PolyU Science in the News

PolyU develops technology for China’s space missions

With the huge amount of digital data generated and recorded during space missions, the data storage devices currently used for this purpose reveal great limitations in terms of their data storage capacity and the durability of the retained data. To meet this challenge, a team of PolyU researchers led by Dr Yao Zhong-ping, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and Prof. Francis Lau, Professor and Associate Head, Department of Electronic & Information Engineering, has developed a novel technology for massive data management involving the use of peptides for the storage of digital data and tandem mass spectrometry for its retrieval. This will help optimise data storage for space exploration in China's next-generation manned spacecraft in the new Long March-5B rocket. Compared with existing commercial data storage devices and other developing technologies such as DNA data storage, peptides offer a much higher storage density and longer storage duration – with the data still viable for sequencing even after millions of years when DNA would have already degraded. As such, this new technology has very great potential for handling the enormous amount of data generated during space missions. Dr Yao considers the peptide synthesis industry to be already well-developed, allowing fast peptide synthesis at a reasonable cost. Combining proteomics and data storage technology for the first time, this innovation has the potential to transform the data storage industry. Besides its application in data management for space missions, this technology has potentially wide applications, and could benefit governmental agencies and corporations that generate and archive large volumes of big data.    Investor Place - Financialcontent.com PolyU Explores the Application of Peptides in Data Storage for Space Exploration in China's Next-Generation Manned Spacecraft 22 May 2020 Digital Conqueror PolyU Explores the Application of Peptides in Data Storage for Space Exploration in China's Next-Generation Manned Spacecraft 22 May 2020 Finanzen.at PolyU Explores the Application of Peptides in Data Storage for Space Exploration in China's Next-Generation Manned Spacecraft 22 May 2020 Tech Social Net PolyU Explores the Application of Peptides in Data Storage for Space Exploration in China's Next-Generation Manned Spacecraft 22 May 2020 Open Gov Asia PolyU explores the application of peptides in data storage 22 May 2020 星島日報 理大研發新一代數據儲存技術 21 May 2020 Hong Kong China News Agency 港理大研發新一代數據存儲技術　將透過載人飛船進行太空試驗 时间 21 May 2020 Miragenews PolyU Explores Application of Peptides in Data Storage for Space Exploration 21 May 2020  

PolyU researchers invent a “Skin-like” fabric for personal moisture management

PolyU researchers developed a novel a "skin-like" directional liquid transport fabric, which enables continuous one-way liquid flow through spatially distributed channels acting like "sweating glands" yet repels external liquid contaminants. The water transmission rate can be 15 times greater than that of best commercial breathable fabrics. The four-year research, led by Prof. Jintu Fan, Head of Institute of Textiles and Clothing and Chair Professor of Fiber Science and Apparel Engineering, received subsidies of HK$3.4 million from PolyU, Cornell University, US and Hong Kong government's Innovation and Technology Fund, and the fabric has registered a patent in US.     HK Economic Times 理大研發「仿皮膚」單向導水紡織物料技術　較巿場上的防水透氣性布料效能高出15倍 28 May 2020  

PolyU researcher developed anti-viral targeted drug for cancer treatment

Dr Jiang Lijun, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at PolyU, participated in a research with HKBU's research team in developing a novel anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) drug that can selectively disrupt a viral protein produced by EBV, leading to the shrinkage of tumours caused by the virus. This drug can help treat nasopharyngeal cancer, some kind of gastric cancers and various lymphomas. The research team has applied for a patent and established a spin-off company, BP InnoMed Limited, with startup support from the Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities, to further develop the drug and carry out clinical trials. The research result has been published on Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.   on.cc 浸大研新藥抑制瘤細胞生長　治療鼻咽癌 14 May 2020 經濟通 新標靶藥治鼻咽癌 動物用後存活率增8成 12 May 2020 香港商報 A10 浸大研新標靶藥有效治鼻咽癌 12 May 2020 信報 浸大創新標靶藥治鼻咽癌 破壞潛伏EB病毒 抑制腫瘤細胞 12 May 2020 晴報 P06 新標靶藥治鼻咽癌 動物用後存活率增8成 12 May 2020 AM730 治療鼻咽癌 浸大研發新抗病毒標靶藥 11 May 2020  

14-year-old prodigy admitted to PolyU

A 14-year-old prodigy with an IQ of 141, Ip Chun-yin was admitted to PolyU after he had completed Form 2 last year. He is currently in the first year of a Bachelor of Science (Hons) programme in Investment Science and Finance Analytics. Ip showed his talent for mathematics by mastering the multiplier rule at around 2 to 3 years old. He had completed the entire primary school mathematics programme when he was still in Primary Two. While studying in elementary school, he obtained grades B and C in mathematics at the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and International Advanced Levels Exam (IAL) respectively. He attained A and A* grades in IAL Mathematics and Further Mathematics when in Form 1 and Form 2 respectively. PolyU said that Ip had participated in a research training programme for secondary school students in 2018/19, during which the teaching team observed Ip's talent in mathematics. Considering the learning and personal growth needs of the student, PolyU has been providing him with counselling for whole-person development. Like other PolyU students, Ip can also participate in overseas exchange activities according to his interests. Over the years, PolyU has recruited dozens of outstanding students aged 16 or below through JUPAS and non-JUPAS channels. 香港理工大學(理大) 致力培育年輕優秀人才，透過聯招及非聯招途徑，取錄在學術或非學術領域表現卓越的學生，多年來亦先後取錄了數十名16歲或以下的優秀學生。除了評核學生的學術成績外，大學亦會透過不同方式，例如以面試了解學生的心智發展。各學系亦會因應個別學生的需要提供適切協助和支援，幫助他們投入大學生活。 葉振延同學曾參加理大「中學生研究實習計劃 2018/19」，期間，理大的教學團隊觀察到葉同學在數學方面的天賦及興趣，並為其提供數學方面的特別培訓。其後，葉同學以優秀的國際高考成績，經非聯招方式報讀理大的應用數學系，現就讀投資科學及金融分析（榮譽）理學士學位課程一年級。 考慮到葉同學的學習及個人成長需要，應用數學系為他提供了多方面的支援，包括：定期跟進葉同學的學習需要，按其情況加強部分學科的知識，理大身心健康及輔導處亦有提供身心發展輔導。學系更安排學長擔任其學友導師(peer mentor)協助他融入大學生活。一如其他理大學生，葉同學亦可按其興趣參加海外交流活動，汲取國際學習體驗。 頭條日報 P11 14歲數學神童破格升讀理⼤ 16 Apr 2020 大公報 A05 14歲數學神童直升理⼤⽴志讀博⼠後 16 Apr 2020 經濟日報 A10 研究實習計劃 助踏⼤學路 16 Apr 2020 文匯報 A01 14歲數學天才中⼆跳4級入理⼤ 16 Apr 2020 晴報 P12 IQ141中⼆神童 連跳4級直升理⼤ 16 Apr 2020 東方日報　A15 14歲數學神童 跳級入讀理⼤ 16 Apr 2020  

PolyU's WiseEye featured in UGC's video on impactful research of Hong Kong education institutions

WiseEye, an AI-based textile material inspection system developed by Prof. Calvin Wong of the Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC), is featured by the University Grants Committee (UGC) in its video on impactful research. WiseEye is a breakthrough technology achieving over 90% inspection accuracy. 理大「聰明眼」獲輯錄於大學教育資助委員會有關香港高等學府具影響力研究視頻 紡織及服裝學系黃偉強教授發明以人工智能作為基礎的紡織品檢測系統「聰明眼」，獲輯錄於大學教育資助委員會有關具影響力研究的視頻。「聰明眼」是一項突破性科技，檢測精準度達90%以上。

Five PolyU researches honored Guangdong Province Science and Technology Award

PolyU researchers shine in the 2019 Guangdong Province Science and Technology Award, grabbing two first class prizes on natural science, one second class prize on natural science and two second prizes on scientific and technological progress. Seven out of 179 researches on the award list are from Hong Kong universities, including five researches from PolyU, one from CUHK Faculty of Medicine and one from Hong Kong University, covering the areas of new materials for 5G technology, environmental science and biomedical science. Congratulations to Professor Da Jiyan of the Department of Applied Physics snatching the first class prize on natural science.    大公報 A15 粤科技奖出炉 港校七项目夺殊荣 26 Mar 2020 香港商報 A12 理大港大參與粵科研獲年度大獎 26 Mar 2020  

PolyU academia and students makes hand sanitisers for needy in the community

Dr. Yung Ka-fu, Associate Professor & Associate Head of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology leaded PolyU staff and students using raw materials to make hand sanitisers for people in need in local community. It would help people to prevent the virus contraction amid the COVID19 epidemic. Social welfare Department also supported the team and help to distribute the hand sanitisers. Cable TV's program "The Wish" broadcasted a 3-minute interview featuring this goodwill project.   i-Cable News 《小事大意義》(6:30) 25 Feb 2019  

PolyU develops the world’s most comprehensive rapid, automated multiplex diagnostic system for detecting up to 40 infectious respiratory pathogens (including novel coronavirus) in a single test

Infectious diseases represent an important portion of global public health concerns¸ in particular with regard to the current global outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The challenge of frontline diagnosis in hospitals, clinics and ports is that infectious diseases could exhibit similar symptoms or can be asymptomatic. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today announced the development of the world's most comprehensive automated multiplex diagnostic system (the System) which includes a fully automated machine and a multiplex full-screening panel for the point-of-care genetic testing (POCT) of respiratory infectious disease including the 2019-nCoV. In one single test and within approximately one hour, the System can identify 30 to 40 pathogens including seasonal influenza viruses, such as influenza A subtypes H1, H2 and H3, avian influenza viruses H5, H7 and H9, human respiratory syncytial virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and 2019-nCoV. Leveraging the current polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, the system is fully automated from sample nucleic acid extraction and amplification, to signal detection and analysis. The System adopts patent-pending microfluidic and biochemical technologies that achieve ultra-sensitive detection (down to 5 gene copies) and simultaneous differentiation of various pathogens with extremely high specificity. It is also user-friendly, with manual handling not being required throughout the testing process. "Early and accurate detection of pathogens could contribute to effective and efficient disease control and management, and prevent spreading of any contagious pathogens. It benefits the patients as well because timely therapy can then be applied to prevent complications. The existing challenge is that we lack full panel POCT technologies for early and on-site diagnosis, which should ideally be capable of differentiating between different pathogens at the same time. This newly-developed system could be a practical solution," said Professor Lau. PolyU and The University of Hong Kong (HKU) have established the Respiratory Virus Research Foundation ("the Foundation") in 2015 and have since then been working on various innovative technologies to tackle existing and emerging respiratory infectious diseases. The Foundation has fostered various collaborations, including those on vaccine and rapid diagnostics respectively. The former is led by HKU Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, Henry Fok Professor in Infectious Diseases, Chair Professor of Infectious Diseases from the Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; the latter is led by PolyU Professor Terence Lau Lok-ting, Director of Innovation and Technology Development and Adjunct Professor at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology. Ir. Professor Alexander Wai Ping-kong, Vice President (Research Development), Deputy President and Provost designate of PolyU said, "In this difficult and challenging time that Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, and even the global community is encountering, it is important that the research community can quickly pool their expertise and resources to develop practical solutions. The PolyU-HKU partnership is a prime example of effective coupling of multidisciplinary innovation and translation." The research team for this project is led by PolyU Professor Terence Lau Lok-ting and supported by HKU Professor Yuen Kwok-yung. Through collaborative efforts, the team has spent the past four years to develop the System. In the past year, the team has optimised the System and conducted trials on different clinical samples. In the midst of the 2019-nCoV outbreak, the team has also conducted tests on clinical samples using the system. Professor Yuen commented, "The System's versatility and capability will provide for comprehensive monitoring during disease outbreaks or routine surveillance. It will become a crucial technology for ensuring the effective control of infectious diseases, medical diagnosis, and treatment." "This fully automated, quantitative rapid diagnostic platform possesses a proprietary technology which overcomes limitations of existing technologies by ensuring sensitivity – and hence significantly enhancing the reliability of test results. Most importantly, our innovation can substantially reduce the cost of the microfluidic cartridge manufacturing thus making it feasible for wide adoption. It is ready for mass-scale production," added Professor Lau. The research team has received indispensable support from a local biotechnology company Avalon Biomedical Management Ltd for this project. "We are honoured to be able to participate in this project and are delighted to see this important milestone in the collaboration between Professor Lau and Professor Yuen. We believe this advanced point-of-care diagnostic system can revolutionize the current diagnostic paradigm and provide a powerful tool to fight against infectious diseases," said Dr Manson Fok, Chairman of the Board of the company, Executive & Trust Committee member of Macau Henry Fok Foundation and Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology. Humankind's modern day battles against epidemics remain a major challenge and it is vital that we keep learning from the past and equipping ourselves with the best technologies available. Towards this end the research team will continue to urgently focus on developments to ensure the system's robustness and cost-effectiveness, and to collaborate with relevant parties on clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and frontline applications of this POCT system. Video sharing by HKU Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, Henry Fok Professor in Infectious Diseases, Chair Professor of Infectious Diseases from the Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine : https://1drv.ms/v/s!Ah36VjAc5xZyslvcbf7xhXn4XtvE?e=0FDLSl 理大研發全球最全面的自動快速診斷系統可同時檢測多達40種傳染性呼吸道疾病 (包括新型冠狀病毒) (Chinese)   Ming Pao 理大自動檢測 一小時知結果 28 Feb 2020 HK01 【財政預算案】千億谷創科應用研究未受惠　理大衞炳江冀擴大資助 24 Feb 2020 RTHK31 醫生與你 同行抗疫 #4 22 Feb 2020 RTHK 自由風自由PHONE 政府發放多項抗疫津貼/港澳辦換人/李文亮病逝 14 Feb 2020 UNWIRE.HK 【專訪】40種呼吸病毒1小時快速診斷機 理大全香港人研發+政府$0資助 14 Feb 2020 UNWIRE.HK 【專訪】理大研發武漢肺炎快速診斷儀 劉樂庭：政府零資助+全香港人團隊 14 Feb 2020 The Standard New PolyU disease test widens scope 12 Feb 2020 am730 A08 理大多重診斷系統 快速測試 一小時檢新冠肺炎40病原體 12 Feb 2020 無綫新聞 理大儀器為呼吸道疾病患者快速測試 約一小時有結果 11 Feb 2020 RTHK New machine to provide quick virus test: PolyU 11 Feb 2020 RTHK 理大研發出快速病毒測試系統　預料費用市民能負擔 11 Feb 2020 Now.com (Instant News) 理大研發出快速測試系統檢測新型冠狀病毒 11 Feb 2020 i-Cable 理大研發全自動系統檢測新型肺炎病毒等的傳染性呼吸道疾病 11 Feb 2020 Now.com (Instant News) 理大研發出快速測試系統　一小時內檢測新型冠狀病毒 11 Feb 2020 881903.com (CRHK) 理大研發可快速檢測包括新型冠狀病毒等病原體的系統 11 Feb 2020 RTHK 理大研發測試系統　1小時內檢測30種病毒包括新肺炎 11 Feb 2020 SCMP Researchers from Hong Kong’s PolyU develop diagnostic system to identify up to 40 types of bacteria or viruses causing respiratory infections 11 Feb 2020 Apple Daily 【武漢肺炎】理大研發快速測試1小時有結果 曾向創科局申資助被拒 11 Feb 2020 Ming Pao Daily 【武漢肺炎】理大研全自動快速多重診斷系統　1小時內檢測30至40種病原體 11 Feb 2020 Headline Daily Web 【理大成功研發快速測試系統 1小時內驗出新冠肺炎 11 Feb 2020 Sing Tao Headline.com 理大成功研發快速測試系統 1小時內驗出新冠肺炎 11 Feb 2020 EJ Insight 理大成功研發快速測試系統 1小時內驗出新冠肺炎 11 Feb 2020 Ta Kung Pao Web 新冠肺炎｜港理大研發快速自動診斷系統 一小時內驗出病毒 11 Feb 2020 ON.CC 理大研檢測系統　1小時可辨新冠肺炎流感等病毒 11 Feb 2020 HKCD 理大研發新系統：1小時測30種病毒包括新冠肺炎 11 Feb 2020 HKEJ 理大研快速測呼吸道傳染病毒 包括新肺炎 11 Feb 2020 Wenweipo Web 港理大研發快速自動診斷新冠肺炎系統 一小時內驗出病毒 11 Feb 2020 e-zone.com.hk 【武漢肺炎】理大成功研發呼吸道傳染病快速測試系統 1 小時內可檢測新型冠狀病毒 11 Feb 2020  

Three research papers published in Nature series journals

Department of Applied Physics of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) contributed three research papers that were recently published in the Nature series journals, which are among the most authoritative and recognised scientific journals in the world that publish high-quality research in all fields of science and technology. Optoelectronic resistive random-access memory (ORRAM) for neuromorphic vision sensors – "Nature Nanotechnology" Dr. CHAI Yang, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Physics, and his team developed an optoelectronic device that mimics the functions of human retina in image sensing, memorization, and pre-processing, with image recognition rate and efficiency exceeding existing artificial visual systems. Experimental findings demonstrate the innovation's great potential in enhancing neuromorphic visual system by simplifying the circuitry, efficiently processing overwhelming amount of dynamic visual information, and greatly reducing power consumption. It thus offers promising contribution towards the development of applications in edge computing and Internet of Things. Continuous artificial synthesis of glucose precursor using enzyme-immobilised microfluidic reactors – "Nature Communications" Dr. ZHANG Xuming, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Physics, and his team discovered technology to replicate the opto-fluidic system of leave vein to create micro-reactors for conducting the first phase reaction of CO2 fixation in natural photosynthesis. Experimental findings indicate that the micro-reactors requires only very small amount of RuBisCO (the enzyme involved in the first major step of photosynthesis) for continuous synthesis of glucose (the basic food material). The innovation contributes to artificial photosynthesis developments and will help relieve food crisis and produce biofuel. Enhanced sieving from exfoliated MoS2 membranes via covalent funcationalisation – "Nature Materials" Dr. Nicolas ONOFRIO, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Physics, and his team developed a nanolaminate membrane based on covalently functionalised molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets. Nanolaminate membranes made of two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene oxide are promising candidates for molecular sieving via size-limited diffusion in the two-dimensional capillaries, but high hydrophilicity makes these membranes unstable in water. The covalent functionalisation of exfoliated nanosheets can solve this problem by efficiently control the interlayer spacing to enhance the sieving performance of nanolaminate membranes. They demonstrate remarkable performance towards water purification and desalination, with high rejection of micropollutants and sodium chloride (NaCl) (over 90% and 87% respectively), compared to the current state of the art. The novel strategy paves the way for the preparation of membranes with tuneable sieving behaviour. The control of the surface chemistry of exfoliated 2D materials allows further exploration of the nanofluidic phenomena inside nanolaminate membranes at fundamental and practical levels for water purification or osmotic energy. Prof. Daniel LAU, Head of the Department of Applied Physics, takes pride in the contributions of the three researchers and said, "the Department will continue to devote its efforts in the pursuit of excellence in teaching and research". "PolyU has been undertaking cutting-edge research that delivers real impact to academia and to the world. We are committed to nurturing our academics and researchers to collaborate locally and internationally in fundamental and translational research. We are very pleased that their research findings were published in prestigious and world-renowned journals," said Prof. Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development), PolyU. Note: Please refer to the appendix for details of the three papers 理大於國際知名期刊《自然》發表三篇論文 (Chinese)

PolyU's innovative coating technology featured

Dr. Nuruzzaman NOOR, Research Assistant Professor, Institute of Textiles and Clothing of PolyU, developed the seeded sonochemical coatings technology. The new method for coating / incorporating inorganic metal oxide layers on fabrics uses small seeding layers to direct a more durable overcoating and can be processed in room temperature environment. Products can be developed at high quality in a cheaper, faster and more efficient manner. Companies from Europe and India have shown interest in knowing more about the technology.   Ming Pao 超聲波化學加工 反覆清洗功能不減 理大新法種出塗層 製防水防紫外光布 25 Sept 2019