Researchers at PolyU have engineered a novel tunnelling field-effect transistor using 2D nanomaterials, breaking through the 60 mV decade’ boundary to create ultra-low-power, high-performance ICs essential for emerging AI chips. The breakthrough paves the way for energy-efficient computing and next-generation AI chips.
Researchers at PolyU developed a screening tool to identify seniors at risk of social frailty, a state of vulnerability linked to poorer health. The Social Frailty 10-Item screening tool assesses five domains and guides practical next steps for care, including referrals to financial or healthcare support.
The PolyU research team has developed TRUECAM, an integrated AI framework that ensures data and model trustworthiness in cancer diagnosis. The framework can assess the level of an AI's confidence in its diagnostic outputs and proactively prompts pathologists to review cases when uncertainty is high.
The PolyU developed AI Virtual Patient Simulation System combines multimodal data from genomic, medical imaging and clinical records to create a digital twin model tracking real-time changes in a patient's condition. It predicts the effectiveness of different cancer treatment options and supports personalized medical solutions.
A PolyU project has developed an intelligent portable traffic light system to address bottlenecks during roadworks on narrow streets in Hong Kong. The system uses advanced sensing technologies and adaptive algorithms to dynamically adjust signal timings, reducing traffic queues and preventing gridlock.
Researchers at PolyU have pioneered a method to store digital data using engineered proteins, achieving high storage efficiency and capacity. They overcame challenges of variable amino acid sequences and degraded proteins by designing a protein template, successfully expressing and retrieving data.
A PolyU research team discovered that low concentrations of bacterial toxins in urban air can trigger nearly 20% of inflammatory responses, while drug-resistant fungi may spread through everyday breathing or skin contact. The study highlights the need to identify and control these highly toxic trace components to effectively reduce hea...
A research team led by Prof. Wang Zuankai has discovered the mechanism behind mechanoelectrical perception in sea urchin spines, which allows them to detect water flow instantly. The team has developed a bionic metamaterial sensor using gradient porous structure and 3D printing, holding promise for sensing technology breakthroughs.
Researchers at PolyU have discovered that combining music and empathetic speech in robots can foster a stronger bond between humans and machines. Music enhances the emotional resonance of on-screen robots, making interactions feel more real, but its impact diminishes over time.
Researchers at PolyU have identified a key driver of tumour growth in liver cancer and developed a monoclonal antibody that neutralises this protein. The antibody inhibits the growth and proliferation of FABP4-driven cancer stem cells, enhancing immune cell activity.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has developed soft magnetorheological textiles with programmable control and flexibility. These innovative materials overcome traditional drawbacks of heavy magnetic powders and health risks, enabling precise intelligent modulation for various applications.
Researchers at PolyU have developed an acid-resistant, ultra-stable mucus-inspired hydrogel that significantly improves gastrointestinal wound healing in animals and outperforms a clinically approved mucosal protectant. The hydrogel's potential for commercialization is high due to its low cost, ease of production, and established safet...
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved a breakthrough in perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, focusing on improving efficiency, stability and scalability. The team aims to raise the energy conversion efficiency from 34% to 40%, while promoting industry-academia-research collaboration.
Researchers at PolyU developed an innovative parameter to evaluate photoactive materials for ST-OPVs, advancing high-performance devices with low-cost production and environmental sustainability. Record light utilisation efficiency of 6.05% was achieved in semi-transparent solar cells.
Researchers at PolyU are pioneering next-generation personal cooling solutions using advanced textiles and intelligent wearables. Their innovations include spectrum-selective textiles, thermal insulation, ventilative and evaporative cooling, and AI-driven frameworks that deliver personalized, energy-efficient cooling.
Researchers developed a novel method to precisely measure tissue deformation, providing highly accurate measurements to enhance compression-based apparel. The approach minimizes motion artifacts, offering actionable insights on material properties and garment design.
Researchers at PolyU have developed a novel technique to measure global ocean mass change, revealing a 90 mm surge in sea-level rise over the past 30 years. The study attributes this acceleration to increased ocean mass and land ice melt, particularly in Greenland.
The researchers developed a novel approach to virtual contrast enhancement in MRI imaging, using pixelwise gradient methods with Generative Adversarial Networks. The model excelled in capturing intricate details and textures, outperforming its predecessor in texture representation.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has secured funding from the Research Grants Council to develop a cost-effective and sustainable collaborative Generative AI (Co-GenAI) model. The project aims to democratize AI development by reducing centralized computational demand and enabling broader participation in GenAI research and deployment.
Researchers found that LLMs are better at representing non-sensorimotor concepts but struggle with sensory and motor concepts. Incorporating sensory input improves LLM performance and leads to more human-like representation, consistent with previous human studies on multimodal learning.
Prof. AU Man Ho Allen has been recognized with the prestigious Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology (HKEST) Award 2024-25 for his outstanding contributions to the Web3 ecosystem and the digital economy. His research focuses on developing practical, secure, and privacy-preserving cryptographic solutions.
Global soil nitrous acid emissions have increased from 1980 to 2016, contributing to a 2.5% annual rise in the global surface ozone mixing ratio. This can lead to overexposure of vegetation to ozone, affecting ecosystem balance and food crop production.
A PolyU research team found a rapid decline in global soil moisture over the past 40 years, resulting in significant water loss and sea level rise. The study suggests that precipitation deficits, global warming, and changing rainfall patterns are key factors behind this depletion.
Researchers at PolyU developed an AI-driven assessment system, LMLPA, to quantify LLM personality traits. The system analyzes linguistic patterns and style in LLM outputs to evaluate their personalities, with applications in education, manufacturing, business, and sustainable development.
Researchers from PolyU explore how virtual environments and collaborative learning influence film lighting skills acquisition in VR-based education. The study reveals that beach settings boost engagement but increase frustration, while team learning enhances collaboration.
A comprehensive longitudinal analysis of obesity trajectories identified distinct patterns affecting brain morphology, function, and cognition in middle-aged and older adults. The study suggests sustained obesity accelerates brain aging, highlighting the clinical importance of long-term monitoring and management.
PolyU's EmoFriends interactive toy and Transparent Knee Guard wearable device have won the prestigious iF Design Awards 2025 for their cutting-edge sensing technology and emotional support capabilities. The devices demonstrate innovative design solutions for healthcare and technology, showcasing PolyU's commitment to research excellence.
Researchers from PolyU have discovered the precise location of aluminium atoms in zeolite frameworks, enabling the design of more efficient and stable catalysts. This breakthrough has wide-reaching implications for industries such as renewable energy and pollution control.
PolyU's 16 projects funded by HMRF focus on healthcare innovation, covering areas like nursing care, health tech, and biomedical engineering. The research aims to address global healthcare challenges and improve overall well-being.
Researchers at PolyU have invented a ground-breaking self-powered mechanism to eject freezing droplets, enabling cost-efficient and promising technological applications. The discovery uses spring-like elastic pillars to accelerate ejection velocity and enlarge kinetic energy transformation of freezing droplets.
Researchers at PolyU have successfully developed a quantum microprocessor chip that can simulate large-structured and complex molecules with high accuracy. The breakthrough enables scientists to tackle complicated quantum chemistry problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers.
Researchers at PolyU have invented a unique fluidic processor called Connected Polyhedral Frames (CPFs), which enables reversible switching between liquid capture and release. CPFs offer a versatile platform for various applications, including controlled multidrug release, biomaterial encapsulation, and air conditioning.
Researchers at PolyU have developed a new type of thermally-insulated and breathable soft robotic clothing that can automatically adapt to changing ambient temperatures. This innovative clothing uses soft actuators to trap a layer of air and increase thermal resistance, reducing heat stress and discomfort in high-temperature environments.
Scientists studied Crassula muscosa and found its unique leaves pack tiny fins that manipulate the meniscus to direct liquid transport. An artificial mimic, CMIAs, mimics this effect, enabling real-time directional control of fluid flow in various technologies.
The study found that green infrastructures such as botanical gardens, wetlands, and street trees are effective in cooling urban heat, with temperature reductions ranging from 9.63°C to 17.7°C. A nine-stage framework has been proposed to facilitate GBGI implementation and maximize benefits.
Researchers at PolyU developed a new class of 2D all-organic perovskites with high dielectric constants, surpassing those of silicon dioxide and hexagonal boron nitride. These materials show promise for use in 2D electronics, enabling superior control over current flow and potential applications in capacitors and transistors.
Researchers at PolyU are using GeoAI to monitor and analyze environmental changes, detect disaster-damaged buildings, and optimize traffic flow. The technology has the potential to support sustainable urban development and improve public health.
Researchers developed Smart-CKD, a computer-aided diagnostic tool integrating ultrasound data and selected clinical variables to assess renal fibrosis progression in CKD patients. The tool has excellent predictive accuracy and high clinical application value, providing a cost-effective solution for guiding patient management.
Researchers at PolyU have developed a novel biomineralization strategy to prevent microbially induced corrosion on concrete for sustainable marine infrastructure. The technique isolates concrete from corrosive microorganisms, extending the lifespan of structures and reducing environmental impact.
Researchers from PolyU develop a durable, highly selective and energy-efficient CO2 electroreduction system that converts CO2 into ethylene for industrial purposes. The APMA system achieves high specificity of 50% and operates for over 1,000 hours at an industrial-level current of 10A.
Researchers at PolyU developed a cooling ceramic with a hierarchically porous structure, inspired by the whitest beetle, to achieve high solar reflectivity and efficient light scattering. This innovation has potential energy-saving applications and is the first study on the Leidenfrost effect in passive radiative cooling materials.
Prof. Zuankai WANG's innovative structured thermal armour (STA) resolves the Leidenfrost effect above 1,000°C, enabling efficient liquid cooling in extreme temperatures. This breakthrough applies to aero-engines, space-engines, nuclear reactors, and electronics devices, with far-reaching implications for chemistry and beyond.
The research team produced a new strong, ductile, and sustainable titanium alloy through additive manufacturing, exhibiting better mechanical performance than traditional methods. This innovation addresses waste management issues in titanium alloy production, enabling recycling of off-grade sponge titanium.
PolyU researchers have developed optoelectronic graded neurons that can perceive dynamic motion, achieving an information transmission rate of over 1000 bit/s. This breakthrough enables highly accurate motion recognition, surpassing conventional image sensors by up to 99.2% accuracy.
The study highlights technological innovations to accelerate green transformation of textiles, including sustainable materials, manufacturing technologies, and recycling methods. These developments aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption, minimizing environmental impacts.
Researchers compiled a comprehensive map of the world's airborne microbes, providing fresh insights into how these species interact with the surface environment. The atlas reveals that human activities have changed the structure of microbiomes in natural ambient air, particularly with higher abundance of pathogenic bacteria in urban air.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has developed an AI-powered system called WiseEye that can detect fabric defects with high accuracy, minimizing the chance of producing substandard fabric. The system is installed on weaving machines to automatically inspect fabrics and reduce labor costs, enhancing production efficiency.
PolyU has received a generous HK$100 million donation from Ir Dr Otto Poon for strategic research in smart city, smart mobility, and sustainable energy. The fund will support the establishment of two research institutes and two endowed professorships.
A PolyU-led project has been awarded a record-breaking HK$47.2 million grant to develop new concrete structures for marine infrastructure, aiming to reduce steel corrosion and environmental pollution. The five-year project will focus on innovative materials and designs, with potential benefits extending to Hong Kong and globally.
PolyU has won several prizes at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, including the Grand Prize for its Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) Spectacle Lens for Myopia Control. The lens can slow down myopia progression in children by 60% and provides clear vision.