinsic to one protein, which remains stable under different conditions. This finding offers significant insight into how living organisms measure time.
Researchers identified two types of extreme warm events: warm-wet and warm-dry, with distinct underlying weather patterns and physical mechanisms. Warm-wet events are more frequent, driven by a dipole pressure pattern that traps heat and leads to warming and precipitation.
The University of Hong Kong launched its HKU Venture Mentoring Service (VMS), a structured mentorship network affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's VMS model. The program aims to provide strategic guidance and long-term support to HKU startups, helping them overcome early-stage challenges.
The brain extracellular space plays a crucial role in molecular diffusion, metabolic waste clearance, and post-blood–brain barrier drug transport. Recent advances have improved ECS characterization, enabling its integration into studies of CNS disease mechanisms, therapeutic design, and regulatory evaluation.
High-temperature biochars create stable conditions for microbial-assisted Cd immobilization, reducing crop contamination risks. Low-temperature biochars improve soil fertility but stimulate microbial activity increasing Cd availability.
Research reveals a cross-seasonal connection between tropical Pacific Ocean warming and Antarctic stratospheric changes, with warming in the tropics leading to weakening of the polar vortex and ozone depletion. The study improves predictions of Southern Hemisphere climate patterns and offers insights into Antarctic ozone variability.
A study by King's College London found that night shift workers with type 2 diabetes face challenges in maintaining a healthy diet and managing their condition. The research revealed limited access to nutritious food options during night shifts, leading to poorer quality nutrition and greater variability in glucose levels.
A new study reveals that the honey bee waggle dance is a dynamic, two-way interaction shaped by its audience, contradicting the traditional view of unidirectional information flow. Researchers manipulated the number of potential observers to test how dancers adjust their behavior based on the availability of appropriately aged bees.
The University of Hong Kong secured 46 awards at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, showcasing its research and innovation excellence across various fields. The university's diverse portfolio highlights its strategic focus on driving cross-disciplinary research and innovation.
A new national study highlights the genetic changes that link exposure to Agent Orange to myelodysplastic syndromes, a group of bone marrow cancers that can progress to acute leukemia. The research found that exposed veterans were diagnosed at a younger age and had a higher rate of disease progression compared to unexposed patients.
Researchers equipped immune cells with proteins to recognize cancer cell metabolism, enhancing their ability to infiltrate and control tumor growth. The new therapy approach shows promise in treating solid tumors, overcoming a key limitation of existing immunotherapies.
Eating ultra-processed foods is associated with slower embryo growth, smaller yolk sacs, and increased subfertility risk. Reducing UPF consumption around conception and pregnancy may improve fertility outcomes for both parents and embryos.
A new study reveals that Australia's national park expansion has not effectively protected threatened species and ecosystems. Despite doubling the size of protected areas since 2010, critical conservation priorities are being overlooked.
Researchers found that the 40,000-year obliquity cycle influenced ocean productivity in subtropical latitudes about 34 million years ago. The study used chemical signals preserved in ocean sediment to reconstruct past biological productivity and showed a strong influence of the Antarctic ice sheet on subtropical marine ecosystems.
Researchers have developed tiny sensors capable of detecting multiple biomarkers simultaneously, including temperature and chemical changes. These sensors have the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and monitoring by providing reliable and clear information about disease presence in a minimally invasive way.
A new satellite-driven model, dEARTH, provides more realistic predictions of sand and dust storm (SDS) severity by accounting for dynamic changes in soil surfaces. The study found that SDS transport is sparse and discontinuous, reducing affected land area by 69% and global transport magnitude by 45%.
A new 4D digital heart model has been shown to improve patient outcomes in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for heart failure. The model, developed at the University of Calgary, enables personalized pacemaker placement, leading to a 10.8% increase in heart function compared to standard care.
Research shows combining small improvements in sleep, diet quality, and physical activity can significantly reduce major cardiovascular events. Making modest shifts in daily routines, such as sleeping more, eating more vegetables, and exercising more, were associated with a 10% reduction in risk.
A family medicine practice in upstate New York revised its patient dismissal process, shifting from expedited dismissals to a structured review process that prioritizes patient engagement and collaborative planning. This redesign led to a significant decline in behavior-concern referrals and eliminated racial disproportionality.
A systematic review of 31 studies found that diet changes and medications like thiazide diuretics, alkali therapy, and allopurinol may reduce stone recurrence in adults with calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate stones. However, evidence was generally limited, and more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these interventions.
The article explores how social media drives donations for Ukrainian military operations, creating a cycle of need for more funding. Former and current military personnel share their experiences, highlighting the desperation and creativity in using available tools to wage war.
Researchers developed a joint display method to analyze patient survey ratings and open-text comments together, revealing patterns between satisfaction scores and patient experiences. This approach provided a fuller view of patient experience than scores alone, with implications for long COVID program evaluations.
A team-based buprenorphine clinic incorporated a trained chaplain into patient care, providing a psychologically safe space for conversation and supporting patients in identifying recovery capital. The clinic reported successful outcomes, with eight patients achieving at least 12 months of sobriety.
Hajo Eicken takes over as AWI Director, bringing extensive expertise in glaciology and a network of national and international collaborations. He aims to strengthen the institute's research by integrating social sciences and indigenous forms of knowledge.
A landmark report by researchers at the University of Reading warns that weak legal rules on AI avatars are preventing UK businesses from accessing their full growth potential. The report proposes four reforms to ensure responsible use of AI avatar technology, including giving people a legal right over their own face and voice.
A cluster randomized controlled trial found integrating social risk alerts improved blood pressure control by increasing screenings for social risks. Intervention clinics showed a modest increase in odds of blood pressure control over time.
A study found that cancer patients during the last phase of life experienced more bleeding events than thromboembolic events. Most patients continued their antithrombotic therapy despite increased bleeding risk, with over 28% experiencing at least one bleeding episode.
A new study by Nirma University reveals that policy synchronization is key to reducing pollution costs in Mediterranean nations. The research found that when a country's environmental taxes, green protection spending, and renewable energy adoption move in perfect synchronization, the overarching cost of pollution drops significantly.
Research found that lonely patients reported worse healthcare experiences, including feeling unheard and unsupported. Patients who felt lonely were also less confident in managing their own health.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients who received community paramedic home care had higher satisfaction rates and preferred future care in a home setting compared to usual care pathways. The study did not show a significant reduction in hospital use or acute care needs, but improved patient outcomes.
A retrospective cohort study in primary care found that patients with floaters or flashes have a higher risk of retinal detachment. The study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine, analyzed data from 1,181 episodes and found that new or recently changed acute floaters were associated with a higher relative risk.
Researchers found shared aging patterns in brain networks between humans and mice, highlighting a framework for studying cognitive aging and improving brain health. The study uses awake mice to examine how complex brain networks change with age, providing a platform for cross-species investigation.
Researchers found that clinicians assess patients in context, developing management plans collaboratively with patients and caregivers. Clinicians also reported growing skills to focus on overall well-being and priorities, suggesting tailored care benefits from team continuity, flexibility, and strong collaboration.
Researchers found that community health centers sustained strong patient-clinician relationships during the pandemic, with higher continuity rates among older adults and those with above-average income. Lower continuity rates were associated with female gender, Hispanic ethnicity, and telehealth use.
A study of 281,582 adults found that those experiencing social and physical isolation were less likely to receive preventive health services. Financial hardship was a significant factor contributing to these findings, with 82.1% of physically isolated individuals experiencing material deprivation.
Researchers examined how practice-based research and learning networks approach data governance, identifying the importance of building knowledge of Indigenous data sovereignty. Existing Indigenous governance frameworks provide guidance on incorporating Indigenous data sovereignty principles into PBRLNs.
A retrospective cohort study in primary care found that patients presenting with floaters or flashes have different risks of retinal detachment. Researchers analyzed data from seven family practices in the Netherlands and discovered a higher absolute risk among episodes with new or recently changed acute floaters, more than 10 floaters...
A comprehensive meta-analysis reveals that biochar functions as a highly active biological regulator, restructuring the earth to boost porosity and moisture retention. Biochar disrupts the soil's nitrogen cycle by suppressing specific enzyme activities, slowing down processes like nitrification and denitrification.
Researchers discovered a new material, boron arsenide, that exhibits record-high coherence of optical phonons due to suppression of three-phonon scattering. This finding holds promise for the development of quantum phononics and could aid in managing excess heat in electronics.
Geisinger Health System uses CCHA and NBS tools to manage complex patient panels, reducing variability in care and prioritizing resource allocation. By focusing on clinical complexity, the system shifted from age-based scheduling to more targeted visit frequency and appointment lengths.
A spatial analysis of 259 Chinese cities shows that digital transformation drives environmental progress by optimizing broader industrial structures. Governments should focus on upgrading entire industrial ecosystems rather than waiting for isolated technological miracles to solve the carbon crisis.
Researchers found that people following a Mediterranean-style diet have higher levels of humanin and SHMOOSE, which are linked to protection against cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. The study suggests that specific components of the Mediterranean diet may directly influence mitochondrial biology.
Research from the University of Georgia finds that people with unmet psychological needs are more likely to drink responsibly. Those who don't feel fulfilled are at risk for excessive drinking and related problems.
Researchers created a new method combining scientific tests and artificial intelligence to differentiate recycled plastic from new plastic. The tool, developed by University at Buffalo researchers, can analyze samples and predict the percentage of recycled content with over 97% accuracy.
Researchers found that honey bees change the precision of their waggle dance depending on the size and composition of their audience. The dancers adjust their movements to search for a receptive crowd, resulting in less precise signals when few bees are present.
A new framework, proposed by Professor Zongjie Wang, helps transmission and distribution operations work together to make holistic decisions without centralization. The method combines data from both systems using reduced distribution network models and AI-powered modeling to account for uncertainties and complexities.
Researchers found that heavy young adult substance use was associated with poor memory in late midlife. The study highlights the importance of early interventions to support cognitive health.
Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scan the brains of 82 mice at various stages of aging and found similar changes in both humans and mice. The study suggests that understanding age-related brain decline in mice could lead to new insights into human brain aging.
UL Research Institutes' Chemical Insights will present findings on chemical exposures and health risks, highlighting new methods for faster, more transparent science. The institute aims to protect people and communities through open science, education, and collaboration.
Long COVID affects quality of life with neuropsychiatric issues like cognitive dysfunction, depression, and memory loss, impacting daily tasks and work. The review highlights the need for standardized diagnosis and treatment to address this chronic condition.
A study by Washington University in St. Louis researchers found that diamond dust is not suitable for strategic stratospheric aerosol injection due to its effects on acid rain, ozone layer degradation and human health. The study's results reduce the viability of using a 'diamond shield' to cool the planet.
The American Heart Association has announced its inaugural Health Care by Food award, recognizing a study that explored effective ways to integrate healthy food into clinical care for Native Americans with uncontrolled hypertension. The study provided compelling evidence that culturally tailored, heart-healthy food box interventions ca...