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Hong Kong University of Science and Technology


HKUST team develops a novel vesicle-based method advancing membrane protein research

A research team at HKUST developed a vesicle-based method to study membrane proteins in their native environments. This approach preserves the native lipid environment and overcomes challenges of detergent-based methods, enabling high-resolution structural studies.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2025

HKUST team develops novel sampling method to innovate statistical mechanics

A research team led by Prof. PAN Ding and Dr. LI Shuo-Hui has developed a novel direct sampling method based on deep generative models for statistical mechanics. This method enables efficient sampling of the Boltzmann distribution across a continuous temperature range, overcoming energy barriers in simulations.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 2025

HKUST team advances plant gene regulation with GHR motif discovery

A research team led by Prof. Nguyen Tuan Anh from HKUST has made significant strides in understanding miRNA biogenesis using a groundbreaking massively parallel dicing assay. They discovered the GHR motif, a critical determinant of DCL1's cleavage specificity, which operates independently of DCL1's dsRBD and helicase regions.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Plants·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 13, 2025

HKUST researchers pioneer breakthroughs in lithium-ion battery recycling to enhance critical metal recovery and reduce carbon emissions

HKUST researchers have discovered a previously unrecognized atomic-scale mechanism that obstructs efficient LIB recycling. Aluminum impurities infiltrate NCM cathode crystals, altering internal chemistry and suppressing metal leachability. The study equips industry with tools for scalable sustainable battery recovery systems.

HKUST partners with top us and swiss universities to propose innovative strategy reshaping stability and sustainability of perovskite solar cells

A research team at HKUST introduces comprehensive bio-inspired multiscale design strategies to address key challenges in commercializing perovskite solar cells. The approaches focus on leveraging insights from natural systems to create solar cells that can withstand environmental stressors and prolonged use.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Reviews Clean Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2025

HKUST Engineering School introduces human-like driving technology for autonomous vehicles

A new cognitive encoding framework enables self-driving cars to 'think' like human drivers, reducing overall traffic risk by 26.3%. This system integrates social sensitivity, allowing AVs to prioritize pedestrian protection while minimizing harm to nearby vehicles.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2025

HKUST chemists innovate in the synthesis of chiral bridged polycyclic compounds

A research team from HKUST has developed a catalytic enantioselective type II [5 + 2] cycloaddition method to synthesize complex chiral bridged polycyclic structures, which is a challenging task in organic chemistry. The novel approach utilizes 3-oxidopyrylium ylides and chiral phosphoric acids to create the desired complex shapes.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

HKUST discovers novel elastic alloy achieving 20x temperature change and 90% carnot efficiency in solid-state heat pumping

Researchers at HKUST developed a novel elastic alloy called Ti₇₈Nb₂₂, which achieves remarkable efficiency for solid-state heat pumping and exhibits a reversible temperature change 20 times greater than conventional metals. The alloy achieves approximately 90% of the Carnot efficiency limit, making it highly competitive with refrigeran...

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2025

Unveiling boracycles: HKUST chemists develop a new approach to synthesizing strained boracycles

Researchers from HKUST have developed an efficient synthetic approach to four-membered boracycles, unlocking their potential in catalysis, synthesis, and materials science. This advancement enables the facile synthesis of previously inaccessible boracycles, which may lead to valuable applications.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025

Inspired by laminate: HKUST and PolyU researchers synthesize a laminate-structured material interface to improve perovskite solar cells

A collaborative research team from HKUST and PolyU develops an innovative laminated interface microstructure that enhances stability and photoelectric conversion efficiency of inverted perovskite solar cells. The interface design creates a composite material with synergistic effects, boosting device performance and durability.

New era of magnetization: HKUST research sheds light on future applications in spintronics and valleytronics

A team led by Prof. Liu Junwei from HKUST observed the first experimental evidence of a two-dimensional layered room-temperature altermagnet, validating theoretical predictions made in 2021. The research demonstrates C-paired spin-valley locking in a layered antiferromagnet compound, revealing new opportunities for developing high-dens...

From beam to battery: HKUST’s single-step laser printing supercharges high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Researchers developed a novel single-step laser printing technique to manufacture integrated sulfur cathodes, resulting in high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries. The process reduces time and complexity compared to traditional methods, enabling faster and more efficient production.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2025

Unlocking the secrets of superfluid: HKUST scientists unveil how dipolar interactions shape two-dimensional superfluid behavior

Researchers have made a groundbreaking observation of the BKT phase transition in a 2D dipolar gas of ultracold atoms. The study demonstrates how dipolar interactions modify critical parameters and govern superfluidity without conventional symmetry breaking.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

HKUST researchers set to transform food production with AI-enhanced 3D food printing solution

Researchers at HKUST have developed an AI-assisted 3D food printing solution that combines printing with infrared cooking to produce safer and more visually appealing food. The system uses graphene heaters to precisely control the cooking process, ensuring shape retention and quality.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2025

HKUST Life Science researchers establish an intracranial optic tract injury model to reveal mechanisms of functional circuit reconstruction following CNS injury

Researchers at HKUST established a pre-OPN OTI model to investigate functional axonal rewiring following CNS injury. They found that intrinsically photosensitive RGCs mediate functional recovery, and proposed a dual-intervention strategy to enhance regeneration efficiency

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2025

HKUST researchers’ breakthrough method reveals clouds amplify global warming far more than previously understood

Researchers at HKUST have developed a groundbreaking method that significantly improves accuracy in climate predictions. The new approach reveals tropical cloud feedback has amplified the greenhouse effect by 71%, narrowing uncertainty in one of the largest unknowns in climate science.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2025

Meters closer, miles faster: HKUST engineering researchers introduce novel cryogenic in-memory computing scheme to bridge AI with quantum computing

Researchers developed a new computing scheme that works at extremely low temperatures, significantly reducing latency between AI agents and quantum processors while boosting energy efficiency. The solution utilizes magnetic topological insulator Hall-bar devices to enable efficient implementation of reinforcement learning algorithms.

HKUST, SUSTech, and NCAMS researchers reveal nitrogen’s dominant role in global organic aerosol absorption

A study published in Science reveals that nitrogen-containing compounds play a dominant role in the absorption of sunlight by atmospheric organic aerosols worldwide. The research provides a new framework for predicting climate change impacts and guiding mitigation strategies.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 6, 2025

HKUST scientists identify Alzheimer’s disease-protective genetic factors and unravel disease mechanisms

A comprehensive genetic analysis of East Asian populations has identified key SORL1 genetic variants that confer protective effects against Alzheimer's disease. Individuals carrying these variants exhibited improved cognitive function, decreased neurodegeneration, and less severe AD pathology.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2025

HKUST researchers introduce world’s first high-resolution global groundwater sulfate distribution map uncovering public health risks

A high-resolution global groundwater sulfate distribution map has been launched by HKUST, highlighting public health risks and water quality issues. Approximately 17 million people worldwide face gastrointestinal problems due to excessive sulfate levels in groundwater.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2025

HKUST researcher unveiling the uncharted reaction pathways of carbon dioxide in supercritical water

A research team led by Associate Professor Ding P led a breakthrough discovery regarding the complex reaction mechanisms of carbon dioxide in supercritical water. They found that pyrocarbonate is a stable and important reaction intermediate in nanoconfined environments, which was previously overlooked.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2025

HKUST develops world’s smallest multifunctional biomedical robot for interventional diagnosis and treatment

Researchers at HKUST have developed a world's smallest multifunctional biomedical robot, capable of imaging, high-precision motion, and multifunctional operations. The robot offers competitive imaging performance and extends obstacle detection distance up to ~9.4 mm.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2025

HKUST engineering researchers develop world’s first deep-UV microLED display chips for maskless photolithography

HKUST researchers created the world's first deep-ultraviolet microLED display array for lithography machines, showcasing enhanced efficiency and viability of maskless photolithography. The innovation features smaller device size, lower driving voltage, higher external quantum efficiency, and larger display resolution.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 29, 2024

HKUST research unveiling the possible origin of life from deep earth

A collaborative team led by Prof. Ding Pan has made significant progress in studying abiotic synthesis and stability of biomolecules in C-H-O-N fluids under deep Earth conditions. The findings suggest that these synthesized biomolecules can stably exist, potentially providing initial components for the early stages of life's origin.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2024

Diagnosing knee abnormalities like an experienced radiologist: A novel deep learning model by HKUST engineering school

A novel deep learning model called Co-Plane Attention Across MRI Sequences (CoPAS) has been developed to assist with classifying 12 common types of knee abnormalities. The model achieved high classification accuracy comparable to that of radiologists, improving diagnostic efficiency and reducing errors.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 18, 2024

HKUST's novel gene discovery paves the way for treating central nervous system injuries

A collaborative study led by HKUST sheds light on new possibilities for treating CNS injuries through the discovery of a novel gene regulating axon regeneration. Lipin1 inhibition promotes nerve repair and boosts regeneration in both motor and sensory axons after spinal cord injury.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2024

HKUST researchers reveal microglia’s crucial role in preventing axonal degeneration following spinal cord injury

Researchers at HKUST have discovered a neuroprotective mechanism involving microglia that prevents acute axonal degeneration after spinal cord injury. Microglia establish direct contact with myelinated axons, exhibiting a protective wrapping behavior that delays degeneration.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

HKUST researchers develop innovative method to simplify manufacturing process of cellular ceramic

Researchers at HKUST developed a novel approach to manufacture geometrically complex cellular ceramics using surface-tension-assisted two-step processing. This method overcomes traditional additive manufacturing limitations, enabling the production of programmable and highly precise ceramic architectures.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

HKUST Engineering researchers develop groundbreaking platform for one-step production of sperm-like micro-robots to enhance precise drug delivery

Researchers from HKUST developed a novel magnetic actuation platform enabling the efficient production of sperm-like micro-robots, which demonstrate excellent motility and precision in targeted drug delivery. The Vortex Turbulence-Assisted Microfluidics (VTAM) platform streamlines the production process, paving the way for promising bi...

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2024

HKUST and SJTU physics researchers identify new multiple Majorana zero modes in superconducting SnTe

The researchers identified crystal-symmetry-protected multiple Majorana zero modes (MZMs) in a single vortex of the superconducting topological crystalline insulator SnTe. This discovery offers a new pathway to realizing fault-tolerant quantum computers, which is essential for robust and reliable quantum computing.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

HKUST engineering researchers develop eco-friendly cooling device with record-breaking efficiency

Researchers at HKUST have developed an eco-friendly refrigeration device with a boost in efficiency of over 48%, using elastocaloric cooling technology that is greenhouse gas-free and 100% recyclable. The new device achieved a temperature lift of 75K, surpassing the previous world record.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2024

HKUST engineering researchers pave the way for advanced wearable display technologies by developing full-color fiber LEDs based on perovskite quantum wires

A team of HKUST engineers has created high-quality full-color fiber light-emitting diodes (Fi-LEDs) based on perovskite quantum wires, paving the way for innovative textile lighting and display applications. The device features excellent spatial luminance uniformity, flexibility, and stretchability.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2024

HKUST engineering researchers enhance perovskite solar cells durability with first-of-its-kind chiral-structured “springy” interface

Researchers at HKUST have developed a novel chiral-structured interface in perovskite solar cells, significantly enhancing reliability and power conversion efficiency. The new design retained 92% of its initial efficiency after 200 cycles, demonstrating improved durability under various conditions.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

HKUST develops groundbreaking artificial compound eye to revolutionize robotic vision at lower cost but higher sensitivity

The research team at HKUST has developed a novel artificial compound eye system that offers a high sensitivity at least twice that of existing market products. This innovation can be applied in various scenarios, such as drone navigation and emergency rescue.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2024

HKUST researchers find strategic emission caps key to ammonia industry decarbonization

A team of researchers from HKUST has identified the importance of strategic emission cap choices for ammonia industry decarbonization. By setting region-specific targets and prioritizing plant flexibility, policymakers can balance environmental goals with costs and resource availability.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

HKUST engineering researchers discover a “secret” hidden structure that paves new way of making more efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

A research team at HKUST discovered surface concavities on individual crystal grains of perovskite thin films, affecting film properties and reliability. They pioneered a new method to remove these concavities, resulting in improved efficiency retention under various tests.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2024