Researchers at HKU have developed a photocatalytic approach to converting methane into ethanol, achieving an impressive apparent quantum efficiency of 9.4% and a methane conversion rate of 2.3%. This innovative method offers a highly desirable approach to decarbonising the chemical and fuel industries.
HKU achieves exceptional results in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, ranking 4th globally in Dentistry and Education. The university leads in 33 out of 50 subjects locally, accounting for two-thirds of the ranked subjects.
HKU Dentistry has earned 2nd place in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, solidifying its position as a leading institution in dentistry. The ranking reflects the faculty's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and oral healthcare.
The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Education achieved a record-high ranking of 3rd globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. The faculty sustained its first position in Asia and demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and educator development.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry suggests that poor sleep quality among older adults disrupts the brain's glymphatic system, leading to memory decline. The research team found that deactivation of the restorative glymphatic system negatively impacts normal brain function and cognitive health.
A study found that global biodiversity conservation funding is severely limited, with most threatened species receiving little to no support. The researchers call for a new approach to conservation funding, prioritizing all species equally.
Researchers at HKU have developed a neuromorphic exposure control system that mimics human peripheral vision to achieve unprecedented speed and robustness in dynamic perception environments. The system operates at 130 million events/sec, enabling edge deployment and addressing limitations of traditional exposure control.
Researchers analyzed over 9,200 towns and cities in Africa from 1950-2020 using remote sensing data to understand the evolution of urban systems. The study verifies the universality of urban system laws in African cities and identifies specific rules governing population growth and land use.
Researchers found that GLP-1 receptor agonists decrease whole-body fat mass by about 7.9 kg for every unit reduction in BMI, while muscle mass decreases by 6.4 kg. This suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists are more effective at reducing overall body fat than muscle mass.
A clinical research team from HKUMed discovered a novel gene DDX39B linked to a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome, causing developmental delay and hypotonia. The study used multi-omics analysis and identified six patients worldwide with variations in the gene, providing crucial information for targeted diagnostic and treatment plans.
Researchers at HKUMed have discovered how chemotherapeutic agents interact with microtubules to enhance cancer treatment. The study sheds light on the complex interplay between taxanes and microtubule acetylation.
Researchers develop 'entanglement microscopy' to map quantum entanglement in small regions of quantum systems, revealing intricate interactions and structures. The study reveals short-range entanglement at critical points and more gradual decline in entanglement with increasing separation.
A recent study found that 80% of NSAID allergy labels for stroke patients are inaccurate, leading to the use of less-effective medications and potentially dangerous consequences. The research highlights the need for thorough evaluation and management of drug allergies in Hong Kong.
Researchers at The University of Hong Kong have discovered that the PICH protein plays a vital role in preventing genetic errors during cell division, which can lead to diseases such as cancer. Without PICH, cells experience severe DNA damage and accumulate genetic errors.
A study by HKU ecologists highlights the ecological impact of releasing hybrid groupers into Hong Kong's coastal waters, disrupting local food webs and potentially becoming dominant predators. The research underscores the need for public education and conservation measures to mitigate unintended ecological impacts.
A recent HKU study found that ruminating on feelings of loneliness is closely linked to depression, not just actual loneliness. The research suggests targeting rumination and loneliness thoughts in interventions to curb depression.
A recent study by HKU ecologist Professor Alice C. Hughes reveals that almost 30,000 wild species were traded globally between 2000 and 2022, with over 50% sourced directly from the wild. This highlights the critical need for systematic monitoring of wildlife trade to assess its sustainability.
A research team at HKUMed successfully cultured human rhinovirus C using respiratory organoids, overcoming a 20-year challenge in virus cultivation. This breakthrough enables the study of HRV-C and expedites the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs.
Researchers have made valuable discoveries that could transform the conservation of two iconic cockatoo species. The studies uncovered new genetic insights, reshaping our understanding of these species and offering fresh hope for their survival amid severe threats from habitat loss and illegal trapping.
Professor Kaibin Huang, a renowned researcher at HKU, has been elected as a 2024 Fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors. His pioneering work in multi-antenna communications, wirelessly powered communication, and edge AI has made significant impacts on quality of life, economic development, and society.
Professor Charles Schencking, a leading historian of modern Japan, has been elected as a Corresponding Fellow of the Australian Academy of Humanities. His expertise in digital humanities, Islamic Studies, Asian Studies, and linguistics will foster collaboration with international institutions.
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.