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PolyU research unveils mechanoelectrical perception in sea urchin spines, empowering next-generation biomimetic sensors

Beneath the ocean are sea urchins that possess the remarkable ability to instantly detect water flow.  A recent discovery made by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Member of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), in collaboration with scholars from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), has unveiled the mechanoelectrical perception in long-spined sea urchin (Diadema setosum) and its underling science.  Even more impressively, the researchers engineered artificial mechanoreceptors that mimic the structure of sea urchin spines and their mechanoelectrical sensing capability.  This pioneering work titled “Echinoderm stereom gradient structures enable mechanoelectrical perception” has been published in the international journal Nature. The research team found that, when a seawater droplet strikes the tip of a spine, the spine rotates rapidly within a second.  This response originates from the stereom structure of the spine—the porous internal skeleton composed of pores with varying sizes and distributions. These pores exhibit a gradual gradient: larger pores and lower solid density at the base, and smaller pores and higher solid density at the tip, forming a bicontinuous gradient porous structure.  This gradient structure intensifies the interaction between water flow and pore surfaces, resulting in a stronger voltage difference and enhancing the spine’s sensing capabilities. Inspired by these findings, the researchers used vat photopolymerisation 3D printing to create artificial samples from polymer and ceramic materials that resemble the spine’s stereom.  Experiments demonstrated that the key to the mechanoelectrical perception lies in the structure rather than the material.  They also constructed a bionic 3D metamaterial mechanoreceptor that is designed in a 3 × 3 array with each unit made of gradient porous material.  This mechanoreceptor can record electrical signals in real time underwater and precisely locate the position of water flow impact, without the need for additional electricity. The research team points out that the gradient porous structure in sea urchin spines enhances signal transmission, thereby improving the precision and sensitivity of the mechanoreceptor.  By replicating this structure in different materials, it is possible to extend its application beyond water flow sensing to various types of signals, including those measuring pressure, vibration and electromagnetic waves. This will inspire sensing technologies in multiple fields, such as in relation to its use in brain-computer interfaces to enhance the sensing of brainwaves and neural signals, with tremendous application potential. Read the full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10164-9 Press release: https://polyu.me/40MQNzQ   Online coverage: Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/4ub8G8T Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4rTC7e8 etnet - https://polyu.me/4rdKfFc Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4boEKyJ Quamnet - https://polyu.me/4b2TqlN Sina HK - https://polyu.me/4lbCyOn AP - https://polyu.me/4rZeotk Macau Business - https://polyu.me/4rj9F4p Channel News Asia - https://polyu.me/4rTRVOj Asia Business Newswire - https://polyu.me/4rhi8oO The Manila Times - https://polyu.me/47cUtyu The Sun - https://polyu.me/4d1k698 Viet Nam News - https://polyu.me/3OIaUg2 Biz Hub - https://polyu.me/3OMdD8d Mirage - https://polyu.me/47qweNg BizWire Express - https://polyu.me/4rdKRL0 IT News Online - https://polyu.me/3N63kuX CRWE World - https://polyu.me/408NliS DB Power - https://polyu.me/4l7XGFk Media Outreach - https://polyu.me/40R42PX Alvinology Media - https://polyu.me/4rePrJ4 News Patrolling - https://polyu.me/4u5Decd Archyworldys - https://polyu.me/4sru1JK Super Adrian Me - https://polyu.me/40cEnRG Daily Sun - https://polyu.me/3OVG97m Gene Online - https://polyu.me/4bryZAu Businesses News Agency - https://polyu.me/4uixjAK NetEase - https://polyu.me/3OUTVaj  

PolyU launches next-generation ophthalmic AI clinical co-pilot system, driving innovation in clinical-grade intelligent decision support platforms

A research team led by Prof. HE Mingguang, Director of Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RISV), Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology and Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health of School of Optometry, has launched the development of a next-generation clinical-grade ophthalmic artificial intelligence (AI) co-pilot system "EyeAgent 2.0", aiming to construct an intelligent decision support platform with advanced clinical reasoning capabilities to assist doctors in disease diagnostic analysis, treatment planning and follow-up management, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of clinical judgments. The team previously developed the "EyeAgent 1.0" prototype system, capable of integrating multimodal medical data including clinical text and images, to provide diagnostic assistance. Pilot testing in hospitals across Hong Kong and Chinese mainland yielded positive clinical feedback. Leveraging this, the team is now developing "EyeAgent 2.0". The new system is being developed around a domain-specific foundation model trained on large-scale, real-world multimodal electronic medical data from leading ophthalmic centres across different regions. It will integrate fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography, angiography and clinical text data. The system will also simulate actual clinical workflows, including data integration, differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and disease progression prediction through a multi-agent collaborative framework, realising the goal of upgrading from one-time image analysis towards continuous decision support throughout the course of disease. Based on current model validation and prototype testing results, the team anticipates that when fully developed the system, will significantly enhance diagnostic consistency and efficiency, while reducing the time doctors spend on case organisation and documentation. This will help alleviate work pressure in high-load clinical environments. The system’s design emphasises human-AI collaboration, with AI serving as an auxiliary tool for enhancing data integration and analytical capabilities while all final clinical decisions remain doctor-led. Press release: https://polyu.me/4u6GZOG   Online coverage: Mirage - https://polyu.me/4l41SWN Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4u4yAeA; https://polyu.me/4bl8LiX Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/4slbO0j (subscription required) Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4r7Fjl8 Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4sszrEp Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3Nfs4B9 Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4skdpn5 Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/4ubdZp6 HK01 - https://polyu.me/3Nen6Vg Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4rSyLbv

Prof. WONG Ka-hing appointed as Chairman of Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund Advisory Committee

Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, has been appointed Chairman of the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund (SFDF) Advisory Committee under the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department by the HKSAR Government, for a term of three years with effect from 3 March 2026.  The committee advises the Director of AFCD on the SFDF’s overall funding strategies, project priorities, and the assessment of funding applications.

From material science discoveries to clinical innovations: Organic bionics expert Prof. Gordon WALLACE explores the immense potential of 3D biofabrication at PAIR Distinguished Lecture

On 3 March 2026, Prof. Gordon WALLACE of University of Wollongong delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Discoveries in Organic Bionics, 3D Biofabrication and Deployment of Solutions to Clinical Challenges” at the PolyU campus.  The event attracted over 120 in-person participants and reached an impressive online audience of nearly 16,000 across various social media platforms. Prof. Wallace began by introducing the science of “Organic Bionics”—the use of inherently conducting polymers (ICPs), such as Polypyrrole (PPy) to create seamless interfaces between electronics and living tissue.  These materials can switch between oxidised and reduced states, altering conductivity and topology to form dynamic “biocommunication” channels.  By embedding growth factors like NT3 and applying electrical stimulation, his team has achieved striking improvements in neurite outgrowth. This technology holds profound implications for neurological therapies, where stimulating dysfunctional cells has shown promise in promoting neuronal branching. The lecture then shifted to breakthroughs in material processing.  Prof. Wallace noted that advanced materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes are often difficult to handle using conventional methods.  His team developed processable aqueous dispersions of graphene, enabling innovative fabrication techniques like wet-spinning and 3D extrusion printing.  A highlight of this technological leap is the “Sutrode”—a graphene-based fibre electrode that combines the flexibility of a surgical suture with the electrical properties of a high-end implant.  This device has allowed researchers to uncover direct communication between the spleen and the vagus nerve, opening new doors for “electroceuticals” to treat inflammatory diseases. A lively and vivid theme ran through the lecture was “Don’t Travel Alone”.  Prof. Wallace emphasised that successful deployment requires multidisciplinary collaboration among clinicians, engineers, and regulatory experts.  He showcased several collaborative projects stemming from such teamwork: Cartilage Regeneration: The “Biopen”, a handheld 3D bioprinter that allows surgeons to print stem-cell-laden scaffolds directly into knee defects during surgery. Islet Cell Transplantation: Coaxial 3D printing to create vascularized structures that protect transplanted islet cells, offering new hope for Type 1 diabetes treatment. Corneal Regeneration: Electro-compacted collagen used to fabricate biomimetic corneal stroma, addressing the global shortage of donor corneas. Wound Healing: Bio-inks derived from “Ulvan”, a polysaccharide extracted from Australian green seaweed, are designed to mimic the human extracellular matrix and accelerate skin repair. In his concluding remarks, Prof. Wallace addressed the “translation reality”, noting that moving from lab to clinic involves navigating regulatory hurdles, economic considerations, and scalability challenges. He argued that the push for deployment fuels innovation, compelling researchers to engineer performance in the “fourth dimension”.  He urged young scientists to integrate social engagement and commercial credibility into their work, ensuring that research outcomes ultimately serve the community. The presentation concluded with a lively question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. WANG Lianzhou, Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) and Chair Professor of Energy Materials, during which both the in-person and online audience engaged in a thoughtful exchange with Prof. Wallace. Please click here for an online review.

Prof. CHAI Yang and international collaborators present technology roadmap for bioinspired computing hardware

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are getting more powerful, but they consume a huge amount of energy.  In contrast, the human brain is small, but remarkably efficient and smart.  To equip machines with similar characteristics, scientists are now exploring bioinspired computing (BIC), so that machines can operate fast and energy-efficiently just like how brain do. A comprehensive review article recently published by a large team of 73 researchers from 49 universities and research institutions spanning Asia, Europe, and North America lays out a detailed roadmap for the BIC hardware vision.  The article titled “Technology Roadmap of Bioinspired Computing Hardware” has been published in ACS Nano.  Prof. CHAI Yang, Director of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), Management Committee Member of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), Member of Photonics Research Institute (PRI) and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science, is the corresponding author. His postdoctoral fellow, Dr. WANG Shuang, is the first author. The article highlights how BIC offers a promising alternative by emulating the intrinsic advantages of biological systems, such as parallelism, adaptability and robustness.  Progress in BIC hardware requires interdisciplinary convergence, bridging materials science and device physics with neuroscience, computer science, mathematics and information science.  Consequently, the development of this interdisciplinary field urgently requires a comprehensive roadmap that systematically and thoroughly analyses frontier issues and the latest progress. The roadmap categorises the critical challenges into three components, namely, hardware foundations, architectures and prototype realisations.  It highlights how biological features inspire the design of BIC hardware through device physics and discusses performance metrics and engineering challenges.  The article describes how diverse signalling rules and structural organisations in BIC architectures support specific computational prototypes, including electronic and photonic BIC chips, and present a technological roadmap outlining opportunities to expand the functional scope of BIC hardware through coordinated advances in devices, architectures and system demonstrations.  This ongoing convergence of interdisciplinary knowledge can help accelerate the transition towards high-efficiency AI hardware. The review article marks a significant milestone in the field of BIC, setting out a clear vision for future research, and identifying both challenges and opportunities that will shape the next generation of AI hardware. Read the full review article: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsnano.5c17087  

Prof. SONG Haiyan shares insights into Asia Pacific Tourism Outlook 2026–2028

Prof. SONG Haiyan, Director of Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT), Associate Dean (Research) and Chair Professor of School of Hotel and Tourism Management, Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Professor in International Tourism, presented the Asia Pacific Tourism Outlook 2026–2028 during a webinar organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) on 26 February 2026.  According to Prof. Song, the outlook indicates that international visitor arrivals across the region are set to surpass pre-pandemic levels, despite ongoing exposure to economic, geopolitical and environmental uncertainties.  The Asia Pacific region is expected to reach 710 million international arrivals in 2026, representing 104% of 2019 levels.  By 2028, total arrivals are projected to rise to approximately 765 million, or 11.5% above pre-COVID performance under the baseline scenario.  The outlook further suggests that Northeast Asia will regain the largest market share, West Asia will recover fastest, and Southeast Asia will exceed 2019 levels.  South Asia, though the smallest subregion, will experience robust growth, while the Americas and Pacific are expected to recover more slowly.  Major destinations such as Japan, India and Thailand are set for strong growth, with China remaining a key outbound market.  The report emphasises the importance of flexible planning, diversification of source markets, and resilience strategies for travel professionals amid ongoing global uncertainty. The Asia Pacific Tourism Outlook is a comprehensive report prepared in collaboration between RCDTT and PATA.  It presents forecasts for 39 destinations in the Asia Pacific region under mild, medium and severe scenarios, offering critical insights for stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry.   Online coverage: Travel Daily News - https://polyu.me/4uiyccG  

PAIR Newsletter · Issue 17 · March 2026 is now available

PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) proudly presents Issue 17 of the PAIR Newsletter.  As we step into 2026, PAIR continues to chart new territory in research, education and impact, capturing the vibrant momentum of our community. A highlight of this issue is the establishment of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement (RCESGA).  This milestone underscores PolyU’s commitment to sustainability, governance and responsible innovation, serving as a catalyst for interdisciplinary research that informs policy, empowers industry and shapes a more equitable future. We also feature PAIR Senior Fellow Prof. George MALLIARAS from the University of Cambridge, whose pioneering work in bioelectronics medicine (BEM) is transforming neural interfaces and medical diagnostics.  His insights on clinician-researcher collaboration, university spin-offs and fabrication facilities illustrate the dynamic pathways from research to real-world impact. In addition, readers will find updates on new appointments at PAIR constituent research units, the launch of a new course on sustainable cities, and stories ranging from Hong Kong’s first chip-based quantum network test to advances in intelligent wearables, battery and fuel cell technologies, and eco-block applications in urban renewal. Read PAIR Newsletter ž Issue 17: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/pair/publications/issue-17/  

Lab-based X-rays driving breakthroughs in mechanics: Cambridge’s Prof. Vikram Deshpande shares insights

Prof. Vikram DESHPANDE of the University of Cambridge delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “New measurement strategies for data-driven mechanics” on 26 February 2026 at the PolyU campus.  The event attracted nearly 100 in-person participants and reached an impressive online audience of more than 15,700 across various social media platforms. In his presentation, Prof. Deshpande explored three advanced mechanical measurement techniques emerging from lab-based X-ray technology.  Firstly, dynamic tomography enables high-resolution 3D visualisation of high-speed material deformations.  Secondly, digital volume correlation (DVC) offers a pioneering method for tracking internal strain within nominally homogeneous materials.  Finally, synchrotron technologies utilise energy diffraction to measure local stresses in complex, statically indeterminate specimens, and recent innovations are enabling these once large-scale methods to be realised within standard laboratory environments. Prof. Deshpande also emphasised that by shifting the experimental paradigm, these methods provide the high-fidelity datasets essential for training sophisticated models.  He stressed that the ultimate goal is to enable engineers to simulate the performance of complex materials with unprecedented accuracy, effectively eliminating the costly and time-consuming “trial-and-error” design loops that currently hinder industrial innovation.  Such advancements mark a pivotal step in turning the promise of data-driven engineering into a practical reality. In conclusion, Prof. Deshpande noted that the democratisation of synchrotron-level capabilities is opening new avenues for understanding material behaviour and uncovering new physics in both modern and classic materials. The presentation was followed by a lively question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. SU Zhongqing, Member of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), and Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering and Chair Professor of Intelligent Structures and Systems.  Both the in-person and online audience engaged in a thoughtful exchange with Prof. Deshpande. Please click here for an online review.

PolyU and BrainCo collaborate to empower amputees through smart prosthetics

Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, has recently entered into a deep collaboration with BrainCo to promote the deployment and application of advanced smart prosthetics. According to the latest CE policy report, the government will support via ITF funding, and the initiative aims to provide amputee subjects in Hong Kong with free smart prosthetic fitting services. The PolyU team will oversee the entire process in collaboration with BrainCo, from initial assessment and installation to precise calibration, while providing two years of complementary maintenance and repair. To make the service more sustainable and accessible, the team also aims to train professional prosthetists and orthotists, with plans to extend this training to the serving clinicians in department of prosthtics and orthotics in hospitals of Hospital Authority. This will help enhance the industry’s capacity in delivering high-end prosthetics. Prof. Zheng explained that the core technological breakthrough lies in the sophisticated interpretation of electromyography (EMG) signals. When a user intends to move, brain signals are transmitted to the muscles of the residual limb, inducing subtle EMG activity. While lower-limb prosthetics are already relatively technologically mature, the innovation of this smart hand prosthetic is its ability to achieve “individual finger control”. Equipped with eight sets of built-in electrodes, it precisely captures micro-currents generated by muscles during contraction on the skin’s surface and processes them in real time, enabling the prosthesis to perform delicate tasks, such as drawing, playing the piano, or gripping objects of various shapes. Prof. Zheng added that despite the impressive technology, its optimal performance still relies on long-term professional calibration and consistent user training, and results may vary among individuals Prof. Zheng’s team in PolyU has been researching to convert the muscle architectural changes during contraction, captured by wearble ultrasound imaging module, into a new control signal, named as sonomyography (SMG), to control prosthesis more intuitively. Their prototype prosthesis, ProRuka, fitting into an amputee subjects’ arm has earlier won Gold Medal in the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in 2024. (https://www.polyu.edu.hk/pair/publications/issue-11/ra04---risa-develops-proruka_a-novel-prosthetic-hand-controlled-by-wireless-sonomyography/?sc_lang=en)   Online coverage: U-Beat Magazine - https://polyu.me/4kO9e0n

Seven RCDSE scholars participated in documentary “Young Blood under Lion Rock”: Showcasing contributions and spirit in deep space explorations

Recently, seven PAIR Professors from the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE) participated Hunan TV International’s documentary “Young Blood under Lion Rock”.  They shared their remarkable contributions and personal journeys within national deep space exploration missions, demonstrating the brilliance of Hong Kong’s scientific researchers as they scale new technological heights in service of the nation. Ir Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Director of RCDSE, an expert in precision engineering, led his team in developing the “Surface Sampling and Packing System”. This system assisted the Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 probes to achieve automated lunar sampling and return—a milestone in national aerospace history. Having participated in major missions including the Chang’e and Tianwen-1 missions, Prof. Yung emphasises that “precision” is a relentless pursuit of perfection, harnessing electronics and AI to push products to their limits. Modest about his accolades yet possessing a photographic memory for technical detail, his perseverance has carved a unique path for Hong Kong toward the stars. Prof. WU Bo, Associate Director of RCDSE, utilises remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and AI to identify precise “landing spots” for probes on the Moon and Mars. He assisted Chang’e-4 in locating a landing site within a five-metre radius on the far side of the Moon and created 3D terrain models for Tianwen-1. Raised in a mountain village in Hunan and educated abroad, he chose to move to Hong Kong to contribute to national missions, valuing the city’s advantage of being “backed by the motherland”. With unwavering resolve, Prof. Wu creates “celestial maps” to ensure probes arrive and operate safely, providing indispensable navigational wisdom. Prof. Daniel LAU Shu-ping, a core team member of RCDSE, established the Atomic Electron Microscopy Laboratory, equipped to visualise atoms and decade the universe at a microscopic level. His team spent three years building a world-class platform from scratch to study lunar materials, exploring the possibilities of new elements and materials. Prof. Lau believes that “holding onto one's convictions” is the essence of scientific success. By creating space for the next generation and pushing scientific boundaries through meticulous research, he embodies the “Lion Rock Spirit” on the front lines of science. Prof. ZHAO Qi, Management Committee Member of RCDSE, documents humanity’s journey onto deep space through his “geological notes” in the Rock Mechanics Laboratory. His research spans real lunar samples and simulated lunar soil, analysing fragment morphology through simulated rock crushing and 3D CT scans. His team also investigates how lunar soil affects microbial growth, laying a scientific foundation for lunar development. Grounded and rigorous, Prof. Zhao transforms lunar imagination into evidence through precise experimentation and calculation. Prof. CHUA Song-lin, also a Management Committee Member, focuses on applied biology.  He simulates microbial growth in lunar soil and microgravity environments, acting as a “life safety inspection station”.  His research examines whether bacteria might extract minerals or mutate in space—critical for future astronauts establishing bases.  By guarding against harmful pathogens and exploring the microbes’ potential for food production. Prof. Chua’s work is centred on ensuring humanity can survive in extreme environments. Prof. WENG Yi-wei, another core team member, advances materials development and systems design, advocating the survival strategy of “using local materials” to offset the high costs of space transport. He developed “Spark Plasma Sintering” technology to process lunar soil into “lunar bricks” for automated assembly of bases for living and research. Combining robotic assembly with AR algorithms, he enhances both the intelligence and safety in building processes. His team is transforming lunar construction from science fiction into a viable blueprint, rewriting the rules of human habitation in space. Another core team member,Prof. WEN Weisong, specialises in robotics, AI and unmanned systems, focusing on achieving precise positioning and intelligent operation for deep space “robotic dogs”. He envisions a three-stage vision: from developing superior robotic carriers to establishing a “Lunar GPS” communication system, and ultimately granting robots an “intelligent brain” capable of self-healing and emotional companionship. Striving for innovation and reliability, Prof. Wen hopes robots will evolve from tools into partners in interstellar exploration, expanding the boundaries of human cognition in unknown territories. The stories of these seven researchers are not only a microcosm of Hong Kong’s scientific prowess but also a vivid testament to the city’s deep involvement in the national aerospace industry. From precision machinery to life sciences, and from lunar architecture to AI navigation, the PolyU research team has engraved the mark of “Hong Kong R&D” into the cosmos. Leveraging the city’s unique advantage of being “backed by the motherland and connected to the world”, they are inspiring a new generation of scientists to continue writing Hong Kong's interstellar legend in the nation’s journey toward becoming a space power.   Online video channel: Hunan TV International - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st7SlQrm2nc Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4qMn5FF