![(a) Tryptophan residues in peptide drugs; (b) Late-stage tryptophan-selective S-diversification of native peptides developed in this research project. Image adapted from ‘Clickable tryptophan modification for late-stage diversification of native peptides', Science Advances 2024. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp995.](/f/page/5762/21476/338p248/sciadv.adp9958-f1.jpg)
HKU Chemists Developed a Clickable Tryptophan Modification Strategy for Late-Stage Diversification of Native Peptides
HKU Ecologists Discover Rare Fiddler Crab Species on Hong Kong Coast Highlighting the Impact of Climate Change and Coastal Development
![Evolutionary History of Groundwater System in the Pearl River Delta and its Adjacent Shelf Revealed by the Paleo-Hydrogeological Model](/f/page/5762/21426/338p248/Picture2.jpg)
Evolutionary History of Groundwater System in the Pearl River Delta and its Adjacent Shelf Revealed by the Paleo-Hydrogeological Model
![HKU Chemists Develop a Chameleon-like Molecular Chain with Dual Ion Binding Capability](/f/page/5762/21426/338p248/MolecularChain.png)
HKU Chemists Develop a Chameleon-like Molecular Chain with Dual Ion Binding Capability
![How the Indo-Australian Archipelago became a biodiversity hotspot](/f/page/5762/21382/338p248/Picture4 - small.jpg)
How the Indo-Australian Archipelago became a biodiversity hotspot
![Cyclodextrins, Setting the Stage to Explore the Mirror-Image World of the Century-Old Naturally Occurring Cyclodextrins](/f/page/5762/21382/338p248/Nature_Synthesis_Prof_Stoddart.png)
Cyclodextrins, Setting the Stage to Explore the Mirror-Image World of the Century-Old Naturally Occurring Cyclodextrins
![Global Study Reveals Patterns in Arthropod Biodiversity Using Advanced DNA Methods](/f/page/5762/21382/338p248/shutterstock_1037012821.jpg)
Global Study Reveals Patterns in Arthropod Biodiversity Using Advanced DNA Methods
![Mars' Methane Mystery: Earth's Qaidam Basin Offers Clues!](/f/page/5762/21278/338p248/YiLiang01.png)
Mars' Methane Mystery: Earth's Qaidam Basin Offers Clues
![Cosmic Light Shows Decoded: HKU Space Scientists Unravel the Unified Framework for Diverse Aurorae Across Planets Unlocking Pathways for Better Space Weather Prediction](/f/page/5762/21247/338p248/cover_lightshow.png)
Cosmic Light Shows Decoded: HKU Space Scientists Unravel the Unified Framework for Diverse Aurorae Across Planets Unlocking Pathways for Better Space Weather Prediction
![HKU Scientists Developed a Novel Approach to Interrogate Tissue-specific Protein-protein Interactions Paving Ways to Understand Organ Development and Disease Pathogenesis](/f/page/5762/21234/338p248/MACSPI.png)
HKU Scientists Developed a Novel Approach to Interrogate Tissue-specific Protein-protein Interactions Paving Ways to Understand Organ Development and Disease Pathogenesis
![HKU Astrophysicists Discover a Novel Method for Hunting the First Stars](/f/page/5762/21201/338p248/FirstStarOpening.png)
HKU Astrophysicists Discover a Novel Method for Hunting the First Stars
![Chang’e-6 mission is the world’s first lunar farside sample return mission. Image credit: Dr Yuqi Qian](/f/page/5762/21149/338p248/lunaropening.jpg)
HKU Geologists Reveal Mysterious and Diverse Volcanism in Lunar Apollo Basin, Chang'e-6 Landing Site
![Mapping Plant Functional Diversity from Space: HKU Ecologists Revolutionise Ecosystem Monitoring with Novel Field-Satellite Integration](/f/page/5762/21095/338p248/Image 1.jpg)
HKU Study Reveals Crucial Role of Invertebrates as Eco-Custodians in Global Forest Litter Decomposition
![Mapping Plant Functional Diversity from Space: HKU Ecologists Revolutionise Ecosystem Monitoring with Novel Field-Satellite Integration](/f/page/5762/20955/338p248/Satellite derived trait maps.png)
Mapping Plant Functional Diversity from Space: HKU Ecologists Revolutionise Ecosystem Monitoring with Novel Field-Satellite Integration
![Development of heterogeneous copper photocatalysis for intermolecular crossed [2+2] cycloadditions. Image adapted from Nature Catalysis](/f/page/5762/20955/338p248/neurodegeneration.jpg)
HKU Biologists Discover Propionate Supplementation as a Potential Treatment for Parkinson's Disease
![Development of heterogeneous copper photocatalysis for intermolecular crossed [2+2] cycloadditions. Image adapted from Nature Catalysis](/f/page/5762/20869/338p248/Obesity_hku.png)
HKU Scientists Unveil Significant Discovery with Potential Impact on Obesity and Osteoporosis Treatments
![Development of heterogeneous copper photocatalysis for intermolecular crossed [2+2] cycloadditions. Image adapted from Nature Catalysis](/f/page/5762/20759/338p248/News_Faculty of Science.png)
HKU Chemists Pave the Way for Sustainable Organic Synthesis with Innovative Heterogeneous Copper Photocatalysis, Enabling Efficient Production of Diverse Bioactive Compounds
![A now iconic collage from our group showing 22 individual well-known PNe, artistically arranged in a spiral pattern by order of approximate physical size.](/f/page/5762/20726/338p248/Pre-plateTectonicActivity_Fig01.jpg)
Diverse Ancient Volcanoes on Mars Discovered by HKU Planetary Scientist May Hold Clues to Pre-plate Tectonic Activity on Earth
![A now iconic collage from our group showing 22 individual well-known PNe, artistically arranged in a spiral pattern by order of approximate physical size.](/f/page/5762/20705/338p248/Figure01.png)
HKU Astrophysicists Crack the Case of the “Disappearing” Sulphur in Planetary Nebulae
![Figure 1(on the left): The map of Los Angeles Basin, where a live seismometer R382A in Long Beach is recording earth’s background vibrations. The right panel shows 10-minute noise. Image credit: Raspberry Shake.](/f/page/5762/20534/338p248/ShuangZhangResearchImage.png)
Recovering Lossless Propagation: HKU Physicists Overcoming Optical Loss in Polariton System with Synthetic Complex Frequency Waves
![Figure 1(on the left): The map of Los Angeles Basin, where a live seismometer R382A in Long Beach is recording earth’s background vibrations. The right panel shows 10-minute noise. Image credit: Raspberry Shake.](/f/page/5762/20288/338p248/1. USFWS_white-bellied-pangolin.jpg)
Genomic Analysis of Seized Pangolin Scales Illuminates Pathways of Illegal Trade from Africa to Asia
![Figure 1(on the left): The map of Los Angeles Basin, where a live seismometer R382A in Long Beach is recording earth’s background vibrations. The right panel shows 10-minute noise. Image credit: Raspberry Shake.](/f/page/5762/20242/338p248/Picture1.png)
New Geophysical Technique Enhances Imaging of Fluid-Filled Rocks Finding Connections with Microearthquakes
![HKU Chemists Create the MicroSpine with Shape-Transforming Properties for Targeted Cargo Delivery at Microscale](/f/page/5762/19774/338p248/Sun_image.png)
HKU Scientists Pioneer Dual Trojan Horse Approach to Combat Superbugs
![New Enzyme Discovered by HKU Plant Biochemists Unlocks Potential for Health-Promoting Compounds in Sorghum](/f/page/5762/19429/338p248/New Enzyme Discovery Cover.png)
New Enzyme Discovered by HKU Plant Biochemists Unlocks Potential for Health-Promoting Compounds in Sorghum
![HKU Chemists Create the MicroSpine with Shape-Transforming Properties for Targeted Cargo Delivery at Microscale](/f/page/5762/19396/338p248/MicroSpineCover.png)
HKU Chemists Create the MicroSpine with Shape-Transforming Properties for Targeted Cargo Delivery at Microscale
![Structure of the artificial spherical chromatophore nanomicelles system and its mechanism study. Image adapted from Nature Catalysis, 2023, doi:10.1038/s41929-023-00962-z.](/f/page/5762/19317/338p248/Natural Photocatalysis.png)
Potentially Producing Carbon-Neutral Fuels: HKU Chemists Achieve Sustainable Solar Energy Conversion with Artificial Photocatalysis
![Let the Sun Work its Magic: Revolutionary Sunlight-Powered Catalyst Transforms Methane into Valuable Chemicals](/f/page/5762/19281/338p248/Guo.jpg)
Let the Sun Work its Magic: Revolutionary Sunlight-Powered Catalyst Transforms Methane into Valuable Chemicals
![Physical Chemists Develop Photochromic Active Colloids Shedding Light on the Development of New Smart Active Materials](/f/page/5762/19281/338p248/Image1_1685328042.jpg)
Physical Chemists Develop Photochromic Active Colloids Shedding Light on the Development of New Smart Active Materials
![HKU Biologists Reveal a Molecular Scissor that Cuts Chromatin Bridge and Prevents DNA Damages and Autoimmunity](/f/page/5762/19108/338p248/DarkMatter.jpg)
HKU Astrophysicists Reveal the Nature of Dark Matter through the Study of Crinkles in Spacetime
![HKU Biologists Reveal a Molecular Scissor that Cuts Chromatin Bridge and Prevents DNA Damages and Autoimmunity](/f/page/5762/19075/338p248/ANKLE1-01.png)
HKU Biologists Reveal a Molecular Scissor that Cuts Chromatin Bridge and Prevents DNA Damages and Autoimmunity
![Uncovering the protein targets of Cr(III) and its molecular mechanism.](/f/page/5762/19075/338p248/Eng_Image 1.jpg)
New Insights into Glucose Metabolism: Targeting ATP Synthase with Chromium (III) Nutritional Supplement for Improved Blood Sugar Control
![RIF1-PP1 prevents BLM from unwinding the ultrafine DNA bridges.](/f/page/5762/19075/338p248/Fig1.jpg)
HKU Biologists Determine the Evolutionary Age of Individual Cell Types Providing Critical Insights for Animal Development
![HKU Marine Scientist contributes to research assessing the potential risks of ocean-based climate intervention technologies on deep-sea ecosystems](/f/page/5762/19075/338p248/PastedGraphic-6.jpg)
HKU Marine Scientist contributes to research assessing the potential risks of ocean-based climate intervention technologies on deep-sea ecosystems
![The team found that RIF1-PP1 prevents BLM from unwinding the ultrafine DNA bridges. Image Credit: Dr Gary Ying Wai CHAN.](/f/page/5762/18834/338p248/SBS_GI.png)
Targeting DNA bridges: HKU Biologists Uncover key to preserve genome integrity enhancing the understanding of cancer development
![HKU Chemical Biologists decode a histone mark important for gene regulation program that go awry in cancer. The research team members include: (from left) Dr. Yuanliang ZhAI Dr Jason Wing Hon WONG, Dr Xiucong BAO and Professor Xiang David LI.](/f/page/5762/18793/338p248/cn_xdl_group.jpg)
HKU Chemical Biologists decode a histone mark important for gene regulation program that go awry in cancer
![Inhibition of mast cell degranulation by MRGPRX2 Inhibition of mast cell degranulation by MRGPRX2](/f/page/5762/18773/338p248/SCTR-opening.png)
HKU neuroscientists discover a novel neural mechanisms of secretin receptor in regulating water intake, providing new ideas for solving hydromineral imbalance symptoms
![Inhibition of mast cell degranulation by MRGPRX2 Inhibition of mast cell degranulation by MRGPRX2](/f/page/5762/18720/338p248/1-Our-strategy-3.jpg)
HKU biologists designed and developed novel anti-allergic drugs by targeting Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) X2 (MRGPRX2)
![Image modified from original illustration of Li et al, 2023 Nature Chemical Biology (doi: 10.1038/s41589-022-01245-7)](/f/page/5762/18720/338p225/Photo_ANA.jpg)
Catching the wrongdoers in the act: HKU chemists develop a novel tool to decipher bacterial infections in real time
![This study opens up a new avenue for developing SACs via effective electronic tuning of Pt single atoms with heterogeneous atomic coordination in hydroxide substrates.](/f/page/5762/18720/338p225/shutterstock_2162495581a.jpg)
HKU Chemist and collaborators engineered an effective and stable singe-atom catalyst which is a hundred times more effective than the commercial catalyst
![Using stable isotope techniques, the research team was able to unravel the flow of nutrients between different species of algae in their host, a Caribbean coral species. Photo credit: M.A. Coffroth](/f/page/5762/18720/338p0/coral-algae_Coffroth.jpg)
HKU Marine Scientists discovered the reward and punishment system in coral-algae relationship
![An initial open structure (IOS) is formed upon binding of human MCM double hexamer (hMCM-DH) to origin DNA. Image modified from original illustration of Li et al, 2023 Cell 186, 1-14.](/f/page/5762/18720/338p332/cancer-therapy.jpg)
HKU biologists and collaborators reveal how DNA unzipping machine works, shedding lights on cancer therapy
![The artistic illustration above is the interaction between free electrons and flat bands of a photonic crystal slab. Image courtesy: Lei CHEN. The artistic illustration above is the interaction between free electrons and flat bands of a photonic crystal slab. Image courtesy: Lei CHEN.](/f/page/5762/18720/338p190/lectron-triggered.jpg)
Physicists develop a new method that strengthens electron-triggered light emission with flat bands Shedding light to produce new sources of light and build quantum-based computational and communications systems
![Application of energy biosensors in pollen tubes. Image credit: Jinhong Liu. Application of energy biosensors in pollen tubes. Image credit: Jinhong Liu.](/f/page/5762/18720/338p281/the bioenergetics of pollen tube growth Fig1.png)
HKU biologists reveal the bioenergetics of pollen tube growth that sustain its rapid growth
![Project leaders in research teams from HKU Physics stood next to Blackbody in the mini data center. They led the teams to deploy the new supercomputing system. From the left: Mr Tom Man KWAN; Dr Jane Lixin DAI, Assistant Professor; Dr Zi Yang MENG, Associate Professor and Mr Hongyu LU](/f/page/5762/18720/338p225/2022_1209_14220100.jpg)
HKU physicists deploy a new advanced computing system ‘Blackbody’ for solving the most challenging physics problems
![Chemists at HKU discover a fundamental catalyst protonation process to enhance productivity of solar-driven water-splitting for hydrogen by eight times, catalysing green energy without CO2 emissions.](/f/page/5762/18528/338p101/In-situ-protonation-photocat.png)
Catalysing ‘Net-Zero’ Green Hydrogen from the Sun: HKU Chemists Discover a Fundamental Catalyst Protonation Process to Promote Solar-Driven Water-Splitting for Hydrogen Production without CO2 Emissions
![An image of Arctic ostracods produced by Scanning electron microscope (SEM)](/f/page/5762/18446/338p145/Image 1.jpeg)
Global assessment by HKU Marine Scientists found that oyster reef restoration rapidly increases marine biodiversity, but increased restoration effort is needed to eliminate historical damage
![An image of Arctic ostracods produced by Scanning electron microscope (SEM)](/f/page/5762/18429/338p145/Arctic ostracods credited by He Wang.jpg)
Understanding polar species’ behaviour to reduce risk of extinction: HKU Scientists discovered the southward migration of Arctic Ocean species during the Last Glacial Period for the first time
![Research Assistant Professor Zheng YAN (on the right) and Associate Professor Zi Yang MENG](/f/page/5762/18370/338p145/P1013052.jpg)
HKU-Harvard physicists predict the novel entangled states on programmable quantum simulators
![The ant highlighted above is Gesomyrmex howardi, a rare known arboreal ant from the Oriental subtropics; photo courtesy: François BRASSARD.](/f/page/5762/18083/338p145/Image 1_Gesomyrmex3 - Copy.jpg)
HKU Initiates Global Ant Census, At Least Twenty Quadrillion Ants Dominate The Global Ecosystems
![An example of a large, impact crater-hosted lake on Mars (a) and a small, permafrost-hosted lake on Mars.](/f/page/5762/18059/338p145/Fig01.png)
HKU geologist proposes the number of ancient Martian lakes might has been dramatically underestimated by scientists
![Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko reevesii) on a tree in its habitat. Credits to Yik-Hei SUNG.](/f/page/5762/18045/338p145/Tokay gecko_by_Yik-Hei SUNG.jpg)
Ecologists find evidence that pet and medicine trades bring tokay geckos from across Asia into Hong Kong, impacting resident gecko populations and highlighting local and global conservation needs
![Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, a type of brown marbled grouper which is listed as vulnerable and decreasing according to The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) were detected in the study.](/f/page/5762/17956/338p145/PR_Fig1.png)
Discovery of the oldest visible planetary Nebula hosted by a 500 million year old Galactic cluster – a rare beauty with a hot blue heart
HKU marine scientists unveil sea urchin's secret to surviving marine heatwaves
![Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, a type of brown marbled grouper which is listed as vulnerable and decreasing according to The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) were detected in the study.](/f/page/5762/17736/338p145/UIE.png)
HKU Laboratory for Space Research put a positive spin on the Buckyball ‘C60’: Its potential for high level ionisation and as the origin for some of the Mysterious Unidentified Infrared Emission Bands seen in the Universe
![Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, a type of brown marbled grouper which is listed as vulnerable and decreasing according to The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) were detected in the study.](/f/page/5762/17703/338p145/Figure01_QSL.jpg)
HKU physicists found signatures of highly entangled quantum matter
![Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, a type of brown marbled grouper which is listed as vulnerable and decreasing according to The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) were detected in the study.](/f/page/5762/17465/338p145/shutterstock_315780992.jpg)
HKU Conservation Forensics Lab develops novel environmental DNA monitoring method for identifying rare and endangered fish species sold in Hong Kong wet markets
![The research discovers that Wnt/-catenin signalling in metastatic cells upregulates the expression of cancer cells metadherin and communicates with macrophages through CEACAM1. Image modified from original illustration of Adv. Sci. (Weinh) 2022; e2103230.](/f/page/5762/17427/338p145/Figure.jpg)
HKU Biologists Reveal a Novel Macrophages-mediated Mechanism that Promotes Peritoneal Metastasis of Ovarian Cancer, Providing Important Insights into Its Therapeutic Strategy
![Illustration of a New Protective Factor found in the Liver of Obese Mouse against Excessive Lipid Accumulation](/f/page/5762/17324/338p237/protectivefactor.png)
HKU Biologists Find a New Protective Factor against Excessive Lipid Accumulation in the Liver of Obese Mouse Providing a Potential Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease
![Illustration of silver to re-sensitise colistin against pathogen carrying mcr gene in vitro and in vivo](/f/page/5762/17212/338p237/Colistin.jpg)
New Uses of Old Drugs: Silver Nitrate with More Than 2,000 Years Antimicrobial History Can Re-sensitise the Last-line Antimicrobial Colistin in Combination Therapy against Superbugs
![Illustration of silver to re-sensitise colistin against pathogen carrying mcr gene in vitro and in vivo](/f/page/5762/17301/338p237/Ocean_Acidification_shutterstock_41635264_photo_credit_shutterstock.jpeg)
Rapid evolution fuels transcriptional plasticity in fish species to cope with ocean acidification
![Roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in skeletal muscle metabolism. Image credit: Ms Wing Suen CHAN](/f/page/5762/17036/338p237/Fig_01.jpg)
An HKU biologist-led team of international plant scientists reveals how guard cell chloroplasts obtain energy
![Illustration of silver to re-sensitise colistin against pathogen carrying mcr gene in vitro and in vivo](/f/page/5762/17301/338p237/restoration.png)
HKU Earth Scientists simulated the future: restored forests in the tropics survive climate change, prioritisation and targeting is the key to success
![Illustration of silver to re-sensitise colistin against pathogen carrying mcr gene in vitro and in vivo](/f/page/5762/17302/338p237/fig5.jpeg)
HKU physicists make a stride closer in the quest for quantum materials through better measurement of quantum entanglement
![Roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in skeletal muscle metabolism. Image credit: Ms Wing Suen CHAN](/f/page/5762/17036/338p237/pressrelease_cover_photo.jpg)
HKU scientists reveal orally administrated bismuth drug together with N-acetyl cysteine As a potential broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus cocktail therapy
![Roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in skeletal muscle metabolism. Image credit: Ms Wing Suen CHAN](/f/page/5762/17036/338p237/soybean.jpg)
HKU scientists discover activation mechanisms in soybean for adaptation to saline soil in hope of improving agriculture productivity
![Roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in skeletal muscle metabolism. Image credit: Ms Wing Suen CHAN](/f/page/5762/16746/338p237/BDNF_cover_photo.jpg)
HKU biologists reveal how obesity damages the skeletal muscle metabolism, a naturally occurring flavone is identified as a potential drug for obesity treatment
![Photo courtesy and copyright of Jacopo BRUNETTI (www.cabosharkdive.com).](/f/page/5762/16746/338p237/DSC_1720_Photo courtesy and copyright of Jacopo BRUNETTI_a.jpg)
HKU Paleontologists discovered shallow-marine ecosystem collapse and recovery during a historical hyperthermal event
![Left: Laser-stimulated fluorescence imaging of a pterosaur fossil reveals flight-related soft tissues. Image credit: Michael Pittman. (Right) Late Jurassic pterodactyloid pterosaur in flight. Image credit: Alex BOERSMA & PNAS.](/f/page/5762/16746/338p237/coverphoto.jpg)
Muscular Wing-Body Junction Improved Pterosaur Flight Performance
![Image credit: Upper panel: Nucleic Acids Research, Lower panel: by Lin Zhongyang.](/f/page/5762/16222/338p237/AC.jpg)
HKU Biologists build a megabase-sized chromosome from scratch, further exploring the potential of worm artificial chromosomes to improve gene therapy
![Coral bleaching caused by marine heatwaves threatens not only the corals but also the species which rely on them for habitat. Photo: Dr Sylvain Agostini, Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba.](/f/page/5762/16746/338p237/Image 1_Coral bleaching.png)
A new method for predicting the response of ecosystems to marine heatwaves developed by international collaboration
![The singlet fission process in pentacene dimer.](/f/page/5762/16222/338p237/Juny.jpg)
HKU theoretical chemists develop a breakthrough quantum chemistry technique for illuminating new opportunities towards computational design and optimisation of organic photofunctional materials
![Figure 1. Moiré pattern in twisted bilayer graphene. The twisted angle θ=4.41o and there are 676 Carbon atoms in a moiré unit cell. Image credit: Dr Bin-Bin CHEN](/f/page/5762/16222/338p237/Fig1.jpg)
HKU Physicists demystify the magic: A bona fide topological Mott insulator discovered in twisted bilayer graphene model
![The best estimated average position of SN 1181 is given by a blue cross surrounded by a blue error circle of radius 5 degrees.](/f/page/5762/16746/338p237/Higher-dimensional-topological-state.jpg)
An explosive Cosmic Chinese Conundrum - a hot detective story from a very cold case: HKU astrophysicists solve a 900-year-old mystery giving an ancient Chinese guest star of AD 1181 a place to stay and rest
![The novel chemical synthetic carbohydrate conjugate vaccine successfully defeats the infection of drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.](/f/page/5762/16136/338p237/baumannii.jpg)
HKU and CityU made a breakthrough in vaccination development against lethal bacteria, providing new opportunity for treating resistant A. baumannii infection
![Bacterial curli promotes the aggregation of α-synuclein through cross-seeding, which leads to mitochondrial stress and neurodegeneration.](/f/page/5762/16746/338p237/Figure 1 (1).jpg)
HKU biologists identified bacterial proteins that promote neurodegeneration, shedding light on new ways to prevent or slow down neurodegenerative diseases
![CubeSats serve as a bridge between proximate remote sensing measurements of phenocam and drone surveys, and MODIS satellite measurements. Figure credit: Dr Shengbiao WU and Miss Yingyi ZHAO](/f/page/5762/16136/338p237/CubeSats.jpg)
HKU environmental scientists solve key observational issues in new generation of satellites, transforming the way to track fine-scale changes of our planet from space
![The linked Weyl surfaces can be viewed in different three-dimensional subspaces, in the form of a point enclosed by a sphere, two linked lines, or two points separated by an infinite plane. Figure credit: Dr Shaojie Ma.](/f/page/5762/16136/338p335/Higher-dimensional-topological-state.jpg)
HKU Physicists and collaborators co-observe a higher-dimensional topological state with metamaterials
![Ants are social insect. They invest important efforts and energy in building nests and raising brood, making them almost sessile like plants. Photo credit: Insect Biodiversity and Biogeography Laboratory.](/f/page/5762/15941/338p237/Image 4.jpeg)
HKU Ecologists study the buffering effects of forests on climate change impacts on insect communities, revealing the importance of forest regeneration
![An image taken by the Curiosity Rover MastCam instrument shows layered sedimentary rocks composing Mount Sharp. The rover has been driving from the floor of Gale crater up through the rocks within these hills in order to understand how the rocks](/f/page/5762/15941/338p237/Screenshot 2021-08-13 17.31.21.png)
HKU geologists discover that the NASA rover has been exploring surface sediments, not lake deposits for last eight years
![An example of deep-sea soft sediment ecosystem. Photo credit: NOAA OER and Ocean Exploration Trust; A. Thurber camera loan. Courtesy of Lisa Levin.](/f/page/5762/15872/338p237/H1840 Patton Ridge Oct. 2020.jpg)
HKU Ecologist applied a novel statistical method to analysing causal inference and revealed importance of climate change in controlling deep-sea biodiversity
Marine ecologists reveal mangroves might be threatened by low functional diversity of invertebrates
![Reconstruction of the early fossil beaked bird Confuciusornis. The beak of Confuciusornis was previously studied by this team (see note 1) and found to have strength similar to birds eating plants or insects. Image credit: Gabriel Ugueto.](/f/page/5762/15686/338p237/Figure 4_Gabriel Ugueto.jpg)
HKU Team Paves the Way for Learning what Ancient Birds Ate
![Cartoon depicting the overall pathway involved in MRGPRX2 mediated monocyte recruitment and differentiation. P17 activation of MRGPRX2, but not IgE receptor in mast cells resulting in cytokine releases (MCP-1, MIP1-α, GM-CSF and M-CSF) and subsequent mono](/f/page/5762/15686/338p237/MRGPRX2.jpg)
HKU biologists identify and demonstrate a naturally abundant venom peptide from ants that activates a previously unknown pseudo allergic pathway, unravelling a novel immunomodulatory pathway of MRGPRX2
![A New Holland honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) feeding on Wilson’s grevillea (Grevillea wilsonii), a favorite honeyeater food endemic to Western Australia. Photograph by Gerald Allen (Macaulay Library 271643651).](/f/page/5762/15687/338p237/IMG_5726_resize.jpg)
HKU Ecologists develop a novel forensic tool detecting laundering of critically endangered cockatoos
![A New Holland honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) feeding on Wilson’s grevillea (Grevillea wilsonii), a favorite honeyeater food endemic to Western Australia. Photograph by Gerald Allen (Macaulay Library 271643651).](/f/page/5762/15662/338p237/Gerald_Allen_ML271643651_New Holland Honeyeater.jpg)
Songbirds like it sweet! A research co-developed by HKU Evolutionary Biologist found that Songbird ancestors evolved a new way to taste sugar
![The research team discovers that silver (Ag)-based antimicrobials can effectively combat antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus.](/f/page/5762/15571/338p237/Sun01 (2).jpg)
HKU scientists reveal silver-based antimicrobials can be utilised as antibiotic adjuvants to combat antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus
![From the left: Mr Chengkang ZHOU, Dr Zi Yang MENG and Dr Zheng YAN from the Research Division for Physics and Astronomy, HKU Science.](/f/page/5762/15571/338p237/Zhou_team.jpg)
HKU first-year physics PhD student obtained the Higgs mode via dimensional crossover in quantum magnets which reveals importance of dimensions in many-body systems
![KSD179019 is a novel small molecule which can be developed into an antihypertensive drug to address the continually expanding hypertensive population](/f/page/5762/15571/338p237/bchow02.jpg)
Developing a novel therapeutic molecule into an anti-hypertensive drug
![Smoke from human-caused wildfires on the Patagonian steppe are trapped in Antarctic ice. Photo Credit: Kathy Kasic/Brett Kuxhausen, Montana State University](/f/page/5762/15571/338p237/image01_global_climate_change_Dr_Jed_Kaplan (1).jpg)
A fiery past sheds new light on the future of global climate change, ice core samples reveal significant smoke aerosols in the pre-industrial Southern Hemisphere
![Photo of Common triplefin, Forsterygion lapillum, from New Zealand. Photo credit: Sean D. Connell](/f/page/5762/15571/338p237/cover_picture.jpg)
International joint research reveals how fish adapt to ocean acidification by modifying gene expression
![The research team at HKU.](/f/page/5762/15571/338p237/team.jpg)
HKU researchers identify promising new biologics for obesity-related diseases
![Top participants of the legal wildlife trade in the last 20 years](/f/page/5762/15570/338p237/1.jpg)
Research co-led by HKU and Lingnan ecologists reveals that wealth inequality is key driver of global wildlife trade
![Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Zheng YAN(on the left) and Associate Professor Dr Zi Yang MENG, from the HKU Research Division for Physics have invented a new algorithm that could solve a large class of important constrained quantum material models.](/f/page/5762/15268/338p237/quantumteam.jpg)
HKU physicists developed a new algorithm solving a long standing problem in constrained quantum material models
![The ADdis-Cys ‘camera’ can simultaneously identify a protein's interacting partners and pinpoint their binding regions](/f/page/5762/15268/338p237/hkucamera.jpg)
Seeing the unseen: HKU scientists develop a new chemical tool that sheds light on how proteins recognise and interact with each other
![What do the Galapagos Islands have in common with ponds in Finland? They are both laboratories, where scientists like HKU’s Professor Juha Merila, can observe evolution in action](/f/page/5762/15117/338p237/A larva of tiger hawker dragonfly.jpg)
What do the Galapagos Islands have in common with ponds in Finland? They are both laboratories, where scientists like HKU’s Professor Juha Merila, can observe evolution in action
![Research reveals that the sediment of Hong Kong’s Tolo Harbour contains Antibiotic Resistant Genes](/f/page/5762/15117/338p254/substratum sediment.jpg)
Research reveals that the sediment of Hong Kong’s Tolo Harbour contains Antibiotic Resistant Genes
![Name an Ant initiative - HKU taxonomist brings attention to biodiversity loss by sharing with the public the excitement of discovering new life](/f/page/5762/15117/338p226/An ant.jpg)
Name an Ant initiative - HKU taxonomist brings attention to biodiversity loss by sharing with the public the excitement of discovering new life
![Legal wildlife trade – ten times bigger than the illegal trade, and doing massive damage to biodiversity](/f/page/5762/15117/338p225/Crocodile skin wallets on sale in vietnam Hong Kong is the worlds number one legal importer of such luxury items made from wildlife Credit Sam Inglis.jpg)
Legal wildlife trade – ten times bigger than the illegal trade, and doing massive damage to biodiversity
![Metamaterials, with artificially engineered unit cells, provide a powerful means for controlling the propagation of light and are useful for various applications ranging from imaging to information processing.](/f/page/5762/14388/338p237/image3.jpg)
HKU chemists resolve a long-standing challenging problem on Metal-Metal interaction, the first team to prove that strong M-M’ Pauli repulsion leads to repulsive metallophilicity
![Metamaterials, with artificially engineered unit cells, provide a powerful means for controlling the propagation of light and are useful for various applications ranging from imaging to information processing.](/f/page/5762/14349/338p237/shutterstock_385007209.jpg)
Faculty of Science receives funding of over HK$38 Million from Collaborative Research Fund (CRF) 2020/21 of University Grants Committee
![Metamaterials, with artificially engineered unit cells, provide a powerful means for controlling the propagation of light and are useful for various applications ranging from imaging to information processing.](/f/page/5762/14349/338p237/cover2-1-lowres.jpg)
HKU-led Physics research team receives funding of over HK$80 Million from Areas of Excellence Scheme, set to uncover emerging technologies of 2D materials to revolutionize electronics, optoelectronics and photonics
![Metamaterials, with artificially engineered unit cells, provide a powerful means for controlling the propagation of light and are useful for various applications ranging from imaging to information processing.](/f/page/5762/14349/338p237/Coverimage.jpg)
HKU Physicist participated in cross-institutional Areas of Excellence project on meta-materials and meta-devices
![Metamaterials, with artificially engineered unit cells, provide a powerful means for controlling the propagation of light and are useful for various applications ranging from imaging to information processing.](/f/page/5762/14349/338p237/Image 5.jpg)
Research co-led by Professor Hongzhe SUN from Research Division for Chemistry awarded the Local Top Ten innovation and technology news in 2020
![A basking Okada's five-lined skink (Plestiodon latiscutatus) on Hachijo-Kojima. Image credit: Masami Hasegawa.](/f/page/5762/14332/338p237/image1_izus_1609989443.jpg)
Four decades of research on Japanese Izu Islands finds rising lizard temperatures may change predator-prey relationship with snakes
![Dr Zi Yang Meng achieved accurate model calculations of a topological KT phase for TMGO by performing computation on the Supercomputers Tianhe 1 and Tianhe 2.](/f/page/5762/14275/338p225/portrait.jpg)
Confirming simulated calculations with experiment results, new paradigm on quantum material research reveals topological KT phase of TMGO for the first time
![Remanents of feather sheaths on the wings of the fossil bird Archaeopteryx, shows the earliest evidence of a complex moulting strategy. The white arrows indicate the feather sheaths. Scale bar is 1 cm. Image credit: Kaye et al. 2020.](/f/page/5762/14275/338p225/Figure 1_PR.jpg)
Research reveals earliest record of flight-related moulting found in 150-million-year-old bird Archaeopteryx providing insights into the evolution of moulting strategies
![Study reveals bat-winged dinosaurs had short-lived gliding abilities](/f/page/5762/13944/338p225/Image_1.jpeg)
New study finds seabird response to abrupt climate change 5,000 years ago transformed sub-Antarctic island ecosystems
![Study reveals bat-winged dinosaurs had short-lived gliding abilities](/f/page/5762/13855/338p225/2310.png)
Study reveals bat-winged dinosaurs had short-lived gliding abilities
![strange metals](/f/page/5762/13855/338p225/strangemetal_r.jpg)
HKU physicist joins international effort to unveil the behaviour of “strange metals”
![Bird beak revealed by HKU-codeveloped laser imaging Informs early beak form, function, and development](/f/page/5762/13855/338p225/2109.png)
Bird beak revealed by HKU-codeveloped laser imaging Informs early beak form, function, and development
![A joint team of astronomers including a member of HKU’s Laboratory for Space Research, captured stellar winds in unprecedented detail](/f/page/5762/13855/338p225/1809.png)
A joint team of astronomers including a member of HKU’s Laboratory for Space Research, captured stellar winds in unprecedented detail
![Member of HKU’s Laboratory for Space Research Co-discovers the first planet found around white dwarf star](/f/page/5762/13855/338p225/1609.png)
Member of HKU’s Laboratory for Space Research Co-discovers the first planet found around white dwarf star
![study of early birds](/f/page/5762/13125/338p225/earlybirds.jpeg)
Landmark HKU-led volume on past progress and new frontiers in the study of early birds and their close relative
![Most close relatives of birds neared the potential for powered flight but few crossed its thresholds](/f/page/5762/13125/338p225/IMG_7925.jpg)
Most close relatives of birds neared the potential for powered flight but few crossed its thresholds
![A new idea on how Earth’s outer shell first broke into tectonic plates](/f/page/5762/13071/338p225/earth_shell.png)
“Breaking” news! A new idea on how Earth’s outer shell first broke into tectonic plates
![Revisiting energy flow in photosynthetic plant cells](/f/page/5762/12964/300p225/energy-flow-research.png)
Revisiting energy flow in photosynthetic plant cells
![Spin texture and vortex in quantum magnet TMGO when the material is inside the topological KT phase.](/f/page/5762/12815/300p225/quantum_materials.png)
Quantum Material research connecting physicists in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai Facilitates discovery of better materials that benefit our society
![The five test marine organisms used in this study](/f/page/5762/12809/300p225/neurons.jpg)
An unexpected heat shock to neurons: HKU scientists and collaborators uncovered a new mechanism for balancing protein stability during neuronal development
![The five test marine organisms used in this study](/f/page/5762/12720/300p225/Image_2_test_animals.jpg)
HKU marine ecologists reveal larvicidal oil for mosquito control threatens coastal marine life and pollutes sea environment
![Giant clam Tridacna maxima](/f/page/5762/12686/300p200/DSC_7179.jpg)
Metagenomics reveals distinct microbiotypes in the giant clams Tridacna maxima
HKU study unlocks the secret of corals’ tolerance to climate change: their diet
![reef fishes](/f/page/5762/12490/300p200/coral_image.jpg)
HKU marine biologist and international team unveil impacts of heatwave on reef fishes
![wallace line](/f/page/5762/12444/300p212/Wallace line.jpg)
HKU earth scientist redrew global map of land life, achieving a unique research quadruple by landing first/correspondence author papers in the frontline journals of four of the Burlington House's learned societies.
![dolphins](/f/page/5762/12444/300p200/Image2.jpg)
HKU scientists find high concentrations of toxic phenyltin compounds in local Chinese white dolphins and finless porpoises confirming their biomagnification through marine food chains
![icon](/f/page/5762/12267/298p168/Image1_圖一.jpg)
A team of international mangrove forest experts suggesting optimistic cause for global mangrove conservation
![icon](/f/page/5762/12267/230p273/Image1.jpg)
HKU marine ecologists and international team unveils the historical impacts of development on coral reef loss in the South China Sea, suggesting possible coral restoration in Hong Kong
![icon](/f/page/5762/12249/298p205/Image 5.jpg)
HKU marine ecologist and international team identifies areas of top priority for deepsea monitoring and conservation through a survey of world’s leading deep-sea scientists
![picture](/f/page/5762/12189/298p221/Image 24.jpg)
HKU scientists develop a deep learning approach to predict disease-associated mutations of the metal-binding sites
![a](/f/page/5762/11863/298p453/Image1a.jpg)
HKU astronomy research team unveils one origin of globular clusters around giant galaxies
![figure](/f/page/5762/11458/298p233/Image 31.jpg)
What colour were fossil animals? HKU palaeontologists evaluate fossil colour reconstruction methods to propose new study framework
![iamge](/f/page/5762/10793/298p300/Fig-1.jpg)
![iamge](/f/page/5762/10397/300p144/Image 6.jpg)
HKU earth scientists discovered century-scale deep-water circulation dynamics in the North Atlantic Ocean throughout the last 20,000 years
![picture](/f/page/5762/10354/300p142/Image 34.jpg)
HKU biologists discover cell division requires a balanced level of non-coding RNA for chromosome stability
![figure1](/f/page/5762/10340/300p121/Image 7.jpg)
![Dr Benoit Guenard](/f/page/5762/10229/300p206/ant6.jpg)
![ancient bird](/f/page/5762/9907/300p300/fig4.jpg)
HKU chemists develop a new class of robust gold(III) complexes with promising device lifetimes and tunable emission colours for vacuum-deposited OLEDs
![a](/f/page/5762/8774/300p242/Image 14.jpg)
HKU study finds that ocean circulation in the North Atlantic is at its weakest since the past 1,500 years
![a](/f/page/4619/8394/300p298/Image 145.jpg)
![1](/f/page/4619/7201/350p211/Image 91.jpg)
HKU Chemists develop the first-in-class YEATS inhibitors that show promise for leukemia treatment
![a](/f/page/4619/7201/300p327/Image_88.jpg)
An HKU-led team of international plant scientists reveal how chloroplasts maintain energy efficiency
![paleontologists](/f/page/5059/6448/350p283/Image_1_1540266643.jpg)
HKU paleontologists discover evolutions of tropical deep-water ecosystem and environment affected by high-latitude climate
![paleontologists](/f/page/5059/6449/350p264/2.jpg)
International team discovers an inside-out nebula surrounds a ‘born-again’ star, shedding light on the late-stage evolution of the Sun
![paleontologists](/f/page/5059/6449/350p234/4.jpg)
HKU Laboratory for Space Research involved in international collaboration facilitating the discovery of an isolated Millisecond Pulsar with FAST
![paleontologists](/f/page/5059/6449/350p245/5.jpg)
![paleontologists](/f/page/5059/6449/350p215/7.jpg)
![topographic map of Mars](/f/page/4619/7708/350p239/m2.png)
HKU geologist’s discovery of early earth-like seafloor deposits on Mars could provide clues to life’s origins
![paleontologists](/f/page/4619/7708/350p161/cereal1.jpg)
HKU and Kyoto U reveal a new strategy to enhance the efficiency of cereal straw for biofuel production
![paleontologists](/f/page/5059/6449/350p153/11.jpg)
The “Hong Kong population” of Chinese white dolphins re-defined: The latest HKU study clarifies how many dolphins there are in Hong Kong waters
![paleontologists](/f/page/5059/6449/350p153/13.jpg)
Major breakthrough in knowledge of dinosaur appearance - HKU palaeontologist reconstructs feathered dinosaurs in the flesh with new technology