Researchers discovered the underlying cause of deafness caused by swelling in the inner ear chambers. The study identified two master genes, SOX9 and SOX10, controlling hearing function and providing a new resource for diagnosis and treatment of deafness and balance problems.
Researchers at HKUMed identify Δ42PD-1 as a key player in suppressing killer T cells and promoting tumor growth in HCC. Targeting this protein with an antibody can inhibit tumor growth and increase functional killer T cells, offering new hope for immunotherapy against HCC
Researchers confirmed smoking and obesity increase COVID-19 severity, with ACE2 mediating detrimental effects. Lower socioeconomic position also increases COVID-19 risk, highlighting social inequalities.
A recent study analyzing nearly 22,000 trees across five continents highlights the importance of old-growth trees in withstanding future droughts under climate change. Older hardwood trees exhibit a 21% growth reduction during drought, compared to a 28% reduction experienced by younger hardwood trees.
Researchers identify two southward migration events of Arctic ostracods in the Last Glacial Period, revealing the impact of East Asian winter monsoon on marine ecosystems. The study's findings help understand Asian monsoon dynamics and their effects on polar species distribution, highlighting the risk of extinction under climate change.
A collaborative research team led by Dr Philip Li from HKUMed has pioneered a new nurse-led penicillin allergy triage and testing strategy, which demonstrated its effectiveness and safety compared to traditional allergy testing. The study found that 90% of penicillin allergy labels in Hong Kong are incorrect, leading to potential letha...
Researchers found a reduction of 359,790 hospitalisations, but an increase of 1,873 deaths from cardiovascular diseases due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that some people may be reluctant to seek medical care even when severely ill.
HKU Marine Scientists found that oyster reef restoration rapidly increases marine biodiversity, with a 35% shortfall in species diversity and ecosystem services. The research suggests that long-term protection is needed to mature restored reefs into complex ecosystems.
Researchers at HKU have developed a novel technique to measure the rotational and translational motion of cell markers with high precision. This breakthrough technology uses single nitrogen-vacancy centers in nanodiamonds to tackle the long-standing challenge in mechanobiology research.
A new anti-virus has been discovered in a medical lecture. The lectin, known as H84T-BanLec, is highly effective against many different types of coronaviruses, including those causing COVID-19 and MERS-CoV. Its unique mechanism makes it difficult for viruses to develop resistance, making it a potential 'pan-coronavirus' antiviral drug ...
Researchers from HKU and Harvard University have developed a new triangular lattice model and sweeping cluster algorithm to simulate Rydberg arrays. Their simulations reveal highly entangled Z2 quantum spin liquids with large parameter regimes, providing valuable insights for future experiments.
A retrospective cohort study of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 found significant reductions in all-cause mortality and disease progression among those receiving oral antivirals like molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir–ritonavir. The study supports the use of these antivirals in this population.
HKU researchers create ultra-strong aerogels by combining aramid nanofibers with polyvinyl alcohol, outperforming traditional aerogels in load-bearing structures. The new material has vast applicational values for diverse functional devices.
A recent study by the University of Hong Kong estimates that there are between 20 x 10^15 and 2 x 10^17 individuals on Earth, weighing more than all wild birds and mammals combined. The study also found that ants are unevenly distributed over the global land surface, with tropical regions harbouring more ants than non-tropical regions.
A recent study by Dr Joseph Michalski from HKU suggests that the number of ancient Martian lakes may have been significantly overestimated. The analysis of satellite data reveals evidence for smaller lakes on Mars, which could contain critical information about past climates.
Researchers from HKU-CAS have created a new material that can produce dual-color spots inspired by nature, leading to innovative applications in message encryption and storage. The breakthrough was achieved through the self-assembly of nanostructures in a one-pot method, enabling programmable binary color information.
New research finds that most tokay geckos sold in Hong Kong's TCM shops originated from Southeast Asia, not locally. The study highlights the need for stricter control of pet trade releases to protect this vulnerable species.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies found a moderate association between antipsychotic use and an increased risk of breast cancer, estimated at over 30%. The study highlights the importance of risk-benefit assessment of antipsychotic prescription in high-risk patients.
A study by HKU Dentistry found that 'positive stress' can induce good changes in tooth stem cells, making them more resistant to injury and disease. The research team developed a preconditioning protocol that modified the cells genetically to mimic low oxygen conditions, which activated protective mechanisms.
Researchers have found the oldest visible planetary nebula, a rare celestial jewel, hosted by a 500 million-year-old galactic cluster. The team determined that the PN has a 'kinematic age' of 70,000 years and estimates its progenitor star's mass and residual core's mass.
A recent HKU study found that Global South cities experience only one-third of the greenspace exposure level of Global North cities, highlighting the need for prioritizing greening policies and actions. The research reveals a severe disparity in greenspace exposure linked to differences in greenspace provision and landscape design.
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.