Tech & Engineering
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 19-Jan-2026 17:11 ET (19-Jan-2026 22:11 GMT/UTC)
16-Jan-2026
HKU astronomer uses “China Sky Eye” to reveal binary origin of fast radio bursts
The University of Hong KongPeer-Reviewed Publication
An international team of astronomers, including researcher from the Department of Physics at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), has uncovered the first decisive evidence that at least some fast radio burst (FRB) sources—brief but powerful flashes of radio waves from distant galaxies—reside in binary stellar systems. This means the FRB source is not an isolated star, as previously assumed, but part of a binary stellar system in which two stars orbit each other.
- Journal
- Science
16-Jan-2026
Energy learning hyper-heuristic algorithm for cooperative task assignment of heterogeneous UAVs under complex constraints
KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.Peer-Reviewed Publication
The study addresses heterogeneous UAV cooperative task assignment under complex constraints via an energy learning hyper-heuristic (EL-HH) algorithm. It designs a three-layer encoded mathematical model, adaptive operator energy adjustment, multiple optimization operators, and task adjustment strategies. Simulations and experiments verify the algorithm’s effectiveness.
- Journal
- Defence Technology
- Funder
- National Natural Science Foundation of China, Jiangsu Province Basic Research Program Natural Science Foundation, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Project of Special Foundation in Jiangsu Science and Technology Plan, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Postgraduate Research & Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province
16-Jan-2026
HKU Engineering researchers develop soft, 3D transistors with hosting living cell potential, featured on Science cover
The University of Hong KongPeer-Reviewed Publication
The WISE research group (Wearable, Intelligent, Soft Electronics) at The University of Hong Kong (HKU-WISE) have addressed a long-standing bioelectronic challenge: the development of soft, 3D transistors. This groundbreaking work introduces a new approach to semiconductor device design with transformative potential for bioelectronics, which has been featured as the cover story of the prestigious journal Science.
- Journal
- Science
16-Jan-2026
HKU co-hosts "The Nobel Heroes Forum: Shaping Science and Future"
The University of Hong KongMeeting Announcement
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings co-hosted "The Nobel Heroes Forum: Shaping Science and Future" today (12 January 2026), convening six Nobel laureates for thought-provoking discussions on how fundamental research drives progress in science, technology, health, and the global economy. Held at the Grand Hall of the Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre on the Centennial Campus, the forum drew an audience of over 800 participants, fostering interdisciplinary exchange among some of the world’s most distinguished scientific minds.
16-Jan-2026
Atomic density disturbance rejection in atomic gyroscopes via Faraday polarimetric decoupling
KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.Peer-Reviewed Publication
Researchers have developed a novel data-driven Faraday polarimetric decoupling method, offering a robust technical solution to the challenge of atomic density fluctuations inatomic gyroscopes. The study, published in Defence Technology, introduces a framework that integrates finite-element simulation with neural networks to isolate density disturbances from signal measurements.
- Journal
- Defence Technology
- Funder
- Beijing Natural Science Foundation, Innovation Program for Quantum Science and Technology, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Key Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province
16-Jan-2026
HKU Geography Research Reveals the “Warming Paradox” of Urban Greenery
The University of Hong KongPeer-Reviewed Publication
A research team led by Professor Yuyu Zhou from the Department of Geography at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has unveiled a critical “warming paradox” in global urban greening strategies, challenging the universal assumption that vegetation always cools cities and providing a new roadmap for “smart greening” to combat urban heat islands effectively. By analysing high-resolution satellite and climate data from over 700 megacities, the study also demonstrates that in arid regions, urban greenery can actually increase surface temperatures.
- Journal
- Science Advances