News

RiFood featured on RTHK TV programme "Hong Kong Connection"

Dr Kevin Kwok Wing-hin, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, was featured on RTHK TV programme “Hong Kong Connection” on 2 June to explain why plant-based meat is essential for the future and how these food is made. Dr Kwok also introduced the research on plant-based meat at RiFood and explained what “cultured meat” is. Watch now: https://polyu.me/3akQPIu (1:30 - 16:52)

RCDSE’s contribution to the Nation’s aerospace projects illustrated in the National Security Education Picture Book for Children

The Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations’ contribution to the Nation’s aerospace projects, including the camera system and sample collection device, were illustrated in the National Security Education Picture Book for Children, “Wonders of the Stars”, published by the HKSAR Government. The children picture book, created to promote the National Security Education Day, highlighted China’s great achievements in aerospace science and technology to bring out the basic concepts of outer space security, the essential elements of “holistic view of national security”. RCDSE is honoured to be part of it.

PAIR is now on various social media platforms!

We are pleased to announce that the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) is now on various social media platforms! Connect with us and you will be able to receive first-hand information on our events and activities. Follow us now! FB page : https://www.facebook.com/PolyU.PAIR   Twitter : https://twitter.com/PAIR_PolyU   LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/pair-polyu-47224722b   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pair_polyu/ WeChat: PAIR_PolyU Douyin: 21802260873  

RI-IWEAR member develops ultrasensitive and portable detection sensor for rapid, easy and low-cost COVID-19 antibody test

A research team led by Prof. YAN Feng, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, has successfully developed an ultrasensitive and portable COVID-19 antibody detection sensor based on organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) technology. The sensor is designed for testing the antibody levels of people who have either received vaccination or have been infected with the virus. It is highly sensitive, portable, rapid, easy-to-use and low-cost. The whole detection process takes less than six minutes and the cost per test is only about HK$10. Read the whole story from: https://polyu.hk/BCifC

PolyU U3DP named top university 3D printing labs worldwide

PolyU Research Facility in 3D Printing (U3DP) was named one of the top university 3D printing labs of 2022 in the world by All3DP, a leading magazine for the digital maker. Established in 2017, the U3DP provides all-round support for staff, researchers, and students in applying various types of 3D printing technologies to design, engineering, and medicine. Led by Prof. HC Man, Director of U3DP, Director of Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, Director of Studies of Integrated Graduate Development Scheme, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Cheng Yick-chi Chair Professor of Manufacturing Engineering, the center also boasts interdisciplinary research initiatives and industrial collaborations with companies in aviation, medical implants, medical rehabilitation, architecture, toys & games, fashion, apparel and jewelry. Online coverage: https://bit.ly/3aw0s6W

MHRC’s research reveals that over 10% Hong Kong people exhibit PTSD symptoms one year after the onset of the pandemic

With support from the Health and Medical Research Fund of the Food and Health Bureau, a research team led by Prof. David Shum, Member of the Mental Health Research Centre, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing, Yeung Tsang Wing Yee and Tsang Wing Hing Professor in Neuropsychology, Chair Professor of Neuropsychology and Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences at PolyU, conducted survey during the fourth wave of the pandemic and about one year after its onset. Among the respondents, 69% were aged between 18 and 59, and most of them were working adults. The survey found that (1) more than one in ten (12.4%) of the respondents had exhibited post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, indicating that they might have PTSD; and (2) being unemployed or having no personal income, and with lower educational attainment were associated with a higher chance having of PTSD symptoms. Read more from: PolyU research reveals that over 10% Hong Kong people exhibit PTSD symptoms one year after the onset of the pandemic; Severity of symptoms is associated with time spent watching pandemic-related news | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Prof. Shum also elaborated the study results on an RTHK programme “HK2000” on 26 May and on an RTHK TV programme "Anti-pandemic News Express" on 4 June.  It’s estimated that up to 30-40% of citizens may suffer from PTSD due to Hong Kong’s fifth wave of pandemic. Despite the figure, Prof. Shum said people should not be overwhelmed if they found themselves having symptoms, but ought to seek help from professionals once symptoms begin to affect their daily lives for a period of time. Online Review: 1. RTHK (26 May): https://polyu.me/33VwWBn (1:37:35 - 1:51:26) 2. RTHK TV (4 June): https://polyu.me/3OVSBiP (10:20 – 22:49)

RI-IWEAR’s Pioneering Technologies in Materials Science and Biotechnology Awarded at TechConnect 2022 Innovation Awards

Prof. HU Hong, Dr SHOU Dahua and Prof, FAN Jintu, who are members of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), have won two prestigious global innovation awards in the areas of materials science and biotechnology at the TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo 2022 – the world’s largest multi-sector event for fostering the development and commercialisation of innovations.   The award-winning innovations include a new type of more environment-friendly moisture-absorbing and sweat-releasing fabric and an automatic temperature-controllable mask. Details of the two RI-IWEAR’s winning innovations are as follows: Moisture-Absorbing and Sweat-Releasing Multilayer Polylactic Acid Fabric and Manufacturing Technology (Prof. HU Hong, Institute of Textiles and Clothing) The new fabric stands out from existing moisture-absorbing fabric technology in that its fabrication technique is simpler, cheaper, and more environment-friendly. By employing double weft knitting technology, it only takes one single manufacturing process to produce the new fabric structure with improved moisture-absorbing and sweat-releasing properties. It also has inherent biological resistance and is ideal for use in school uniforms and sportswear. Omni-Cool-Breath: A Smart Air-Conditioned Mask (Dr SHOU Dahua, Professor FAN Jintu and Dr HUANG Guanghan, Institute of Textiles and Clothing) Omni-Cool-Breath is the first automatic temperature-controllable mask that brings revolutionary access to all-day cool breath and thermal comfort under various activities and thermal conditions. It reduces temperature by 12°C and humidity by 65% under low voltage via an innovative miniature thermoelectric cooling system. The ergonomically designed lightweight mask uses skin-friendly and biodegradable 3D printing materials that enable the user to enjoy nine hours of clean air.   For details of the TechConnect 2022 Innovation Awardees, please visit the official website: https://www.techconnectworld.com/World2022/participate/innovation/awards.html  

Establishment of Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology

To facilitate high-impact research through cross-disciplinary collaborations in the domain of sports, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) establishes the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) as a constituent research unit of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) today (1 June 2022). Prof. Zhang Ming, Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, is the Director of RISports. The RISports will be an advanced research platform, aiming to integrate PolyU experts and to collaborate with world leaders to provide scientific and novel engineering solutions for sports. The major goals of RISports are: to conduct cutting-edge research in the thematic areas of sports science and technology; to transfer scientific and engineering knowledge and applications to sports industry and sports institutes through collaboration with companies and organisations; and to nurture future leaders in sports science and technology.

MHRC Associate Director shares how to maintain healthy lifestyle under COVID-19 pandemic

Prof. Hector Tsang, Associate Director of the Mental Health Research Centre, Chair Professor and Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, was featured on two RTHK TV programmes on 24 May sharing how to maintain healthy lifestyle under the COVID-19 pandemic. The first programme was “Healthpedia”, in which he introduced how mind-body exercises, like Eight Brocades (八段錦) and “Rehab 8 Forms” designed by a PolyU research team led by Prof. Amy Fu, Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, could help relieve long COVID symptoms. He reminded that the key to mind-body exercises is that the movement, breath and mind should be tied in, and one’s fitness could be improved in six to eight weeks with 10 minutes exercise a day and four to five days a week. Please click here to review the interview (Chinese only) starting from 09:04. The second programme was “Anti-pandemic News Express”. In this programme, Prof. Tsang gave tips on how to achieve work-life balance while working from home. He pointed out that working from home may cause uncertainties and hence anxiety. He encouraged the public could strike a better work-life balance by doing stretching exercises or reading, and being well-coordinated with superiors and family members. Prof. Tsang also reminded that adaptation is needed when going back to office as people may have already gotten used to working from home. Please click here to review the interview (Chinese only) starting from 09:16.

PAIR researchers elected as foreign members of the prestigious Academia Europaea

Three PAIR researchers have been elected as foreign members of the prestigious Academia Europaea (Academy of Europe) in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields. Prof. Cao Jiannong and Prof. Chen Changwen of the Department of Computing have been elected under the Informatics Section, while Prof. Weng Qihao of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics has been elected under the Earth and Cosmic Sciences Section. Not only does this honour serve to recognise the researchers’ distinguished achievements in the fields of computer science and geo-informatics, it is also testimony to the University’s continuous efforts in exploring new ways to benefit mankind through research and innovation.