News

RISA co-organized The 6th Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation (FUN25) Conference

The 6th Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation (FUN25) Conference, presented by the International Transcranial Ultrasonic Stimulation Safety and Standards Consortium (iTRUSST), hosted by the Department of Biomedical Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU BME), co-organized by the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Zhuhai Society for Neuroscience took place on 9-11 July 2025 at PolyU. Through inspiring talks and exhibitions, FUN25 successfully connected global experts and industrial leaders to share insights on focused ultrasound neuromodulation. RISA proudly showcased two innovations which fused ultrasound at the industry exhibition, including ProRuka- Novel Prosthetic Hand Controlled by Wireless Sonomyography and SonoBrain: Smart Ultrasound for Aging Brains led by Prof. Zheng Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Director of RISA and Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU BME. RISA extends our sincerest thanks to all the participants for contributing to the success of FUN25. We will actively collaborate with BME and other partners in advancing the medical application of focused ultrasound neuromodulation. For further details of FUN25, please visit https://www.polyu.edu.hk/bme/news-and-events/news/2025/2025-focused-ultrasound-neuromodulation-conference/   由國際經顱超聲刺激安全與標準聯盟（iTRUSST）委託，香港理工大學生物醫學工程學系主辦，智齡研究院及珠海市神經科學學會協辦的第六屆聚焦超聲神經調控（FUN25）會議於2025年7月9至11日圓滿結束。 透過舉辦講座和展覽，會議成功匯聚各地專家及業界領袖在聚焦超聲神經的領域上互相交流。 在業界展覽中，智齡研究院展示兩個應用超聲技術的開創性項目，分別由香港理工大學梁顯利生物醫學工程教授、智齡研究院院長及賽馬會智齡匯總監、生物醫學工程學系講座教授鄭永平教授領導的為通過無線「聲肌圖」控制的新型前臂義肢ProRuka及SonoBrain: 智能超聲評估老年腦部疾病。 智齡研究院感謝各位參加者對會議的貢獻。 我們會繼續與生物醫學工程學系及其他夥伴合作，攜手推動聚焦超聲神經調控在醫學領域的應用及發展。 如想知道會議更多內容，請瀏覽: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/bme/news-and-events/news/2025/2025-focused-ultrasound-neuromodulation-conference

PolyU start-up launches fatty liver detection device, enabling assessment in 30 seconds

Eieling Technology Limited, a PolyU start-up co-founded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing, has recently launched the world’s first lightweight intelligent fatty liver detection device—FattaLab®.  Weighing only 140 grams, this palm-sized portable device can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds along with the use of mobile app, with a detection accuracy at medical-grade standards. With one button, the device can automatically complete data collection and quality control analysis, and generate real-time output comprehensive reports through mobile terminal and app.  The system’s built-in AI can automatically guide operators to identify the location of the liver, making it easy-to-use for non-professionals.  This device marks a technological breakthrough from “estimation” to “diagnosis level” for fatty liver point-of-care assessment, and the entry of “early screening for liver disease” into the community and even daily lives. Because of its easy operation and high accessibility, Fattalab will make an important transition from subcutaneous fat assessment to visceral fat quantification for overall health management, thus to identify suboptimal health conditions and provide proper intervention timely. Online coverage: Wen Wei Po – https://polyu.me/4lfgTnZ (Chinese only)   由智齡研究院院長鄭永平教授共同創辦的理大科創企業「意領科技有限公司」，近日推出全球首款輕量化脂肪肝檢測儀FattaLab®。這款僅重140克、手掌大小的便攜設備，配合終端應用程式可在30秒內完成醫療級肝臟脂肪定量評估，檢測精度達到醫療級標準。 只需一鍵，系統即可自動完成數據採集及質控分析，並通過終端應用程式實時輸出綜合報告。系統內置AI智能算法，可自動識別肝臟位置，讓非專業人員也能輕鬆操作。這設備標誌著非專業醫生的脂肪肝評估從「估算」到「診斷級」的技術突破，使得「肝病早期篩查」可以普化，甚至走入家庭日常生活。同時，由FattaLab的易操作性和易獲得性可以實現健康管理從皮下脂肪估算邁入到內臟脂肪定量，從而及早發現和干預亞健康的問題。 網上報導： 文匯報 – https://polyu.me/4lfgTnZ

PolyU showcases innovative research in AI and medicine-engineering integration at BIO International Convention 2025

PolyU participated in the BIO International Convention 2025 (BIO 2025) held in Boston from 16 to 19 June 2025. Showcasing its ground-breaking innovations and translational research across the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), medicine and engineering for global industry leaders, the University highlighted its interdisciplinary excellence and leading position in medical and health research. The world’s largest biotechnology convention, BIO 2025 brought together over 20,000 industry leaders and professionals from about 70 countries and regions. It embraced all key aspects of the biotechnology ecosystem, spanning from research and development, clinical trials and manufacturing, to investment, business development and commercialisation. Ten cutting-edge PolyU innovations in drug discovery, medical devices and diagnostics, biomedical engineering, rehabilitation technologies, optometry and food science were showcased at the Convention. Apart from presentations, the research teams also engaged in business forums and thematic discussions during the event to cultivate meaningful connections, forge strategic partnerships and explore new avenues for collaboration with global industry leaders. RISA scholars-led innovations exhibited at BIO 2025 include: “Hybrid Robotic IoT for Telerehabilitation after Stroke”, led by Prof. HU Xiaoling, Member of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and RISports, and Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering “Novel Nutraceuticals for Neurodegenerative Diseases”, led by Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuen, Management Committee Member of RCMI, Member of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and RISA, and Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition Building on its robust foundation in medical and health research, PolyU is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research at the convergence of medicine, AI, engineering, and data science, pioneering a new era of healthcare innovation, while also contributing to Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub. Press release-  https://polyu.me/4nb0HFA Online coverage:   Mirage News-  https://polyu.me/4kYPUg7       理大科研團隊參與於2025年6月16至19日在美國波士頓舉行的「國際生物科技大會2025」（BIO 2025），向來自世界各地的業界領袖展示大學的突破性研究及成果轉化，包括多項橫跨人工智能、醫學及工程領域的創新發明，彰顯理大於醫療及健康領域跨學科研究方面的雄厚實力及領導地位。 BIO 2025是全球最具規模及影響力的生物科技大會，匯聚來自近70 個國家或地區逾 20,000 名業界領袖和專業人士。大會內容涵蓋多個範疇，從科研開發、臨床試驗、製造，到投資、業務拓展及市場營銷等，全面覆蓋整個生物科技生態圈。理大於大會展示的十項跨學科研究成果，涵蓋藥物研發、醫療儀器與診斷、生物醫學工程、復康科技、視光學及食品科學等多個領域。此外，理大代表亦參與了大會舉辦的多場商業論壇及專題研討，與全球生物科技業界領袖進行深度交流，積極拓展國際協作網絡，開拓多元嶄新機遇。 於BIO 2025 展出由智齡研究院學者領導的創新成果包括：   由智齡研究院及體育科技研究院成員、生物醫學工程學系副教授胡曉翎教授領導的「多模態足踝機械人助中風患者遙距復康」 由中醫藥創新研究中心管理委員會成員、未來食品研究院及智齡研究院成員、食品科學與營養學系講座教授李銘源教授領導的「治療神經退化性疾病的新型營養保健品」 理大在醫療及健康領域擁有堅實的科研實力和基礎，一直致力推動結合醫學與人工智能、工程學及數據科學的跨學科研究項目，引領新世代醫療科技發展，助力香港建設成為國際醫療創新樞紐。 新聞稿 - https://polyu.me/4lgaeJH 網上報導： Mirage News - https://polyu.me/4kYPUg7

RISA Associate Director featured in Ming Pao Daily News interview

Prof. Arnold WONG, Associate Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Programme Leader of BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy and a registered physiotherapist, recently shared his insights on the use of Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology for health management in an interview with Ming Pao Daily News. Prof. Wong advised senior citizens to pay attention to muscle composition charts provided by BIA devices. He highlighted that severe muscle imbalances between the left and right sides of the body, particularly in the lower limbs might increase the risk of falls. He also clarified that although some BIA devices could estimate skeletal muscle index (SMI), a diagnosis of sarcopenia requires additional assessments including grip strength and walking speed tests. Please click here for further details. Online coverage: Ming Pao Daily News- https://polyu.me/3T95iKp; https://polyu.me/45AwnO6    智齡研究院副院長、理工大學康復及治療系副教授、物理治療(榮譽)理學士課程主任兼物理治療師黃宇樂教授早前接受《明報》訪問並分享使用體脂磅或生物電阻分析儀進行健康管理的要點。 黃教授建議長者可留意體脂磅所顯示的肌肉分佈圖。他指出身體左右兩邊肌肉的嚴重不平衡，尤其是下肢，有機會增加跌倒風險。此外，他在訪問中強調雖然部分體脂磅可估算肌少症指標(SMI)，但診斷肌少症還需進行手握力及步行速度測試。 請按此瀏覽更多資訊。 網上報導： 明報- https://polyu.me/3T95iKp; https://polyu.me/45AwnO6

Joint study reveals nearly half of online dietary advice is misleading

A survey conducted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Nutrition Association (HKNA) and the Hong Kong Metropolitan University, has revealed that more than 40% of online nutrition-related advice lacks scientific credibility. Additionally, the research found that close to 40% of respondents had followed at least one fad diet. Prof. Kenneth LO Ka-hei, Member of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition of PolyU, and Internal Affairs Officer of HKNA, emphasized that the results underscore the increasing focus among Hong Kong residents on healthier eating habits and their willingness to explore various dietary strategies to enhance their well-being. Online coverage: TVB - https://polyu.me/4j5XhR5 Now TV - https://polyu.me/43CRRZe i-Cable - https://polyu.me/3ScQ5YC CRHK - https://polyu.me/43mCbIk The Standard - https://polyu.me/3FgJqcO Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/4k2cc09 Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/4kbgCBN Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/4j6mFq5 am730 - https://polyu.me/3He4O2Y Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/4knqbx9 Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4kKKULN Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3F0LJRn Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/3H1Xnfh Lion Rock Daily - https://polyu.me/3ZesMSb Orange News - https://polyu.me/3FcLsLe Kin Liu - https://polyu.me/4mtOjjJ   香港理工大學 (理大）聯同香港營養學會及香港都會大學進行的聯合調查發現，逾四成網上流傳的營養資訊缺乏科學根據。研究同時指出近四成受訪者曾嘗試至少一種流行飲食法。 理大未來食品研究院及智齡研究院成員、食品科學及營養學系助理教授兼香港營養學會內務主任羅家禧教授指出，調查結果反映港人日益注重健康飲食，並樂於嘗試不同飲食法來改善健康狀況。 網上報導： 無線新聞 - https://polyu.me/4j5XhR5 Now TV - https://polyu.me/43CRRZe 有線電視 - https://polyu.me/3ScQ5YC 商業電台 - https://polyu.me/43mCbIk 英文虎報 - https://polyu.me/3FgJqcO 東方日報 - https://polyu.me/4k2cc09 明報 - https://polyu.me/4kbgCBN 星島日報 - https://polyu.me/4j6mFq5 am730 - https://polyu.me/3He4O2Y 星島頭條 - https://polyu.me/4knqbx9 大公報 - https://polyu.me/4kKKULN 文匯報 - https://polyu.me/3F0LJRn 點新聞 - https://polyu.me/3H1Xnfh 香港仔 - https://polyu.me/3ZesMSb 橙新聞 - https://polyu.me/3FcLsLe 堅料網 - https://polyu.me/4mtOjjJ

PolyU develops rehabilitation robots for post-stroke mobility recovery

A team led by Prof. HU Xiaoling, Member of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has developed the Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton, aiming to provide timely rehabilitation and alleviate pressure on public healthcare system. Combining the benefits of exoskeleton, soft pneumatic muscle, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and vibrotactile feedback, this pioneering multimodal robot helps improving stroke patients’ gait stability and balance during  walking, offering an innovative solution to rehabilitation treatment. Online coverage: Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/4mgrsI0   由智齡研究院及體育科技研究院成員、生物醫學工程學系副教授胡曉翎領導的團隊，研發了多模態足踝復康機械人「智雲行健步儀」，為中風患者提供適時復康治療，並減輕公營醫療系統的壓力。這款開創性的復康機械人結合了外骨骼、柔性人工氣動肌肉、神經肌肉電刺激和振動觸覺感知反饋技術的優勢，能協助中風康復患者改善步行時的穩定性及平衡力，為康復治療提供創新方案。 網上報導： 星島頭條 - https://polyu.me/4mgrsI0  

Research Institute for Smart Ageing drives technological innovation in healthy ageing

Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research in healthy ageing with the integration of medical engineering and artificial intelligence (AI) healthcare technologies, bringing forth personalised therapeutic and care solutions. Ir Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of RISA, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, has pioneered the 3D ultrasound imaging technology for muscle assessment. This innovation can provide detailed visualisation of muscle structures, enable healthcare professionals to analyse patients’ gait and movement patterns based on the 3D images and assess risks of muscle loss through AI-driven motion analysis. Additionally, it offers visualized strength training guidance to elders, thereby achieving the aim to prevent, delay and reverse sarcopenia. Prof. Zheng highlighted that the technology could also be applied on the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. By pinpointing lesions in specific midbrain regions through image analysis, the technology can help improving diagnostic accuracy and evaluating risks for stroke among older adults. Prof. Angela LEUNG Yee-man, Associate Director of RISA and Associate Head (Research) of the School of Nursing, Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services, focuses on implementing the “intrinsic capacity” theory and the “Integrated Care for Older People” (ICOPE) model. Her team has developed a rapid screening tool which employs a standardised assessment framework to identify the health needs among older adults, empower them to maintain independence and facilitate quality of life. Through interdisciplinary collaboration between experts in nursing, physiotherapy, nutrition and speech therapy, her team has designed dual-task training programmes for individuals with mild cognitive impairment. They incorporate samba dance cognitive training, tablet-based remote support system, nutrition plans, physical exercises and cognitive tasks to foster functioning of senior citizens. Prof. Elaine KWONG Yee-lan, Associate Director of RISA, Associate Professor in the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies and a speech therapist, is committed to develop ultrasound-based assessment tools that are portable and powered by AI algorithms for swallowing assessment. This technology addresses the gap of traditional method, allowing swallowing assessments to be conducted in community or home settings without utilising X-rays and invasive endoscopy, thereby significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. Through continuous interdisciplinary collaboration, RISA will commit to propel medical innovation with expanding its international collaborative network, positioning itself as a leader in global smart ageing research and innovation. Online coverage: Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/3F1PWnH (Chinese only)   智齡研究院致力推動跨學科健康老齡化研究，透過結合醫學工程與人工智能醫療科技，將科研成果轉化為個人化治療及關護方案。 研究院院長、梁顯利生物醫學工程教授、生物醫學工程學系講座教授鄭永平教授，首創應用於肌肉測量的三維超聲波成像技術。該技術能清晰呈現肌肉結構，讓醫護人員可透過三維影像分析患者行走功能與肌肉運動模式，結合人工智能動作分析以評估其肌肉流失風險。該技術亦以可視化的方式引導長者進行肌肉訓練，從而實現預防、延緩及逆轉肌少症的目標。鄭教授指出此技術亦能應用於診斷柏金遜症，透過分析中腦特定區域影像，精準定位病變，提升診斷的準確度，同時可用於評估長者中風風險。 研究院副院長兼護理學院副學院主任（研究）、世界衛生組織社區健康服務合作中心總監梁綺雯教授，專注於實踐「內在能力」理論與「長者綜合護理」模型。她的團隊開發的快速篩查工具以標準化評估框架辨識長者健康需要，有助提升他們的自主生活能力與生活品質。梁教授的團隊與護理、物理治療、營養學及言語治療的專家合作，設計出針對輕度認知障礙患者的雙重任務訓練方案。方案包含森巴舞認知訓練、平板遠距支援系統並結合營養計劃、體能鍛鍊與認知任務以提升長者身體機能。 同為研究院副院長的中文及雙語學系副教授兼言語治療師鄺伊蘭教授，致力於開發便攜且由人工智慧（AI）算法驅動的超聲波評估工具，以用於吞嚥評估。此技術填補傳統方式的不足，讓吞嚥評估得以在社區及居家內進行，毋須使用X光造影與入侵性內窺鏡，大幅提升診斷效率與準確度。 智齡研究院會繼續透過跨專業協作，推動醫學創新發展並積極拓展國際合作網絡，引領全球的智齡研究與創新。 網上報導： 星島頭條 - https://polyu.me/3F1PWnH

RISA member showcases AI and medicine-engineering integrated innovation

On 28 April 2025, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) unveiled groundbreaking research projects which applied artificial intelligence (AI) and medicine-engineering integration. During the showcase, Prof. CAI Jing, Management Committee Member of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Head and Professor at the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, presented the AI-assisted lung radiotherapy support system developed by his team. It employs an innovative “function-guided approach” for designing optimal individualized radiotherapy plans for lung cancer patients, which can reduce radiation damage to lung and enhance post-operative quality of life. The innovation has been awarded a Silver Medal at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. It demonstrates RISA members’ contributions on knowledge transfer in healthcare by interdisciplinary research combining AI, engineering and data science. Please click here for further details. Press release: https://polyu.me/3GuU6F9   香港理工大學於2025年4月28日展出結合人工智能及醫學工程的創新研究項目。 當中，智齡研究院管理委員會成員、醫療科技及資訊學系教授兼系主任蔡璟教授介紹其團隊研發的人工智能肺部放射治療輔助系統。該系統採用「功能引導」創新治療方式設計個人化的最佳放射治療方案，降低對肺癌患者肺部造成的放射損傷及提升術後生活素質。此創新項目亦在第50屆瑞士日內瓦「國際發明展」奪得銀獎，展現智齡研究院成員通過結合人工智能、工程學和數據科學的跨學科研究，為醫療保健的知識轉移作出的貢獻。 請按此瀏覽更多資訊。 理大新聞稿：https://polyu.me/4lLAfSl

RISA member features in the interview with Headline Daily

Prof. David SHUM, Management Committee Member of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was recently featured in an interview with Headline Daily. In the interview, Prof. Shum underscored the commitment of PolyU to advancing the healthcare system in Hong Kong. He highlighted that PolyU has nurtured over 50,000 healthcare professionals. Apart from setting up rehabilitation clinics on campus, he shared that PolyU has collaborated with the Hospital Authority, private hospitals and non-governmental organizations to polish students’ practical skills, address the health needs of the community under the challenges of ageing population.  Please click here for further details.  Online coverage:  Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/4cSjRvc (Chinese only)   智齡研究院管理委員會成員、理工大學醫療及社會科學院院長岑浩强教授早前接受《星島頭條》訪問。 岑教授在訪問中強調理大致力於促進香港醫療體系的發展。他指出理大至今培育超過50,000名醫療專業人才。除在校內設立康復治療診所外，岑教授分享理大亦與醫院管理局、私家醫院及非政府組織合作以提升學生的實踐技巧，滿足在人口老齡化挑戰下的社區健康需要。 請按此瀏覽更多資訊。 網上報導： 星島頭條 - https://polyu.me/4cSjRvc (只有中文版)

RISA member’s research team promotes a community-based screening system for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) to older adults

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic degenerative disease which can hamper functioning and quality of life of older adults. To address KOA, Prof. WEN Chunyi, a Management Committee Member of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), develops KneeVidScan- a community-based screening system for enabling its early identification and intervention. On 28th April 2025, Prof. Wen’s research team collaborated with the Caritas Sai Kung Elderly Center to introduce KneeVidScan and conduct screening to elderly participants, the workshop received enthusiastic supports. The innovation and activity underscores RISA members’ commitment to promote health and well-being of senior citizens through multisectoral collaborations. Please click here for further introduction of KneeVidScan.   膝關節炎是一種有機會損害長者身心功能和生活質素的慢性退化性疾病。智齡研究院管理委員會成員、理工大學生物醫學工程系副教授溫春毅教授與他的團隊研發了一個名為膝關照的社區膝關節炎篩查系統，以促進及早識別患者和介入治療。2025年4月28日，溫教授的研究團隊到明愛西貢長者中心向長者介紹膝關照及提供篩查，此工作坊得到長者踴躍支持。此創新項目和活動彰顯智齡研究院成員通過多界別協作提升長者健康和幸福感的決心。 請按此瀏覽膝關照的詳細介紹。