The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) scholars harness the University’s multidisciplinary strengths to specialise in research on material synthesis, characterisation, and device fabrication for applications in lasers, photosensors and photothermal technologies. With a focus on synthesizing, processing and characterizing low-dimensional materials, the research led by Prof. Yuen Hong TSANG, Professor of the Department of Applied Physics and his team drives impactful applications across various fields of optics and photonics.

What makes a chili pepper spicy, colorful, and full of flavor? 

A team of researchers has developed a new biosensor that turns the invisible signals into visible color changes to detect urea levels in a simple way. 

A new study reveals the critical role of the WRKY-B transcription factor in regulating lateral branch development in tomato plants.

Scientists have engineered a biomimetic sensor that mimics human taste perception by harnessing lab-grown taste bud organoids and microelectrode arrays (MEAs). 

Researchers have developed a new type of nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) accelerometer using fully clamped, double-layer graphene membranes with attached silicon proof masses.

A recent study highlights both the promise and limitations of the inhaled COVID-19 vaccine Ad5-XBB.1.5. Researchers found that the vaccine effectively induced strong immunoglobulin A (IgA) responses in the nasal mucosa and bloodstream, with nasal IgA showing a stronger correlation with virus-neutralizing activity than immunoglobulin G (IgG). The vaccine also boosted antigen-specific CD8⁺ T cell responses and slightly increased antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). However, the study revealed that nasal IgA levels declined significantly by six months post-vaccination, and the majority of participants experienced breakthrough infections during the recent JN.1 wave. Additionally, individuals with high levels of pre-existing antibodies against adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) showed reduced neutralizing responses, indicating that vector immunity may limit the vaccine’s effectiveness. These findings underscore the challenges of achieving long-lasting mucosal immunity through current inhaled vaccine strategies. The researchers call for the development of next-generation mucosal vaccines, that can sustain strong and durable IgA responses in the nasal mucosa, offering better protection against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and reducing community transmission.

The human brain evolves at a breathtaking pace in early life, but capturing this transformation has long challenged scientists and clinicians. 

Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss worldwide, and fibrosis-related complications after surgery often limit full recovery. 

A new study has traced the genetic roots of several rare and complex disorders to mutations in a single critical gene: IKBKG, also known as NEMO.