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Prof. Sharon Y. C. RUAN’s research on “CFTR mediates Cl- transport in osteocytes to sustain cell viability and skeletal homeostasis” published in Nature Communications

Research paper titled “CFTR mediates Cl- transport in osteocytes to sustain cell viability and skeletal homeostasis”, with Professor Sharon Y. C. RUAN as the corresponding author, was recently published in Nature Communications. Prof. RUAN’s work has demonstrated for the first time that chloride channel CFTR keeps osteocytes alive and limits bone loss, revealing a new mechanism for maintaining long lived bone cells and suggesting a potential strategy to protect bone health.     “CFTR mediates Cl- transport in osteocytes to sustain cell viability and skeletal homeostasis“ Peijie Hu, Wanting Du, Muyan Chu, Junjiang Chen, Xiaotian Zhang, Ziyi Chen, Jun Hu, Lei Qin, Wayne Yuk-Wai Lee, Jinghui Guo, Hui Chen, Ruiyao Xu, Xiaojun Cai, Xiaohua Jiang, Hsiao Chang Chan, Ling Qin*, Jiankun Xu* & Ye Chun Ruan* Nature Communications (2026). doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-72349-0   Abstract Osteocytes are long-lived with underlying mechanisms largely unknown. Here, we report that osteocyte-specific knockout of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) results in excessive osteocyte death, proinflammatory cytokine surge, osteoclast overactivation and bone formation impairment leading to bone loss in adult mice. Consistently in MLO‑Y4 osteocyte‑line, CFTR-knockout causes progressive cell death, which is reversed by CFTR overexpression or medium replenishment. A massive proinflammatory osteocyte secretome is evoked by CFTR-knockout, which deteriorates wild-type osteocytes, inhibits osteogenic differentiation, while robustly stimulates osteoclastogenic differentiation in vitro. Patch-clamp/Cl--imaging verifies CFTR to mediate Cl- transport in osteocytes, while Cl--deprivation mimics CFTR-knockout to trigger transcriptomic/proteomic changes, cell stress and death. Additionally, osteocyte CFTR is downregulated in aged human bones; local delivery of CFTR via adenovirus or a CFTR modulator increases viable osteocytes and bone mass in aged mice. Together, the present study reveals a direct role of CFTR-mediated Cl- transport in sustaining osteocyte viability and skeletal homeostasis.   About Nature Communications Nature Communications is an open access, multidisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research in all areas of the biological, health, physical, chemical, Earth, social, mathematical, applied, and engineering sciences.

PolyU collaborates with the National University of Singapore (NUS) to accelerate the adoption of AI-enabled healthcare innovations

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The National University of Singapore (NUS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the adoption of healthcare innovations. Witnessed by Prof. Cheng DONG, Associate Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) of PolyU, and Prof. Roger FOO, Vice-Dean (Research), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine of NUS, the MoU was signed by Prof. Chunyi WEN, Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU, and Prof. Wei Seong TOH, Research Director and Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine of NUS on 5 June 2026. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic degenerative disease which can hamper the functioning and the quality of life of older adults. To address KOA, Prof. Chunyi WEN leads a research team that has developed an innovative AI-empowered biomechanical assessment tool, KneeVidScan, to enable early identification and intervention of knee osteoarthritis. This technology has been recognised with TechConnect Global Innovation Award 2021 and Hong Kong ICT Award 2022. By leveraging PolyU’s innovation, Prof. WEN and his team launched the first community screening programme for knee osteoarthritis in Hong Kong in 2023 and have since served more than 1,800 older adults under the auspices of HKSAR Government’s Innovation and Technology Fund for Better Living. The related results were recently published in a prestigious scholarly journal from Nature Portfolio.  This MoU strengthens a shared commitment to the implementation of KneeVidScan in real-world clinical practice, and to the establishment of a strategic academic-clinical partnership that focuses on healthy ageing, functional mobility, and community-based musculoskeletal research. It is the first time the NUS Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has introduced Hong Kong’s AI technology and expertise in knee osteoarthritis to Singapore, helping to advance precision orthopaedics in the primary healthcare setting and also enhancing the academic collaboration between Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Through this collaboration, the identification and management of knee osteoarthritis in community settings can be improved by enabling earlier intervention, improving care navigation and right-siting, and reducing downstream burden on hospital services.

PolyU BME PhD student Hejin CAI awarded First Runner-up at Faculty of Engineering 3MT® Competition

PolyU BME PhD student Hejin CAI won the First Runner-up at the PolyU Faculty of Engineering Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®), which was held on 4 June 2026, by presenting the topic “The Hidden Story Behind Standing Up”. 3MT® celebrates the exciting research conducted by Doctor of Philosophy students. Developed by the University of Queensland, Australia, the competition cultivates the academic, presentation, and research communication skills of research postgraduate students and supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes in a language appropriate to non-specialist audience. 3MT® is a globally recognized competition which are now held in over 900 universities across more than 85 countries worldwide. Congratulations to Hejin CAI!

Congratulations to Ir Prof. Ming ZHANG on being elected as Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering (CSBME) Fellow

Congratulations to Ir Prof. Ming ZHANG on being elected as Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering (CSBME) Fellow (中國生物醫學工程學會會士). Founded in 1980, the Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering (CSBME) is a national first-class society, which is rated 4A by the Ministry of Civil Affairs. It is the only professional society in China that integrates scientific research, teaching, clinical practice and research and development. At present, CSBME has more than 42,000 members comprised of professionals in the field of biomedical engineering. There are 45 distinguished scholars elected as CSBME Fellows since 2024, and Ir Prof. Ming ZHANG is one of the seven newly-appointed CSBME Fellows in 2026. Prof. ZHANG was the founding Chair of the first CSBME Rehabilitation Engineering Technical Committee. Today, the Rehabilitation Engineering branch has become the Society's largest and most exemplary division by membership, maintaining a long-standing, deep involvement in the society’s various academic endeavors. Congratulations once again to Prof. ZHANG!

Qiangnao and PolyU launch “People-Oriented Technology Programme” to deploy cutting-edge intelligent bionic limbs for Hong Kong amputees

The kick-off ceremony of the “People-Oriented Technology Programme by Qiangnao Technology and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University” (the Programme) was successfully held today at the Central Government Offices of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Jointly organised by Qiangnao Technology (Qiangnao) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), with the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) of the HKSAR Government of the People’s Republic of China serving as the advisory body, the initiative marks a proactive response to the “Support People-Oriented Scientific Research” policy outlined in the 2025 Policy Address. The Programme introduces Qiangnao’s advanced intelligent bionic hands and bionic knee joints for local configuration and use. Funded and supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), the trial programme allows eligible amputees in Hong Kong to apply for configuration and use of these high-tech prostheses free of charge, facilitating the practical transformation of cutting-edge medical technology to tangible benefits for those in need. The kick-off ceremony was officiated by Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government of the People’s Republic of China; Mr Kelvin CHOI, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; and Mr Ivan LEE, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, alongside Mr Bicheng HAN, Founder and CEO of Qiangnao; Ms Sienna XU, Representative of Qiangnao; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; and Prof. Yongping ZHENG, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU. The event was also attended by participants from the first phase of trial who have already been fitted with the intelligent prostheses, medical rehabilitation experts and representatives from social welfare organisations. The event aims to raise awareness of the Programme within Hong Kong's disability community so that more individuals in need can benefit. Applications are now officially open to eligible individuals. Prof. SUN Dong stated, “Today’s I&T initiatives respond to the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which calls for the full implementation of the ‘AI+’ action plan to empower public well-being through AI. Hong Kong possesses strong research capabilities, with five universities ranked among the world’s top 100 and two medical schools in the global top 40. It has a solid foundation in life and health technology, AI, and robotics, and is well positioned to put into practice the principle of technology for the benefit of people. The launch of the programme also embodies the original intent of using technology for good and being people-oriented, bringing cutting-edge technologies into real-world applications, to the lives of citizens in need.” Mr Bicheng HAN stated, “Over the next two years, with the support of the HKSAR Government, Qiangnao will work with PolyU and partners from all sectors of society to diligently implement the project and provide service support, so that more eligible amputees in Hong Kong can receive high-tech prostheses free of charge. We will also continue to enhance product experience and rehabilitation support services.” Prof. Jin-Guang TENG said, “Scientific research must ultimately benefit society. The vision for developing people-oriented technology, as outlined in the Chief Executive’s Policy Address, aligns perfectly with PolyU’s motto, ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’. This Programme holds immense significance: Qiangnao brings world-leading core technologies in intelligent bionic prostheses, while PolyU provides local implementation, promotion, and scientific research support. The team will evaluate the effectiveness of the technology based on clinical application scenarios, collect user feedback for timely adjustments and optimisations, and continuously improve the overall user experience. With the support of the Innovation and Technology Fund, this initiative ensures that cutting-edge technology truly serves public livelihood and benefits society.” The initial phase of the Programme aims to fit 60 Hong Kong amputees with intelligent bionic hands and bionic knee joints, managed by the PolyU team. The intelligent bionic hands help upper-limb amputees restore grip strength and fine-motor capabilities. The intelligent bionic knee joints are equipped with multi-sensor and a smart hydraulic system, and can detect walking intentions in real time. They support climbing stairs and switching between fast and slow walking speeds, and feature emergency-stop and fall-prevention protections. It is anticipated that users will experience a significant boost in self-care abilities and confidence in returning to the workplace after fitting. During the kick-off ceremony, amputees who had been successfully fitted with the high-tech prostheses under the Programme shared their experience and stories. The intelligent bionic hand contains sensors that detect myoelectric and neural signals from upper-limb muscles without any internal implantation, thereby controlling the hand’s movements. After training, wearers can perform delicate daily tasks such as writing and playing musical instruments. Users of intelligent bionic knee joints can walk on flat ground, climb stairs and participate in sports activities. Building upon existing roadmap, Qiangnao and PolyU will engage in deep cooperation, combining PolyU’s academic excellence, talent, and research and development capabilities with Qiangnao’s expertise in product commercialsation and advanced technology to co-establish the “Joint Research Centre for Brain-Computer Interfaces”. The centre plans to explore areas such as custom prosthetics, rehabilitation training systems, and interdisciplinary interaction design. This will drive the integration of scientific research and clinical application, bringing solutions tailored to the needs of the local disability community. Against the backdrop of the HKSAR Government’s sustained investment in innovation and technology, emerging fields like Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) are gradually being included in urban development policy. As cross-disciplinary collaboration and technical evolution accelerate, BCI is moving toward broader application scenarios. While helping people transcend physical and mental boundaries, it is also becoming a vital force in driving social inclusion and technological transformation. For over a decade, Qiangnao has focused on the research and development and implementation of non-invasive BCI core technologies. From intelligent bionic hands and knee joints to autism intervention and sleep assistance products, the company adheres to the philosophy of “Tech for Good”, ensuring innovation serves society. Looking ahead, Mr Bicheng HAN expressed his hopes for deeper future collaboration with Hong Kong in medical rehabilitation and other sectors, leveraging technology to drive urban development and allowing frontier technology to truly serve the public. PolyU has spent years cultivating expertise in medical and rehabilitation technology, housing Hong Kong’s only internationally recognised education and training pathway for prosthetics and orthotics. Utilising its unique advantages in “medicine-engineering integration” and clinical translation, PolyU is helping top-tier intelligent prosthetic technologies successfully land, expand, and continuously optimise in Hong Kong. The PolyU team will leverage real-world clinical settings to validate technical efficacy and collect user feedback for adjustments, fully enhancing and optimising the application experience for users.   Ms Sienna Xu introduced Qiangnao’s advanced intelligent bionic hands and bionic knee joints. During the kick-off ceremony, amputees who had successfully been fitted with the high-tech prostheses under the Programme shared their experience and stories.   Press release in Chinese: https://polyu.hk/dhWtO

Call for Registration: 2026 PolyU BME Alumni Connect: Happy Hour

2026 PolyU BME Alumni Connect: Happy Hour Department Updates • Networking • Guided Wine Tasting   We are excited to invite our BME alumni to register for the 2026 BME Alumni Connect: Happy Hour. Exclusively for PolyU BME alumni, this event is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, hear the latest departmental milestones, and foster stronger ties within our professional community. The evening also features a guided wine tasting session led by a professional sommelier.   Event Details: Date:  26 June 2026 (Friday) Time:  6:30pm - 8:00pm Venue:  Vinoteca Wine Lab (School of Hotel and Tourism Management, PolyU) Refreshments:  A selection of three wines and small bites Fee:  Complimentary (Free of charge) Registration:  https://polyu.hk/JeYLl (Registration closes on 17 May 2026 at 11:59pm HKT)   As seats are limited, we appreciate your understanding that the below steps ensure all available spots can be enjoyed by those able to join us. Here’s the 3-step process for securing a seat: Register interest: Complete the registration form. Notification: Successful registrants will receive a “Notification of seat availability” email between 18-22 May. Confirm: The recipient of the notification email must reply "Yes, I will attend" within 3 working days to finalise and secure his/her spot.   Important Remarks This event is exclusively for PolyU BME alumni. By registering, you confirm that you graduated from PolyU BME; we may verify alumni status and reserve the right to decline registration or admission. Notifications of seat availability are sent on a first-come, first-served basis. Initial registration does not automatically guarantee a seat; only those who complete all 3 steps of the process above will be admitted. The seat will be forfeited to the waiting list if Step 3 is not completed within 3 working days. Each registration is for one person only. Please ensure your email address is valid and actively monitored.   Don’t miss this chance to catch up with old friends!   Yours sincerely, Department of Biomedical Engineering The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Distinguished Lecture "The Evolution of Muscle Mechanics Over the Past 50 Years" by Professor Walter HERZOG

Distinguished Lecture "The Evolution of Muscle Mechanics Over the Past 50 Years" by Professor Walter HERZOG   Date: 14 May 2026 (Thursday) Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm (HK Time) Speaker: Professor Walter HERZOG   Professor   Faulty of Kinesiology   University of Calgary, Canada Venue: Room HJ305, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (face-to-face only) Registration: https://polyu.hk/Jrghd   About the speaker Co-Director of the Human Performance Lab, and the Benno Nigg Chair in Biomechanics, Mobility and Longevity of University of Calgary 2025 Wartenweiler Memorial Keynote Lectore 2024 Top 10 Research Advances (Based on Abughazaleh et al 2024) 2023 CY Frank Legacy Award, McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health 2023 The McKeith Basic Science Award , American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Dr. Herzog's research is focused on the neuro-biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system with emphasis on mechanisms of muscle contraction focusing on the role of the structural protein titin, and the biomechanics of joints focusing on mechanisms of onset and progression of osteoarthritis. Expertise is in the area of growth, healing, and adaptation of soft (ligament, tendon, muscle, and articular cartilage) and hard (bone) tissues. Within this area he works experimentally and theoretically on the molecular/cellular, in vitro, in situ, and in vivo level. It also includes cell manipulation and mechanical testing and finite element modeling, continuum mechanics, simulations and theories of growth and adaptation. Dr. Herzog has more than 700 publications in scientific refereed journals, as well as author/editor of six books, more than 50 book chapters, and more than 1,000 refereed conference proceedings.  

Distinguished Lecture "AI and the Future of Sports Medicine and Bioengineering" by Professor Savio L-Y. WOO

Distinguished Lecture "AI and the Future of Sports Medicine and Bioengineering" by Professor Savio L-Y. WOO   Date: 6 May 2026 (Wednesday) Time: 3:00pm-4:00pm (HK Time) Speaker: Professor Savio L-Y. WOO   Ph.D., D.Sc., D.Eng.   Distinguished University Professor Emeritus   University of Pittsburgh, U.S.A. Venue: Room GH201, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Zoom: https://polyu.hk/UGDUP ((Meeting ID: 831 3879 3048  ;  Passcode: 818794)   Abstract Purpose: To date, the words AI has the highest worldwide search frequency – almost twice that of ‘OK’ and ‘Love’ and over four times that of ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’ – and continues to trend exponentially upwards. The growth of the AI industry has mirrored this rapid rise. For those of us engaged in sports science, technology, and medicine, we have also found it necessary to learn, to understand, and to integrate AI into our daily activities. Thus, it is timely to share what this lecturer has studied and learned with you! Background: In 2020, it was said that new medical knowledge was doubling every 73 days! As such, generative AI (GenAI) became well suited to harvest this voluminous amount of data, together with its intelligent algorithms and phenomenal speed of floating-point calculation (upwards of 1012 to 1015 per second or teraflops and petaflops, respectively) to digest these findings, to generate new ideas, and to reach better solutions. Neural Network models and Large Language models are currently used by many large companies (ChatGPT, Anthropic, DeepSeek, Gemini, Llama, and so on) for deep learning and training tasks. Content: This lecture will cover how AI will revolutionize many areas of sports, bioengineering and medicine. Specifically, ACL and ACL reconstruction will be used to demonstrate how a systematic, sound engineering analyses together with rigorous laboratory and clinical data, and the help of AI could lead to better management decisions to improve patient outcome. Outlook: In a GenAI, Agentic AI and Technical (Robotic) AI dominated world, there will be numerous challenges and concerns on societal transformation. This lecturer has chosen to present a more optimistic outlook on what AIs will bring based on his experience and acquired philosophy of life!   About the speaker Professor Woo is a Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh. After a 20-year tenure at the University of California in San Diego, he moved to the University of Pittsburgh and founded the world-renowned Musculoskeletal Research Center (MSRC) for diverse, multidisciplinary research and education in the Schools of Medicine and Engineering. Professor Woo’s 50+ years of translational research in orthopaedics has led to improvements in healing and repair of tissues. Over 645 bioengineering students, orthopaedic residents, postdoctoral fellows plus many junior faculty members have studied and worked with him. The novel concepts of functional treatment and “controlled motion is good” have significantly impacted the management of ligament, tendon and sports related injuries – clinical paradigm shifts to improved patient outcome. Professor Woo has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Engineering and Academia Sinica (Taiwan). In 1998, he received the Olympic Prize for Sports Medicine from the International Olympic Committee and the first Olympic Gold Medal at the Nagano Games in Japan.  

關於《2026年度北京市科學技術獎》擬提名公示

关于《2026年度北京市科学技术奖》拟提名公示   根据 《关于启动2026年度北京市科学技术奖提名工作的通知》的通知要求，现对我单位拟作为共同申报单位的项目情况进行公示。 公示期限：2026年3月24日-2026年3月30日（7个自然日）。 公式期间，如有异议，请以书面方式向香港理工大学生物医学工程学系反映，并提供必要的证据材料。提出异议者请提供联系电话等有效联系方式。 具体公示项目名称：首都中小学生脊柱侧弯无辐射智能筛查-诊疗体系构建与应用 项目详细情况见附件。 附件：北京预防医学会科学技术奖推荐项目公示-主要内容   联系人：谢小姐 联系电邮：kidith.tse@polyu.edu.hk 联系电话：+852 2766 7660 香港理工大学生物医学工程学系 2026年3月24日

Call for Nomination: Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering 2026

The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is now calling for nominations for the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering until 20 April 2026, 11:59pm HKT. Nomination form: download link (send the completed form to bme.info@polyu.edu.hk along with all required supplementary documents)   Selection Criteria The selection of the Award considers two criteria: Support and Contribution to PolyU: This criterion considers nominee’s extent of support and contribution to PolyU. Achievement Areas: Three achievement areas serve as a framework for assessing nominee’s achievements in the concerned areas. They include Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurial Achievement, and Scholarly Achievement: Professional Achievement Recognises alumni who have attained distinguished achievements, demonstrated exemplary leadership, and made a strong impact on their profession / industry / society. Entrepreneurial Achievement Recognises alumni who have demonstrated outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as founded or advanced business or technology ventures with impact. Scholarly Achievement Recognises alumni scholars who have made notable scholarly or research contributions in their disciplines, with proven track record and excellent reputation in the field. Candidates who are aged at/under 40 in the award selection year would be eligible for the Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award.   Eligibility The nominated candidate must be graduate who has successfully completed full-time or part-time programme offered by PolyU (or its forerunners: Hong Kong Government Trade School, Hong Kong Technical College, and Hong Kong Polytechnic) which led to academic award accredited by the respective Institution. The proposer can be PolyU graduate, Honorary Graduate, University Fellow, PolyU staff, PolyU Council and Court member and Advisory Committee member. There is no limit to the number of nominations to be submitted by each proposer. However, the proposer cannot be the candidate himself / herself.   Nomination and Selection Schedule The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is now inviting nominations for the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Department (BME). Please download the Nomination Form and return it to bme.info@polyu.edu.hk with all required supplementary documents on or before 20 April 2026, 11:59pm HKT. Selection for Department Award will be conducted in May 2026.   Selection Committee Selection Committee of the Department will examine the nominations and assess candidates’ qualifications and performance for the award.   Confidentiality All information submitted on this nomination form will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used by the Selection Committee for the purpose of the selection process.   Enquiries Department of Biomedical Engineering The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hung Hom, Kowloon Email:  bme.info@polyu.edu.hk Tel:     2766 7660