News

RISA member featured on Now TV programme “Medicine Online”

Prof. LO Ka-hei Kenneth, Member of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Assistant Professor at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, has recently featured on the Now TV programme “Medicine Online” to share his insights on topics including sugar control, the use of next-generation sugar substitutes and the glycaemic index. In the program, Prof. Lo highlighted that excessive sugar consumption could lead to weight gain and health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. To manage sugar consumption, he suggested consumers should pay attention to the nutritional labels on food packaging. Prof. Lo also addressed the growing popularity of natural sugar substitutes, he did not recommend them as main replacements for sugar-free diets since they could have higher sweetness levels compared to regular sugar, special care should be taken when consuming. Additionally, Prof. Lo suggested the public be more aware of high glycaemic index (GI) foods such as rice, mashed potatoes, longans and lychees, which could cause more rapid and drastic rise of blood glucose levels. Prof. Lo’s comments shed light on building healthier lifestyles through food selection. As a hub of converging interdisciplinary researchers, RISA will continue to foster the health of senior citizens and the broader community through diverse and innovative approaches.  Online coverage: ViuTV - https://polyu.me/4od0QYL (8:20 - 11:40) Now TV- https://polyu.me/42xKr8X (7:46 - 11:04)     智齡研究院成員、理大食品科學及營養學系助理教授羅家禧教授近日接受Now TV節目《杏林在線》專訪，分享他對控糖、食用新式代糖及升糖指數等議題的見解。   羅教授指出攝取過量糖分會導致體重增加及可能引發糖尿病、心臟病等健康問題。他建議消費者應多留意食品包裝上的營養標籤，以幫助管理糖分攝取。此外，羅教授注意到近年天然代糖(natural sugar substitutes) 的流行，他不建議代糖作為「無糖飲食」的主要代替品，因為前者的甜度有時可比砂糖更高，在食用時需要特別注意。羅教授亦建議大家應多留意升糖指數 （GI）較高的食物如白飯、薯蓉、龍眼、荔枝等，它們會令血糖上升速度較快及高。   羅教授的見解有助我們建立更健康的生活及飲食習慣。作爲匯聚跨學科研究人員的平台，智齡研究院會繼續致力透過多元及創新的方式，提升長者和社區的健康水平。   網上報導： ViuTV - https://polyu.me/4od0QYL (8:20 - 11:40) Now TV- https://polyu.me/42xKr8X (7:46 - 11:04)

RISA hosted Research Seminar- Tips for Publishing in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

RISA Research Seminar- Tips for Publishing in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, organized by the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU BME), took place on 30 September 2025 at PolyU. The seminar attracted over 100 researchers from local and overseas universities attending onsite and online, achieving a resounding success. In the seminar, Prof. David HUNTER, Florance and Cope Chair of Rheumatology, Professor of Medicine, NHMRC Leadership Investigator Fellow, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney and Rheumatology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, shared his insights of writing high-quality scientific research articles and publishing in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (OAC) - a renowned interdisciplinary journal which publicized OA research insights. The seminar sparked vibrant discussion regarding the challenges of publishing journals and their solutions. RISA is thrilled to see that this seminar fosters global collaboration among passionate researchers to pursue impactful OA research and demonstrate our commitment to building an international community for healthcare innovation. We are looking forward to seeing you at our future events. This news is only available in English version.

RISA organized Research Seminar- Novel Therapies in Osteoarthritis

The Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU BME) successfully hosted the RISA Research Seminar- Novel Therapies in Osteoarthritis on 29 September 2025 at PolyU. We were honoured to have Prof. David HUNTER, Florance and Cope Chair of Rheumatology, Professor of Medicine, NHMRC Leadership Investigator Fellow, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney and Rheumatology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital as the speaker to share his insights on improving current therapies of osteoarthritis (OA). In the seminar, Prof. Hunter highlighted that most OA patients were not getting appropriate care. He further advocated for patient-centred care and holistic assessment of OA. He also proposed innovative solutions including developing AI-powered platforms to offer personalized exercise programs, goal setting and pain tracking. The seminar wrapped up with a lively discussion between the participants and Prof. Hunter, they had in-depth interaction on how to enhance OA patients and community engagement with sharing cases from Hong Kong and Australia. This seminar successfully served as a hub for global researchers to advance OA research and innovation. RISA will continue to foster multisectoral collaboration on promoting holistic and person-centred care to meet the healthcare needs of ageing population and demographic shift. This news is only available in English version.

RISA successfully co-organized Hong Kong Arthritis Day 2025

On 4 October 2025, the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) co-organized the Hong Kong Arthritis Day 2025 with the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU BME) and the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at The University of Hong Kong. The event featured expert talks, booth exhibitions and workshops to foster awareness of joint health, enticing around 300 partakers including senior citizens, healthcare professionals and academia. In his speech at the opening ceremony, Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of RISA and Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, affirmed that the event demonstrated robust healthcare expertise of PolyU. He believed that the event not only strengthened PolyU’s capacity to address care needs under ageing societies but also laid a solid foundation in its preparation for establishing the third medical school. Prof. WEN Chunyi, Management Committee Member of RISA and Associate Professor at PolyU BME, underscored that knee degeneration had become a global public major health challenge due to ageing population, the promotion of primary healthcare and early prevention would reduce the societal medical burden. In the booth exhibition, RISA proudly showcased the following two innovations on sarcopenia screening which received great enthusiasm from elderly visitors: Sarcopenia assessment kit for sarcopenia assessment based on AI using Ultrasound Subcutaneous fat measurement for sarcopenia-related muscles RISA is delighted to see that the event successfully serves as a collaborative platform in addressing healthcare challenges of ageing population, empowering senior citizens to manage their health and supporting the advancement of primary healthcare system. We will remain committed to promoting healthy ageing in the community. Online coverage: HK01 - https://polyu.me/4hfYGFH (only Chinese version available) Orange News- https://polyu.me/4mUhGud (only Chinese version available)   智齡研究院、香港理工大學生物醫學工程學系及香港大學矯形及創傷外科學系於2025年10月4日合辦香港關節健康日。活動旨在透過舉辦健康講座、攤位展覽及工作坊，以提高社會對膝關節健康的關注，吸引約300位長者、醫療專業人士及學術單位師生參與。 在開幕禮的致辭環節中，智齡研究院院長、理大梁顯利生物醫學工程教授、生物醫學工程學系講座教授、賽馬會智齡匯總監鄭永平教授表示此次活動充分展現了理大在專職醫療領域的實力。他相信活動不僅有助於推動理大在高齡化社會中應對照護需求的能力，也為籌辦香港第三所醫學院奠定堅實基礎。智齡研究院管理委員會成員、理大生物醫學工程學系副教授溫春毅教授指出人口高齡化的加劇令膝關節退化問題已成為全球公共衛生的重大挑戰，推動基層醫療發展和早期預防將能有效減輕社會醫療負擔。 在攤位展覽中，智齡研究院展示了以下兩項用於肌少症篩查的創新研究成果，長者參觀者都對它們展示出濃厚興趣： 基於人工智能(AI) 與超聲的肌少症評估系统 關於肌少症主要相關肌肉的皮下脂肪厚度的測量 智齡研究院樂見是次活動成功作為應對人口高齡化下的健康挑戰的協作平台，賦能長者自主管理健康及推動基層醫療系統的發展。我們會繼續致力在社區中推動健康老齡化。 網上報導: HK01- https://polyu.me/4hfYGFH (只有中文版) 橙新聞- https://polyu.me/4mUhGud ((只有中文版)

RISA Director signed MoU with Zhejiang Qiangnao Technology Co. Limited to advance Brain-Computer Interface and intelligent prosthesis knowledge transfer

Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ms Nyx HE, Partner of the Zhejiang Qiangnao Technology Co. Limited (Qiangnao Technology) at Cyperport on 29 September 2025. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; and Mr. Bicheng HAN, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qiangnao Technology. The strategic partnership will explore the future collaboration of establishing the “PolyU- Qiangnao Joint Research Centre for Brain-Computer Interface”. The collaboration will enable PolyU and Qiangnao Technology to integrate their expertise in research and development of brain-computer interface (BCI) related products. Qiangnao Technology is the first unicorn in the BCI field in China and the first Chinese team to be selected by Harvard Innovation Lab. Contributing his robust experiences on research and knowledge transfer on ultrasound imaging, rehabilitation and smart ageing technologies, Prof. Zheng will lead the PolyU team. Through joint installation and evaluation of intelligent bionic limbs, this strategic partnership also supports the two-year scheme for granting full subsidies to amputees in Hong Kong for configuring and utilizing high-tech prostheses, as announced in “The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address”. RISA welcomes this synergy between academia, enterprise and the government for driving healthcare technology transfer and innovation in Hong Kong, China and the world. We are looking forward to this exciting collaboration between Qiangnao Technology and stakeholders on delivering accessible, cutting-edge medical technologies to the community. Please click here for further coverage. Press release: English- https://polyu.me/4pU0TdN   智齡研究院院長、香港理工大學（理大）梁顯利生物醫學工程教授、生物醫學工程學系講座教授、賽馬會智齡匯總監鄭永平教授與強腦科技合夥人何熙昱錦女士分別代表理大及強腦科技簽署合作備忘錄。簽署儀式在2025年9月29日於數碼港舉行，由香港特別行政區政府創新科技及工業局局長孫東教授、理大校長滕錦光教授、強腦科技創始人兼首席執行官韓璧丞先生共同見證。是次合作將探討共建「香港理工大學 — 強腦科技腦機接口聯合研究中心」。 此合作將有助雙方結合研究及開發腦機接口產品的專業知識。強腦科技是中國首家腦機接口領域獨角獸企業及首支入選哈佛大學創新實驗室（Harvard Innovation Lab）的中國團隊。鄭教授將運用他在超聲成像、復康及智齡科技研究與知識轉移的扎實經驗帶領理大團隊。是次合作亦呼應《行政長官2025年施政報告》中透過創科基金支持新科技義肢落地配置的兩年全額資助計劃，雙方將攜手推動高科技智能仿生手及仿生腿的安裝及評估。 智齡研究院歡迎是次銳意推動香港、中國及全球醫療保健科技轉移及創新的政產學協作。我們期待未來能與強腦科技及持分者合作，向社區提供可負擔的醫療前沿技術。 請按此瀏覽更多資訊。 理大新聞稿： 中文版- https://polyu.me/4nTuguJ

RISA member featured in the interview with Ming Pao Daily News

Prof. LING Kar-kan, Management Committee Member of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities), Director of Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Chairman of the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS), was recently featured in the interview with Ming Pao Daily News. In the interview, Prof. Ling outlined the future plans of HKHS for supplying properties. To address ageing population, he highlighted that HKHS had integrated elements of ageing in place and intergenerational inclusion in the design of residential units and public spaces, which aimed to create safe and accessible environment for people of all ages. In response to the trend of ageing population, RISA believes that creating age-friendly communities through multisectoral collaboration is essential. We will remain committed to advocating for age-friendly policies, driving impactful ageing research and innovation. Online coverage: Ming Pao Daily News - http://polyu.me/46aEu2R; http://polyu.me/4mMXLy7 (Chinese version only)   智齡研究院管理委員會成員、香港理工大學暫任副校長（校園發展及設施管理）及賽馬會社會創新設計院總監、香港房屋協會（房協）主席凌嘉勤教授早前接受《明報新聞網》專訪。 凌教授在專訪中分享房協在房屋供應的未來計劃。為應對人口老化，他强調房協在設計單位及公共空間時加入居家安老及跨代共融元素，希望建構安全、通達及能滿足各年齡層需要的環境。 面對人口老齡化的趨勢，智齡研究院深信透過多界別協作創建年齡友善社區至關重要。我們會繼續積極倡議年齡友善政策及推動具影響力的老齡化研究與創新。 網上報導: 明報新聞網- http://polyu.me/46aEu2R; http://polyu.me/4mMXLy7 (只有中文版)

RISA member showcased research achievement at Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Young Scientists Conference

Dr Bruce WANG, member of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Research Assistant Professor in the Department of English and Communication, showcased his research achievement at the Beijing–Hong Kong–Macao Young Scientists Conference held in Beijing last week. He shared how his team was using ultrasound imaging technology to study speech disorders and sublingual muscle dysfunction caused by Parkinson’s disease, facilitating innovations in speech therapy.   His project highlights the research impact of RISA young scientists on healthcare, demonstrating the potential of utilizing innovative solutions to address pressing societal challenges. The Conference provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration among global researchers and paving the way for future advances in health, sustainability and technology.   Online coverage: The Paper - https://polyu.me/4ftzjip Toutiao - https://polyu.me/4ldSPkh     智齡研究院成員兼英文及傳意學系助理教授（研究）王笑博士在上週在北京舉行的京港澳青年科學家大會上展示他的研究成果。他分享其團隊透過利用超音波成像技術研究由帕金遜症引起的言語障礙以及舌底肌功能障礙，以推動言語治療的創新。 王博士的項目突顯了智齡研究院青年科學家在醫療保健領域的影響力，展現出運用創新解決方案應對迫切社會挑戰的潛力。是次會議提供了寶貴的知識交流平台，促進全球研究人員互相合作，為未來在健康、可持續發展與科技領域的進步鋪路。   網上報導： 澎湃新聞 - https://polyu.me/4ftzjip 今日頭條 - https://polyu.me/4ldSPkh

RISA scholars showcase medical innovations to the delegation led by the Minister of Education

A delegation led by Mr HUAI Jinpeng, the Minister of Education, visited the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 13 August 2025. During the tour to the University’s Industrial Centre AIR Lab, PolyU scholars showcased 10 groundbreaking AI-driven medical innovation. The Research Institute of Smart Ageing (RISA) featured 4 projects led by Ir Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of RISA; Prof. CAI Jing, Management Committee Member of RISA and Prof. HU Xiaoling, Member of RISA respectively. Their innovations included: Project Leader A portable liver fibrosis and fatty liver assessment system Ir Prof. ZHENG Yongping Director of RISA Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub A 3D ultrasound scoliosis assessment system A virtual MRI contrast enhancement system for precise tumour detection and treatment Prof. CAI Jing Management Committee Member of RISA Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics Robots for post-stroke telerehabilitation Prof. HU Xiaoling Member of RISA Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering During the demonstration, the delegation expressed strong interest in learning the research achievements of PolyU scholars across medicine, engineering and healthcare. Mr HUAI Jinpeng praised PolyU researchers for developing practical innovations which address pressing societal needs and global challenges. Aligned with PolyU’s mission, RISA is committed to leveraging our research capabilities and cross-disciplinary expertise to drive impactful research and innovation, ultimately addressing global societal and health challenges of ageing population. Please click here for further information. Press release: https://polyu.hk/bYBjv   國家教育部部長懷進鵬先生於2025年8月13日率團到訪香港理工大學（理大）。在理大工業中心人工智能機器人實驗室的參觀中，理大學者向訪問團介紹了10項由人工智能驅動的醫療創新前沿研究。 智齡研究院展示了4個分別由院長鄭永平教授、管理委員會成員蔡璟教授及成員胡曉翎教授領導的項目: 項目  項目領導  無線掌上式超聲波脂肪肝和肝纖維化評估設備 鄭永平教授 智齡研究院院長 賽馬會智齡匯總監 理大梁顯利生物醫學工程教授兼生物醫學工程學系講座教授 無輻射三維超聲脊柱側彎評估 人工智能賦能癌症精準診療的虛擬增強磁共振影像系統 蔡璟教授 智齡研究院管理委員會成員 理大醫療科技及資訊學系系主任兼教授 支援中風患者遠端復康自動化管理功能的移動式外神經肌骨系統 胡曉翎教授 智齡研究院成員 理大生物醫學工程學系副教授 在展示環節中，訪問團對理大學者在醫學、工程及健康領域的研究成果展現濃厚興趣。懷進鵬部長讚揚理大研究人員能研發出滿足社會迫切需要及應對全球挑戰的實用創新項目。 配合理大的使命，智齡研究院致力運用研究實力及跨學科專業知識，推動具影響力的科研與創新，以應對人口老齡化帶來的全球社會與健康挑戰。 請按此瀏覽更多資訊。 理大新聞稿- https://polyu.me/45AtL1l    

RISA successfully hosted the 2025 Symposium on Ultrasound AI

To foster the development of ultrasound AI and healthcare fields, the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU BME) organised the 2025 Symposium on Ultrasound AI, which took place on 15 July 2025 at PolyU. We were honoured to welcome 17 distinguished speakers, including leading experts and scholars from both academia and industry, to share their valuable insights and latest research findings on how AI can empower ultrasound imaging and revolutionize clinical practice. The event enticed over 250 participants, achieving a resounding success. The event commenced with a welcoming speech by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of RISA, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub. During her keynote speech, Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Professor of the Department of Computing, illustrated the potential of Co-GenAI and its application in the medical field. In the invited talk sessions, speakers presented their cutting-edge research which applied AI to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of ultrasound imaging and broaden its application. The panel discussion moderated by Prof. LI Anhua, Professor and Former Director at the Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Centre and Prof. Zheng sparked insightful discussions on the current limitations of ultrasound AI and their possible solutions. The Symposium also featured poster presentations to facilitate knowledge exchange in ultrasound AI and collaboration among participants. The Symposium was concluded successfully with a tour of the Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, where Prof. Zheng showcased innovative gerontechnology products integrated with ultrasound AI, the invited speakers and participants showed great enthusiasm. RISA extends our sincerest thanks to all invited speakers and participants for making this Symposium enriching and fruitful. We are delighted to see that the event serves as a hub for global experts in pursuing the advancement of ultrasound AI. We are looking forward to seeing you at our future events.     為推動超聲人工智能與健康領域的發展，智齡研究院與香港理工大學生物醫學工程學系舉辦2025超聲人工智能會議。 會議在2025年7月15日於理工大學順利舉行。 我們很榮幸邀請到17位來自學術界及業界的專家，分享他們在人工智能提升超聲成像技術及革新臨床應用方面的寶貴見解和最新研究成果。 會議成功吸引超過250位參加者。 會議由智齡研究院院長、香港理工大學梁顯利生物醫學工程教授、賽馬會智齡匯總監、生物醫學工程學系講座教授鄭永平教授的歡迎辭揭開序幕。在主講嘉賓演講環節中，香港理工大學人工高等研究院執行院長、計算機及數學科學學院副院長（環球事務）、電子計算學系教授楊紅霞教授展示協作式生成人工智能的發展潛力及其在醫學領域上的應用。 在受邀講者演講環節中，講者展示了其前沿研究，透過人工智能技術提升超聲波成像的準確度與效率，並拓展其應用層面。由中山大學腫瘤防治中心超聲科原主任、教授、主任醫師李安華教授及鄭教授主持的專題討論環節成功啟發與會者探討超聲人工智能的不足及可能的解決方案。 會議亦設有學術海報展示時間，促進與會者在超聲人工智能領域上的交流和合作。 會後鄭教授於賽馬會智齡匯的導賞團中介紹了結合超聲人工智能的樂齡科技產品，獲得與會講者及參加者的熱烈回應，為會議畫上完美句號。 智齡研究院衷心感謝每位受邀講者和與會者的貢獻，令是次會議具啟發性及富有成果。 我們樂見會議成功匯聚全球專家一同推動超聲人工智能在健康領域的應用和發展。我們期待在未來的活動上見到大家。

RISA member pioneers safer and AI-powered MRI imaging for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Prof. CAI Jing, Management Committee Member of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Head and Professor of Department of Health Technology and Informatics, has developed an AI-powered, contrast-free MRI imaging with his team, which offers a safer diagnostic alternative. Their innovation Multimodality-Guided Synergistic Neural Network (MMgSN-Net) can utilize information from T1- and T2-weighted to synthesis virtual contrast-enhanced images without using GBCAs. Building on this achievement, his team has introduced the Pixelwise Gradient Model with Generative Adversarial Network for Virtual Contrast Enhancement (PGMGVCE), which further improves image texture and details. Prof. Cai’s innovation showcases the contribution of RISA members in improving cancer diagnosis and treatment planning. RISA will be dedicated to advance the healthcare field with our research and innovations. Please click here for further details.     Online coverage: Eurek Alert - https://polyu.me/45hPQ5R Bioengineer - https://polyu.me/413mNAp Technology Network - https://polyu.me/4mH2bWU Mirage News - https://polyu.me/3UsjhvF 智齡研究院管理委員會成員、理大醫療科技及資訊學系系主任兼教授蔡璟教授領導的團隊成功研發出一種以人工智能驅動、無需顯影劑的MRI成像技術，為診斷提供更安全的選擇。他們的創新成果「多模態引導協同神經網絡」（MMgSN-Net）能利用T1及T2加權影像，生成合成虛擬對比增強圖像，過程無需使用GBCAs。團隊基於此項成果，開發一種「用於虛擬對比增強技術的基於生成對抗網絡像素級梯度模型」（PGMGVCE），進一步提升影像紋理與細節。 蔡教授的前沿研究展示智齡研究院成員在改善癌症診斷及治療規劃的貢獻。智齡研究院將繼續致力透過研究及創新，推動醫療保健領域的發展。 請按此瀏覽更多資訊。 網上報導： 優睿科 - https://polyu.me/45hPQ5R Bioengineer - https://polyu.me/413mNAp Technology Network - https://polyu.me/4mH2bWU Mirage News - https://polyu.me/3UsjhvF