News

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

RISA Director shared insights on biomedical research innovation at Quanzhou Health Tech Session

Ir 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, shared insights on biomedical research innovation at Quanzhou Health Tech Session on 3 August 2025. In his invited talk, Prof. Zheng shared his research achievements on scoliosis and chronic liver disease screening, showcasing two commercialised innovations, Scolioscan and Liverscan. Prof. Zheng also featured in a media interview by Jinjiang TV, he viewed that the local government demonstrated commitment in supporting the biomedical sector through policy implementation. Drawing on his experience in knowledge transfer, Prof. Zheng underscored that the synergy between scientists and entrepreneurs could integrate technology, market insights and resources for advancing healthcare. His sharing offers valuable insights on biomedical research innovation and knowledge transfer. RISA believes that interdisciplinary collaboration is vital to advancing smart ageing. We will remain dedicated to connecting stakeholders to drive impactful research and innovation. Online coverage:  Jinjiang TV- https://polyu.me/46LCJuK (1:29 - 2:40)   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在2025年8月3日舉行的泉廈金生命健康硅谷院士專家泉州行暨生命健康項目對接活動中分享他對生物醫學研究創新的卓見。 在受邀演講中，鄭教授分享了他在脊柱側彎及慢性肝病篩查的前沿研究成果，並展示兩項商業化發明Scolioscan 和Liverscan。鄭教授亦接受晉江電視台的訪問，他認為晉江市政府的政策展現了它對生物醫學產業的支持。利用自身推動知識轉移的經驗，鄭教授強調科學家與企業家的協作能整合技術、市場洞察及資源，促進醫療保健領域的發展。 鄭教授的分享對生物醫學研究創新和知識轉移提供了寶貴的見解。智齡研究院深信跨專業合作對推動智齡發展至關重要，我們會繼續致力連繫持份者，攜手推動具影響力的智齡研究與創新。   網上報導:   晉江電視台- https://polyu.me/46LCJuK (1:29 - 2:40)

RISA Associate Director won the Smart Ageing Award 2025 Medical & Health Trailblazer

Prof. Angela LEUNG, Associate Director of RISA, Associate Head (Research) and Professor of the School of Nursing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has received the Smart Ageing Award 2025 Medical & Health Trailblazer. This prestigious award honours medical or healthcare pioneers who apply innovative solutions and smart health technologies to foster the health of elderlies. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Leung for her remarkable achievement. Her accolade is a testament to RISA members’ contributions in advancing gerontechnology across the medical or healthcare sectors. We will remain committed to promoting smart and healthy ageing research and innovation.   智齡研究院副院長、理大護理學院副學院主任（研究）及教授梁綺雯教授獲頒智齡世代傑出大獎2025醫療與健康開拓者獎項。獎項旨在嘉許在醫療或健康界別積極應用創新方案及智能健康科技以提升長者健康水平的先鋒。 我們衷心祝賀梁教授的卓越成就，此獎項肯定了智齡研究院成員在醫療或健康界別推動樂齡科技應用的貢獻。我們會繼續致力推動智齡及健康老齡化的研究及創新。  

RISA hosted Research Seminar- Molecular Endotyping of Osteoarthritis for Precision Medicine

RISA Seminar – Molecular Endotyping of Osteoarthritis for Precision Medicine, organised by the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU BME), took place on 28 July 2025. We were honoured to have Prof. Ali Mobasheri, Professor of Musculoskeletal Biology at the University of Oulu as the speaker to share his insights in researching Osteoarthritis (OA). The event enticed participants from diverse backgrounds. In the seminar, Prof. Mobasheri indicated that OA was a heterogeneous and multifactorial disease. He further highlighted the importance of understanding its endotypes and phenotypes for designing personalised and effective treatments. The seminar wrapped up with a fruitful discussion, participants actively engaged with Prof. Mobasheri to explore potential directions for future OA research. RISA is thrilled to bring together passionate researchers to advance OA research through this seminar. We will continue to drive innovative and interdisciplinary research to address OA and other health challenges of ageing and demographic changes.   由智齡研究院及香港理工大學生物醫學工程學系主辦的「骨關節炎的分子分型與精準醫療」研討會於2025年7月28日順利舉行。我們非常榮幸邀請到奧盧大學肌肉骨骼生物學教授Ali Mobasheri 教授擔任主講嘉賓，分享研究骨關節炎的心得。研討會吸引了不同專業背景的參加者。 在研討會中，Mobasheri 教授指出骨關節炎是一種異質及由多種因素構成的疾病。他繼而強調了解骨關節炎的内表型(Endotypes)和表現型(Phenotypes)對於設計個人化及有效治療方案的重要性。研討會在富有成果的討論下圓滿結束，參加者就骨關節炎的未來研究方向與Mobasheri 教授進行熱烈交流。 智齡研究院樂見研討會成功連繫富有熱情的研究人員推動骨關節炎研究的發展。我們會繼續透過促進跨學科創新研究，應對骨關節炎及其他由人口特徵轉變及老齡化帶來的健康挑戰。

RISA member honoured as RGC Senior Research Fellow in recognition of outstanding research achievements

Prof. Lei SUN, member of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been awarded a fellowship under the Research Grants Council’s (RGC) Senior Research Fellow Scheme (SRFS) 2025/26. In each round of the yearly exercise, SRFS provides ten places encompassing all academic disciplines, which Prof. Sun is an awardee, recognising his exceptional research achievements in biomedical engineering. His innovative project “Development of sonogenetics for non-human primates” aims to develop a new version of sonogenetics specifically for non-human primates and to investigate its performance in terms of cellular specificity, spatial accuracy and penetration capability. This new sonogentics can contribute to the dissection of global neural network connections, establish a better understanding of the circuits underlying neurological and psychiatric disorders, ultimately serve as a valuable therapeutic tool. His remarkable success recognises the contributions of RISA scholars in advancing biomedical engineering and healthcare. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Sun for his outstanding accomplishments. Please click here for further details.   Press release: https://polyu.me/44KjwrY Online coverage: Dot Dot News – https://polyu.me/419eoeA (Chinese only) hkong.hk – https://polyu.me/46VZ2hh (Chinese only)   智齡研究院成員、理大生物醫學工程學系教授孫雷教授在2025/26 年度研究資助局（研資局）「高級研究學者計劃」中得獎及獲頒「研資局高級研究學者」名銜。計劃每年頒發 10 個獲獎名額，涵蓋所有學科。孫教授是其中一位得獎者，此殊榮肯定他在生物醫學工程領域上取得的非凡成就。 孫教授帶領的「開發非人靈長類動物適用的聲遺傳學」創新性項目旨在開發一種針對非人靈長類動物的新型聲遺傳學方法，並評估其在細胞特異性、空間精確性和穿透能力的表現。此方法有助剖析神經網絡的連結機制，理解與神經和精神疾病相關的迴路，為日後發展具潛力的治療工具提供新思路。 此殊榮肯定智齡研究院學者在推動生物醫學工程及醫療領域發展的貢獻。我們衷心祝賀孫教授的卓越成就。 請按此瀏覽更多資訊。   新聞稿：https://polyu.me/4f3UJCC 網上報導： 點新聞 – https://polyu.me/419eoeA 香港新聞社 – https://polyu.me/46VZ2hh

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