A new theory proposes that early Earth's lithosphere heated up and expanded, causing cracks that eventually divided the planet into plates. The model, developed by Dr. Alexander Webb and his team, suggests that volcanic heat loss led to thermal contraction, which in turn caused the outer shell to warm up and expand.
Researchers used a new method to understand how corals' symbiotic algae respond to warmer temperatures. They found thermally tolerant algae adopt a 'shelter-in-place' strategy, storing fats and carbohydrates to persist through stress.
Researchers introduce fluorescence protein sensors into live plants to visualize dynamic changes in NADPH level and NADH/NAD+ ratio in different cell types. This allows for the study of photosynthesis and photorespiration, revealing the close connection between subcellular compartments for efficient metabolism.
A study published in Scientific Reports highlights how benthic assemblages impact coral and giant clam species' dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) production. The researchers found that DMSP concentration is modulated according to the complexity of species assemblages, suggesting a connection between neighbors and metabolism.
A research team has discovered a new mechanism for balancing protein stability during neuronal development, using heat shock proteins to regulate microtubule stability and axonal growth. This discovery can help understand neurodevelopmental diseases, nerve regeneration, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that mangroves will likely stop growing vertically and instead encroach inland if sea levels rise above 6mm per year. Mangroves play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and protecting people from flooding, making it essential to adopt coastal management measures to protect these ecosystems.
A joint research team from Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai discovered a rare-earth magnet TmMgGaO4 (TMGO) that realizes the long-sought-after two-dimensional topological Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) phase. The breakthrough provides the missing piece of KT phenomena in bulk magnetic materials.
A recent study found that tropical biodiversity in the ocean is declining, with a potential decrease in diversity by the end of the century. The research, led by Drs Moriaki Yasuhara and Timothy C Bonebrake, used fossil records to project future marine biodiversity patterns.
Researchers discovered distinct microbiotypes in giant clams, with one linked to clam mortality. The study highlights the impact of benthic species assemblages on giant clam health, suggesting a negative correlation with increasing water temperatures.
Researchers at HKU and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab have developed a new super D&P steel with an unprecedented strength-toughness combination, addressing safety-critical industrial challenges. The breakthrough results in a yield strength resistance of ~2GPa and superior fracture toughness of 102MPåm½.
A HKU-led study accurately tracks COVID-19 spread using population flow data, identifying high-risk locales through a risk assessment model. The researchers combined population flow data with confirmed cases to explain 96% of the spread's distribution and intensity across China.
Researchers at HKU discovered that corals' reliance on certain nutritional sources underpins their bleaching susceptibility in warming oceans. The team found that predatory corals can withstand warmer temperatures longer than photosynthetic corals.
Researchers have developed a novel high-speed microscope to capture millisecond electrical signals in neurons, enabling the study of complex brain-wide interactions. The technique uses FACED technology to create a super-fast sweeping laser beam and detects voltage signals using engineered proteins.
A new research study led by Miss Yu Yan Yau and Dr Benoit Thibodeau from the University of Hong Kong found that reducing fossil fuel combustion can significantly decrease hypoxic zones in Chinese coastal seas, with the South China Sea being the most sensitive area to nitrogen input
A study led by HKU marine biologist Dr Celia Schunter reveals that reef fishes are directly affected by heatwaves, but their responses vary greatly among species. The research tracked the molecular response of five species to the 2016 heatwave conditions on the Great Barrier Reef.
Researchers found elevated concentrations of TPT in Chinese white dolphins and finless porpoises, with the highest concentration being five times higher than reported in false killer whales. Biomagnification of TPT compounds has significant implications for local dolphin populations and human health.
HKU researchers reconstruct water depth changes in Svalbard using fossil Ostracoda, revealing a sudden temperature rise and abrupt sea-level change due to warm Atlantic waters. The study provides the first solid evidence of MWP-1B's relative sea-level change in ice-proximal areas.
A study published in Science Advances found nearly 50% of retail eel products in Hong Kong supermarkets contained endangered European eel. The investigation exposed a surprising prevalence of illegally traded glass eels from Europe, posing a significant threat to the species' survival.
A survey of world's leading deep-sea scientists identified priorities for deep-sea monitoring, including large animals and habitats like deep-sea corals. The study highlights the need for a better standardized monitoring framework to prepare for future management.
A new study reveals that rapid urbanization and poor waste management are the primary causes of coral reef loss in the South China Sea. The research, led by HKU marine ecologists, used geochemical techniques to analyze coral skeletons and found a significant increase in nitrogen pollution coinciding with Hong Kong's rapid development.
A research team from HKU developed a novel deep learning approach to predict disease-associated mutations in metal-binding sites. The approach uses spatial features and physicochemical sequential features to train a model, achieving an AUC of 0.90 and accuracy of 0.82.
Researchers at HKU have identified a protein, OsACBP2, that enhances grain size and weight in transgenic rice by 10%, increasing biomass and oil content. This technology has the potential to boost grain yield and composition, addressing food security challenges.
The new invention can efficiently convert low-grade heat to electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emission and cutting primary energy wastage. The Direct Thermal Charging Cell (DTCC) boasts a conversion efficiency of over 3.5%, surpassing existing technologies.
A study led by Dr Jeremy Lim and his team has discovered that a few thousand globular clusters formed over at least the past 1 billion years, and perhaps many more over cosmic history. This finding explains why these clusters are not as ancient as previously thought.
Researchers suggest that trophy hunting undermines biodiversity conservation efforts and instead offer land-use and ownership reforms, diversified tourism, and environmental investments as more effective solutions. This approach aims to benefit and empower local communities, rather than just generating economic benefits.
A recent study led by the University of Hong Kong found that all 17 languages analysed convey information at similar rates, with an average rate of 39 bits per second. This challenges traditional notions of language efficiency and suggests that all human beings share universal cognitive capacities in their language abilities.
Researchers identified a novel histone mark, lysine glutarylation (Kglu) at histone H4, which is abundant in promoter regions of active genes. This mark facilitates the formation of open chromatin structure, leading to gene expression activation.
A new study framework improves and expands current practice in fossil color reconstruction by incorporating chemical signatures of different pigments. This framework provides a reliable and repeatable approach to test fundamental hypotheses related to animal physiology, ecology, and behavior.
Participants emphasize the need for strengthened quality control, transparent reporting, and open science. The Rule of Five for funding agencies is proposed to prioritize quality over quantity.
A team of researchers has discovered a massive star that formed a planetary nebula, pushing the limits of theoretical predictions. The star, PNe BMP1613-5406, is one of the most massive stars ever found to have formed a PN, providing valuable insights into stellar evolution and chemical composition.
The presence of simple hyphens in academic paper titles harms citation counts and journal impact factors, commonly used for professorial evaluations. Citation statistics are unreliable across all major subject areas.
HKU biologists discovered centromeric DNA produces essential non-protein coding centromeric RNA (cenRNA) for chromosome stability. Excessive or deficient cenRNA leads to defective centromeres and lost chromosomes, causing genetic errors.
Researchers at HKU Earth Sciences have discovered multi-century-scale abrupt deep-water warming events that likely caused by reduction in deep-water circulation. These deglacial-Holocene dynamics are important for understanding present and future trends in the climatic system, which can impact global ecosystems and society.
A team of researchers from the University of Hong Kong has added 13 new species to the existing list of ants, including three miniature trap-jaw ants and five non-native species. These discoveries highlight the importance of monitoring insect populations in Hong Kong and beyond.
A 125 million-year-old fossil of a bird hatchling has revealed feathers, confirming it was 'precocial' and 'out of the egg running'. The discovery uses laser imaging technology to uncover previously unknown feathering in the fossil specimen.
A 150-year-old fossil feather has been re-examined using Laser-Stimulated Fluorescence (LSF) technology, resolving the debate over its origin. The study reveals that the feather did not belong to Archaeopteryx but instead came from an unknown feathered dinosaur.
A new scale measures connectedness to nature in young children, revealing a link between outdoor environment and improved well-being. Parents who encouraged nature play had less distressed children, while those who took responsibility towards nature saw fewer peer difficulties.
A co-led study by HKU researchers found that termites increase leaf litter decomposition, nutrient heterogeneity, and soil moisture during drought periods. The presence of termites helps protect tropical rainforests from the negative effects of drought.
A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution reveals that pterosaurs had at least four types of feathers, including simple filaments and down feathers, which are also found in modern birds and dinosaur groups. The discovery pushes back the origin of feathers by approximately 70 million years.
A new study reveals degradation of local coral reef ecosystem in Tan-awan, Oslob, due to intensive whale shark tourism. The research highlights the need for proper management strategies to mitigate reef degradation and promote sustainable tourism.
A recent study by HKU researchers found that ocean circulation in the North Atlantic is at its weakest since the past 1,500 years. The weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is attributed to global warming and associated melt of the Greenland Ice-Sheet, which has significant implications for climate change.
Researchers at The University of Hong Kong developed first-in-class YEATS inhibitors that target a novel therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia treatment. The inhibitors successfully suppressed cancer-promoting gene expression and demonstrated enhanced effects when combined with existing anti-leukemia drugs.
Researchers found that mature plant chloroplasts isolate ATP production, while young leaves allow for temporary import of ATP to support development. This strategy optimizes energy efficiency in plants.
A recent study reveals that global shark catches have more than doubled since 1960, threatening almost 60% of shark species. The Hong Kong-based research highlights the need for consumers to reject shark fin products, which are often sourced from unsustainable and illegal fisheries.
Scientists found four pivotal strengthening events in the East Asian summer monsoon between 1250-1900 CE, with ocean sediments offering a more reliable record of past monsoon signals. The study provides insights into Asian monsoon dynamics and their impact on regional societies.
Researchers found rapid changes in deep-sea fauna and biodiversity in the region during a global climate event known as the Younger Dryas. They also identified significant environmental overturn around 7,000 years ago due to mixing of different deep-sea waters.
A team of scientists has discovered a unique planetary nebula with an inverted ionization structure surrounding a central star undergoing a 'born-again' process, which is expected to occur in the Sun's future evolution. This finding provides valuable insights into the late-stage evolution of stars like our Sun.
The University of Hong Kong research team developed a C-reactive protein sensor integrated onto a medical catheter, enabling real-time CRP sensing with a thickness less than one micrometer. This allows doctors to take immediate actions, speeding up testing and curing of inflammation by 30 times.
The Hong Kong University (HKU) team designed the world's first intra-operative MRI-guided robot for bilateral stereotactic neurosurgery. This innovation enables accurate and safe brain surgery, targeting tiny nucleus structures with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
A novel actuating material system, nickel hydroxide-oxyhydroxide, has been developed at HKU Engineering that can be triggered by visible light and electricity. This material can exert a force equivalent to 3000 times its own weight, making it suitable for various applications in micro-robotics, human assist devices, and medical devices.