News

Prof. TAO Xiaoming leads pioneering research on magneto-responsive textiles for soft robotics and wearables

Prof. TAO Xiaoming, Director of Research Institute for Wearable Intelligent Systems (RI-IWEAR), Vincent and Lily Woo Professor and Chair Professor of Textile Technology of School of Fashion and Textiles, and her research team published a paper titled “Vector-stimuli-responsive magnetorheological fibrous materials” in Nature recently. The team has developed polymer composite fibres that rapidly and reversibly alter their shape and mechanical properties when exposed to safe, low-strength magnetic fields.  These programmable textiles hold significant promise for applications in soft robotics, electromagnetic devices and wearable technology.  Traditional magnetorheological (MR) materials, such as fluids and polymer composites, can change their properties under magnetic fields but are often limited by their unstable and unreliable performance.  To overcome these limitations, the researchers created soft-magnetic polymer composite fibres, just 57 microns in diameter, by evenly dispersing carbonyl-iron particles within a low-density polyethylene matrix.  This design prevents sedimentation and enables effective magnetic alignment. The team constructed yarns and multi-layer fabrics from these MR fibres, eliminating the need for non-magnetic bonding agents.  Their innovative approach allows for scalable production of textiles from MR fibres that respond to directional (vectorial) magnetic fields.  Magneto-mechanical models were developed to optimise fibre and yarn structures, resulting in bendable MR yarns whose stiffness can vary up to thirtyfold, depending on the direction of the magnetic field. Demonstrated applications include active ventilation fabrics, flexible grippers and haptic gloves.  This breakthrough combines tunable stiffness and versatile deformation with the lightweight, breathable qualities of textiles, paving the way for advanced soft robotics and wearable systems. Read the full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09706-4 Further reading: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/riiwear/news-and-events/news/2020/nov-nature/

Vice Minister of Science and Technology of China leads delegation to visit PolyU

Mr CHEN Jiachang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, led a delegation to visit PolyU on 5 November 2025.  During the visit, he engaged in in-depth discussions with PolyU’s management and research staff, focusing on the University’s core work in innovative teaching and research, as well as the nurturing of technology talent.  The delegation also gained a comprehensive understanding of PolyU’s cutting-edge research and achievements in technology transfer, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and healthcare.  Vice Minister Chen commended PolyU for its contributions to technological innovation and its staunch support to the Nation’s strategies in advancing science and technology as the primary productive force, and promoting national prosperity through science, education and innovation. PolyU scholars introduced the delegation to a range of leading research projects related to AI-enabled medicine, including an AI-powered fundus camera developed by Prof. HE Mingguang, Director of Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV); a 3D ultrasound scoliosis assessment system, and a  portable liver fibrosis and fatty liver assessment system developed by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA); an AI-based virtual enhanced MRI system developed by Prof. CAI Jing, Management Committee Member of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) and RISA; an ankle rehabilitation robot developed by Prof. ZHANG Dan, Member of Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (RIAM), Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), RI-IWEAR, RISA, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) and Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion (RCTFF); and robots for post-stroke telerehabilitation developed by Prof. HU Xiaoling, member of RISA and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports)  These achievements fully demonstrate how PolyU leverages its strong research capabilities in artificial intelligence, healthcare, and engineering, translating them into impactful products and technologies. Online coverage: Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4oYwgCK CCTV - https://polyu.me/47qmBif HK01 - https://polyu.me/4p06kqg hkong.hk - https://polyu.me/47NQiIZ Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/3WIuMjJ  

Dr LEUNG Ka-sing featured on TV programme on “prepared dishes” and its impacts on consumer rights

Dr LEUNG Ka-sing, Member of Steering Committee of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Adjunct Associate Professor of Department of Food Science and Nutrition, was featured on TVB’s programme “News Magazine” on the definition of “prepared dishes” and its impacts on consumer rights. Dr Leung explained that “prepared dishes” refers to dishes that have been prepared in advance and prepackaged.  He emphasised that one of the issues surrounding “prepared dishes” could be the rights of consumers.  He acknowledged that consumers have certain expectations when dining at restaurants, and suggested that certification might help address diners’ concerns.  For example, restaurants could display labels at the entrance or use other means to indicate that they do not use “prepared dishes” to serve customers. Dr Leung further noted that whether or not “prepared dishes” should be regulated through legislation requires open to discussion.  He cautioned that, in commercial contexts, legislating prematurely may not be advisable, as excessive regulation could impede development of the industry.  He concluded that, in handling matters involving the industry and consumers, legislation should be considered only as a last resort.   Online coverage: TVB - https://polyu.me/47l8EC9 (17:46 - 18:15; 20:54 - 21:54)

Single session of exercise rapidly alleviates depressive mood: PolyU 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

PolyU partners with industry to transform waste glass into low-carbon bricks, supporting mall renovation in Central

PolyU, in collaboration with Gammon Construction, is supporting Hongkong Land’s HK$7.8 billion “Tomorrow’s Central” initiative to renovate its shopping mall in Central. The project will convert demolition glass waste into partition bricks and low-carbon cement alternatives, aiming to recycle 75% of the waste generated in the project. Prof. POON Chi-Sun, Director of the Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE), Distinguished Research Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering, explained that the technology adopted in the project grinds waste glass into powder, which replaces 20% to 30% of the cement used in brick production. Compared to conventional bricks on the market, these eco-bricks are 10% to 20% stronger while having similar weight. Following the completion of performance tests including fire resistance and others by the end of this year, the bricks will be officially produced in Hong Kong for use as partition bricks. Prof. Poon added that 41 tonnes of glass have already been dismantled for the project, with the estimated total amounting to 50 tonnes. Each brick uses at least 2 to 3 kg of glass for replacing some of the high carbon-emitting cement. Over 20,000 partition bricks are expected to be produced for use by Hongkong Land. Many buildings in Hong Kong are built with extensive glass curtain walls, which require disposal. This green brick technology helps the industry address the challenge of discarding large volumes of glass waste and has the potential for economical and scalable production. In future, it could even be expanded to develop structural building materials.   Online coverage (Chinese only): Ming Pao Daily News: https://polyu.me/4qnMOFr Hong Kong Economic Times: https://polyu.me/43oVvpc (subscription required) Headline Daily: https://polyu.me/4nlRr0d Wen Wei Po: https://polyu.me/4nl6yXQ Bastille Post: https://polyu.me/49ovAlc Macau Business: https://polyu.me/43B2X0v PC home: https://polyu.me/3L9A1X3 Sina HK: https://polyu.me/43wW9Ru Global News: https://polyu.me/3WWvQjW NetEase: https://polyu.me/4hmWmfP

PolyU projects garner top funding in Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macao Science and Technology Programme (Cat. C Projects)

Six research projects from PolyU have been awarded funding under the 2025 Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macao Science and Technology Programme (Category C Projects).  PolyU has secured the highest number of selected projects among institutions in Hong Kong and Macao.  Each of the six projects has received close to the maximum funding amount of RMB 3 million, with total funding reaching RMB 17.79 million.  All project leaders are members of PAIR. This remarkable achievement underscores PolyU’s leading position in research translation and collaborative innovation in the Greater Bay Area.  The funded projects are dedicated to advancing innovative development in high-tech fields, including battery technology, marine engineering coating materials, aircraft engine repair technology, artificial intelligence-driven tactile sensing, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, and construction safety in the low-altitude economy. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macao Science and Technology Programme (Category C Projects) administered by the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Bureau, is a flagship research funding initiative for technological innovation cooperation in the Greater Bay Area.  The programme aims to encourage universities, research institutions, and enterprises in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macao to leverage their strengths, engage in deep industry-academia collaboration, and catalyse research outcomes with global impact. Project Leader Affiliations with PAIR Project Title Funding Amount (RMB) Prof. NI Meng Associate Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment, Head of Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering and Chair Professor of Energy Science and Technology Management Committee Member of RISE, Member of RISUD Development of key technologies for lightweight, high-performance proton-conducting fuel cells or electrolysers towards the additive manufacturing for carriers and portable devices 3 million Prof. WANG Zuankai Dean of Graduate School and Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of Nature-Inspired Engineering Member of RISports, RI-IWEAR and RCTFF Development of multifunctional coating materials for core moving components in high-end offshore equipment 3 million Prof. H.C. MAN Cheng Yick-chi Chair Professor in Manufacturing Engineering, Chair Professor of Materials Engineering and Dean of Faculty of Engineering Member and Founding Director of RIAM Data-driven multi-state collaborative laser cladding repair technology for aero-engine blades 3 million Prof. YU Changyuan Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering   Management Committee Member of PRI, Member of RCDSE, RISports and RI-IWEAR AI-driven research on flexible optical fibre multi-parameter tactile sensing for robotics 2.99 million Prof. WEN Xiewen Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering   Member of RIAM Research and development of cross-scale glass additive manufacturing technology and equipment for integrated diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy 3 million Prof. YI Wen Assistant Professor in the Department of Building and Real Estate Member of RISUD Research on high-altitude construction safety inspection for smart cities admidst low-altitude economy 2.8 million   Online coverage: Toutiao - https://polyu.me/4qqHUrs (Chinese only)  

Prof. HU Xiaoling introduces multimodal robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation on TV to support stroke patients in regaining mobility

Prof. HU Xiaoling, Member of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and Associate Professor of Department of Biomedical Engineering, was recently featured on HOY TV’s “Health Concern Group” programme, where she introduced the world’s first multimodal robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation “Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton” developed by her research team.  This innovative device effectively assists stroke patients with hemiplegia in improving lower limb motor function and enhances their mobility. Prof. Hu explained that stroke patients often experience varying degrees of mobility impairment, such as foot drop and foot inversion, which can severely impact daily life.  She emphasised that traditional ankle-foot orthoses can easily lead to muscle atrophy and do not facilitate the restoration of voluntary muscle function on the affected side.  In contrast, the new device incorporates a range of advanced multimodal assistive technologies, including functional electrical stimulation, mechanical assistance provided by artificial muscles, and sensory stimulation.  These features support stroke patients in rebuilding ankle-foot function from multiple perspectives, effectively correcting issues such as foot inversion and foot drop.  Additionally, through targeted neural stimulation, the device improves sensory and motor functions in weakened muscles and provides vibratory stimulation, enabling patients to independently correct foot inversion. Clinical studies have confirmed that stroke patients who underwent rehabilitation training with the “Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton” for one month, a total of 20 sessions, each lasting one hour, experienced restoration of lower limb function and by nearly 40% in some cases.  Improvements in foot drop were even more pronounced, with the angle of dorsiflexion increasing from approximately 5 degrees to 10 degrees.  Regarding foot inversion, over 90% of patients experienced significant improvement, demonstrating highly effective results. Online coverage: HOY TV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4y4j4soO0c (07:39 - 11:11)

New theory on tourist behaviour unveiled by Prof. Sara DOLNICAR at PAIR Seminar

At the PAIR Seminar on 14 October 2025, Prof. Sara DOLNICAR of The University of Queensland, Australia, shared her pioneering theory of consumer behaviour during leisure.  Her presentation, titled “Habit-Enjoyment-Effort Theory – Changing Consumer Behaviour in Hedonic Contexts”, explored human behaviours in settings where the pursuit of pleasure is paramount.  The seminar attracted over 170 in-person participants and an online audience of more than 13,800 across various social media platforms.  Prof. Dolnicar began her speech by providing an overview of the global tourism industry, highlighting its contribution to global carbon emissions and the significance of behavioural theories in enticing pro-environmental behaviours in tourists.  She noted that prevailing theories, such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Value-Belief-Norm Theory, are predominantly cognitive-focused: they assume that human behaviours are guided by cognitive processes and are therefore predictable.  However, these theories are less adept at explaining behaviour in hedonic contexts, where pleasure-seeking is the primary motivation.   Introducing her Habit-Enjoyment-Effort Theory, Prof. Dolnicar offered an alternative to the existing cognitive-focused models.  Drawing on real-world survey studies conducted in hotels around the world, she demonstrated that this new theory outperforms the Value-Belief-Norm Theory and shows considerable promise in field experiments, where the competing theories were assessed for their construct validity. In summary, Prof. Dolnicar argued that the current dominant theories adequately support the design of effective behavioural change interventions.  She emphasised the need for ongoing development of new theories, such as the Habit-Effort-Enjoyment Theory, and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary and university-industry collaborations.  She concluded that preliminary research results generally provided empirical support for this new theory, highlighting that the theory has great potential for further refinement and deserves continued attention and uptake by the industry. Following the presentation was a lively question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. WANG Dan, Associate Director of Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT) and Professor of School of Hotel and Tourism Management.  Both the on-site and online audiences engaged in a productive discussion with Prof. Dolnicar. Please click here for an online review.

One hundred and thirty-nine PAIR scholars ranked among World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2025

A total of 139 scholars from PAIR and its 19 constituent research units were ranked among the “World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2025” in the latest list released by Stanford University, and five of them were among the top 20 scholars in the world in their own areas of specialty. The named PAIR scholars were included in the “Career-long Impact” list based on their career-long citation impact. The latest ranking reflects the influential research of PAIR researchers and PolyU’s leading position in multiple research areas. The ranking compiled by Stanford University covers over 100,000 top scientists across the globe. The database grouped scientists under 22 subject fields and 174 sub-fields. The list was based on indicators including citations, scientific research output and a composite indicator for citation impact, up to the end of 2024. The number of PAIR scholars listed in the ranking and their corresponding research fields are as below*: Acoustics (2) Analytical Chemistry (1) Applied Physics (2) Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing (7) Biomedical Engineering (3) Biotechnology (1) Building and Construction (14) Civil Engineering (9) Energy (11) Environmental Engineering (1) Environmental Sciences (1) Experimental Psychology (1) Food Science (1) Geological & Geomatics Engineering (5) Industrial Engineering & Automation (4) Information Systems (1) Inorganic & Nuclear Chemistry (1) Logistics & Transportation (3) Materials (14) Mechanical Engineering & Transports (3) Medicinal & Biomolecular Chemistry (2) Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences (3) Microbiology (1) Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (16) Networking & Telecommunications (6) Neurology & Neurosurgery (1) Operations Research (5) Ophthalmology & Optometry (3) Optoelectronics and Photonics (8) Organic Chemistry (1) Polymers (2) Psychiatry (1) Rehabilitation (3) Sport, Leisure & Tourism (1) Statistic & Probability (1)   *As per the data published by Elsevier on 19 September 2025 (version 8):  https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/8   Read more: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/pair/news-and-events/world_top_2_percent_scientists_2025-career_long/

Dr Nano CHENG explains health risks of energy drinks and introduces novel functional beverage

Dr Nano CHENG Wai-yin, Member of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, was interviewed by RTHK’s radio programme “World in a Nutshell” regarding the impact of energy drinks and her team’s newly developed functional beverage. During the interview, Dr Cheng explained that energy drinks generally contain higher levels of caffeine and sugar compared to coffee or tea.  While caffeinated beverages may offer a temporary boost in alertness, prolonged consumption can lead to rebound fatigue or sleep disturbances.  She noted that regular intake of high-caffeine drinks can result in increased tolerance, meaning that consumers require larger amounts of caffeine to experience the same stimulating effect, which poses potential health risks. Dr Cheng advised consumers to choose low-caffeine alternatives, such as green tea or floral tea, or to consider functional beverages like “mushroom coffee”, a novel drink developed by her research team.   This coffee beverage contains extracts from various mushrooms, including Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps sinensis and Hericium erinaceus, providing the natural energising effects of coffee while reducing the common side effects of caffeine, thus providing a healthier choice for consumers. Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/3WlvALr (26:09 - 35:44) (Chinese only)