A study by HKUMed found that childhood maltreatment increases the risk of schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders through altered behavior, cognition, and genomic changes. The research identified key risk factors and genetic markers associated with increased susceptibility to such disorders.
The University of Hong Kong, ventureLAB, and the Smart City Consortium have signed a MoU to share resources, expertise, and collaborate on startups in both regions. The partnership aims to address challenges faced by HK technology companies accessing overseas markets and Canadian companies navigating local regulations.
A new catalyst made with single atoms of ruthenium and manganese oxybromide overcomes the challenge of producing oxygen efficiently in acidic conditions. The self-forming layer shields the catalyst from damage while remaining highly active, allowing it to produce hydrogen efficiently and stay stable over time.
The Lancet Commission on Transforming Primary Health Care aims to rebuild equitable and digitally enabled PHC systems worldwide. With a focus on people-centred care and digital innovation, the Commission seeks to address long-standing vulnerabilities in PHC, including ageing populations, social inequalities, and climate change.
Two HKU scholars, Professor Michael Häusser and Professor Xuhua He, have been elected as new members of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences. Professor Häusser is recognized for his groundbreaking research on neural computation, while Professor He is a distinguished mathematician with numerous international honors.
Professors Fang and Zhang's pioneering research advances acoustic metamaterials by achieving a negative bulk modulus, enabling precise manipulation of sound waves. This breakthrough opens doors to transformative applications in acoustic technology, building upon earlier progress in controlling mass density.
A novel genome-resolved tracking method reveals how antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their resistance genes move across Hong Kong's urban waters, connecting human, animal, and environmental sources. The study provides insights into strategies for safeguarding public health and informs integrated monitoring systems.
The University of Hong Kong's HKU Business School has inaugurated its Shanghai Centre, marking a significant expansion into the Chinese market. The centre will focus on academic development, industry conversion services, and sci-tech innovation incubation.
The International Lunar Sample Research Symposium 2025 was held at HKU, attracting 230 participants from around the world. The event aimed to share recent findings from Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions, Apollo samples, and other lunar sample-related studies, preparing for upcoming human lunar missions.
Researchers at HKU developed an AI-driven brain model that accurately captures fear in real-world scenarios, offering new hope for targeted therapies. The discovery showed oxytocin specifically reduces both subjective fear and neural signature in social contexts.
Researchers identify ANKLE1 as the first DNA-cutting enzyme capable of detecting and responding to physical tension in DNA. This mechanism plays a vital role in maintaining genetic integrity during cell division and preventing cancer and other diseases.
The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Arts has launched a pioneering postdoctoral fellowship project to recruit global experts in art conservation, with the goal of advancing cultural and scientific excellence. The fellowship will benefit both HKMoA and HKU, enabling the advancement of collection research and exhibitions.
Researchers from HKUMed identified ACACA and LSS as key factors in lipid metabolism that fuel gastric cancer growth. Targeting these vulnerabilities with cholesterol inhibitors killed cancer cells 6.3-fold, opening new avenues for personalized therapies.
Researchers mapped accessible routes to 59 surviving pillboxes along the Gin Drinker's Line in the New Territories, providing guides for visiting British and Japanese military sites. The study highlights the importance of these structures as a unique part of Hong Kong's WWII history and potential tourism assets.
HKU Professor Max Shen has been elected as an International Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering in recognition of his contributions to artificial intelligence and supply chain optimization. He is advancing AI and supply chain technologies through collaboration with industry, academia, and research institutions.
Researchers from HKU identified six distinct tectonic regimes on terrestrial planets, including a novel 'Episodic-Squishy Lid' regime. This discovery provides clues to the origin of Earth's plate tectonics and offers a robust theoretical framework for deciphering Venus' enigmatic geological features.
A cross-disciplinary research team at HKU successfully applied NIR-II fluorescence video imaging during esophagectomy to reduce anastomotic leakage rate. The technique enables precise guidance for resection and reconstruction by delineating well-perfused and poorly perfused regions of the gastric conduit.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has established the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Center on Socio-Economic Inequality in Asia, a leading research hub addressing wealth inequality in Asia. The center aims to develop evidence-based solutions to inform public policy and discourse.
The University of Hong Kong has launched the Hong Kong Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (HKIAA), uniting astronomers across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The institute aims to bolster Hong Kong's role as a global hub for scientific excellence, attracting top talent and fostering international collaborations.
A study by HKUMed identified a critical gut bacterium disrupting immune system function in liver cancer patients, leading to treatment resistance. Modifying gut microecology or supplementing with key metabolites may enhance immunotherapy effectiveness in the future.
The 'Cancer Immunology Data Engine' platform integrates clinical outcomes from 5,957 cancer patients worldwide with comprehensive multi-omics datasets covering 17 cancer types. Researchers can explore and analyse clinical trial data in depth, accelerating advances in cancer immunotherapy research.
Researchers at HKUMed used big data to identify rare side effects of antipsychotic medications, including increased gynaecological cancer risk and infection risk among clozapine users. The findings provide evidence for safer global prescribing and inform clinical guidelines and policy.
The conference aimed to foster transformative collaboration between the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and ASEAN countries. Key findings highlighted the importance of higher education institutions in creating shared prosperity and peace through proactive collaboration.
A meta-analysis of 268 cohort studies covering over 10 million people found that depression doubles mortality rates and increases suicide risk 10-fold. Timely and effective treatment can significantly reduce these risks, with antidepressant medication lowering overall mortality risk by approximately 20%.
The research team developed a novel vascularised tumour model using a non-surgical injectable hydrogel system, providing a powerful new platform for researching cancer and testing immune cell therapies. The breakthrough model effectively supports the spontaneous formation of solid tumours with functional host-derived vasculature in mice.
Researchers found that oleic acid enhances γδ-T cell immunosurveillance, while palmitic acid weakens it. The study suggests that simple dietary changes like eating more olive oil and avocados could improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers at HKUMed have discovered a potent bispecific inhibitor named TMP1 that targets both coronavirus Mpro and host TMPRSS2. The new compound has broad-spectrum antiviral efficacy against all known human-pathogenic coronaviruses, including those resistant to existing treatments like Paxlovid.
A collaboration among HKU and Nanjing University detected millisecond pulsations hidden within a gamma-ray burst, revealing the birth of a millisecond magnetar. The findings provide the clearest evidence yet that magnetars can power some of the most luminous explosions in the universe.
A new study published in JAMA Surgery found that parathyroidectomy significantly reduces the risk of developing diabetes by 30% in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The study analyzed over 3,100 adult patients and tracked their development of diabetes for nearly three years.
A study by HKUMed reveals EBV changes human genome structure in cancer cells, hijacking epigenetic systems to promote tumour growth and metastasis. Researchers identify genomic signature markers to predict metastasis likelihood and develop potential therapies targeting EBV's 'hooking' mechanism.
A new study by HKU ecologists reveals that intensifying El Niño events are disrupting arthropod populations across the tropics, leading to ecosystem function loss and destabilization. The team found significant biodiversity loss in multiple types of arthropods, with declines linked to weaker decomposition and herbivory processes.
A research team from HKUMed developed a world-first nasal organoid-based SARS-CoV-2 Neutralising Antibody Evaluation Platform, enabling accurate assessment of antibody and vaccine effectiveness. The platform uses respiratory organoids that closely simulate human respiratory tissues.
A new study finds that tropical cyclone clusters are becoming less frequent in the Northwestern Pacific and more common in the North Atlantic. The shift is attributed to climate change, highlighting the need for strengthened coastal infrastructure and emergency response systems.
Researchers capture unprecedented 130-year evolution of Planetary Nebula IC418, revealing significant changes in emission lines and implications for stellar evolution. The study offers unique evidence of how PN central stars evolve, prompting a rethink of existing models of stellar life cycles.
A recent study by HKU researchers uncovers a brain signature that measures emotional intensity and distinguishes it from automatic physiological responses. This discovery has implications for developing emotionally intelligent AI systems and offers a better understanding of how our brains create emotional arousal.
Researchers from HKUMed discovered a previously unknown mechanism that allows HCC to grow more aggressively and evade existing therapies. They developed a new small molecule inhibitor called CL26, which targets the AGPAT4 protein and improves treatment options for HCC patients.
Researchers from HKU mapped urban light pollution in Hong Kong, revealing an uneven distribution with a disproportionate share coming from decorative lighting installations. The study suggests regulating non-essential commercial lighting and optimizing building illumination to reduce light pollution levels.
A recent study published in Neuron suggests that humans tend to treat AI chatbots like social beings, attributing them with personality and feelings. This phenomenon called anthropomorphism may shape our interactions with AI and influence how our brains function in social contexts.
Researchers at HKUMed have identified peripheral neural stem cells outside the central nervous system, exhibiting properties similar to brain NSCs. This discovery challenges the long-held belief and holds great promise for innovative therapies in regenerative medicine.
The HKU Robocon <em> Virtus </em> team claimed the top prize at Robocon Hong Kong Contest 2025, showcasing innovative designs that blend AI with advanced robotics technology. The team's robot features a novel long pneumatic cylinder design and a lift mechanism that enhances dribbling capabilities.
Researchers at HKUMed found combining Astragalus membranaceus with methotrexate reduces chronic inflammation in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus. The combination therapy shows significant synergistic effects, enhancing treatment outcomes and addressing therapeutic limitations of MTX.
Project Mingde, a non-profit initiative by HKU, has won the 2025 Architizer A+ Award for its sustainable and culturally significant Duling Educational and Cultural Centre. The centre addresses water scarcity issues in Hakka villages through innovative designs.
A HKUMed study has confirmed the safety of lithium treatment for bipolar disorder, despite slightly higher rates of thyroid and kidney dysfunction. Regular monitoring can help mitigate risks, making lithium a viable option for managing mood episodes.
A global review of research on dam impacts found widespread disruptions to diadromous species, reducing abundance and genetic diversity. Dam removal is identified as the most consistently effective strategy for restoring connectivity and migration routes in fragmented rivers.
The International Conference on Modular Integrated Construction brought together experts from HKU, government, industry, and academia to share advancements in MiC. Key collaborations were announced with the HKSAR Government and Shenzhen authorities, aiming to expand collaboration networks and promote innovative applications of MiC.
A team of scientists, including HKU astrobiologist Professor Yiliang LI, are working together to identify regions on Mars suitable for microbial life. The mission aims to bring Martian samples back to Earth for detailed analysis using sophisticated instruments.
A study by the University of Hong Kong found that Mondays uniquely drive long-term biological stress in older adults, with a significant increase in stress hormone levels up to two months later. The 'Anxious Monday' effect is linked to dysregulation of the body's stress response system and has implications for heart health.
A team of researchers from HKU Dentistry has developed a groundbreaking AI system that can predict early childhood caries risk for individual teeth based on microbial characteristics. The system achieved an accuracy rate of over 90% and identified distinct patterns in tooth-specific microbial communities that foretell dental decay.
Researchers suggest early continental crust formed through deep Earth processes called mantle plumes, rather than plate tectonics. They analyzed ancient rocks and found evidence of a two-stage process involving mantle plume upwelling and gravitational sagduction of greenstones.
A groundbreaking development by HKU researchers enables drones to navigate unknown environments at high speeds and avoid obstacles using onboard sensors and computing power. The Safety-Assured High-Speed Aerial Robot (SUPER) demonstrates exceptional agility, navigating dense forests at night and skilfully avoiding thin wires.