News & Stories

A research team led by Prof. GUO Yusong, Associate Professor of the Division of Life Science at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has made a significant breakthrough in understanding how cells manage the intricate internal transport of proteins, a process fundamental to life and implicated in several hereditary diseases. By employing an innovative vesicle proteomics platform, the team has systematically identified new cargo proteins and key accessory factors for two critical cellular transport complexes, AP-1 and AP-4. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), combine innovative vesicle reconstitution techniques with quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to unveil a comprehensive map of previously unknown cargo proteins and regulatory factors.

With the support of the HKSAR Government, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has commenced preparations to establish a new medical school. Dedicated to training a new generation of tech-savvy doctors, the School will bolster the future readiness of the local healthcare system and advance Hong Kong's development as an international hub for medical training, research, and innovation.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today launched SmartPath, a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to transform the entire pathology workflow for cancer care. The system was developed by an HKUST research team led by Prof. CHEN Hao, Director of Collaboration Center for Medical and Engineering Innovation, and Assistant Professor of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. SmartPath provides integrated support for clinical diagnosis, subtyping, biomarker quantification, treatment response assessment, and prognostic follow-up across a wide spectrum of cancers, aiming to accelerate turnaround times and enhance the personalization of treatment plans.

A landmark study conducted by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has demonstrated that a genetic variant, TREM2 H157Y, significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in individuals of ethnic Chinese descent. The research reveals that this variant confers a risk level comparable to that of the strongest known genetic risk factor for AD, APOE-ε4, and is associated with more rapid clinical progression and more severe neurodegeneration.This is the first in the field to conduct an in-depth family-based clinical case study on a Chinese-enriched genetic risk factor for AD, the TREM2 H157Y variant. The findings, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, have profound implications for disease monitoring and patient management.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has recently introduced SmartCare – an AI platform developed by HKUST researchers that redefines patient journeys from triage to treatment – in its on-campus clinic. This landmark deployment kicks off a six-month pilot study open to 15,000+ students, faculty, and staff.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Wuhan Union Hospital) have jointly established the "Collaborative Center for Medical and Engineering Innovation" (the Center), officially unveiled today at HKUST’s campus. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in medical-engineering collaboration between the two institutions, focusing on core areas such as ultrasound, pathology, and radiology. By deeply integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with medical imaging, the center aims to drive medical technology innovation and advance global healthcare progress.

Researchers at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a groundbreaking AI technology that reconstructs precise 3D bones and organs models from minimal X-ray images, slashing patients’ radiation exposure by up to 99% compared to CT scans. This innovation not only enhances patient safety but also reduces costs and wait times, with potential applications in surgical planning, real-time imaging, and personalized implants. HKUST team is collaborating with different industry partners, including bone printing company Koln 3D Technology (Medical) Limited (Koln 3D), to implement this technology in public hospitals.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has shone in the second round of Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme launched by Innovation and Technology Commission’s (ITC), securing grants for seven teams – the highest number among local institutions.  The seven funded projects encompass a diverse array of innovative research and development efforts. Three projects focus on health and medical innovation, addressing areas spanning diagnostics, medical treatment and gene therapy.  Three others focus on AI chips, semiconductors and their materials, while the remaining one explores novel displays and optoelectronic technology.