News

Prof. Mike LAI writes in newspaper: Appropriate ESG disclosure is key — accurate reporting matters for corporate risk reduction and competitiveness

Prof. Mike LAI Kee-hung, Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement, Associate Dean (Academic Support) of the Faculty of Business, Acting Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, recently penned an article for HK01, titled “Bidding Farewell to the ‘More is Better’ Myth – Mastering the Art of Accurate ESG Disclosure”, in which he explores issues related to green finance and ESG disclosure. Prof. Lai notes that, in recent years, green finance and ESG information disclosure have become global trends, with enterprises generally believing that greater transparency attracts more investors. However, his research team’s study of listed manufacturing companies in China found that the relationship between ESG disclosure transparency and corporate risk follows a U-shape curve: moderate disclosure helps reduce share price volatility, but excessive disclosure increases risk. Disclosing an appropriate amount of ESG information can alleviate information asymmetry, boost investor confidence and reduce the impact of unexpected events on share prices. Conversely, over-disclosure of commercially sensitive information may enable competitors to copy business practices, thereby weakening a company’s advantages and increasing its risk exposure. The research also indicates that artificial intelligence and intellectual property protection can mitigate the risks associated with excessive disclosure and enhance corporate competitiveness. Prof. Lai believes that the priorities of institutional investors also affect the impact of ESG disclosure on risk, and that enterprises should adjust their disclosure strategies according to market conditions. For Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises, accurately disclosing information about the most distinctive and improvable ESG aspects, alongside technological and patent planning, can help enhance bargaining power and secure green loans. At the policy level, the government should emphasise the quality and relevance of disclosures, encourage enterprises to make good use of artificial intelligence tools, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of reporting. ESG disclosure should be seen as a strategic tool for enterprises to manage risk and strengthen competitiveness, rather than merely a compliance burden.   Online coverage: HK01 - https://polyu.me/4bZibB7

From emissions to fuels: Advanced electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction demonstrates economic viability for large-scale carbon-neutral fuel and chemical production

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction (ECO₂R) offers a sustainable pathway to industrial decarbonisation by converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals.  Despite significant advances in catalyst design, industrial scalability has been constrained by slow mass-transfer kinetics.  A research team led by Prof. Daniel LAU Shu-ping, Associate Director of Photonics Research Institute (PRI) and Chair Professor of Nanomaterials, has introduced a high-diffusion-flux gas diffusion electrode (HDF-GDE) that overcomes this limitation in alkali-cation-free systems, achieving CO₂ conversion rates at industrial current densities. Kinetic analysis reveals that conversion is governed by mass transfer efficiency rather than flow rate.  By optimising the GDE structure to maximise CO₂ diffusion and GDE utilisation, the team has realised a kW-scale ECO₂R system with long-term stability (1000 hours), capable of producing carbon monoxide (CO) or ethylene (C₂H₄) depending on the catalyst employed.  Operating with a 3 L/min CO₂ flow rate, the system delivers 144 kg of CO (1.29 kW) or 17 kg of C₂H₄ (1.95 kW) over 1000 hours.  The alkali-cation-free ECO2R system, equipped with HDF-GDEs, demonstrates economic viability for large-scale ECO2R-to-CO/C2H4 production.  These findings bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world deployment, advancing the manufacturing of carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals. This breakthrough not only addresses key challenges in mass transfer and system stability but also paves the way for the practical implementation of ECO₂R technology in industrial settings. By demonstrating both technical and economic feasibility, the research sets a new benchmark for scalable carbon-neutral fuel and chemical production, supporting global efforts toward sustainable energy and climate change mitigation. The results have been published in Nature Communications under the title “Kilowatt-scale alkali-cation-free CO2 electrolysis via accelerating mass transfer”. Read the full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-69175-9  

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

PolyU wins 37 awards at 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, earning global recognition for frontier research excellence

Projects led by PAIR members: This year’s award-winning breakthroughs demonstrate strong transformative potential and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. These ground-breaking innovations span diverse fields, including life sciences, healthcare, vision health, aerospace, artificial intelligence, robotics, sustainable energy, green applications, engineering, advanced materials and sustainable textiles. They are poised to create a tangible impact for society and build a smarter, healthier and more sustainable future. A total of 32 PolyU winning innovations received 37 accolades, including two Special Awards, six Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury, 14 Gold Medals, 10 Silver Medals, two Bronze Medals, one Special Prize and two Special Merit Awards. Among them, 26 were led by PAIR members. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) seized a total of 37 accolades at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo), a widely recognised annual event dedicated exclusively to inventions. The remarkable achievement demonstrates the University’s research excellence and global influence in frontier technology development. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) seized a total of 37 accolades at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo), a widely recognised annual event dedicated exclusively to inventions. The remarkable achievement demonstrates the University’s research excellence and global influence in frontier technology development. A total of 32 PolyU winning innovations received 37 accolades, including two Special Awards, six Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury, 14 Gold Medals, 10 Silver Medals, two Bronze Medals, one Special Prize and two Special Merit Awards. Among them, 26 were led by PAIR members. This year’s award-winning breakthroughs demonstrate strong transformative potential and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. These ground-breaking innovations span diverse fields, including life sciences, healthcare, vision health, aerospace, artificial intelligence, robotics, sustainable energy, green applications, engineering, advanced materials and sustainable textiles. They are poised to create a tangible impact for society and build a smarter, healthier and more sustainable future. Projects led by PAIR members: Project Principal Investigator(s) Affiliation with PAIR Prize of the Korea Invention Promotion Association and Gold Medal PD-001R: A First-in-Class Candidate for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuen Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation; Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Food Science and Nutrition Management Committee Member of RCMI; Member of RiFood, RISA and MHRC Thailand Award for the Best International Invention & Innovation and Gold Medal Revolutionising Power Generator Inspection: The Baffle-compatible Autonomous Robot Prof. TAM Hwa Yaw Chair Professor of Photonics, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Associate Director of PRI Special Prize of “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, Romania and Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury Viromids: A Redosable, Low-Cost Gene-Delivery Platform for Ocular Therapy Prof. HUANG Chien-ling Associate Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics Management Committee Member of RiFood Special Merit Award from CORNELIUGROUP Association and Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury oka³y! Personalised Freeform Orthokeratology Contact Lens with AI-guided Astigmatic Asymmetric Design Prof. KEE Chea-su K.B. Woo Family Professor in Optometry; Head and Professor, School of Optometry Associate Director of RCSV; Member of RIAIoT Special Merit Award from “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, Romania and Gold Medal Proactive Early Warning System for Structural Health Monitoring of Wind Turbine Blades and Towers Prof. YU Changyuan Chair Professor of Photonic Information System, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Management Committee Member of PRI; Member of RI-IWEAR, RISports and RCDSE Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury Stairio: Automated Staircase Safety Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance Robot with Handrail-affixed Locomotion System Prof. HSU Li-ta Associate Professor, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering; Limin Young Scholar in Aerospace Navigation Member of RIAM, RIAIoT, RILS, SCRI and RISUD Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury AI-driven Third-generation Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Design Dr ZHOU Xin Yu Research Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Member of RIAIoT and PRI Gold Medal LEO C-NAV: A Spaceborne Payload for Low-Earth Orbit Communication and Navigation Services Prof. WEN Chih-yung Chair Professor of Aeronautical Engineering, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering Associate Director and Management Committee Member of RISports; Management Committee Member of SCRI; Member of RiFood, RISUD and RCDSE Magnetophages: A New Class of Programmable Viral Nanocontainers with Active Control Prof. CHUA Song Lin Associate Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Management Committee Member of RCDSE; Member of RiFood OmniCare: A Magic PGLADMA Platform for Advanced Wound Management Prof. ZHAO Xin Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology; Limin Young Scholar in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Member of RiFood and RI-IWEAR Dragonfly Vision: A Mini Camera for Instant 180° Imaging Prof. ZHANG Xuming Associate Head and Professor, Department of Applied Physics Associate Director and Management Committee Member of RIQT; Management Committee Member of PRI; Member of RIAM and RCRE A Mechanical Cleaning Method for Semiconductors and Electronics Using Ice Prof ZHAO Jiong Professor, Department of Applied Physics Member of RIAM Green Energy-driven Electrochemical Upcycling of Urban Solid Wastes Prof. ZHANG Shipeng Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Associate Director of RCRE; Member of RiFood and RISUD   Prof. POON Chi Sun Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering; Distinguished Research Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Director of RCRE; Member of RILS and RISUD Latching-based Smart Control System for Mitigating Ultra-low-frequency Vibrations: Inspired by Wave Energy Converters Prof. ZHU Songye Interim Head and Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Leading Member of RIAIoT; Member of RILS, RISE and RISUD Fast-charging Anode-free Sodium Metal Batteries Prof. XU Zheng Long Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Systems and Engineering Management Committee Member of RCDSE; Member of RIAM, PRI and RISE Adaptive Freeform Eyeglass for Instant Refractive Control Dr Elie Aymard Jonathan de LESTRANGE-ANGINIEUR Research Fellow, School of Optometry Member of RCSV     Prof. George WOO Emeritus Professor and Senior Advisor, School of Optometry Member of RCSV Silver Medal Safety-assured AI-driven Drone System for Cleaning Building Exteriors Prof. WEN Weisong Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering Member of RIAM, RILS, SCRI, RCDSE, RCRE and RCDTT Hydrogel Dressing for Drug-resistant Bacterial Infection via Sonodynamic Therapy Prof. HAO Jianhua Head and Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices, Department of Applied Physics Member of PRI, RISE and RISports ProMuki: Wearable Ultrasound Monitoring and Analysing of Muscle Activities for Fitness, Sports and Rehabilitation Prof. ZHENG Yongping Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering; Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering Director of RISA Nanocarbon-coated Conductive Aggregates (NCCA) for Smart, Sustainable Asphalt Pavement Prof. LENG Zhen Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Associate Director of RCRE; Member of RILS and RISUD DermaScan AI Prof. CAI Jing Head and Chair Professor of Medical Physics and Intelligent Oncology, Department of Health Technology and Informatics Management Committee Member of RI-IWEAR and RISA Intelligent Driving Training and Evaluation System for Heavy-duty Trucks Prof. FU Xiaowen Head and Chair Professor of Logistics Engineering, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Management Committee Member of RIAM; Member of SCRI, RCESGA and RCDTT Intelligent Ankle Rehabilitation Robt Prof. ZHANG Dan Chair Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering Member of RIAM, RIAIoT, RI-IWEAR, RISE and RCTFF FlavoTear — Baicalein: A Novel Disease-Modifying Agent for Dry Eye Disease Prof. DO Chi-wai Associate Professor, School of Optometry Member of RiFood, RISA, RCMI and RCSV Bronze Medal     Oral-motor Assessment and Rehabilitation Mobile App (ORAR App) Dr Winsy WONG Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology Member of RISA Sustainable Long-lasting Rewritable Textiles for On-demand Pattern Customisation Prof. XU Bingang Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles Management Committee Member of RI-IWEAR; Member of RISE, RCRE and RCTFF Press release: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/media/media-releases/2026/0315_polyu-wins-37-awards-at-51st-international-exhibition-of-inventions-geneva/   Online coverage: China Daily - https://polyu.me/46XOeP5 Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4uwWUpH (subscription required); https://polyu.me/3P27DZ9 Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/4bcK6NM; https://polyu.me/4luUe7X Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/3P9pehH (subscription required)  am730 - https://polyu.me/4sMyjLZ; https://polyu.me/4sm9QNF Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/47NVddE; https://polyu.me/4uCKTzd Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4bKpDQn; https://polyu.me/4bmIi3l; https://polyu.me/4bzdQn0; https://polyu.me/4rtYXs1 Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/47JtydO; https://polyu.me/4bpuRzB Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4sNAw9T; https://polyu.me/4buKEgQ; https://polyu.me/41aiJxG HK01 - https://polyu.me/4bK4CFx Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4bpoNHD Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4cOwg5s Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/4luSmfr; https://polyu.me/3Nipt9H Hong Kong-Invest - https://polyu.me/4brTD2o Yahoo HK - https://polyu.me/4sGdnGk Line Today - https://polyu.me/475itDQ; https://polyu.me/4utU6JN Headline for HK - https://polyu.me/47FLgPl Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/4bl67Kp; https://polyu.me/4boktIy Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/41a499u (subscription required) etnet - https://polyu.me/40yJOKY Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4swDIHr Orange News - https://polyu.me/4sJtGlF Kin Liu - https://polyu.me/4cPRuzO Line Today - https://polyu.me/3PGkEaP Nanfang Daily - https://polyu.me/4sf6OuJ    

Prof. David SHUM appointed as member of new medical school task group

Prof. David SHUM Ho-keung, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Yeung Tsang Wing Yee and Tsang Wing Hing Professor in Neuropsychology, and Chair Professor of Neuropsychology, has been appointed by the HKSAR Government as a new member of the Task Group on New Medical School. The Government has appointed five new expert advisors to the Task Group, with the aim to enhance support for the work in the implementation stage of the new medical school and ensure The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) meets its targets in an orderly manner.  The Task Group has also established three working groups on programme and faculty development, hospital teaching and research support, and financing and infrastructure development.  The working groups will be responsible for maintaining close liaison with the HKUST, providing support in their respective areas, monitoring the implementation of the project and reporting progress to the Task Group on a regular basis. Prof. Shum holds multiple positions within PAIR’s constituent research units.  He serves as a Management Committee Member of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), and is a Member of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC).   Online coverage: Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4rBjXNr Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4s9PeZ2 Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/4saMRoC Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4s8Oinz HK01 - https://polyu.me/4sbySPy  

PolyU all-acoustics brain-computer interface system forges new paths for Parkinson’s disease therapy through precise ultrasound neuromodulation

Imagine a future where treating Parkinson’s disease no longer requires surgeries or invasive implants, but instead a simple helmet that uses ultrasound to tune the brain.  This is exactly what Prof. SUN Lei, Director of Non-invasive Brain Computer Interface Research Center, Member of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Professor of Department of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU, Prof. QIU Zhihai, a PhD graduate of the same department, and their research team are working on with their “All Acoustics Brain Computer Interface (BCI) System”. The system harnesses the physical properties of ultrasound to penetrate the skull and precisely target deep brain regions.  Featuring a transcranial sparse ultrasound array comprising more than 128 individual transducer elements, it is paired with a custom driving system capable of independently controlling each channel for precise manipulation of the acoustic field.  The BCI system can communicate with the brain to modulate its functions.  With the helmet-shaped gear, brain cells can be modulated by utilising ultrasound to achieve non-invasive treatment for relieving Parkinsonian symptoms. Building on ultrasound neuromodulation, the team has further developed sonogenetics technology to significantly enhance precision.  The sonogenetics technology can precisely identify and modulate targeted cell types—it is currently the only technique of its kind to be successfully validated by multiple independent laboratories, demonstrating its scientific significance. The team has begun clinical research in collaboration with Huashan Hospital in Shanghai and Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University.  In the next stage, Prof. Sun will expand the scale of clinical validation.  He plans to collaborate with five leading medical centres to conduct a clinical study involving 100 Parkinson’s disease patients and systematically assess the ultrasound technique’s safety and efficacy, paving the way for regulatory approval and commercialisation. Looking ahead, the team also aims to partner with Hong Kong hospitals for clinical study and develop a more portable household version of the system, enabling patients to receive continuous treatment at home. The team’s research findings have been published in leading international journals, including Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Nature Communications and Cell Reports.  Press release: https://polyu.me/40ozANd   Online coverage: TVB - https://polyu.me/3NlLGDN Now TV - https://polyu.me/46TpLKJ; https://polyu.me/4ruo1z1 i-Cable - https://polyu.me/47GvMut RTHK - https://polyu.me/4rv2RRn CRHK - https://polyu.me/47J5EiD Metro Radio - https://polyu.me/4b5Fb0W Mirage - https://polyu.me/4bkXApw The National Tribune - https://polyu.me/3NAxS8r Opengov - https://polyu.me/416fNCc Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/410DE6i Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/4sFPyOT (subscription required) Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4sG0Ouy; https://polyu.me/3MXwuwA (subscription required) Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/4uqw0ja am730 - https://polyu.me/4ruckZ5 Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/4rr28jW Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4bk3bMD Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4lqoiRZ; https://polyu.me/4sIjdqN; https://polyu.me/46W05x2; https://polyu.me/412FymY; https://polyu.me/4lK05qh; https://polyu.me/4sKZgzG Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4saCOjB; https://polyu.me/4uxMWVd Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/3PgO8vM; https://polyu.me/4lmXxhk Orange News - https://polyu.me/4ura47G Unwire - https://polyu.me/3P7UTQD Unique Media - https://polyu.me/3MWZHru Headline for HK - https://polyu.me/4sHs4ZU Sing Tao Canada - https://polyu.me/4rsS1v0 Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/3P6Kp3Z; https://polyu.me/4b4Zpbc Nanfang Daily - https://polyu.me/4rwni0m Sina HK - https://polyu.me/3P6O4yL Jornal Va Kio - https://polyu.me/4diooZS MSN - https://polyu.me/4shneCU

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 Eurek Alert - https://polyu.me/4sXVDGu  

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 (RCSV), 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.