The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to pursuing pioneering research in frontier areas and to embracing a strong culture of knowledge transfer. By translating research excellence into impactful solutions, the University takes the lead in making a positive impact for societal benefits. The first-of-its-kind multimodal robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation, developed by PolyU, has been recognised as an Honouree in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 Innovation Awards, reaffirming the effective impact of the University’s PolyImpact philosophy.

A recent study has uncovered the genetic foundations of seed weight in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), a tropical legume prized for its nutritional value and resilience.

Medical artificial intelligence (AI) has progressed rapidly over the years, driven by novel foundation and large language models. This is highly promising for transforming medical education and healthcare delivery. Now, a review in the Chinese Medical Journal by researchers from China highlights the prospects and points to challenges related to data collection, analysis, and privacy. It emphasizes the importance of effective collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure a bright future for AI in healthcare.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections can lead to serious complications, particularly in infants and older adults aged 75 years and above. Recent advancements in vaccine trials for older adults and prophylactic treatments for high-risk infants and children highlight the importance of preventing infection. A detailed review by Chinese researchers synthesizes various published studies, providing a comprehensive resource for understanding RSV’s impact and the ongoing efforts to combat it.

A research team from South China Normal University and Shanghai University has developed a metal-organic framework (MOF) chemistry engineering for hierarchical micro-/nano-structural F, O-dual-doped carbon embedded oxygen vacancy enriched LiMn₂O₄ cathode (O_V-LMO@FOC) for longevous lithium storage. By enhancing ionic/electronic conductivity and inhibiting Mn²⁺ dissolution, this innovative approach has led to over 1000 stable battery cycles with exceptional capacity retention. This study envisions the MOF-chemistry in surface modification and electronic modulation engineering of high-performance cathode materials towards industrialization in automotive market.

The evolution of the lunar dynamo is crucial for understanding the Moon’s deep interior structure, thermal history, and surface environment. A recent study by Chinese scientists conducted paleomagnetic analyses on basalts returned by the Chang’e-6 mission and revealed a significant reinforcement of the lunar dynamo approximately 2.8 billion years ago (Ga).

A recent review published in eGastroenterology discusses recent advancements in understanding alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). The article provides a comprehensive overview of current research on cellular interactions, systemic inflammation, and inter-organ communication in ALD. By summarizing key findings and emerging therapeutic targets, the review offers insights that may inform future studies and management strategies for this important health issue.

Unprecedented extreme heat represents a critical climate challenge, resulting in approximately 490,000 heat-related deaths globally each year, with 45% of these fatalities occurring in Asia.A study by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has revealed that some existing heatwave indices are unable to accurately capture heatwave severity in diverse geographical regions and climate conditions. It is suggested to include humidity and indoor environmental conditions in identifying a dangerous heatwave. The development of a global heat risk framework and early warning systems are also recommended to alleviate the impact of heatwaves on human health. The research findings have been published in the international journal Nexus.

A cheap and high-power liquid thermoelectric converter could be produced thanks to a new strategy pioneered and tested by Japan-based researchers.

Preterm infants are vulnerable to pulmonary dysfunction and other respiratory disorders. While impulse oscillometry (IOS) is a non-invasive method to assess lung health, it has been scarcely utilized in clinical studies involving large pediatric populations of former preterm infants. Researchers in the USA have now developed and implemented a study design capable of producing research-quality IOS data in children born as extremely low gestational age neonates.