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.
A research team led by Professor Chen Zhiwei at HKU invented a single gene-encoded tandem broadly neutralizing antibody, BiIA-SG, which displays potent activity against all genetically divergent global HIV-1 strains tested. The new findings show that BiIA-SG prevents diverse live viral challenges completely in humanized mice.
Researchers at HKU and Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences have developed a novel scientific method to derive water quality criteria (WQC) of metals for protecting different marine ecosystems. The new approach considers variable temperature and salinity regimes, improving protection for tropical marine organisms.
A new study by HKU researchers found that land-use changes significantly influence species distribution shifts in response to climate change. In cooler regions, forest loss slows down species migration, while deforestation accelerates it in warmer areas.
A team of scientists has developed a novel tissue clearing solution, OPTIClear, to visualize microscopic structures in the human brain. This breakthrough enables high-resolution imaging of neuronal circuitries and could accelerate research on brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers have discovered an alternative strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance by repositioning colloidal bismuth subcitrate, which effectively paralyzes multi-resistant superbugs and suppresses the development of antibiotic resistance. The findings offer a promising new approach to treat deadly infections caused by CRE and CRKP.
Recent publications by Dr. Joseph Michalski and colleagues cast doubt on the idea of surface life evolving on Mars due to extremely cold and dry climate conditions. However, they suggest subsurface life is a promising option, focusing exploration on hydrothermal deposits.
Scientists from HKU created a novel liquid-repellent surface inspired by springtail cuticles, offering enhanced mechanical stability and low production costs. The breakthrough technology can be applied to various fields, including energy, buildings, and water vehicles.
Researchers have successfully created tomatoes with significantly higher antioxidant properties by introducing a variant of HMGS into the plant. This enhancement includes increased vitamin E, carotenoids and phytosterols content, making it a promising step towards developing healthier crops.
Researchers have discovered that low-frequency activities in the hippocampus drive brain-wide functional connectivity in the cerebral cortex, enhancing sensory responses and learning. This breakthrough suggests the hippocampus is a key region in the brain, with potential therapeutic implications for Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists propose a new concept of terrestrial planet formation involving heat-pipes, which transport heat from interior to surface via mantle melting and magma ascent. This hypothesis resolves major outstanding problems across all planets, including the formation of volcanic terrains and lithospheres.
A Hong Kong-Beijing-Taiwan mechanical engineering team led by Dr. Huang Mingxin has developed a Super Steel with ultra-high strength and large ductility, addressing the strength-ductility trade-off in metallic materials. The material's cost is just one-fifth of that of current aerospace and defense applications.
Researchers reveal breakthrough method to release glucose from cellulose in rice straw, improving ethanol production without chemical treatment. The approach could benefit various cereals and grass species worldwide, reducing lignin content and increasing biomass digestibility.
A comprehensive population assessment of Chinese white dolphins in Hong Kong waters reveals a significantly higher number than previously reported. The study used photographic mark-recapture technique to estimate the overall number of dolphins using Hong Kong waters during the study period.
Marine ecologists at HKU have discovered a new species of mangrove-climbing crab, Haberma tingkok, found only in the Ting Kok area of Hong Kong. The crab is small, dark brown, and has elongated legs, representing the second endemic mangrove crab species described in Hong Kong.
A HKU palaeontologist and his team reconstructed the first highly detailed body outline of a feathered dinosaur using high-definition images of its preserved soft tissues. The technique, known as Laser-stimulated fluorescence (LSF), reveals the shape of the dinosaur's wings, legs and foot scales with unprecedented detail.
Researchers have successfully manipulated optogenetics and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to capture large-scale brain-wide neural activity propagation and interaction dynamics. The study revealed dynamic network wiring in the mammalian species, challenging previous assumptions about brain connectivity.
A study highlights challenges and opportunities of fishery management in China, promoting institutional reform for sustainable marine resource management. The researchers recommend new institutions, secure fishing access, policy consistency, educational programs, and increased public access to scientific data.
A comprehensive study on Hong Kong's marine biodiversity reveals the territory is home to over 26% of China's recorded marine species, comparable to regions like the Caribbean Sea and East Africa. The research highlights the importance of conserving marine habitats in Hong Kong, with only 2% currently protected.
A recent study finds that urban centers like Hong Kong can play a crucial role in conserving globally threatened species. Introduced populations of these species have been thriving outside their native habitats, providing an opportunity to augment declining populations in their native ranges and mitigate threats to local ecosystems.
A new study reveals that 82% of global ecological processes have been impacted by climate change, from genes to entire ecosystems. This has significant implications for conservation efforts and human societies, as consequences include increased pests, disease outbreaks, and unpredictable changes in fisheries.
Researchers have developed a light-seeking synthetic Nanorobot that can be injected into patients' bodies to help surgeons remove tumors. The Nanorobots use light as the propelling force, responding to the light shining on them like moths being drawn to flames.
A new generation of teixobactin-based antibacterial drugs has been discovered by HKU Chemists. The researchers successfully synthesized the antibiotic Teixobactin, which can kill a range of pathogens without detectable resistance.
A study has discovered a crucial part of the genetic machinery that switches on the Neuroglobin gene, which is associated with protecting the brain and reducing severity of damage due to stroke and Alzheimer's disease. The research opens up new opportunities for treating AD using gene therapy.
A HKU undergraduate student applied THMOCALC phase-equilibrium modeling technique to determine pressure-temperature conditions of Eastern Hebei mafic granulites. Her research yielded accurate results, reflecting an origin related to underplating of mantle-derived magmas.
Researchers found that environmental factors like plant cover and floral density determine common urban butterfly species, while spatial properties influence rare species. Urban park design can encourage or discourage certain species, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of surrounding landscape and disturbance features.
Professor Nagendra Shah received the prestigious International Dairy Foods Association Research Award in Dairy Foods Processing for his groundbreaking work on GABA-producing lactic acid bacteria. His team's discovery has great commercial significance in developing dairy foods with anti-hypertensive activity.
Researchers from The University of Hong Kong have successfully synthesized the antibiotic Teixobactin, which can kill a range of pathogens without detectable resistance. The team's strategy enables the generation of multiple derivatives with promising properties.
A new method has been developed by HKU astronomers to estimate more accurate distances between planetary nebulae and the Earth. The technique uses three sets of data, including object size, brightness, and dimming, to create a robust distance scale that can provide distances accurate to 20 percent.
A team of researchers from the University of Hong Kong has successfully developed a novel strategy for synthesizing cortistatin A, a molecule with potent anti-angiogenic activity. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more effective anti-cancer therapies.