The discovery of two planets forming in the disc around young star WISPIT 2 suggests that the system could resemble a young Solar System. The two gas giants, WISPIT 2b and WISPIT 2c, are found in clear gaps within the disc of dust and gas, indicating that more planets may be currently forming.
A new Australian study shows that a tailored, home-based program can significantly reduce the number of falls after stroke. The 'falls after stroke trial' (FAST) found that the program reduced falls by 33% over 12 months.
A new biomarker in cerebrospinal fluid significantly improves the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. The test is highly specific, distinguishing between patients with these conditions and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers successfully treated drug-resistant strains of herpes using doxorubicin, a known anticancer drug. The treatment works by targeting a pathway used by the virus, preventing infection and potentially saving lives for vulnerable patients.
A study found that the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the development of executive function skills in young children, leading to systemic academic and behavioral challenges. The research, tracking over 3,100 children from age 3 to 11, suggests that supporting executive function may be a key recommendation for pandemic recovery efforts.
A study analyzing monthly temperatures and cardiovascular deaths found that cold weather accounted for about 6.3% of all cardiovascular deaths, resulting in 800,000 excess deaths over two decades. The research highlights the need for communities to prepare for climate change's impact on extreme cold.
A recent study published in PNAS Nexus found that large language models (LLMs) produce homogeneous creative outputs, regardless of the specific model used. This suggests that LLMs as a whole, rather than individual models, may be contributing to the lack of diversity in their responses.
Hundreds of migratory fish species are facing accelerating declines due to dam construction, habitat fragmentation, pollution, overfishing, and climate-driven ecosystem changes. The Global Assessment of Migratory Freshwater Fishes identifies 325 species needing coordinated international conservation efforts.
Researchers redesigned a key component of lipid nanoparticles to steer particles toward lymph nodes, reducing off-target delivery. This advancement could make mRNA vaccines more efficient, potentially achieving strong immune protection at lower doses.
Research suggests living in areas with high levels of transportation noise is associated with a significantly higher risk of major adverse cardiac events. Loud road, aviation, and rail noises were linked to increased risks of heart attack, stroke, or coronary revascularization. Different types of noise may come with unique health risks...
A study found that high screen time and low physical activity are strongly linked with cardiovascular risk among young adults. Screen time was independently associated with markers of cardiovascular risk, even after accounting for differences in daily physical activity.
A study found that Medicare beneficiaries with heart disease reported less cost-related medication non-adherence after new provisions limited out-of-pocket drug costs. This decrease was particularly notable among low-income seniors, who saw a significant reduction in skipped or delayed doses.
A recent study found that B-type natriuretic peptide is independently associated with chronic kidney disease progression in individuals with diabetes. Combining BNP with urinary markers such as UACR improves risk prediction, highlighting its potential role in early detection and management of kidney disease.
Researchers developed a laboratory mouse model closely mirroring TCF3::HLF-positive B-ALL and found an inflammatory feedback loop linking leukemia progression and bone destruction. Blocking IL-1β action slowed leukemia growth and reduced bone damage, suggesting new cancer treatments.
A single-celled predator, Rapaza viridis, retains chloroplasts from prey algae and imports host-made proteins into them, revealing deeper levels of host–organelle integration. This process may have played a role in the emergence of plant cells.
Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a mathematical framework to map students' conceptual knowledge from short multiple-choice quizzes, revealing peaks of mastery and valleys of struggle. The technique could enable personalized learning, AI tutoring systems, and more efficient feedback.
Scientists are developing new surgical stitches that can release anti-inflammatory medications directly into wounds, reducing inflammation and limiting scarring. This innovation has the potential to improve healing rates and success for anastomosis procedures, such as breast reconstruction surgery.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a nanoparticle-based system to produce exosomes, which are being explored as a new type of medical treatment. The system enables the efficient production of engineered exosomes with improved efficiency, scalability and stability.
Astronomers from the University of Liège have solved a 50-year-old stellar mystery by attributing the X-rays emitted by Gamma Cas to a magnetic white dwarf orbiting the star. The study used high-energy astrophysics instrumentation and revealed that the X-rays are associated with the compact companion, not the massive Be star itself.
The study found a significant reduction in NO2 levels, but limited effect on PM10 and PM2.5 particles within the LEZ. The results indicate that the zone contributes to improving air quality, highlighting the need for additional measures.
Astronomers have solved a 50-year-old mystery surrounding the star gamma-Cas, revealing that its unusual high-energy X-rays are linked to the orbital motion of an invisible white dwarf companion. This breakthrough was made possible by unique high-resolution observations from the European Space Agency's XRISM mission.
Scientists have found evidence that glyphosate, a widely used weedkiller, can select for drug-resistant bacteria that can thrive in agricultural areas and then spread to hospitals. The study revealed that bacterial strains from hospital infections with extreme drug resistance showed high resistance to glyphosate and its byproducts.
Researchers identified specific bacterial strains that convert low-protein diets into a fat-burning metabolic state by modifying bile acids and producing ammonia. This transformation increases energy expenditure and aids in weight management, potentially influencing metabolic health.
A new generative AI framework predicts future urban layouts considering multiple factors. The Memory-aware Multi-Conditional generation Network (MMCN) offers a novel approach to modeling complex urban evolution, providing a powerful tool for sustainable urban development.
A comprehensive study reveals that staple crops such as maize, rice, and cassava are responsible for about 11% of all agriculture-driven deforestation globally. In contrast, major export-oriented commodities like cocoa, coffee, and rubber cause less than 5% of deforestation.
A novel catalyst design enables simultaneous control of lattice structure and oxygen vacancies in molybdenum oxide, achieving high water electrolysis performance using low-cost, non-precious metal-based catalysts. The technology has strong potential for commercialization as a key catalyst for eco-friendly hydrogen production.
A recent report found that only two out of 23 identified priorities for childhood cancer research received dedicated UK funding. Five key areas, including improving hospital experiences and addressing emotional wellbeing, were overlooked entirely. The study highlights a significant gap between patient needs and research funding.
Researchers found that people with early dementia with Lewy bodies walk more slowly and have a lower walking rhythm than those with early Parkinson's disease. This study highlights the promise of measuring movement in a more detailed manner to improve diagnosis accuracy.
Researchers sequenced the Great Basin bristlecone pine genome, revealing genes associated with disease resistance and longer telomeres, potentially holding clues for understanding longevity in other species. The study provides a reference genome sequence that can be used to inform modern genetic discovery.
Researchers found that mild hypoxia in preterm babies can compromise neural communication, impacting the hippocampus region responsible for memory and learning. Abnormal neuronal maturation and loss of synaptic function may lead to academic difficulties and behavioral concerns later in life.
A new study found that walking pace is a strong predictor of mortality risk, especially in people with existing health conditions. Combining walking pace with other physical measures improved mortality predictions, suggesting a simple and cost-effective way to identify high-risk individuals.
Researchers found that A. niger can recover nearly 40% of trapped phosphorus within 15 days through microbial metabolism and selective mobilization. This bioextraction strategy has the potential to transform industrial waste into a valuable agricultural resource, reducing dependence on finite phosphate rock reserves.
Optical biosensors offer promising solutions for rapid, portable, and on-site pesticide detection. Key biorecognition elements such as enzymes, antibodies, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers enable high-selectivity detection and minimize environmental impacts.
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.