News

MHRC research uncovers how exercise shields the brain against Alzheimer’s disease

A recent study led by two MHRC members including Prof. Hector Tsang, Chair Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) and Prof. Sonata Yau, Associate Professor of RS, has identified a novel biological pathway that explains how physical exercise mitigates the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Published in the prestigious journal Aging Cell, the research provides a detailed look at how exercise protects the brain from the damaging effects of chronic stress and cognitive decline. The team discovered that physical activity triggers the release of adiponectin, a hormone secreted by fat tissue, which acts as a critical messenger to the brain. This hormone activates a protective enzyme called Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the hippocampus—a key brain region for mood regulation and memory formation. By activating PP2A, exercise effectively prevents Tau hyperphosphorylation, a pathological process where proteins become “tangled” and cause the neuronal damage typically seen in Alzheimer’s patients. Significantly, the study found that while chronic stress accelerates harmful brain changes and suppresses PP2A activity, regular exercise effectively counteracts this damage. By experimentally reducing adiponectin levels or PP2A activity, the researchers demonstrated that the neuroprotective benefits of exercise were completely abolished. The study further revealed that exercise-induced PP2A activation is strictly dependent on the presence of adiponectin. These results prove that the adiponectin–PP2A axis is essential for brain health and highlight it as a promising therapeutic target for treating stress-related cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease Read the full research paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/acel.70447  

Prof. Sonata YAU uncovers significant antidepressant effects of two active ingredients extracted from TCM formula "Yueju Pill"

A research team led by Prof. Sonata YAU, Member of the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI) and the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), and Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, has uncovered the significant antidepressant effects of two active ingredients extracted from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula "Yueju Pill".  Yueju, an herbal medicine, has demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects, primarily attributed to its iridoid constituents geniposide (GP) and shanzhiside methyl ester (SM). Prof. Yau’s study investigates the sustained antidepressant efficacy of chronic co-treatment with GP and SM (GS) and elucidates the underlying molecular mechanisms, with a focus on hippocampal neurogenesis and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) signalling. Using a four-week chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) mouse model, the effects of chronic co-treatment with GS on depression-like behaviours were examined. Adult male C57/BL6J mice received either a vehicle or GS at a high dose, known to induce rapid antidepressant effects, or a lower dose during the final two weeks of CUS. Chronic GS administration significantly alleviated depression-like behaviours, as evidenced by reduced immobility time in the tail suspension test, increased sucrose preference in the sucrose preference test, and reduced latency in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. Notably, only high-dose GS enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis, indicated by increased number of Ki67-and DCX-positive cells, and upregulated protein expression of PACAP and mTOR signalling, as well as synaptic proteins such as PSD95 in the hippocampus. Importantly, the antidepressant effects of high-dose GS were abolished when PACAP was knocked down in the dentate gyrus. These findings demonstrate that the sustained antidepressant effects of high-dose GS depend on persistent activation of PACAP signalling within the dentate gyrus and are closely linked to enhanced hippocampal synaptic plasticity. These results suggest that GS offers a promising therapeutic strategy for the long-term treatment of depression, acting through a mechanistic pathway distinct from conventional neurogenesis-dependent interventions.  These results have been published in the latest issue of the European Journal of Pharmacology. Read the full research paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299926001950  

Prof. QIU Anqi develops novel AI graph neural network models to unravel interdisciplinary complexities in image recognition and neuroscience

A research team led by Prof. QUI Anqi, Director of Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), Associate Dean of Graduate School, Professor of Department of Health Technology and Informatics, has developed a novel heterogeneous graph attention network namely “Hodge-Laplacian Heterogeneous Graph Attention Network” (HL-HGAT), which is set to revolutionise the modelling of complex relationships in graph-structured data.  This innovation is poised to overcome the current limitations in fields such as logistics, computer vision, chemistry and neuroscience. Traditional graph neural networks (GNNs) mostly look at simple “A-to-B” type connections, which makes it hard for them to understand group interactions.  Prof. Qiu’s new HL-HGAT model goes beyond this by interpreting graphs as higher-dimensional shapes (called simplicial complexes), so it can capture relationships among nodes, edges, triangles and higher-order structures.  Central to HL-HGAT is the Hodge-Laplacian operator, which facilitates the modelling and propagation of signals beyond simple pairwise relationships, offering a richer understanding of complex data.  A key innovation of HL-HGAT is its capacity to model dynamic, time-varying graphs, using HL filtering, adaptive attention and heterogeneous signal decomposition to reveal evolving patterns that static GNNs may overlook.   The model has demonstrated versatility across a range of applications, including logistics (optimising delivery routes), computer vision (improving image classification), chemistry (predicting molecular properties), and neuroscience (analysing brain imaging data).  Notably, HL-HGAT can detect subtle neural changes in conditions like depression and Alzheimer’s disease, outperforming traditional methods and enabling earlier diagnosis and intervention in clinical settings. This innovative HL-HGAT model not only achieves outstanding results in addressing complex graph-based tasks in both scientific and industrial domains, but also represents a significant advancement in GNN technology.  The research, detailed in a paper titled “HL-HGAT: Heterogeneous Graph Attention Network via Hodge-Laplacian Operator”, has been published in IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence. Press release:  https://polyu.me/49OzR1u   Online coverage: Mirage - https://polyu.me/4k68Cmp Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/49XexFD (subscription required) Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4a1dapz Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4afQ3c5 Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/49OAzfa  

Prof. Nathanael JIN Ling receives Asian Young Aerosol Scientist Award and James J. Morgan Early Career Award

Prof. Nathanael JIN Ling, Member of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) and Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), and Assistant Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Department of Health Technology and Informatics, received the 2025 TSI Asian Young Aerosol Scientist Award from the Asian Aerosol Research Assembly, recognising his contributions to advancing mixture-toxicity modelling and uncovering chemical-microbial drivers of PM2.5 health risks. He has also been named one of the four winners of the 2026 James J. Morgan Early Career Award. The award, presented by Environmental Science & Technology (ES&T), Environmental Science & Technology Letters, and the American Chemical Society (ACS) Division of Environmental Chemistry (ENVR), recognises early career scholars who are pioneering new directions in environmental science and technology through innovative approaches. Prof. Jin’s research integrates environmental chemistry, microbiology, and toxicology to examine the ecological and health impacts of air and marine pollution, as well as solid waste. His notable achievements include developing the first full-length 18S rRNA database for harmful algae, establishing cell lines of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Chinese white dolphin) to study pollutant effects, and advancing PM2.5 mixture-toxicity modelling to inform regulatory policies. He also created a global atlas of plastic-associated bacteria and introduced the concept of the “microplastome”, deepening our understanding of the multifaceted impacts of plastic pollution.

9 MHRC Scholars ranked World’s Top 2% Scientists 2025

Nine Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) scholars have been listed among the world’s top 2% scientists, according to the list released by Stanford University. They have been included in both the “Career-long Impact” and “Single Year” lists, which are based on indicators including citations, scientific research output and a composite indicator for citation impact, up to the end of 2024. The latest ranking reflects the influential research of MHRC researchers and PolyU’s leading position in multiple research areas. The ranking covers over 100,000 top scientists across the globe and groups scientists under 22 subject fields and 174 sub-fields.  MHRC scholars named in the list (in alphabetical order of surnames): Name Subject Field Prof. CHEN Juan Public Health Prof. CHEUNG Cheuk Chi, Teris Psychiatry Prof. NG Sheung-mei, Shamay Rehabilitation Prof. QIN Jing, Harry Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing Prof. QIU Anqi Neurology & Neurosurgery Prof. SHUM Ho-keung, David Rehabilitation Prof. TSANG Wing-hong, Hector Psychiatry Prof. YEE Kay-yan, Benjamin Neurology & Neurosurgery Prof. ZHANG Weixiong Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing *As per the data published by Elsevier on 19 September 2025 (version 8): https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/8

PAIR Research Impact Video Series | Episode 4 | Dissecting mental health with mathematical models: From complexity to simplicity, from distress to a matter of choice

The PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) is delighted to present the fourth episode of the PAIR Research Impact Video Series. This series invites PAIR researchers to share their latest research achievements and innovative solutions to major societal challenges. The fourth episode, titled “Dissecting Mental Health with Mathematical Models: From Complexity to Simplicity, from Distress to a Matter of Choice”, features Prof. QIU Anqi, Director of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), Associate Dean of the Graduate School, Professor in the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and Global STEM Scholar. In this episode, Prof. Qiu discusses her research on applying mathematical and engineering approaches to mental health.  These novel methods enable psychologists to provide more accurate diagnoses and treatments for children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Her studies in model analysis and deep learning AI also demonstrate that mothers’ emotions during pregnancy have a direct impact on foetal brain development.  Furthermore, Prof.Qiu’s research highlights the importance of weight management in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Watch the video now to discover how Prof. Qiu’s research is offering new perspectives and making a significant impact on mental health! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1HiO6NDtmg

Advancing Neuroscience: The 1st Human Brain Mapping Symposium in the Greater Bay Area

On 7 November 2025, the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) and the Life Science Imaging Centre at the Hong Kong Baptist University, co-hosted the inaugural Human Brain Mapping Symposium in the Greater Bay Area. Held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the symposium attracted over 200 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 21,949 across various social media platforms.  The event brought together distinguished guests and leading scientists from across the region and around the world, all united by a shared mission to advance our understanding of the human brain. In his opening remarks, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, emphasised the transformative potential of neuroscience and PolyU’s commitment to advancing the field through interdisciplinary research. He highlighted that brain mapping is not only a grand scientific challenge, but also a gateway to innovations in artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, mental health, and human-machine collaboration. The day featured cutting-edge presentations and keynote speeches by renowned experts, including Prof. Michael I. MILLER, Bessie Darling Massey Professor, Director of Biomedical Engineering, and Co-director of Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University; Prof. QIU Anqi, Director of MHRC, Associate Dean of Graduate School, Professor of Department of Health Technology and Informatics, and Global STEM Scholar, PolyU; and Prof. JIANG Tianzi, Professor and Director of Beijing Key Laboratory of Brainnetome and Brain-Computer Interface, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Topics covered petascale neuroimaging models, precision mental health, AI applications in neuroscience, brain network analysis, and the neuropsychological basis of depression. Lively discussions explored the future of brain-inspired technologies and their potential to shape intelligent systems and promote mental and neurological health. The symposium provided a dynamic platform for professional exchanges and dialogues among stakeholders in the field, marking a significant milestone toward establishing the Greater Bay Area as an international hub for brain imaging, neuroinformatics, and intelligent health technologies. MHRC extends our heartfelt thanks to all speakers, participants, and partners for making this event a resounding success. Together, we are building new bridges between neuroscience research and technological innovation, nurturing next-generation talents and making discoveries that benefit humanity.  

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. Read the full paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-025-03317-1 Online coverage: Weixin - https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/068XuRmVen-sQW4Uvb6_ZQ PsyPost - https://www.psypost.org/scientists-identify-a-fat-derived-hormone-that-drives-the-mood-benefits-of-exercise/  

MHRC receives donation from the Lux Academy Hong Kong Investment Limited to develop occupational therapy service for mental hospitals in mainland China

Prof. Hector TSANG, Chair Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences and Co-Founder of the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) at PolyU, has received a generous donation from Lux Academy Hong Kong Investment Limited for a four-year project titled “A Translational Research on the Development of Evidence-based Occupational Therapy Service in a Mental Hospital of the Mainland”. Long-term rehabilitation and community-based support play an important role in helping patients with mental illnesses to regain functional skills, autonomy and confidence, and facilitating their recovery and social integration. The current mental health system in mainland China predominantly focuses on medication and hospitalisation as treatment method. However, this strategy has not been able to effectively reduce the relapse in patients in the long run, and heavily relies on caregiver support, thus putting burden on families and communities. In view of Mainland’s need for a new mental health treatment model, the PolyU research team will design evidence-based occupational therapy services for persons with mental illnesses, and collaborate with mental hospitals in mainland China in implementing the novel programme. The project would help drive a shift of focus in Mainland’s mental health care from hospitalisation to community-based support, and from cure to recovery.  

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