PolyU Science in the News

9 in 10 C-section babies fall ill before one, PolyU study finds

A study led by Dr Amber Chiou, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Future Food and Associate Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, reveals that while close to 90% of C-section babies have fallen ill before the age of one, those who consume Cesarbiotic Formula reduced the number of times they fall sick, and boosted disease resistance by nearly three-fold. Online coverage: ETNet PolyU Study: Close to 90% of C-Section Babies Experience Illness Before the Age of 1 Scholars Recommend Continued Breastfeeding 24 May 2024 Associated Press PolyU Study: Close to 90% of C-Section Babies Experience Illness Before the Age of 1 Scholars Recommend Continued Breastfeeding 24 May 2024 Xinhua Finance Agency PolyU Study: Close to 90% of C-Section Babies Experience Illness Before the Age of 1 Scholars Recommend Continued Breastfeeding 24 May 2024 Macau Business PolyU Study: Close to 90% of C-Section Babies Experience Illness Before the Age of 1 Scholars Recommend Continued Breastfeeding 理大研究：近 9 成剖腹產嬰兒於1歲前曾生病，學者倡持續母乳餵哺 24 May 2024 HR Asia Media PolyU Study: Close to 90% of C-Section Babies Experience Illness Before the Age of 1 Scholars Recommend Continued Breastfeeding 24 May 2024 Taiwan Business News PolyU Study: Close to 90% of C-Section Babies Experience Illness Before the Age of 1 Scholars Recommend Continued Breastfeeding 理大研究：近 9 成剖腹產嬰兒於1歲前曾生病，學者倡持續母乳餵哺 24 May 2024 Oriental Daily News 腸微生態易失衡 剖腹產嬰兒多生病 理大：飲專研配方奶粉 可增3倍抗病力 24 May 2024 Hong Kong Economic Times 新手爸媽| 剖腹產嬰兒更容易病？ 理大研究：近9成剖腹產嬰兒於1歲前曾生病 24 May 2024 Hong Kong Business Times 理大研究：近9成剖腹產嬰兒於1歲前曾生病，學者倡持續母乳餵哺 24 May 2024 Line Today 9成剖腹嬰曾1歲前生病　研究指專研配方奶粉補充益菌種建免疫力 24 May 2024 Quamnet 理大研究：近 9 成剖腹產嬰兒於1歲前曾生病，學者倡持續母乳餵哺 24 May 2024 今日時事 理大研究：近 9 成剖腹產嬰兒於1歲前曾生病，學者倡持續母乳餵哺 24 May 2024  

PolyU researchers develop novel fungus-based fat replacer Akkmore™

To address growing worldwide concerns about obesity and related health problems, it is crucial to develop a new fat substitute that can be integrated into everyday foods and significantly reduce fat content. A PolyU Science research team led by Dr Gail Chang, Core Member of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN), together with Dr Amber Chiou, Associate Director of RiFood and Associate Head and Associate Professor of FSN, has successfully developed AkkMore™, a novel fungus-based fat replacer which is effective in preventing obesity and metabolic diseases, enhancing gut health, modulating immune response and relieving anxiety. Making use of the properties of AkkMore™, they have also developed "Cream Mate" - a cream substitute that can be blended with traditional cream to reduce fat content. The team has collaborated with GREEN of Hotel ICON which infuses Cream Mate in desserts, and launches its new “ForestFit Afternoon Tea With Japanese Fruit And Akkmore™”. Press release: English | Chinese Online coverage: ETNet PolyU researchers develop novel fungus-based fat replacer AkkMore™ to prevent obesity and enhance gut health; collaborates with Hotel ICON to launch reduced-fat desserts to promote environmental innovation in food industry 22 May 2024  Macau Business PolyU researchers develop novel fungus-based fat replacer AkkMore™ to prevent obesity and enhance gut health; collaborates with Hotel ICON to launch reduced-fat desserts to promote environmental innovation in food industry 22 May 2024 Yahoo US PolyU researchers develop novel fungus-based fat replacer AkkMore™ to prevent obesity and enhance gut health; collaborates with Hotel ICON to launch reduced-fat desserts to promote environmental innovation in food industry 22 May 2024 Weekender Singapore PolyU researchers develop novel fungus-based fat replacer AkkMore™ to prevent obesity and enhance gut health; collaborates with Hotel ICON to launch reduced-fat desserts to promote environmental innovation in food industry 22 May 2024 Vulcan Post PolyU researchers develop novel fungus-based fat replacer AkkMore™ to prevent obesity and enhance gut health; collaborates with Hotel ICON to launch reduced-fat desserts to promote environmental innovation in food industry 22 May 2024 Sina HK PolyU researchers develop novel fungus-based fat replacer AkkMore™ to prevent obesity and enhance gut health; collaborates with Hotel ICON to launch reduced-fat desserts to promote environmental innovation in food industry 22 May 2024 Asiaone PolyU researchers develop novel fungus-based fat replacer AkkMore™ to prevent obesity and enhance gut health; collaborates with Hotel ICON to launch reduced-fat desserts to promote environmental innovation in food industry 22 May 2024 Ticker Technologies PolyU researchers develop novel fungus-based fat replacer AkkMore™ to prevent obesity and enhance gut health; collaborates with Hotel ICON to launch reduced-fat desserts to promote environmental innovation in food industry 22 May 2024 Mirage News New Fungus-Based Fat Replacer AkkMore Aims to Curb Obesity, Boost Gut Health 22 May 2024 PR Newswire PolyU researchers develop novel fungus-based fat replacer AkkMore™ to prevent obesity and enhance gut health; collaborates with Hotel ICON to launch reduced-fat desserts to promote environmental innovation in food industry 22 May 2024 One News Page PolyU researchers develop novel fungus-based fat replacer AkkMore™ to prevent obesity and enhance gut health; collaborates with Hotel ICON to launch reduced-fat desserts to promote environmental innovation in food industry 22 May 2024 Oriental Daily News 理大研發 菇菌替代脂肪 減食物卡路里 23 May 2024 Ming Pao Daily News 理大研菇菌替代脂肪 稱不礙口感有益腸道 23 May 2024 Sing Tao Daily 理大研發菇菌替代脂肪 用於製作雪糕熱量可減半 22 May 2024 am730 研發AkkMore新型菇菌脂肪替代品 理大料可為全國每年減16萬噸二氧化碳 下午茶2024｜Hotel ICON日本水果AkkMore™下午茶！脂肪含量大減8成+卡路里減半 22 May 2024 Headline Daily 理大研發菇菌替代脂肪 用於製作雪糕熱量可減半 22 May 2024 Ta Kung Pao 理大研脂肪替代品 製甜品热量减半 23 May 2024 Wen Wei Po 理大製脂肪替代品 食極唔怕肥 【特寫】夥餐廳推下午茶 雪糕脂肪減八成 23 May 2024 Hong Kong Commercial Daily 理大研發新型菇菌脂肪替代品 有效預防肥胖 增強腸道健康 22 May 2024 HK01 理大研發新型菇菌脂肪替代品　製甜品可減忌廉使用量 22 May 2024 Yahoo HK 研發AkkMore新型菇菌脂肪替代品 理大料可為全國每年減16萬噸二氧化碳 22 May 2024  Line Today 理大研菇菌脂肪替代品 減低甜品卡路里 延長忌廉製品保質期 22 May 2024 Hong Kong Business PolyU's fungus-based fat replacer targets obesity, elevates gut health 24 May 2024 Dot Dot News 理大推出AkkMore™菇菌脂肪替代品 開創食品科學新紀元 23 May 2024 Sunday More 閨密下午茶推薦2024｜限定美妝聯乘套餐＋絕美打卡名媛風！ 26 May 2024  

PolyU researchers create 2D all-organic perovskites and demonstrate potential use in 2D electronics

Perovskite materials have excellent photoelectric properties that can be applied in wide-ranging fields such as solar cells, lighting and catalysis. PolyU Science research team led by Prof. Loh Kian Ping, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Chemistry and Global STEM Professor, Dr Kathy Leng, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Physics, together with Dr Hwa Seob Choi, Postdoctoral Research Fellow and the first author of the research paper,  have successfully synthesized a new class of 2D all-organic perovskites, signifying a breakthrough into a new field of 2D materials.   The 2D all-organic perovskites offer distinct advantages over their all-inorganic counterparts, as they are solution-processible and enable cost-effective fabrication. These developments opened up new possibilities for the creation of more efficient electronic systems and were published in the prestigious journal Science. Learn more: English | 中文  Online coverage: Science Daily PolyU Researchers Create 2D All-Organic Perovskites and Demonstrate Potential Use in 2D Electronics 09 May 2024 Semiconductor Digest PolyU researchers create 2D all-organic perovskites and demonstrate potential use in 2D electronics 09 May 2024 Bioengineer PolyU researchers create 2D all-organic perovskites and demonstrate potential use in 2D electronics 09 May 2024 Eurek Alert PolyU researchers create 2D all-organic perovskites and demonstrate potential use in 2D electronics 09 May 2024 Nano werk Researchers create 2D all-organic perovskites and demonstrate potential use in 2D electronics 09 May 2024 ETNet PolyU researchers create 2D all-organic perovskites and demonstrate potential use in 2D electronics 06 May 2024 Yahoo US PolyU researchers create 2D all-organic perovskites and demonstrate potential use in 2D electronics 06 May 2024 Washington Citypaper PolyU researchers create 2D all-organic perovskites and demonstrate potential use in 2D electronics 05 May 2024 Weekender Singapore PolyU researchers create 2D all-organic perovskites and demonstrate potential use in 2D electronics 05 May 2024 Macau Business PolyU researchers create 2D all-organic perovskites and demonstrate potential use in 2D electronics 06 May 2024 Sina HK PolyU researchers create 2D all-organic perovskites and demonstrate potential use in 2D electronics 06 May 2024 Ticker Technologies PolyU researchers create 2D all-organic perovskites and demonstrate potential use in 2D electronics 05 May 2024 One News Page PolyU researchers create 2D all-organic perovskites and demonstrate potential use in 2D electronics 06 May 2024 Hong Kong China News Agency 港理大研究：首度製備二維全有機鈣鈦礦 06 May 2024

PolyU's Borderless Lab receives HK$14 million Government funding

Dr Jim Kwok-lung, Lecturer of the Department of Applied Physics (AP), introduced the “Borderless Lab” developed by AP in a media interview. The web-based remote laboratory platform enables anyone to perform experiments anytime, anywhere. The programme has secured a funding of about HK$14 million from the Government’s e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme. The platform is expected to launch in 2026/27 and will be made available to secondary and primary school students for STEAM activities. Online coverage: Oriental Daily News 自主學習資源優化 鼓勵中小生戶外考察 06 May 2024 Ming Pao Daily News 大學獲1400萬資助研發 助中學生在家遙距實驗 06 May 2024 Hong Kong Economic Times 1400萬開發遙距實驗平台供學生在家做實驗　學者冀開放跨校平台減實驗設計成本 06 May 2024 Sing Tao Daily 電子學習配套計劃380校參與 06 May 2024 Headline Daily 電子學習配套計劃380校參與 06 May 2024 Wen Wei Po 理大獲1400萬資助 建校園遙距實驗室平台 06 May 2024 HK01 中大VR系統助學生體驗虛擬戶外考察　獲教局資助近千萬研新功能 06 May 2024 Line Today 智能系統設題讓學生作答　分析表現助教師了解互外學習進度 06 May 2024  

PolyU develops high-efficiency CO2 electroreduction system for reducing carbon footprint and progressing carbon neutrality goals

A collaborative research led by PolyU has developed a durable, highly selective and energy-efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) electroreduction system that can convert CO2 into ethylene for industrial purposes to provide an effective solution for reducing CO2 emissions. The team is led by Prof. Daniel Lau, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials and Head of the Department of Applied Physics, and consists of researchers from the University of Oxford, the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Centre of Taiwan and Jiangsu University. Ethylene is one of the most in-demand chemicals globally and is mainly used in the manufacture of polymers. However, the production process of ethylene creates of a significant carbon footprint. The innovative system that can convert CO2 into ethylene can contribute to reducing carbon emissions and achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. Read the full research paper in Nature Energy. Press release: English | Chinese Online coverage: Tech Xplore A pure water-fed membrane-electrode-assembly system for electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide  22 January 2024  ETNet PolyU develops high-efficiency carbon dioxide electroreduction system for reducing carbon footprint and progressing carbon neutrality goals 22 January 2024 Ming Pao Daily News 理大研環保新法製乙烯 奪日內瓦國際發明展金獎 23 January 2024 Hong Kong Economic Journal 理大電催化還原系統 CO₂變乙烯製造塑膠 23 January 2024 Wen Wei Po 二氧化碳變乙烯 理大研究獲國際金獎 23 January 2024 Dot Dot News 理大研發高效能電催化二氧化碳還原系統　助減碳排放促進碳中和 22 January 2024 Global News 理大研发高效能电催化二氧化碳还原系统 助减碳排放 促进迈向碳中和 22 January 2024 NetEase 理大研发高效能电催化二氧化碳还原系统 助减碳排放 促进迈向碳中和 22 January 2024 Sina 理大研发高效能电催化二氧化碳还原系统 助减碳排放 促进迈向碳中和 22 January 2024 Sohu 理大研发高效能电催化二氧化碳还原系统 助减碳排放 促进迈向碳中和 22 January 2024 PR Newswire PolyU develops high-efficiency carbon dioxide electroreduction system for reducing carbon footprint and progressing carbon neutrality goals 22 January 2024 Asiaone PolyU develops high-efficiency carbon dioxide electroreduction system for reducing carbon footprint and progressing carbon neutrality goals 22 January 2024 Yahoo News US PolyU develops high-efficiency carbon dioxide electroreduction system for reducing carbon footprint and progressing carbon neutrality goals 22 January 2024 Yahoo Finance UK PolyU develops high-efficiency carbon dioxide electroreduction system for reducing carbon footprint and progressing carbon neutrality goals 22 January 2024 Sina HK PolyU develops high-efficiency carbon dioxide electroreduction system for reducing carbon footprint and progressing carbon neutrality goals 22 January 2024 WT News A Pure Water Fed Membrane-Electrode Assembly System for the Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide 23 January 2024 GBA Biz Tech Magazine 理大研發高效能電催化二氧化碳還原系統 助減碳排放 23 January 2024 China.com 理大研发高效能电催化二氧化碳还原系统 助减碳排放 促进迈向碳中和 23 January 2024 East Money 理大研发高效能电催化二氧化碳还原系统助减碳排放促进迈向碳中和 23 January 2024 HK01 理大研究團隊研究綠色電能　二氧化碳轉為乙烯　解決全球暖化問題 26 January 2024  

Prof. Simon Lee urges to establish specialised Chinese medicine institute

Speaking at a seminar about the opportunities of Chinese medicine, Prof. Simon Lee Ming-yuen, Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences and a member of the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation, believed that establishing a specialised Chinese medicine institute would be the key to developing the Chinese medicine industry. Online coverage: Ta Kung Pao 中醫藥研討會召開　共探香港中醫藥發展新機遇 李铭源：争取设中医药专科学院 18 December 2023 Wen Wei Po 善用中西合璧 讓中醫藥走出去 18 December 2023 Dot Dot News 發揮港優勢 增值謀發展——中醫藥新機遇研討會 18 December 2023  

RiFood management visits Fujian

Prof. Wong Ka-hing and Dr Amber Chiou Jiachi, Director and Associate Director of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), visited Pinjian Bird’s Nest in Fujian and exchanged views on industry development trend and new models of industry-academia-research collaboration with officials of the Jinjiang Science and Technology Bureau and management of the company. Online coverage: NetEase 香港理工大学未来食品研究院黄家兴院长一行莅临品鉴考察指导！ 1 December 2023 Toutiao 香港理工大学未来食品研究院黄家兴院长一行莅临品鉴考察指导！ 1 December 2023 Yidianzixun 香港理工大学未来食品研究院黄家兴院长一行莅临品鉴考察指导！ 1 December 2023  

PolyU Science scholars’ invention offers safe way to remove microplastics

Dr Chua Song-lin, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT), and Dr Liu Yang, GBA Startup Postdoctoral Fellow of ABCT, were interviewed by Wen Wei Po on their award-winning invention – MicroGlue. It is a microbial biotechnology that offers a safe, low-cost and efficient way to remove microplastics from water. It uses biodegradable microbial-derived polymers that aggregate hard-to-remove microplastic contaminants into clumps that are easily separable and removable from the environment.   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po 【煞「廢」苦心之捕膠捉塑】巧用微生物 收塑防污染 回收率達九成六 省時成本低 難忘評審「圍攻」 數分鐘答40提問 30 November 2023  

Prof. Daniel Lau shares on award-winning invention

Prof. Daniel Lau Shu-ping, Head of the Department of Applied Physics and Chair Professor of Nanomaterials, introduced his award-winning Durable, High-Selectivity, and Energy Efficient CO2 Electroreduction System in an interview with Wen Wei Po. Comprising a sandwich-structured membrane-electrode-assembly with a combined anion- and proton-exchange membrane separating the cathode and anode, the system converts CO2 to C2H4 with a high selectivity. It can accelerate the development of CO2 electrocatalysis technology, potentially revolutionising modern fossil fuel energy systems.   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po 【煞「廢」苦心之減碳排放】妙法碳變膠 促進碳中和 27 November 2023  

PolyU develops Cs4-SeNPs that can manage postmenopausal osteoporosis

October 20 2023 marks this year’s World Osteoporosis Day. On the same day, Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN), shared with the media his team’s latest research on the development of novel Cs4-selenium nanocomposites (Cs4-SeNPs) for managing postmenopausal osteoporosis. Selenium is an essential trace mineral to human health, playing important roles in many physiological functions. In the past decades, substantial evidences have demonstrated that Se deficiency is detrimental to bone microarchitecture and associated with osteoporosis, suggesting its crucial role in bone metabolism. Recently, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have become a new research target, since they were found to possess remarkable bioactivity and lower toxicity compared to those selenocompounds commomly found in foods. Nevertheless, scientific research concerning their effects on bone health is currently very limited. By using the polysaccharide-protein complex isolated from Cordyceps sinensis, Prof. Wong has successfully prepared novel selenium nanoparticles (entitled “Cs4-SeNPs”), with well-characterized structure and high stability. Interestingly, Cs4-SeNPs (10μM) were found to markedly induce proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of the pre-osteoblast murine MC3T3-E1 cells. More importantly, Cs4-SeNPs (25-500μg/kg BW/d) exhibited promising in vivo bone protective efficacy against OVX-induced osteoporosis by promoting bone formation, inhibiting bone resorption, and improving bone microarchitecture after oral gavage for 6 weeks. This patented nanotechnology has gained wide recognition with various international awards, while the research findings have been recently published in Journal of Functional Foods. Further investigation on Cs4-SeNPs’ gastrointestinal stability, intestinal absorption and metabolism is now underway. The team look forward to collaborating with the industry in further development of related health food products and drugs. Read the full research paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2023.105832 Press release: English | Chinese Online coverage: CRHK 理大研發蟲草多醣納米硒　改善更年期後骨質疏鬆 20 October 2023 Oriental Daily News 理大改良納米硒 稱能助更年期後骨質疏鬆 20 October 2023 am730  理大研發Cs4-SeNPs 助挽救骨質疏鬆 20 October 2023 Ta Kung Pao 教育线上/理大新研究 改善更年期骨质疏松 20 October 2023  Wen Wei Po  提煉蟲草「補骨」 理大防治疏鬆有成果 20 October 2023  Mirage News Selenium Nanoparticles Enhance Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Care 15 November 2023 Phys.org Researchers develop novel selenium nanoparticles for managing postmenopausal osteoporosis 15 November 2023 Hong Kong Economic Journal 蟲草納米硒改善骨質疏鬆 16 November 2023 Hong Kong China News Agency 港理大研發新型納米硒助改善女性更年期後骨質疏鬆 15 November 2023