News

Maintaining muscle health helps protect the brain against depression, PolyU study reveals key mechanism

A recent study led by Principal Investigator Prof. Sonata YAU and funded by the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has uncovered an important biological mechanism underlying the antidepressant effects of exercise. The research team found that apelin, a myokine released by muscles during physical activity, serves as a crucial mediator linking skeletal muscle and the brain, helping to promote emotional well-being and protect brain function. The findings further highlight the significant benefits of exercise for mental health. The study found that exercise stimulates skeletal muscles to release apelin, which activates a series of signalling processes through APJ receptors, including the CK2/GluN2B/NMDA receptor pathway. This, in turn, enhances neuroplasticity in the hippocampus and produces antidepressant effects. The research team noted that skeletal muscle is not only responsible for movement, but also functions as an important endocrine organ that can influence brain functions through the secretion of bioactive molecules. As such, it plays a key role in promoting brain health and building lifelong psychological resilience. The team also highlighted that, for older adults, maintaining muscle health is important not only for preserving mobility but also for supporting mental well-being. As muscle mass naturally declines with age, regular exercise helps sustain apelin production, enabling the brain to continue receiving these essential signals. This may help combat depressive symptoms and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The findings deepen understanding of how exercise supports brain health and further underscore the importance of maintaining muscle health through regular physical activity, providing new scientific evidence for promoting mental well-being and healthy ageing.   Read the full research paper: https://www.psypost.org/scientists-discover-how-exercising-muscles-communicate-with-the-brain-to-fight-depression/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-026-03651-y  

RiFood honoured with Correctional Services Department’s “Rehabilitation Partner” Award

The Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received the “Rehabilitation Partner” Award from the Correctional Services Department (CSD) of the HKSAR in recognition of its outstanding contributions to supporting rehabilitation programmes for persons in custody (PICs).  Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Director of RiFood, represented the University in receiving the award at the presentation ceremony held on 17 June 2026. In February 2025, PolyU and the CSD signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly promote food waste upcycling and the development of environmentally friendly products, injecting new impetus into the sustainable development of the correctional industry.  Since the fourth quarter of 2025, PolyU’s related research outcomes have been applied to industrial production in correctional institutions.  PolyU has also provided vocational training to PICs in the design and production of environmentally friendly products, with a view to enhancing their employability.  The collaboration not only promotes environmental protection and the development of a circular economy, but also provides PICs with practical skills training and development opportunities that support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Environmentally friendly products upcycled from spent coffee grounds are now available on the CSD Sports Association’s online charity gift platform, Made in Prison, encouraging public support for rehabilitation and environmental protection.  All sales proceeds, after deduction of necessary costs, will be donated to various locally registered charities, providing PICs with opportunities to give back to the community.

Climate change, buildings and energy: Prof. ZHAI Zhiqiang on multi-scale challenges and opportunities in built environment systems

Prof. ZHAI Zhiqiang of the University of Colorado Boulder, USA, delivered the 26th PAIR Seminar, titled “Building Environment and Energy: Challenges in Different Scales”, at PolyU on 12 June 2026.  The seminar attracted nearly 50 in-person participants and garnered over 17,700 online views across multiple social media platforms, reflecting strong interest from both the public and academia in sustainable building development. In his presentation, Prof. Zhai highlighted the systemic challenges facing the built environment amid intensifying climate change and rapid urbanisation.  He introduced the concept of Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings (GEB), developed by the Building Technologies Office of the U.S. Department of Energy.  This holistic framework goes beyond the energy performance of individual buildings to incorporate their interactions with the electricity grid, aiming to enhance the overall system’s efficiency, flexibility, and resilience.  He explained that GEB can enhance energy performance, facilitate two-way communication, support flexible demand management, and strengthen smart sensing, control and data analytics. From a spatial perspective, Prof. Zhai examined a series of interconnected challenges spanning four scales, namely micro-scale physical interfaces, meso-scale occupant–building system interactions, macro-scale urban structures, and regional-to-global atmospheric processes.  He pointed out that these scales are interrelated: challenges arising at one level may be amplified or intensified at another, underscoring the importance of integrated thinking in architectural and urban design.  His analysis emphasised that future building performance cannot be understood from a single perspective, but must be considered within a broader system linking materials, occupants, infrastructure, and climate. From a temporal perspective, Prof. Zhai further explored how multi-scale issues are shaped by both short-term environmental changes and long-term climate trends.  By addressing immediate operational needs alongside long-term climatic shifts, he outlined a forward-looking, comprehensive roadmap for the key challenges facing next-generation smart buildings and cities.  His framework highlights the importance of adaptive strategies that enable buildings and cities not only to respond to current demands but also to cope with the uncertainties posed by evolving environmental conditions. The seminar concluded with a question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. NIU Jianlei, Associate Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) and Chair Professor of Building Environment.  Both in-person and online audiences participated actively, engaging in in-depth and insightful exchanges with Prof. Zhai. Please click here for an online review.

Food Tech Transforming Future Diets: NUS Professor HUANG Dejian Explores Innovations in Sustainable Plant Proteins and Functional Staple Foods

On 8 June 2026, Prof. HUANG Dejian, Professor and Deputy Head of Department of Food Science & Technology, Principal Investigator at Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein at National University of Singapore, delivered a PAIR Seminar titled “Sustainable Plant Proteins and Functional Staple Foods” at the PolyU campus. The seminar attracted an audience of over 50 onsite attendees and nearly 14,600 online viewers across various social media platforms. Prof. Huang opened the seminar by highlighting several pressing global challenges. With the world population projected to approach 10 billion by 2050, pressure on global food supply systems is expected to intensify significantly. At the same time, food waste continues to cost the global economy an estimated USD 2.6 trillion annually. Moreover, the growing prevalence of highly processed diets has contributed to the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity. In response to these structural challenges, Prof. Huang’s research team adopts a circular economy approach, transforming agricultural side-streams and underutilised resources into high-value functional food ingredients. A major highlight of the seminar was the upcycling of food side-streams, including spent grains from alcoholic beverage production and oilseed meals, for the extraction of cereal prolamins such as zein. Prof. Huang demonstrated the immense potential of these plant proteins as edible biomaterials. His research team utilised zein to fabricate 3D-printed scaffolds and microbeads for cultivated meat production, enabling the scalable cultivation of muscle cells and the successful production of marbled cultivated meat. In addition, the team conducted in-depth research on pumpkin seed proteins rich in arginine and formulated them into plant-based hydrogels as gelatine mimics. By integrating 3D-printing technologies, the researchers successfully developed highly realistic plant-based seafood analogues, including salmon, Arctic shellfish, and sea cucumber, closely replicating both their appearance and texture. These innovations not only demonstrated the versatility of plant proteins in texture design, but also highlighted their enormous potential for future food innovation and sustainable development. Turning the focus toward functional staple foods, Prof. Huang addressed the metabolic health risks associated with high-carbohydrate diets, noting that a single bowl of white rice contains more than twice the carbohydrate content of a canned soft drink. To tackle this issue, his research team identified various natural botanical extracts capable of inhibiting starch-hydrolysing enzymes, including okra seed powder, and successfully developed the ProTEGO™ noodle. Clinical studies showed that the functional staple food effectively reduces postprandial glycaemic response and glycaemic index (GI), while maintaining favourable taste, texture, and satiety, offering a healthier alternative to conventional staple foods. The related technologies have been commercialised, with successful applications in products such as plant-based abalone and vegan Poon Choi, providing practical solutions for promoting healthier and more sustainable dietary habits. The seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session moderated by Prof. GAN Renyou, Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at PolyU. Both onsite and online audiences actively engaged in discussions on topics including plant proteins, staple food texture, and digestive properties. Prof. Huang also shared reflections on his team’s research journey, describing it as an exploration filled with warmth, camaraderie, and a passion for scientific discovery, bringing the seminar to a successful close. Please click here for an online review.

PolyU co-organises Chinese medicine symposium with China Medical University

The Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Chinese Medicine Research Center of the China Medical University (CMU), Taiwan, jointly organised the “2026 CMU–PolyU Joint Symposium” on 4 June 2026.  The Symposium brought together experts and scholars to exchange ideas and share innovative research findings and clinical application experience in Chinese medicine, fully demonstrating the significant achievements of both institutions in Chinese medicine research and translational medicine. Following the successful conclusion of the Symposium, the delegation from RCMI visited the CMU Shuinan Main Campus, the LiFu Museum of Chinese Medicine, the China Medical University Affiliated Hospital and its Proton Therapy Centre, gaining deeper insights into the University’s latest developments in Chinese medicine education, clinical services and advanced research facilities. This joint symposium not only promoted in-depth academic exchange between scholars from the two universities in the field of Chinese medicine research, but also laid a solid foundation for future collaborative research projects, talent development, and international co-operation. Looking ahead, both universities will continue to deepen their partnership by integrating research strengths and resources to jointly advance innovative research and clinical applications in Chinese medicine, further enhancing the international visibility and influence of cross-boundary Chinese medicine research.   Online coverage: Central News Agency - https://polyu.me/3SuVwVT 台灣新新聞報 - https://polyu.me/4utSm1X PC home - https://polyu.me/4fuSEC5 MSN - https://polyu.me/4vxJF7L  

Unlocking Graphene the Wonder Material: Prof. Robert J. YOUNG Explores Mechanics and Toughening Mechanisms in Nanocomposites

On 3 June 2026, Prof. Robert J. Young, Fellow of The Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering, UK, and Emeritus Professor of Polymer Science and Technology at the National Graphene Institute and Department of Materials at The University of Manchester, UK, delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “The Mechanics of Graphene and Graphene-Based Nanocomposites” at the PolyU campus. The lecture attracted an audience of over 40 onsite attendees, and nearly 15,700 online viewers across various social media platforms. Prof. Young opened the lecture by reviewing the groundbreaking developments in graphene research over the past two decades since its first successful isolation at The University of Manchester. This pioneering achievement not only earned the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics, but also led to the establishment of the £60 million National Graphene Institute at the University, jointly funded by the UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund. He also introduced his team’s pioneering micro-Raman spectroscopy technique, which enables researchers to directly observe the deformation behaviour of materials under stress at the molecular level, further deepening the scientific community’s understanding of the relationship between material structures and mechanical properties. Addressing common misconceptions surrounding graphene, Prof. Young provided a scientific analysis of its mechanical properties. He explained that although monolayer graphene possesses an exceptionally high modulus of around 1,000 GPa, its practical strength is often reduced to approximately 5–10 GPa due to material defects, while its fracture toughness is only about one-tenth that of steel. In addition, as the number of graphene layers increases, slippage between adjacent sheets can occur more easily, leading to a reduction in stiffness as the original “Bernal stacking” atomic arrangement is lost. Turning to graphene-based nanocomposites, Prof. Young noted that softer matrix materials tend to limit stress transfer, a process that can be modelled using shear-lag theory. More importantly, through high-resolution synchrotron X-ray nanotomography, the research team discovered that the toughening mechanism of these composites primarily arises from void growth and cavitation around debonded flakes under compression, rather than solely from the intrinsic strength of graphene. These findings in material mechanics have also been successfully translated into real-world applications. The UK National Graphene Institute collaborated with luxury watchmaker Richard Mille and the McLaren Formula 1 Team to develop the RM 50-03, the world’s lightest split-seconds tourbillon chronograph watch. Both the case and strap of the timepiece incorporate graphene-reinforced composite materials, fully demonstrating the industrial potential of advanced materials technology. The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session moderated by Prof. YAN Feng, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) and Chair Professor of Organic Electronics at PolyU. During the session, Prof. Young shared insights into graphene’s fatigue resistance and explored the potential of using pulsed lasers for dynamic high-speed impact testing. He noted that while chemical bonding helps improve stress-transfer efficiency between materials, structures with lower interfacial adhesion are, in fact, more conducive to triggering cavitation, thereby absorbing large amounts of energy and enhancing material toughness. In addition, he suggested that carbon nanotubes could deliver greater reinforcement than graphene in polymer nanofibres, while reducing the likelihood of introducing structural defects. Please click here for an online review.

Harvard Professor SUO Zhigang Unveils Frontiers in Soft Materials, Bio-adhesion and Biomedical Applications

On 2 June 2026, Prof. SUO Zhigang, Foreign Member of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Member of both National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences in the USA, Allen E. and Marilyn M. Puckett Professor of Mechanics and Materials at Harvard University, USA, delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Adhesion between Soft Materials and Tissues” at the PolyU campus. The lecture was attended by more than 100 scholars, researchers and students in person, and nearly 16,000 online viewers across various social media platforms. During the lecture, Prof. Suo first explained the fundamental mechanics of hydrogels, illustrating how two brittle polymer networks — polyacrylamide and alginate — can be combined to form a highly tough and stretchable hybrid hydrogel. This “brittle + brittle = tough” design concept greatly enhances the material’s resistance to fracture through hysteresis and viscoelastic energy dissipation, increasing its fracture energy from approximately 10 J/m² to over 9,000 J/m². These advanced hydrogels also possess desirable properties such as stretchability, transparency and conductivity, enabling their use as ionic conductors in various biomimetic devices, including artificial muscles, stretchable electroluminescent devices and ionic transistors, thereby overcoming the fragility limitations of conventional biocompatible materials. In the area of interface engineering, Prof. Suo further elaborated on how the synergistic interplay among chemistry, topology and mechanics enables robust tissue adhesion. He introduced pioneering techniques such as “topological adhesion” and “molecular staples”, which utilise biocompatible polymers to form instant, tough and non-covalent bonds on soft tissue surfaces. His research team has also successfully developed innovative materials, including “hydrogel paints” and photodegradable adhesives, which not only provide strong adhesive performance but can also be safely removed under ultraviolet (UV) light, offering breakthrough solutions for clinical applications such as surgical dressings and wound care. The lecture also highlighted the translational applications of these materials in both biomedical and industrial fields. Prof. Suo introduced hydrogel-mesh composites designed for sutureless adhesive anastomosis in organ transplantation, a technology that can significantly reduce surgical trauma and the risk of fluid leakage. He further explained how the mechanical principle of multiscale stress deconcentration can increase the fatigue threshold of soft materials by tenfold. Beyond bioimplants, this concept has also been extended to the development of sustainable engineering materials, such as “green tyres” made from silica-filled natural rubber and highly durable natural rubber tanglemers. The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session moderated by Prof. MAI Yiu-wing, PolyU Distinguished Chair Professor of Composites Science and Engineering. Prof. ZHENG Zijian, Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) of PolyU, Prof. SU Zhongqing, Head and Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Systems of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, together with faculty members and students, actively participated in the discussion. Online audiences also responded enthusiastically, engaging in in-depth exchanges on a range of cutting-edge academic topics, including how hydration layers at the interface between soft materials and living tissues influence transient adhesion strength, as well as the design of intelligent soft adhesives capable of controllable detachment in response to physiological microenvironmental changes such as pH, temperature and reactive oxygen species. The event fostered a vibrant atmosphere for academic exchange both onsite and online. Please click here for an online review.

PAIR Newsletter · Issue 18 · June 2026 is now available

What can nature teach us about solving humanity’s most complex challenges?  In Issue 18 of the PAIR Newsletter, biomimicry takes centre stage, revealing how insights from living systems can spark innovation and help address pressing global challenges in health, sustainability, and human wellbeing. Discover how sea urchin spines inspire next‑generation biomimetic sensors, and how an AI co‑pilot system is advancing clinical‑grade decision‑making.  You will also find stories that reflect PAIR’s commitment to sustainability, deep‑space exploration and improving people’s wellbeing through innovations in mobility, comfort, and mental health. We also spotlight two complementary perspectives on building a resilient, future‑ready society, shared by leading materials science experts.  PAIR Senior Fellow Prof. Nemkumar BANTHIA highlights how carbon‑neutral materials, smart monitoring, and predictive design can strengthen urban resilience, while PAIR International Advisory Committee (IAC) Member Prof. Alexander HARTMAIER explores how multiscale materials science—from atoms to full‑scale structures—enables low‑carbon, high‑performance, and ethically sourced materials for industry. This spring, PAIR welcomed IAC members from the Chinese Mainland, Singapore, the UK, Germany, and the US to its 5th annual IAC Meeting, an important forum for gathering expert advice to guide PAIR’s future development.  We also marked the launch of the “Cambridge NeuroWorks and PolyU PAIR Joint Seminar Series” and the “PAIR Seed Funding Scheme for Joint Research Projects with Leading Universities”, alongside many other cross‑disciplinary and cross‑sectoral partnerships across PAIR research units.   Read PAIR Newsletter ž Issue 18: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/pair/publications/issue-18/  

Ir Prof. ZHANG Ming elected Fellow of Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering for 2026

Ir Prof. ZHANG Ming, Director of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has recently been elected a Fellow of the Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering (CSBME) for the year 2026, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to rehabilitation engineering and biomedical engineering. Ir Prof. Zhang took the lead in establishing the Society’s Rehabilitation Engineering Technical Committee and served as its inaugural Chair. Under his leadership, the committee has grown into one of the Society’s largest and most distinguished groups. While advancing the development of the branch, Ir Prof. Zhang has also actively fostered collaboration between PolyU and the Society. The PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering has long participated in the Society’s academic activities, promoting research and academic exchange in related fields. Established in 1980, CSBME is a national first-level academic society and the only professional academic organisation in the Chinese Mainland that integrates research, education, clinical practice and industrial development in the field of biomedical engineering. The Society has more than 45,000 individual members. Since launching its Fellow programme in 2024, a total of 45 scholars have been elected Fellows to date.

MHRC hosts 2026 networking luncheon to advance interdisciplinary collaboration and mental wellness

The Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted its 2026 Networking Luncheon on 29 May 2026 at Hotel ICON, bringing together over 50 representatives from the Government, the Hospital Authority, non-governmental organisations, charitable foundations and academia to foster interdisciplinary exchange and strengthen collaboration in mental health research and community services. The luncheon opened with welcoming remarks by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation). Prof. Chao commended MHRC for its notable achievements in interdisciplinary research, academic innovation and collaborative network building since its establishment in 2021. The event was also graced by Dr LAM Ching-choi, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health of the Health Bureau, HKSAR, and Mr David NG, Assistant Director (Rehabilitation & Medical Social Services) of the Social Welfare Department, HKSAR, who attended as officiating guests and shared their insights on the development of local and global mental health research and community services. To celebrate the launch of MHRC’s second funding cycle, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, officiated by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Prof. QIU Anqi, Director of MHRC, Prof. Hector TSANG, Co-founder of MHRC, Dr LAM Ching-choi, Mr David NG, and Mr Lawrence CHAN, Founder of the Seal of Love Charitable Foundation. During the luncheon, Prof. QIU Anqi shared the Centre’s latest research achievements and future strategic directions, highlighting how MHRC integrates neuroscience, artificial intelligence, rehabilitation sciences and social work to develop innovative, technology-driven mental health interventions. The event also provided a valuable platform for dialogue among stakeholders, including representatives from the Lee Hysan Foundation, Seal of Love Charitable Foundation, Bright Future Charitable Foundation, the Hospital Authority and various mental health service organisations. In closing, Prof. QIU expressed heartfelt gratitude to all partners for their continued support and reaffirmed MHRC’s commitment to advancing mental health research and services through cross-sector collaboration, with the shared goal of building a healthier and more resilient society. MHRC also sincerely thanked all guests for their valuable insights and forward-looking perspectives. The meaningful exchanges throughout the luncheon underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and further strengthened the collective commitment to enhancing mental health and well-being in the community.