A big-data study from HKUMed found a very low association between clozapine and blood cancer, contradicting previous Western studies. The study's comprehensive data monitoring measures suggest that clozapine can be safely used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
A 500,000-year fossil record study by HKU paleobiologists sheds light on temperature changes and food input shaping deep-sea ecosystems in the Southern Ocean. The research warns that human-induced warming may harm delicate deep-sea ecosystems with potential impacts of marine carbon removal.
Researchers developed a groundbreaking method to produce ultrathin and ultra-flexible diamond membranes with unprecedented efficiency. These versatile materials enable the creation of innovative devices in fields such as electronics, photonics, mechanics, thermics, acoustics, and quantum technologies.
A study by HKUMed researchers found that patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes are more susceptible to severe viral infections due to impaired immune function. Effective glycaemic control is crucial for bolstering anti-viral immunity and reducing health risks.
Researchers developed a near-infrared light-responsive implant surface that accelerates bone-to-implant integration by reducing acute inflammation and promoting mesenchymal stem cell recruitment. Bone-to-implant integration was accelerated from 28 days to just 14 days, doubling the speed in animal experiments.
Researchers from HKU Engineering discover how structure of Y-type acceptors impacts OPV performance, providing critical insights for future material development. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of flexible, affordable, and high-performance solar devices that can power a greener future.
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong are pioneering the interactive application of digital 3D scientific data in archaeological sites. By wearing MR/AR headsets while digging, they can virtually see removed walls and compare sections of ancient architecture.
The study found that internet users report fewer depressive symptoms, higher life satisfaction, and better self-reported health. Tailored interventions using internet connectivity can improve overall mental health in middle-aged and older populations.
Researchers discovered a specific protein controlling the colour difference in parrots, allowing them to transform red psittacofulvins into yellow. This 'dial-like' mechanism uses an aldehyde dehydrogenase gene to regulate the intensity of colourful plumage.
A HKUMed research team discovered a significant association between specific EBV variants and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which is prevalent in southern China. The study identified high-risk EBV haplotype present in about 70% of NPC cases, suggesting potential new avenues for screening and diagnosis.
Professor Qi Zhao, a HKU researcher, has been selected as one of the 35 Innovators Under 35 for the Asia Pacific Region 2024 by MIT Technology Review. He is recognized for his innovative research in quantum computing and quantum information, including efficient entanglement detection tools and novel simulation algorithms.
Researchers at HKU have developed a groundbreaking wearable in-sensor computing platform using stretchable organic electrochemical transistors. The platform integrates sensing, computing, and stretchability, enabling real-time processing and reducing power consumption.
A team of HKU chemists has made a breakthrough in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria by combining bismuth-based drugs with antibiotics. This synergistic approach disrupts bacterial iron homeostasis, effectively eliminating multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
Research reveals a substantial reduction in available sunlight due to cloud cover and urban structures, with cloud cover accounting for 55% of the decrease. The study emphasizes the pressing need for interdisciplinary urban planning strategies prioritizing access to natural sunlight.
Researchers developed a controlled 'point-contact catenation strategy' to guide catenation in supramolecular crystals, achieving record-high gravimetric and balanced volumetric surface areas. This design strategy unlocks the potential of organic supramolecular crystals for onboard hydrogen storage.
Researchers have discovered widespread intrusive magmatism in the South Pole-Aitken basin on the farside of the Moon. The study suggests that these magmatic activities played a crucial role in shaping the lunar crust, providing valuable insights into the Moon's early evolution and internal structure.
Researchers from HKU have developed a diffusion model-based algorithm called EMDiffuse to enhance imaging capabilities of complex biological systems using electron microscopy. The method addresses trade-offs between imaging speed, quality, and sample size, and improves the accuracy of ultrastructural details.
Ecologists from HKU have mapped global biogeographic regions for ants, revealing similarities between ant and plant distributions. The study uses advanced techniques to predict and analyze ant distribution, shedding light on the importance of including insects in biodiversity mapping.
A research team from the University of Hong Kong has discovered that the protein FANCM promotes resistance to cancer drugs called PARP inhibitors. This discovery could lead to new treatment strategies and broaden the application of PARP inhibitors across various cancer types.
The study found that biosimilar disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are more cost-effective than leflunomide for patients with inadequate response to methotrexate. Biosimilar treatment strategies can optimize resource allocation and improve patient outcomes.
A team of researchers from HKU developed a new approach to modify peptides at the late stage of development, allowing for precise targeting and improved drug properties. This method enables the installation of various functional groups onto tryptophan residues within native peptide structures.
Two rare fiddler crab species, Tubuca dussumieri and T. coarctata, have been confirmed in Hong Kong, with the potential impact of climate change and coastal development on their distribution explored. The study highlights the importance of environmental conservation for these species.
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong have developed a new generation of lithium metal batteries with microcrack-free polymer electrolytes, promising extended lifespan and enhanced safety. The batteries maintained 92.7% capacity retention and averaged 99.867% coulombic efficiency over 450 cycles at 100°C.
Researchers at HKU have developed a new method to assess the stability of 2D materials, enabling controllable tuning of their mechanical properties. The study provides opportunities for modulating nano-scale instability morphology and physical properties of atomically thin films.
Researchers reconstructing the history of biodiversity in the Indo-Australian Archipelago found that marine diversity increased since the early Miocene, driven by habitat factors. The findings suggest that the region's thermal stress moderated around 14 million years ago, allowing for favorable conditions for biodiversity to flourish.
A world-first study from HKUMed and Harvard found that continuous statin therapy reduces the relative risk of cardiovascular diseases by 21-35% in adults aged 75+, without increased safety concerns. The study used real-world data to inform decision-making on statin initiation for this large population.
Researchers at HKU have developed a concise approach to synthesize L-cyclodextrins, enabling the investigation of their chiral self-sorting and recognition properties. The availability of L-CDs opens up new opportunities for biomedical applications, including drug delivery systems and active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Researchers from University of Hong Kong developed a whole-body MRI scanner operating on standard wall power outlet without shielding cages, addressing MRI accessibility challenges. The machine achieved clear imaging at ultra-low field strength of 0.05 Tesla with improved image quality and reduced scan time.
The HKU eDNA & eEcology Lab organized the First International eDNA Workshop in Hong Kong, equipping new researchers with tools and knowledge to incorporate eDNA into their research. The workshop provided hands-on learning experience on sampling, processing, and analyzing eDNA samples.
Researchers have discovered a new parameter controlling the main auroral structure of planets, explaining differences in aurora displays on Earth, Saturn and Jupiter. This study provides insights into planetary magnetic fields and solar wind interactions, enhancing our understanding of space environments.
Researchers at The University of Hong Kong have developed a novel method to label proteins in specific cells and capture their interactions. This approach, MACSPI, uses a chemical probe to isolate and study tissue-specific protein-protein interactions, shedding light on organ development and disease pathogenesis.
The HKU Engineering team has developed an interactive multi-stage robotic positioner for MRI-guided stereotactic neurosurgery. The system enables precise interventions with a precision error of less than 3mm, demonstrating immense potential for integration into clinical practice.
Theoretical physicists from HKU collaborate with experimentalists to uncover a novel quantum state known as 'Dirac spin liquid' in YCu3-Br material. The discovery provides compelling evidence for the existence of Dirac spinons, expected to exhibit unique characteristics similar to Dirac particles.
Researchers from the University of Hong Kong develop a novel fluidic system called VasFluidics, which can modulate fluid compositions via spatially-different reactions. This discovery has promising applications in developing artificial blood vessels and biomimetic platforms for various biomedical applications.
Scientists at HKU have studied the volcanism of the Apollo basin and its surroundings, revealing diverse and complex volcanic activities. The study suggests that crustal thickness may be the primary cause of lunar asymmetrical volcanism, which can be tested by returned Chang'e-6 samples.
Soil invertebrates, particularly termites, contribute significantly to forest litter decomposition worldwide. The study highlights the importance of invertebrates in driving ecosystem processes and conserving biodiversity.
A four-year study found tai chi improved sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and physical function in advanced lung cancer patients. Tai chi demonstrated superior benefits over aerobic exercise in terms of mortality risk reduction and fatigue reduction.
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong have made a breakthrough in organic photovoltaics, enabling efficient and stable solar cell devices. By controlling the degree of aggregation of a new electron-accepting molecule called Y6, they improved charge generation efficiency and stability.
HKU researchers created Quantum-Enhanced Diamond Molecular Tension Microscopy (QDMTM) to study cell adhesion forces, offering enhanced sensitivity and precision. The technique differentiates cells in various adhesion states, aligning with previous findings.
Researchers led by Professor Jin Wu at HKU have developed a method to map plant functional traits from space using time-series satellite data. The approach combines vegetation spectroscopy and phenology, providing insights into ecosystem functioning and biodiversity.
A 20-year longitudinal study of over 3.6 million mother-baby pairs found no clear link between maternal diabetes during pregnancy and ADHD in children, suggesting shared genetic and familial factors may be at play.
A multidisciplinary research team from HKUMed has developed an innovative screening platform to assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 mutations on disease severity. They identified two FDA-approved drugs that can ease disease severity and discovered emerging viral variants with high potential to pose a significant risk to public health.
Research finds that supplementing propionate suppresses neurodegeneration in animal models of Parkinson's disease by regulating interorgan signalling. Increasing propionate levels rescues transcriptional aberration and enhances energy production, promoting neuronal health without protein aggregate dispersal.
Researchers mapped global Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas, finding a significant surge in WUIs over 35 years, with 6.62 million square kilometers at risk of wildfires. The study provides essential insights for effective fire management and resilient community development.
Researchers at HKU made a significant breakthrough in understanding the role of the secretin hormone in regulating energy metabolism and bone homeostasis. They found that secretin plays a vital role in controlling both appetite and bone density, challenging traditional views of its primary function.
Researchers at HKU discovered how DNA copying machine passes on epigenetic information to maintain gene traits. They found a chaperone complex FACT that interacts with parental histones during replication, ensuring faithful propagation of epigenetic info.
HKU chemists have developed a novel heterogeneous copper photocatalyst that enables the efficient formation of cyclobutane rings, a crucial structural element in pharmaceuticals and biologically active compounds. The new catalyst exhibits high stability and recyclability, making it more economically and environmentally sustainable.
Researchers at HKUMed developed a PD-1-enhanced DNA vaccine that induces sustained virus-specific CD8+ T cell immunity in an AIDS monkey model. The vaccinated monkeys remained free of AIDS for six years without cART, demonstrating the potential of this strategy as a third-generation DNA vaccine for AIDS prevention and immunotherapy.
Researchers identified rare variants in the SLC6A9 gene linked to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), disrupting glycine uptake and leading to aberrant glycinergic neurotransmission. The study suggests sodium benzoate as a potential preventive therapy, paving the way for targeted treatments and personalized medicine.
HKU Engineering researchers developed a groundbreaking quantum sensing technology using neuromorphic vision sensors, improving speed and resolution in widefield sensing. This breakthrough holds potential for various applications in fields like monitoring dynamic processes in biological systems.