Researchers have discovered a broadly neutralising antibody, ZCB11, that protects against all SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants. Administration of ZCB11 either prophylactically or therapeutically shields lung infection in golden Syrian hamsters from Omicron viral challenge.
Researchers at HKUMed & CityU discover that transcorneal electrical stimulation can alleviate depression-like symptoms and improve cognitive function in animal models. The technique also induced the expression of genes involved in brain cell growth, offering a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered how coronaviruses use caspase-6 to cleave and neutralize the host's interferon response, facilitating viral replication. By inhibiting or overexpressing caspase-6, researchers reduced coronavirus replication in various models, suggesting a potential target for antiviral treatment.
Researchers found that adult sea urchins can pass on heatwave resistance to their offspring, but this effect may not last throughout juvenile development. The study suggests that different life stages have varying abilities to cope with thermal stress, and that parental conditioning can help juveniles survive in extreme temperatures.
A team led by Dr SeyedAbdolreza Sadjadi and Professor Quentin Parker from HKU's Laboratory for Space Research identified highly ionised species of C60 fullerene as plausible carriers of some prominent UIE bands. Theoretical mid-infrared signatures of these ionised forms match well with astronomical UIE features, providing a promising d...
A research team from HKU discovered clear evidence of a highly entangled quantum matter, known as a quantum spin liquid (QSL), through large-scale simulations on supercomputers. The findings suggest the existence of QSLs in nature and provide new insights into topological order and quantum entanglement.
The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Dentistry has developed an AI-powered approach to automate denture design, allowing for high accuracy and reducing treatment time. The new method uses a 3D Generative Adversarial Network (3D-GAN) algorithm to reconstruct the shape of natural teeth and generate prosthetic teeth.
A global team of experts identifies 15 emerging issues threatening marine and coastal biodiversity, including lithium extraction and deep-sea fishing. The horizon scan highlights the importance of assessing these issues now to drive policy change and protect ecosystems.
Researchers found hyperactive amygdala-pons connectivity in individuals with major depressive disorder, associated with severity of psychological symptoms. The pons interacts with the amygdala to process sad affective information, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for mood regulation.
Researchers from HKU developed a novel photonic chipscope for label-free monitoring of live cell activities. The device enables real-time monitoring without artificial manipulation, providing new insights into fundamental research and drug discovery.
The research team developed an origami microfluidic device that responds to temperature, humidity, and light, following the preset origami folds. This innovation has significant implications for precision medicine and biomedical applications.
The study discovered that cyclic hypertensive pressure stimulation and matrix compliance regulate vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch, leading to intimal thickening and early atherosclerosis progression. Cofilin is identified as the key regulator in this process.
Researchers at HKU's Conservation Forensics Lab have developed a powerful new tool for monitoring the trade of rare and endangered fish species in Hong Kong wet markets. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, they were able to identify over 100 species of fish that had passed through the market.
Researchers at HKU have discovered a novel cellular and molecular interaction between cancer cells and tumour-associated macrophages that promote peritoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer. The study reveals that Wnt/b-catenin signalling upregulates the expression of metadherin, which communicates with macrophages through CEACAM1.
A study found that strengthened road safety policies reduced road traffic injuries and drink-driving in Hong Kong by 13.8% and 63.6%, respectively, after the implementation of these measures in 2008. The research also showed a sustained decline in road traffic injuries linked to increased police traffic enforcement.
Researchers at HKU have identified a new protein, SBK1, that regulates lipid metabolism in the liver and alleviates health problems caused by fatty liver disease. The study found that SBK1 activity reduces lipid accumulation, inflammation, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia in mice with fructose-induced fatty liver disease.
A new approach called REFERS enables automatic acquisition of supervision signals from hundreds of thousands of radiology reports, achieving high accuracy in predictions. The innovative method reduces human cost by 90% and surpasses conventional medical image diagnosis employing AI algorithms.
A research team at LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, has discovered a new molecular pathway governing melanoma angiogenesis and metastasis. They found that the expression of DEPDC1B is significantly associated with poor patient survival and positively correlated with melanoma growth and metastasis.
Researchers at HKU have developed a photo-responsive nanomedicine that targets colon tumours and releases drugs to kill cancer cells upon light irradiation. The technology has shown promising results in inhibiting tumour growth and minimizing side effects.
Researchers found that tropical carbon loss has doubled over the past two decades due to excessive forest removal, primarily caused by agricultural expansion. This study highlights the importance of monitoring deforestation trends and the need for effective strategies to reduce forest loss.
A collaboration study led by HKUMed found that patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) have a 52% greater risk of all-cause mortality compared to treatment-responsive patients. TRD also consumes greater healthcare resources in both psychiatric and non-psychiatric services.
Researchers from HKUMed found that pet Syrian hamsters acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmitted it to humans, resulting in sustained transmission. The study highlights the need for systematic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in animals.
Researchers at HKUMed found that intramuscular olanzapine is a cost-effective and safer alternative to traditional sedatives like haloperidol. IM olanzapine was shown to be more benign on the cardiovascular system and had fewer movement disorders compared to haloperidol.
Researchers found that some fish species can rapidly evolve molecular toolkits to cope with ocean acidification, allowing them to maintain population size and biodiversity. However, other species may struggle to adapt, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Researchers found that smoking increases the risk of contracting both mild and severe COVID-19 by 19% and 48%, respectively. Lung function and COPD did not mediate these associations.
Restored tropical forests can survive climate change and continue accumulating carbon until the end of the century. Prioritizing forest restoration based on factors like land cost and carbon potential is crucial for maximizing impact.
The research team measured Rényi entanglement entropy at DQCP and found scaling behaviour that contradicts conventional LGW phase transition descriptions. The findings confirm a revolutionised understanding of phase transition theory and raise questions about deconfined quantum criticality.
Researchers discovered guard cell chloroplasts do not produce ATP through photosynthesis. Instead, they utilize imported cytosolic ATP for starch turnover and stomatal opening, revealing a unique energy source for these critical cellular processes.
A comprehensive study by HKU researchers found that digital competence is associated with reduced risk of gaming addiction and cyberbullying among children and adolescents. The study highlights the importance of equipping future generations with better digital skills to promote healthy media use and reduce addictive behaviors.
Researchers found that mRNA-vaccinated individuals mounted rapid, broadly reactive immune responses after Omicron breakthrough infection, resulting in mild clinical symptoms. The study suggests that completing the mRNA vaccination series is crucial for protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
HKU Electrical and Electronic Engineering researchers have successfully developed a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology that can operate from a standard AC wall power outlet, removing the need for radiofrequency shielding. The ultralow field (ULF) 0.055 Tesla brain MRI scanner is estimated to be only a fraction of the cost ...
Researchers at HKUMed have discovered a stepwise upregulation of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) in circulating extracellular vesicles from liver cancer patients, suggesting its potential as a non-invasive diagnostic marker. The study also found that pIgR-enriched EVs promote cancer stemness and tumorigenesis in mouse models, ...
Researchers found a mussel-derived compound strengthens resin-dentin bond and improves its durability. The compound, N-(3,4-dihydroxyphenethy) methacrylamide (DMA), reduces nanoleakage and increases longevity of dental fillings.
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong found that the Omicron variant is less effective in replicating cells and causing diseases than other COVID-19 variants. The study suggests that mutations in the spike protein may reduce its capacity to use a certain pathway, impairing its entry and replication.
Researchers discovered that a bismuth drug combined with N-acetyl cysteine can suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication and reduce viral loads in the lung. The oral cocktail therapy showed improved uptake of bismuth in tissues and enhanced antiviral potency.
Researchers at HKU have identified the molecular mechanisms activating salt-induced adaptive changes in soybeans, which could provide solutions for saline agriculture. The study found that specific proteins and signaling pathways play a crucial role in helping plants cope with soil salinity.
The HKUMed research team successfully repurposed an approved drug, ifenprodil, in combination with the FDA-approved drug sorafenib to treat liver cancer. The study leveraged CRISPR-Cas9 screening platform to identify a common target known as NMDAR1 and its paired targets, which inhibits HCC cells' growth and self-renewal ability.
Researchers at HKUMed developed a new vaccine regimen that induces robust mucosal immunity, preventing SARS-CoV-2 nasal infection in animal models. The heterologous combination of PD1-RBD-DNA and LAIV-HK68-RBD vaccines demonstrated superior protection against pandemic variants, including Alpha, Beta, and Delta.
A recent study found that the Omicron COVID-19 variant can significantly reduce the virus-neutralizing ability of Pfizer BioNTech vaccines, with a 32-fold reduction observed. However, the study suggests that vaccines may still provide protection against severe disease and death.
Research finds lockdowns led to significant reductions in non-COVID mortality, with a decrease of 12.5% after loosening measures, resulting in the prevention of 293,000 deaths. Improved air quality and increased sanitizing surfaces also contributed to fewer deaths from infectious diseases.
Researchers created anti-COVID-19 stainless steel with alloying elements, inactivating viruses on its surface. The material can replace frequently touched public products to reduce COVID-19 transmission risk.
The HKU team discovers a vast prokaryotic viral diversity in activated sludge, influencing pollutant removal and environmental protection. Phages can curb undesired bacteria, improving wastewater treatment efficiency.
Researchers at HKU have identified a naturally occurring flavone as a potential drug for obesity treatment. The study found that obesity damages skeletal muscle metabolism by reducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, leading to impaired mitochondrial function and insulin resistance.
Researchers have identified genetic risk factors associated with SOX5 and CHST3 genes, key regulators of intervertebral disc development, linked to spine osteoarthritis. The study reveals a strong correlation between degeneration of intervertebral discs and spine OA, as well as links to back pain, knee, hip, and neck/shoulder pain.
A new study reveals pterosaurs had a wing root fairing made of skeletal muscle, improving force generation and wing shape control. The findings suggest pterosaurs were more advanced flyers than previously thought, with significant contributions to their flight anatomy and evolution.
Researchers found strong peaks of local extinction and origination before and after the PETM, indicating a great perturbation of the shallow-marine ecosystem. The ecosystem recovered strongly near the end of the PETM, but the impacts were irreversible, changing faunal composition permanently.
The study reveals step-wise molecular changes in viral polymerase and nucleoprotein that facilitated efficient pig-to-pig transmission. The findings suggest strategic coordination of surveillance and risk assessment activities to identify viruses with pandemic potential.
Researchers at HKU have discovered the cellular proteins used to process foreign DNA fragments into an artificial chromosome. The study provides insights into the mechanisms of DNA assembly and centromere formation, facilitating the engineering of artificial chromosomes for cloning and gene therapy.
Researchers developed a framework to predict effects of marine heatwaves on ecosystems and identify key species for adaptation. The trait-based approach will help managers tailor strategies to enhance community resilience under climate change.
Researchers have discovered an innovative way to navigate liquids on a surface without external force or energy. The breakthrough enables controllability, versatility and performance in delivering and transporting liquids, offering potential solutions for thermal management, desalination and other applications.