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The University of Hong Kong


HKU chemists harness light to build 3D molecular structures for drug discovery

Researchers at HKU have developed a new light-driven method for constructing three-dimensional molecular building blocks. This approach broadens the range of starting materials and suppresses unwanted polymerisation, overcoming key limitations of existing synthetic methods. The findings have the potential to improve characteristics of ...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2026

HKU study reveals how atmospheric dryness constrains typhoon rainfall leading to lower-than-expected increases

A new study led by HKU reveals that increasing atmospheric dryness suppresses rainfall in tropical cyclones, constraining expected increases in typhoon rainfall. The study proposes a unified framework for understanding tropical cyclone rainfall, accounting for precipitation efficiency and atmospheric dryness.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2026

HKU ecologists warn that marine heatwaves pose an underestimated threat to public health

Researchers warn that marine heatwaves can intensify extreme weather, disrupt fisheries and aquaculture, and threaten coastal livelihoods, ultimately posing risks to human health. Marine heatwaves also have significant psychological impacts on communities, causing grief, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2026

HKU researchers reveal hidden climate threat: PM2.5 pollution undermines plant water-use efficiency and carbon uptake

Researchers from the University of Hong Kong discovered that fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) weakens plants' ability to efficiently use water and absorb carbon dioxide. PM2.5 pollution reduces photosynthetically active radiation and carboxylation capacity, hindering plants' ability to thrive and capture carbon.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2026

HKU hydrogeologists identify fermentation as key pathway for ammonium production beneath the Pearl River Delta

A study by HKU hydrogeologists identified microbial fermentation as the primary pathway for ammonium production in sediments beneath the Pearl River Delta, contributing to the region's exceptionally high natural groundwater ammonium levels. The research found that fermentation-related genes were most abundant across different sediment ...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2026

HKU MILES-Shenzhen pioneers novel super-inert fluorescent dye for clearer ureter imaging during surgical navigation

A cross-disciplinary team developed a near-infrared fluorescent dye, SID-788, with excellent biocompatibility and superior ureter imaging performance. The dye enables clear ureter visualisation for at least four to five hours in porcine models using clinical NIR laparoscopes and robotic surgical systems.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Photonics·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2026

HKU School of Computing and Data Science research team develops ClairS, achieving high-accuracy cancer mutation detection across multiple cancer types

A research team from HKU School of Computing and Data Science has developed ClairS, a novel deep-learning algorithm that improves the detection of cancer mutations. Tested on breast, lung, and melanoma cell-line datasets, ClairS demonstrates exceptional accuracy across various cancer types and sequencing conditions.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Methods·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2026

HKUMed discovers new glioblastoma targets through landmark brain cancer research with Hong Kong Genome Institute

Researchers have developed the most comprehensive map of isoform diversity in glioblastoma, a breakthrough that reveals thousands of previously unknown tumour-specific genetic isoforms. These discoveries suggest potential therapeutic targets for future personalised cancer vaccines and immunotherapies.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2026

HKUMed finds video-based peer support boosts breastfeeding rates and maternal confidence

A randomized clinical trial found that video-call peer support from trained peer mothers increased exclusive breastfeeding rates by 42.6% at two months postpartum and boosted maternal confidence. The low-cost, scalable approach offers a promising strategy to improve breastfeeding outcomes in healthcare systems.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2026

HkU Engineering signs MOU with China State Construction to establish ‘CSHK KKU Engineering flagship program scholarship’ and nurture future engineering talent

The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Engineering and China State Construction have partnered to establish a flagship scholarship program, providing financial support and industry connections for exceptional undergraduate students. The five-year scholarship will fund scholarships for three flagship programs, with CSHK contributing H...

HKU-HKIAA astronomer joins international study to weigh inactive black hole seen 10 billion years ago

An international team of astronomers has directly measured the mass of an inactive supermassive black hole in the early Universe for the first time. The study found that the black hole is about 12 times more massive than expected from its host galaxy, suggesting that the central engine was already fully grown while the galaxy around it...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJul 7, 2026

HKU biologists reveal how neural circuits use backup mechanisms to protect essential survival reflexes

Researchers found that sensory-motor circuits use overlapping mechanisms to maintain reliability even when genes or neural connections are disrupted. The study showed that redundancy in the nervous system helps prevent essential reflexes from failing and strengthens escape responses.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

HKU researchers reveal Hong Kong as a biodiversity ark for yellow-crested cockatoos and expand nesting support

A genomic study reveals Hong Kong's introduced population of Yellow-crested Cockatoos retains surprisingly high genetic diversity, potentially aiding global conservation efforts. Researchers installed artificial nest boxes to monitor breeding behavior and provide safe havens for the urban population.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalEvolutionary Applications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2026

HKU chemists unlock the secret to designing ultra-tough and responsive “smart” materials

Researchers at The University of Hong Kong have developed a way to design polymers with precise molecular structures, allowing them to control material properties such as stiffness, strength, and elasticity. By introducing copper ions, the team can dynamically alter the rigidity of these materials.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2026