News & Stories

Have you ever wondered how mussels instantly glue themselves to rocks, allowing them to survive the crushing force of ocean waves? They complete this process in under 30 seconds. Yet, in a laboratory, replicating this process of molecular self-assembly, known as liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), typically takes dozens of minutes, if not hours. A research team of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has recently solved this long-standing puzzle using large-scale molecular dynamics simulation and theoretical analysis, revealing the secret to nature’s incredible speed and providing implications for instant biocompatible surgical glues.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today announced the launch of a five-year research initiative, the HKUST Healthy Longevity Study. This pioneering study focuses on older Chinese adults in Hong Kong and aims to uncover the key determinants of “healthy longevity.” The findings will provide a scientific foundation for developing more precise and personalized health management strategies, contributing to the advancement of healthy aging across society.

Led by scholars from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), a research team has discovered that, since the early 2000s, both sea surface temperature changes near the equator and the associated atmospheric adjustments over the Pacific have accelerated markedly—becoming a key driver of the increasingly rapid loss of Arctic sea ice during autumn. The findings highlight that, under ongoing global warming, climate linkages between distant regions are far more dynamic and complex than previously understood.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today showcased its award-winning inventions, which were recognized at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo). The University's 62 participating teams won a total of 62 accolades, including 13 Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury, 20 Gold Medals, 20 Silver Medals, and 9 Bronze Medals. This year's achievements set a new record for the University and make it the highest-awarded higher education institution in Hong Kong.

With the rapid aging of Hong Kong's population, it is projected that by 2039, individuals aged 65 or above will account for over 30% of the total population, making early intervention for cognitive health an urgent necessity. This demographic shift highlights the critical need for effective strategies to address cognitive decline in the elderly.One of these strategies is to promote the detection of Alzheimer's disease at the community level. But this approach faces numerous obstacles. High testing costs, invasive procedures, and a lack of public awareness about the importance of early detection have hindered accessibility. Caring for our communityRecognizing these challenges, the NeuroCare Community Project was launched to bridge this gap. This project supports early and proactive intervention at the community level to delay the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, thus alleviating pressure on caregivers and society at large.

Under the glow of HKUST’s 35th anniversary lights, audiences watched robot dogs deliver ceremonial 'miracle’ balls, humanoid robots greet guests, and drones soar above the Jockey Club Atrium.Amid this display of technological wizardry, the launch ceremony for the 35th anniversary was transformed into a living stage that vividly embodied HKUST’s enduring spirit of innovation.Each state-of-the-art machine told a story of discovery, mentorship, and entrepreneurship brought to life—a fitting symbol for HKUST’s year-long anniversary celebrations and its belief that the seemingly impossible can be made possible. 

As the world pivots toward a sustainable energy future, the need for greater interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange is becoming more urgent.In response, elite scientists, engineers, and industry partners from Asia, Europe, and the Americas convened at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) from February 24 to 27 to explore the latest innovations in sustainable energy research.The International Conference on Perovskite Solar Cells (IC-PSC)—held at the Kaisa Group Lecture Theater within HKUST’s Jockey Club Institute of Advanced Studies—underscored HKUST's pivotal role in driving innovation and, specifically, in exchanging knowledge on perovskite photovoltaics.

Boundless: What recent discovery has the HKUST research team made regarding the human enzyme DICER?Prof. Nguyen: Our discovery is genuinely groundbreaking. We found that the enzyme DICER, which is crucial for gene silencing, possesses a "dual-pocket" mechanism for measuring RNA. This is significant because it changes our understanding of how DICER interacts with RNA strands.Boundless: What exactly is “gene silencing”?Prof. Nguyen: Good question. Gene silencing means reducing or eliminating the expression of a specific gene. This process may occur naturally in cells or be induced artificially. Gene silencing is used to prevent the production of proteins from a targeted gene. This technique helps researchers study the function of a gene, investigate disease mechanisms, and develop gene-based therapies.