Researchers have discovered a new enzyme, SbSOMT, that unlocks the potential for health-promoting compounds in sorghum. The enzyme catalyzes the production of O-methylated stilbenes, which have been shown to possess anti-ageing, anti-neurodegeneration, and anti-diabetes properties.
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong have made a breakthrough in understanding how memories are consolidated in the brain. Using functional MRI, they found that thalamic spindle activities can improve memory retention and activate specific areas of the brain.
Researchers developed MicroSpine, a shape-transforming structure mimicking the human spine, with soft-hard components that can act as microactuators. The system demonstrates precise actuation modes and temperature-controlled release of guest objects.
The Multidisciplinary Molecular Tumour Board (MTB) has been shown to improve treatment response rates for patients with advanced solid cancer, with 64% of patients benefiting from the MTB-guided approach. The board provides a systematic precision oncology strategy for treatment selection, combining expertise in multiple disciplines.
A research team from HKUMed has developed a new platform to rapidly engineer and select the best precise genome editors for therapeutic applications. The platform allows for parallel testing of hundreds of base editor variants, enabling the selection of the most suitable ones with maximal efficiency and minimal undesired edits.
Researchers at HKUMed have developed a novel microneedle patch that uses ultrasound-responsive antibacterial nanoparticles to effectively treat skin infections caused by P. acnes bacteria. The treatment promotes pain-free delivery and facilitates skin repair, offering a non-antibiotic approach for acne and other skin conditions.
A study published in the International Dental Journal demonstrates the use of artificial intelligence to detect signs of gum inflammation, such as redness, swelling, and bleeding, from intraoral photographs with high accuracy. The technology enables population-wide monitoring of gum health and personalized dental care.
Researchers at HKU have designed a self-assembling artificial spherical chromatophore nanomicelle system that mimics the photosynthetic apparatus of bacteria, achieving high stability and efficiency in solar energy conversion. This breakthrough could lead to sustainable solutions for carbon-neutral fuels and renewable energy.
The HKU team's PULSAR boasts full onboard perception, mapping, and control capabilities in indoor and outdoor environments without external instruments. It can detect static and dynamic obstacles, track complex trajectories, and navigate autonomously even in complete darkness.
A new catalyst converts methane into formaldehyde using sunlight, achieving nearly 100% selectivity and high conversion efficiency. The synergy of copper and tungsten atomic species enhances the overall efficiency and selectivity of the process.
A study led by Dr Mike YY Leung found that internal fixation surgery using titanium plates and screws (SSRO) improves patients' oral health-related quality of life faster than traditional IVRO. Patients who underwent SSRO had better physical and mental health-related QoL, with improvements starting as early as 2 weeks after surgery.
Researchers develop a novel wavelength-selective intelligent colloid system that achieves light-controlled multi-dimensional phase segregation, enabling the creation of programmable photochromic ink for various applications. The system relies on rearranging existing pigments rather than generating new chromophores.
A research team from HKU has developed a new type of electroconductive hydrogels with outstanding mechanical strength and manufacturability, enabling various bioelectronic devices. The material shows high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, making it suitable for applications such as neural prosthetics and cardiac patches.
Researchers at HKU developed a novel smart manufacturing method for dental crowns using generative AI, producing personalised crowns with high accuracy that mimic natural teeth. The 3D-DCGAN algorithm improves the quality of design through internal competition between a generator and a discriminator.
Researchers found Dark Matter does not consist of ultramassive particles but rather ultralight particles that travel like waves. The discovery resolves an outstanding problem in astrophysics and provides new insights into the nature of Dark Matter.
The study found that the global prevalence of H. pylori infection declined from 58.2% in 1980-1990 to 43.1% in 2011-2022, with a decline of about 0.39-0.83% per year. Despite this decline, over 40% of the adult population still carries the infection, posing a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide.
A research team created the first human respiratory organoid culture system, enabling scientists to study COVID-19 and its variants. The study found that the BA.5 Omicron variant exhibits dramatically increased infectivity and replicative capacity in human nasal and airway organoids.
A research team led by Dr Gary Ying Wai Chan reveals the function of enzyme ANKLE1 in cutting chromatin bridges, preventing DNA damages and autoimmunity. This discovery has significant implications for understanding immune responses and developing new strategies to prevent diseases such as cancer and autoinflammatory disorders.
Researchers developed tendon-mimetic hydrogels with outstanding mechanical properties, including excellent Young's modulus and strength, by mixing aramid nanofibers with polyvinyl alcohol. These hydrogels show promising capabilities for tissue repair and implantable medical devices.
Researchers at HKU use single-cell transcriptomic data and phylostratigraphy to estimate the evolutionary origin of different cells in C. elegans. They find significant variation in transcriptome age among cell types, revealing insights into adaptation and developmental patterns.
A team of researchers has discovered that chromium(III) supplementation can regulate glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic mice by targeting ATP synthase activity. This process improves mitochondrial deformation caused by high glucose levels and boosts glucose metabolism.
A research team led by Dr Chaogu ZHENG from the University of Hong Kong studies the transcriptome age of C. elegans at the single-cell level, revealing insights into cellular basis of 'hourglass' pattern of animal development and evolutionary relationship among cell types.
A global research team found that long-term methylphenidate treatment does not increase the risk of growth impairments or psychiatric events, but may lead to modest increases in blood pressure. The study suggests potential disparities in ADHD medication access by country-income levels.
A research team at HKUMed has invented a non-invasive technology to effectively reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in bony tissue. The novel antibacterial nano-sheets can release ROS subject to ultrasound stimulation, eliminating MRSA bacteria deeply seated in bony tissue with 99.72% efficacy.
A research team from HKUMed developed thyroid hormone (TH)-encapsulated nanoparticles that selectively target adipose tissues, reducing obesity-related metabolic complications and atherosclerosis. The treatment converts 'bad' white fat to 'good' brown fat, burning calories and alleviating hypercholesterolemia.
A research team led by Dr Lisa Levin assessed the potential risks of OBCIs on deep-sea ecosystems, raising substantial concern about their impacts on biodiversity and biogeochemistry. The study highlights the need for an integrated research framework to carefully consider the cost and benefits of each intervention.
A HKU Mechanical Engineering team has developed a new generation of lithium-ion batteries that are safer, more powerful and have a longer lifespan. The innovative design uses single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes that can conduct electricity faster than traditional liquid electrolytes.
A retrospective cohort study found that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) significantly reduced the risk of end-stage renal disease, obstructive airway disease, and pneumonia in patients with type 2 diabetes. SGLT2i may be a better alternative to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors for extra-glycaemic protection.
A research team led by Dr Gary Ying Wai Chan has uncovered a new mechanism that ensures correct DNA segregation in cell division, preventing cancer development. RIF1 and protein phosphatase 1 play a crucial role in resolving ultrafine DNA bridges, which can lead to DNA damage and genome instability if not properly resolved.
A research team developed a new dentine analogue material that can substitute extracted human teeth in laboratory-based mechanical and fatigue tests. The materials were tested for their mechanical strength, elastic modulus, indentation hardness, and fatigue behaviour, showing comparable results to those based on extracted human teeth.
Researchers have identified novel host protease determinants that facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry, including membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMP) and ADAM families. Inhibiting these proteases may provide a new treatment strategy against the Omicron variant.
Researchers at HKU Engineering have developed a new type of continuous Marangoni transport system that generates highly ordered Fermat's spiral patterns. The system utilizes an aqueous two-phase system, inspiring potential biological applications and novel methods for fibre fabrication.
Researchers from HKU identified a protein called menin as the 'reader' of H3K79me2, a histone mark associated with cancer. They used a novel chemical approach to capture menin and visualized its interaction using cryo-electron microscopy.
Researchers estimated that three doses of Comirnaty and CoronaVac vaccines were 48% and 30% effective, respectively, in preventing Omicron infection. Boosters improved efficacy to 69% and 56%, but protection waned over time.
Researchers from HKU School of Biological Sciences reveal the important role of SCT Receptor in regulating drinking behaviour under thirst. The study demonstrates how SCTR participates in SFO to regulate thirst and provides new insights into gut-brain axis regulation.
The international group of clinicians established guidelines on measuring plasma EBV DNA in managing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plasma EBV DNA can be used in most clinical circumstances with imaging scans, but cannot replace essential procedures like nasoendoscopy and tumour biopsy.
Researchers from HKUMed discovered that somatic deletion of AKTIP promotes luminal breast cancer development and resistance to endocrine therapy. Blocking the alternative escape pathway with a JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor can overcome this resistance, offering new therapeutic possibilities for patients with AKTIP gene deletion.
A research team led by Professor Xiang David LI has developed a novel chemical tool called photo-ANA to investigate bacterial interactions with the host in real-time. This approach enables scientists to comprehensively profile host–bacteria protein interactions during infection, revealing known and newly discovered interactions.
A research team from HKUMed identified chronic Type I Interferon signalling as a driver of CD8+ T cell exhaustion and therapy resistance. The study highlights the harmful effect of IFN-I on tumour-killing CD8+ T cells, providing new insights into immunotherapy improvement.
Coral hosts can punish selfish algae by limiting nutrient supply, promoting more beneficial species. This finding sheds light on coral survival and potential interventions to prevent bleaching due to climate change.
A phase II clinical study has found that nearly 50% of patients with inoperable locally advanced liver cancer can be cured using the tri-modality therapy. The 'Reduce and Remove' approach, which combines TACE, SBRT, and immunotherapy, results in a 90% two-year survival rate with minimal side effects.
The study found that YTT recruits were of high caliber, with many coming from global top-100 PhD programmes. They recorded a noticeably higher post-return productivity compared to their overseas peers, mainly due to access to greater funding and research teams in China.
A new jaw surgery technique, segmental mandibular advancement (SMA), has been shown to effectively treat moderate-to-severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in a pilot study. The procedure resulted in a 50% or more reduction in breathing disturbances at night for 58% of patients, with no signs of sleep apnea.
Researchers uncover new mechanism of human MCM2-7 complex in regulating replication initiation, offering novel anticancer strategy for selective killing of cancer cells. The study provides high-resolution structural and mechanistic information on the human pre-initiation complex.
Researchers at The University of Hong Kong and MIT have developed a new method to produce stronger interactions between photons and electrons, enabling hundredfold increases in light emission. This breakthrough has potential ramifications for commercial applications and fundamental scientific research.
Researchers developed biosensors to measure real-time energy changes in plant cells, revealing the bioenergetics of pollen tube growth. The study found that mitochondrial respiration is a main source of cytosolic ATP, while plastid glycolysis supplies plastid ATP.
Researchers at HKUMed have established a baseline for gene expression profiles of amniotic fluid cells using RNA-sequencing, providing potential clinical utility for prenatal diagnosis. The study identified outliers in genes associated with structural congenital anomalies, offering new evidence for diagnosis.
Researchers at HKUMed identified a new type of nasopharyngeal carcinoma associated with EBV and immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Global DNA hypermethylation was found to be a critical step in NPC pathogenesis, while global DNA hypomethylation may lead to immune evasion.
Researchers at HKU-CAS Joint Laboratory have developed a protonation process to enhance the efficiency of photocatalysts in generating hydrogen using visible solar light. The discovery could lead to more efficient and stable solar energy utilization, paving the way for 'net-zero' green hydrogen production.
A high-precision 3D printing method has been developed to produce polarisation-encoded 3D anticounterfeiting labels with increased data encryption density. The new label can encrypt more digital information than a traditional 2D label.