News

RiFood Member Elected as Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Congratulations to Prof. Dan Tsang, our RiFood member, who has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. The Fellow will have demonstrated they hold senior responsibilities, have strategic influence within the sector or have made outstanding contributions to the chemical sciences or the profession's advancement. The Royal Society of Chemistry is the UK's professional body for chemical scientists, maintains standards of competence and professional practice and provides support and representation for its members bringing together chemical scientists from all over the world.

RiFood discovers the impact of fruit and vegetable intake on the nutritional value of breast milk

【Press Conference | Research Discovery】🧑‍🔬✨ Our research team  has revealed that the fruit and vegetable intake of lactating women in Hong Kong was below the recommended level, and there was a significant correlation between dietary intake and the nutrient levels of breast milk, especially the carotenoid and polyphenol contents.🥕 Moving forward, our research team is launching a new one-year research project - “Feeding mom feeding infants”- recruiting about 100 pairs of lactating women and infants for the further investigation of the relationship between the dietary habits of lactating women and the nutrients of breast milk, gut microbiota composition of infants and their growth.🤱 The press conference regarding the research was held on 12th December. Read more about the research at:  https://polyu.me/3FQn5jG 📝Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/3BwKcNM (English); https://polyu.me/3uPbFXa (Chinese) The Standard - https://polyu.me/3uNYcio Mirage News - https://polyu.me/3UPNJgV Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/3FQeTQC Ming Pao Daily News - https://polyu.me/3HwTi0Q am730 - https://polyu.me/3FiRzcQ Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3FmTbSZ HK01 - https://polyu.me/3iONPrR Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/3Pw0SLi Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/3PlGs7H World Journal - https://polyu.me/3iOzA6n     #PolyU #PolyURiFood #PressConference #Research #Breastmilk #Breastfeeding #理工大學 #理大未來食品研究院 #記者招待會 #母乳 #母乳餵哺 #有營童行

Rifood expert shared healthy diet tips on RTHK

Prof. WONG Man-Sau, our Steering Committee member, was on a Radio Show of RTHK - Standbyme last Friday, sharing healthy diet tips. For those who missed out, check out the archive at: 25/11 2nd Part 17:30 – 18:00 https://www.rthk.hk/radio/radio5/programme/standbyme_2011 (Cantonese Only)   #有你同行 #飲和食德健康版 #香港理工大學 #理大未來食品研究院 #理大 #香港電台 #Standbyme #PolyU #PolyURiFood #RTHK

Two Rifood Members recognized amongst the world’s most highly cited researchers

Congratulations to the member of Rifood, Prof. Dan Tsang and Dr Ka-ming YU, Iris on being recognized in the list of “Highly Cited Researchers 2022” by Clarivate Analytics for their significant research impact, reflected in their publications of multiple papers that have been frequently cited by fellow academics.   A total of 6,938 researchers from 69 countries and regions with a diverse range of research fields are named as Highly Cited Researchers in 2022. The list identifies the most influential scholars around the world, determined by the production of multiple highly cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for field and year in the Web of Science citation index over the last decade.   This year, PolyU has the third highest number in Hong Kong of the world’s most highly cited researchers, with 12 academics being recognized in the list. Within the long list of illustrious recipients of this honorable recognition, Dr Ka-ming YU, Iris has been listed in the cross-field category while Prof. Dan Tsang has remarkably been listed in two categories, including Environment and Ecology, and Engineering.    

RiFood members participated in F&B trade show and fisheries forum

RiFood members participated in the Fisheries Innovative and Technological Forum and the FoodSmart Conference and Expo for the Food and Beverage Trade 2022 Dr Kevin Kwok, Associate Director of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), and Prof. Dan Tsang, Member of RiFood, shared on the topic of new technologies for aquaculture and upcycling food waste respectively at the FoodSmart Conference and Expo for the Food and Beverage Trade 2022 held on 14 November 2022 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.  The Institute also participated in the exhibition.  The Conference consists of plenary and breakout seminar sessions, with topics ranging from food waste separation, collection, treatment and pre-treatment technologies, AL & new technologies for F&B Trade, and experience sharing from F&B Trade. Exhibitors at the event showcased their latest technologies on food waste collection, treatment, and turning waste to energy/resources, innovative catering service and food waste management systems, development in sustainable food, environment-friendly cutlery, AI & new technologies for the F&B Trade, and health and safe environment. The Environmental Protection Department also shared relevant policy initiatives such as MSW charging and regulation of disposable plastic tableware. On 15 November 2022, Dr Kwok spoke on the supplements to improve fish health at The Fisheries Innovative and Technological Forum held at the Hong Kong Science Park.    The Forum consists of keynote speeches about the evolving development of sustainable fisheries, including the application of semi-submersible truss cage farm technology, sustainable development on fisheries and aquatic ecosystems, promoting sustainable fisheries development in Hong Kong, and supplements to improve fish health. A panel discussion regarding the future transformation of sustainable aquaculture was held as well. Exhibitors also demonstrated their innovative technologies in fisheries. For more information about the show and forum: The Fisheries Innovative and Technological Forum: https://www.facebook.com/IVEHealthandLifeSciences/videos/654765042905832/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C The FoodSmart Conference and Expo for the Food and Beverage Trade: Food Smart Partnership Programme (fspphk.org)

Congratulations to Dr WONG Ka-hing for being admitted as a Fellow of the International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM) and received the IAAM Scientist Award

Congratulations to Dr WONG Ka-hing, our RiFood Director, for being admitted as a Fellow of the International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM) and received the IAAM Scientist Award for his contribution to Applications of Nanotechnology. Invited by IAAM, Dr Wong has delivered a lecture entitled “Selenium nanoparticles functionalized by mushroom polysaccharide-protein complex: A novel nano-mineral for managing postmenopausal osteoporosis” at the European Assembly of Advanced Materials Congress on 28 -31 August 2022. P.S. The IAAM is a non-profit international organisation established to promote scientific research in the field of advanced materials. Researchers around the globe are united to share their insights and advancements in material science - to find solutions to critical problems through applying advanced materials.

International Conference on Food Waste to Food Sustainability (FWFS 2022) successfully held

A two-day International Conference on Food Waste to Food Sustainability (FWFS 2022), hosted by the Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was held successfully on 24-25 August 2022. Thirty-nine world-renowned academics were invited as keynote speakers to present their recent research findings on a diverse range of topics related to the conference theme. The Conference attracted over 500 online participants from 25 countries and regions. At the Opening Ceremony, Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, shared how the COVID-19 has been driving the transformation in different aspects of the global food system, from food waste management, food security, nutrition, public health to food policy. Prof. Chao pointed out that need for an interdisciplinary research platform to fulfil the food demand of the entire population and highlighted some of the remarkable achievements of and contributions from RiFood. Prof. Qingyan Chen, Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), introduced the Academy and RiFood to the audience. He used the product development of traditional tonic food as an example, to elucidate how interdisciplinary research integrates chemical analysis, nutrition, Chinese medicine, and food processing to achieve our goal of accessible and highly nutritious food. Interdisciplinary research is critical to bring impact to the development of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the World. The Conference received very positive feedback. On the first day, eight speakers from the US and Canada shared their research findings on food waste upcycling. On the second day, twenty-one speakers from Australia, China, Germany, Greece, Japan, Korea, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Swiss, the US and the UK presented on topics such as sustainable food production, food security to respond to emerging climate and pandemic situation, bio-safety, and food policy and green finance. Dr Kahing Wong, Director of RiFood gave closing remarks and thanked all the online participants for their support in making the Conference a huge success.

(Chinese only) 香港理工大學-香港益力多 腸道益生菌益生元與人類健康聯合研究實驗室 現正招募更年期女士進行研究

(Chinese version only) 香港理工大學-香港益力多 腸道益生菌益生元與人類健康聯合研究實驗室 現正招募 更年期女士進行研究 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 香港女性的更年期年齡平均為51歲，絕經後隨著體內雌激素下降，導致外陰 及陰道黏膜組織退化，引起一連串外陰陰道萎縮(Vulvovaginal Atrophy) 的 絕經後病徵，例如陰部乾澀、痕癢、灼熱、行房刺痛、小便赤痛等。 陰道微生物群在維持陰道生態方面有重要的作用，陰道微生物群失衡或失調 可能與停經前或停經後婦女的不良婦科健康狀況有關，因此了解陰道微生物 群的組成、功能和變化有助於了解更年期狀況的病理生理學，並可用於預防 和治療更年期相關健康問題。 我們正與香港本地診所合作進行一項有關香港女性更年期陰道微生物群變化 的臨床醫學研究，藉此改善絕經後婦女的陰部困擾。如符合研究條件，將安 排由醫生進行初步評估，當中得到的數據將用作學術研究，期間所有費用全 免，個人資料絕對保密。名額有限，額滿即止。 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 研究詳情及登記： 填寫以下報名表格或掃描QR Code: https://forms.gle/iGhwVmbweCJNSchSA 查詢： WhatsApp/微信：6677 8743 電郵：vamicrobe2022@gmail.com 備註：整個評估程序已通過香港理工大學倫理委員會的審批。

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)

Our study reveals Bifidobacteria almost non-existent in cesarean-born Chinese babies

A research by Dr Jiachi CHIOU, Associate Director of RiFood has revealed that Bifidobacteria, a probiotic, was nearly non-existent in the gut of babies born by cesarean section (C-section). Bifidobacteria is viewed as an essential probiotic for proper immune development and good gut health among infants which protects the neonates from various intestinal and immunity disorders. Dr Chiou and her research team examined 70 fecal samples of newborn babies after their first 2 weeks of life for the study. They found that the Bifidobacterium species almost did not exist in samples from C-section babies. In comparison, 37 fecal samples from vaginally birthed, breastfed babies had the necessary probiotic levels. While previous study suggested that Bifidobacteria could be detected from the breastmilk, and hence breastfeeding may help to supplement the beneficial bacteria in the baby’s gut microbiota. Dr. Chiou also said 38% of births in Hong Kong are C-section deliveries, so it is crucial to understand the special nutrition needs of C-section babies. (Oriental Daily News A11, am730 A06, Sky Post P14, Wen Wei Po A10) * This newborn babies study was commissioned by Danone Nutricia. Online coverage : i-Cable - https://polyu.me/379mk6M Oriental Daily News- https://polyu.me/3tVL771 Sing Tao Daily - https://polyu.me/38jWkWP am730 - https://polyu.me/3tSp3u6 Headline Daily - https://polyu.me/3tWpHqA Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3DBeGy8 HK01 - https://polyu.me/376n0JK Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/3iVh09s