News

Single session of exercise rapidly alleviates depressive mood: Hong Kong Polytechnic University study reveals neural mechanism and preventative potential

Prof. Sonata YAU, Member of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has uncovered the neural mechanism behind the rapid antidepressant effect of a single bout of physical exercise. Her team found that just one 30-minute treadmill running at intermediate intensity could rapidly elevate mood in university student participants. Mechanistic evidence from animal models revealed that this effect is mediated by the activation of specific glutamatergic neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)—a key brain region for emotion regulation—via the hormone adiponectin, which triggers nuclear translocation of the adaptor protein APPL1. This cascade enhances synaptic protein expression and spine formation through epigenetic regulation, leading to immediate relief of depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the powerful potential of physical exercise as a practical and accessible intervention for managing mood disturbances in young adults. Crucially, the research suggests that prompt physical exercise can help prevent the worsening of depressive mood, serving as an effective preventative measure against depression and supporting mental well-being in this population.  The study provides robust scientific evidence for the rapid antidepressant effects of physical exercise, paving the way for immediate rehabilitation strategies for depressive mood. This work has been recently published in Molecular Psychiatry, a leading journal in Psychiatry and Neuroscience Research.  

Prof. Nathanael JIN Ling’s study reveals public health risks of drug-resistant Candida in cities

Prof. Nathanael JIN Ling, Member of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) and the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), and Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, has recently published a pioneering research in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, shedding light on the public health risks posed by airborne Candida species in densely populated urban areas. The key findings of the study are as follows: • Drug-Resistant Candida in Urban Air: The study detected viable, drug-resistant strains of Candida parapsilosis, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis in city air samples—strains that were notably absent in coastal environments. • Genetic Similarity to Clinical Strains: Airborne isolates exhibited a high degree of genetic similarity to those found in clinical settings, suggesting that community-acquired infections could occur through inhalation or skin contact. • Multidrug Resistance: Of particular concern was the discovery of multidrug resistance in C. parapsilosis, raising questions about the role of urban pollution and climate change in driving antifungal resistance. Candida species are classified as WHO fungal priority pathogens due to their severe health impacts.  Prof. Jin’s research highlights the urgent need to recognise urban air as a significant medium for the spread of antifungal-resistant strains.  Looking ahead, his research team plans to expand their work to larger, multi-site studies to better understand fungal transmission pathways, investigate urban reservoirs of drug-resistant fungi and strengthen One Health approach to combat the global threat of fungal resistance. Read the full article: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.5c00795

MHRC organises workshop on youth mental health

The Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) organised the “Workshop on Youth Mental Health” on 9 September 2025 at Hotel ICON, bringing together leading scholars, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders to discuss the current challenges and opportunities in youth mental health. The workshop opened with greetings and remarks from Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), Prof. David SHUM, Yeung Tsang Wing Yee and Tsang Wing Hing Professor in Neuropsychology, Chair Professor of Neuropsychology and Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS), and Prof. QIU Anqi, Director of MHRC and Professor of Department of Health Technology and Informatics, setting the stage for a day of scholarly exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. A series of expert-led presentations explored a wide range of topics. Prof. Patrick IP, Clinical Professor, Tsao Yen-Chow Professor in Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, discussed the importance of early childhood development and community partnerships in supporting mental health. Prof. Deanna BARCH, Vice Dean of Research, Professor of Psychological & Brain Sciences, and Professor of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, shared insights on mental health trajectories from adolescence to early adulthood. MHRC scholars including Prof. Eric CHUI, Prof. Grace HO, Prof. Philip HO, Prof. JIN Ling, and Prof. Sonata YAU, explored a range of risk and protective factors of mental health, highlighting early intervention strategies for building personalised resilience among children and youth in residential care, the impact of electronic screen devices on mental health, the role of chemical exposome in brain health, and the neuromechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of physical exercise. Scholars engaged in group discussions, exchanging perspectives and proposing actionable strategies to address emerging mental health risks. The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Qiu, who emphasised the importance of ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing youth mental health research and practice. During the networking lunch, Dr May LAM, Founder and President of The Hong Kong Mental Wellness Association, delivered a talk on “Youth Mental Health: Bridging the Gaps, Opportunities and Challenges,” further inspiring dialogue among attendees. The event fostered a spirit of innovation and partnership, with scholars expressing strong interest in future collaborations to support the mental well-being of young people in Hong Kong and beyond.

MHRC co-organises neuroscience summer camp

The Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and local NGO Invent You Own Future co-organised the “Neuroscience Research Summer Camp” on the PolyU campus, 4–8 August 2025, in collaboration with Stanford University, Beijing Normal University, and Hangzhou Dipont School of Arts and Science. Over 24 secondary students from Hong Kong, and 9 elementary school students from Beijing and Hangzhou participated in the camp, exploring theoretical knowledge and practical skills in neuroscience research. The summer camp featured a series of expert-led lectures. MHRC scholars including Prof. QIU Anqi, Prof. Grace HO and Prof. Benjamin YEE, shared their insights on topics such as neuroscience research, coping strategies, and innovative project development. Leading experts from overseas universities also gave presentations on the key advancements in neuroscience and regenerative medicine. Prof. Irene LLORENTE and Dr Vanessa KAN of Stanford University, USA, shared neuroscience research methodologies and explored the potential of stem cells and tissue engineering in transforming medicine. Prof. ZUO Xi-Nian from Beijing Normal University shed light on human connectome, explaining the neural pathways involved in human brain function. Participants also visited the University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience (UBSN), where PolyU staff gave a demonstration of how brain imaging technology works. Students also attended a training workshop on mental resilience, learning effective strategies for managing academic and personal stress. They also collaborated on capstone projects, applying the research knowledge they learnt during the summer cap. Preston CHAN, Founder of Invent Your Own Future remarked, “Our faculty worked tirelessly to prepare an interactive and educational programme. We are excited to have inspired the next generation of neuroscientists and AI researchers.” Overall, the programme fostered a spirit of collaboration, innovation and exploration among young students, who expressed strong interest in pursuing a future career in cutting edge science and technology.  

Two PolyU education research projects awarded under Theme-based Exercise of Public Policy Research Funding Scheme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to leveraging its outstanding research capacity to make a profound impact on the development of education in society. PolyU has secured support for two projects through the Theme-based Exercise specially launched under the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) 2025/26 of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU). A total of eight projects received funding under the scheme focusing on education-related policies. Among all applicant institutions, PolyU ranked first in both the number of funded projects and the awarded amount. The two projects, led by scholars from the Department of Applied Social Sciences and the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), have collectively received approximately HK$1.6 million. They are recognised as being aligned with the future strategic positioning and development needs of Hong Kong. The two PolyU projects are (by project number): Principal Investigator Prof. YU Lu Associate Head and Associate Professor ofthe Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU Co-Investigators Prof. GU Mingyue (Professor and Dean of Graduate School, EdUHK) Dr WU Ka-yu Florence (Section Head (Counselling and Wellness), Student Affairs Office, PolyU) Prof. HE Jingwei (Associate Professor,Division of Public Policy, HKUST) Prof. Ronnel Bornasal KING (Associate Professor,Department of Curriculum and Instruction, CUHK) Prof. LIN Li (Assistant Professor,Department of Psychology, LU) Prof. PAN Jiayan (Associate Professor,Department of Social Work, BU) Prof. YE Shengquan (Associate Professor,Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, CUHK) Prof. ZENG Min (Assistant Professor,Faculty of Education, HKU) Project Title Enhancing Adaptation, Integration, and Career Development of Non-local University Students in Hong Kong Funded Amount HK$905,993.00 Duration 12 months   Principal Investigator Prof. CHEN Xiaohua Sylvia Associate Dean Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Chair Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology of the Department of Applied Social Sciences at PolyU Co-investigators Prof. NG Chi Kit Jacky (Assistant Professor, APSS, PolyU) Dr AU Kit Yee Algae (Research Assistant Professor, APSS, PolyU) Dr LU Yiqing Erin (Senior Research Fellow, APSS, PolyU) Dr WU Ka-yu Florence (Section Head (Counselling and Wellness), Student Affairs Office, PolyU) Project Title Enhancing Cultural Integration for Non-local Students in Hong Kong: A Multicultural Acquisition Approach to Policy Development Funded Amount HK$694,257.55 Duration 12 months The PPRFS aims to encourage local think tank experts and scholars (including universities and civil society think tanks) to apply their expertise to conduct evidence-based research on key public policy issues, facilitate the knowledge transfer of research findings to policy considerations, and serve as a channel for the Government to tap into the public policy research expertise of society.    

PolyU research reveals neurocognitive correlates of testosterone in young men that shape generosity and self-worth

A research team led by Prof. WU Yin, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Social Sciences and Member of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), has conducted interdisciplinary research to uncover the neurocognitive correlates of testosterone in the brain function of young men, and their impact on social behaviour.  The findings provide valuable insights into potential applications of testosterone therapy in clinical and mental healthcare. Their first study focused on the impact of testosterone on socio-economic behaviour.  The researchers combined pharmacological manipulation and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to discover how testosterone influences generosity and the underlying neural mechanisms.  Findings revealed that exogenous testosterone administration reduced generosity, particularly when interacting with more distant others.  Additionally, the fMRI results showed that higher testosterone levels are linked to reduced neural activity in the temporoparietal junction (TPJ), an upper brain region associated with social cognition.  The team suggested that testosterone may reduce concern for others’ welfare at the neural level by dampening activity in the TPJ, highlighting a correlation between increased testosterone levels, and selfishness and reduced empathy in economic decision-making. In another related study, the team explored the link between state self-esteem (SSE), a momentary sense of self-worth and perceived social status, and testosterone levels.  The team found that testosterone administration can boost SSE updating and alleviate aberrant behaviours linked to psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and schizophrenia.  The research indicated that a single dose of testosterone can positively influence SSE, particularly in positive social environments.  It is suggested that future clinical practice consider combining exogenous testosterone with behavioural interventions that foster supportive environments and social feedback to enhance SSE as a potential pre-clinical treatment for relevant aberrant behaviours and clinical symptoms. The two studies have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciencesand the Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, respectively.  In recognition of his excellent research, Prof. Wu has been honoured with the Second-class Award under the 9th Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) by the Ministry of Education of China. Press release: https://polyu.hk/rzWbp   Online coverage: TVB – https://polyu.me/4m2LXYa (00:49 - 01:22) (Chinese only) CRHK – https://polyu.me/4lcj8Y7 (2025-08-05 part 3; 16:44 - 19:09; subscription required) (Chinese only)

Prof. Sylvia CHEN receives JESSICA Most Successful Women Award

Prof. Sylvia Xiaohua CHEN, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Chair Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, Director of the Yan Oi Tong Au Suet Ming Child Development Centre and Co-Founder of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been selected as one of the recipients of the JESSICA Most Successful Women Award 2025.  The JESSICA Most Successful Women Award was established in 2001 to recognise exceptional female leaders who have made significant contributions to their industries, communities, and society across Hong Kong, Greater China, and beyond.  Prof. Chen is a Registered Psychologist of the Hong Kong Psychological Society and a Chartered Psychologist of the British Psychological Society.  She has been elected as a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), the Hong Kong Academy of the Humanities, the Association for Psychological Science, the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, and the Hong Kong Psychological Society, and a Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy (now Advance HE), UK.  She has served as President of Asian Association of Social Psychology, and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology and General Editor of Cambridge University Press Culture and Psychology Series.  She has received various academic awards, including the Outstanding International Psychologist Award conferred by the American Psychological Association, and the Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme awarded by the Research Grants Council.  Learn more about Prof. Chen’s journey across cultures: https://www.jessicahk.com/global/sylvia-xiaohua-chen  

DoMHRC Elected Council Chair of the Organisation for Human Brain Mapping and Keynotes at Conference

Prof. QIU Anqi, Director of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), Professor in the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Global STEM Scholar, has been elected as Council Chair of the Organisation for Human Brain Mapping (OHBM), an international society dedicated to advancing the understanding of the anatomical and functional organisation of the human brain using neuroimaging. The Organisation for Human Brain Mapping Conference is one of the most authoritative and influential academic conferences in the field of international brain science, attracting thousands of experts and scholars in brain mapping and related interdisciplinary fields from leading global universities and research institutions each year. Attendees include academics and outstanding student representatives from psychology, biology, and cognitive neuroscience, who gather to exchange insights and discuss the latest advances in human brain function research. Prof. Qiu delivered a keynote address at this conference, attracting over 2,200 participants. The talk titled "Fetal Programming of Maternal Psychological Stress: Implications for Early Brain Development and Mental Health", Prof. Qiu explored the significant impact of fetal programming on long-term neurodevelopmental and mental health outcomes. Prof. Qiu highlighted findings from her longitudinal cohort study on the relationship between maternal mental health and child development, as well as the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. She also presented advancements in AI-driven models for early identification of mental health risks and discussed intervention strategies to enhance child resilience.  

Prof. Sonata YAU writes in Ming Pao on link between sarcopenia and depression

Prof. Sonata YAU, Member of Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and Associate Professor of Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, recently penned an article for Ming Pao on the link between sarcopenia (commonly known as “muscle loss”), explaining the close bidirectional relationship between the two conditions. In the article, she mentioned that approximately 10% of Hong Kong’s elderly population suffers from depression, and several large-scale studies have shown that persons with sarcopenia have a higher risk of depression than the general population. An eight-year longitudinal study in China revealed that sarcopenia and depression interact with each other: individuals with sarcopenia have about 70% higher risk of depression, while individuals with depression have 50% increased risk of developing sarcopenia, thus forming a vicious cycle. Prof. Yau emphasised that consistent exercise, balanced diet and structured lifestyle can help improve the situation. She recommended the public to regularly engage in the following two types of physical exercise to prevent and reverse the problem of co-occurring sarcopenia and depression: Resistance training (e.g., dumbbell lifting, resistance band workout, squats): it promotes protein synthesis in muscle cells, helping improve muscle strength and mass; and promotes brain neuroplasticity, helping reduce depressive symptoms with noticeable antidepressant effects in the short term. Aerobic exercise (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, swimming): it maintains mitochondrial function in muscles and reduces muscle protein breakdown, helping to fight sarcopenia; and enhances cerebral blood flow as well as the secretion of serotonin and neurotrophic factors in the brain, supporting mood regulation. Online coverage: Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/3HTksBg      

PolyU research reveals sustained obesity may accelerate brain ageing

With the global prevalence of obesity on the rise, it is crucial to explore the neural mechanisms linked to obesity and its influence on brain and cognitive health. However, the impact of obesity on the brain is complex and multilevel. To address this, Prof. Anqi QIU, Professor of the Department of Health Technology and Informatics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Global STEM Scholar, has unveiled novel research to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and its implications for cognitive health in adults.