Dr. Lee Seongsoo’s research group at the Honam Regional Center of the Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI) successfully observed and quantitatively analyzed the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR-bacteria or superbacteria) in real time using three-dimensional holotomography (3D HT*) technology.Dr. Lee Seongsoo’s research group at the Honam Regional Center of the Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI) successfully observed and quantitatively analyzed the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR-bacteria or superbacteria) in real time using three-dimensional holotomography (3D HT*) technology.

Liver cancer is a lethal disease with limited treatment options for advanced stages. While risk factors such as viral hepatitis, alcohol use, and obesity increase the likelihood of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, the progression of liver cancer), scientists are racing to uncover the hidden biological mechanisms that fuel tumour growth. Recent research led by Professor Jiangwen ZHANG of the School of Biological Sciences at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has uncovered how a key genetic culprit, VPS72, drives the development of liver cancer by disrupting fat metabolism and manipulating gene activity. The team’s findings have been published in Advanced Science.

Researchers at the LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), have pioneered a new cancer-treatment strategy that amplifies cancer cell starvation for amino acids. The study found that cancer cells can survive in nutrient-deprived environments by internalising extracellular proteins via macropinocytosis and degrading them through the proteasomal pathway. Leveraging this discovery, the HKUMed researchers engineered pH-responsive polymeric nanoparticles that release drugs to block both protein uptake and degradation, effectively achieving tumour starvation therapy. The research findings were published in Advanced Science, and a US patent application has been filed.