Croucher News

May 2026

Ancient clays may have slowed oxygen’s rise 29 May 2026

The study shows how clay minerals may have removed phosphorus from early oceans, helping explain the delayed rise of atmospheric oxygen.

Ginseng compounds reduce obesity in mice by reshaping gut bacteria 28 May 2026

Two active components of ginseng reduced obesity in mice by altering gut bacteria through distinct metabolic pathways, a study found.

Welcome, Croucher class of 2026! 26 May 2026

This year’s awardees are carrying out research in a wide range of fields, from life sciences to astronomy and from mathematics to engineering.

Blocking brain enzyme improves memory in mice 25 May 2026

Increased enzyme activity in the hippocampus was linked to memory loss, while blocking it improved learning in aged and obese mice.

Storms intensify rain near coasts 22 May 2026

Rainfall increases by more than 20 per cent in the 60 hours before landfall, a pattern that could heighten flood danger for coastal communities.

New study suggests soil moisture determines dust risk after wildfires 21 May 2026

A global satellite study finds that soil moisture levels explain why some burnt landscapes release more airborne dust while others do not.

Automated tool brings consistency to microscopy image analysis 20 May 2026

A new AI toolkit analyses microscopy images of crystalline materials automatically, enabling standardised measurement of grain features at scale.

Quieter ventilation without blocking airflow 19 May 2026

Researchers developed an open sound absorber that captured 86 per cent of noise across a broad frequency range, while also uncovering a previously unrecognised physical principle.

Clam feeding patterns linked to conservation risk 18 May 2026

Researchers found that giant clams relying more on photosynthetic algae grow larger but may face greater risks from heat stress and harvesting.

The busy skies 15 May 2026

Professor Mo Li says the low-altitude economy could become visible within a decade if technology, regulation and viable services develop together.

The shining light of science 14 May 2026

Croucher Science Week 2026 welcomed almost 14,000 visitors and students with free bilingual shows, workshops and school tours celebrating hands-on science across Hong Kong.

Protein system targets sugar patterns to reduce breast cancer spread 13 May 2026

A protein system targeting breast cancer cells reduced their spread to the lungs in mice, offering a potential new approach to limiting metastasis.

Three scientists receive 2026 Croucher Innovation Awards 12 May 2026

Each HK$5 million award will help a researcher build teams, test new ideas and pursue ambitious directions in their fields.

Porpita porpita 12 May 2026

The Blue Button’s vivid colour may help camouflage it in sunlit surface waters.

New route for calcium batteries 11 May 2026

Porous organic frameworks enabled faster calcium-ion transport, allowing solid-state cells to retain nearly 75 per cent capacity after 1,000 cycles.

Solvent-free process produces more durable solar cells 8 May 2026

Using dry vacuum coating with a small lead chloride addition improved crystal quality in perovskite solar cells, boosting efficiency and long-term durability.

Gas wells could help store carbon, study says 7 May 2026

A study found combined carbon dioxide techniques could make China’s shale gas sector a large net carbon sink with policy support.

A new shape for gene therapy 6 May 2026

Local researchers developed worm-shaped nanoparticles that deliver genetic material into cells and release it more efficiently, with lower toxicity risks.

Kidney drug may support fertility treatment 4 May 2026

In mice and a small trial, finerenone, a kidney disease drug, reduced ovarian scarring and helped some patients produce mature eggs.

What a worm without a genetic switch reveals about gene control 1 May 2026

Roundworms that lost a key gene-silencing mechanism retain a protein that still regulates gene activity, with possible implications for human disease.

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