Croucher News

August 2026

Understanding how hidden links shape the behaviour of complex systems 31 August 2026

A new physics-based algorithm efficiently predicts hidden links in complex networks, accelerating data analysis across AI and biomedicine.

What’s happening to common butterflies? 29 August 2026

A Cornell researcher analyses butterfly DNA across California to understand why once-abundant species are declining and what genetics reveals about resilience.

A new route to understanding fear memories 28 August 2026

A newly identified compound, MF-8, blocks the formation of fear-related memories in mice by selectively fine-tuning a brain signalling pathway, offering a promising tool for future neuroscience research.

Tiny airborne toxins may play outsized role in pollution health risks 27 August 2026

The findings suggest trace microbial components in particulate pollution may contribute disproportionately to respiratory inflammation and potential infection risks.

How Hong Kong corals withstand polluted waters 26 August 2026

Researchers found that highly efficient denitrifying bacteria inside corals help remove nitrate pollution, offering clues for future reef conservation.

Common diabetes drug could help protect the brain after stroke 25 August 2026

A Hong Kong trial found the diabetes drug semaglutide safe for severe stroke patients, though its neuroprotective benefit remains unproven.

A faster warning for future virus variants 24 August 2026

Sequencing viral samples from travellers at major aviation hubs could help detect emerging variants sooner while supporting more sustainable surveillance.

Nature's quiet carbon workers are struggling to keep up 22 August 2026

Hong Kong-led research shows fine particulate pollution suppresses photosynthesis, reducing trees' capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Jamming a virus's copying machinery could lead to safer antiviral drugs 21 August 2026

Chinese University of Hong Kong scientists created carbon-based antiviral compounds that block viral replication without harming human cells.

Hidden genetic signal could warn of next flu pandemic 20 August 2026

A new AI tool spots a hidden genetic warning sign in flu viruses, helping scientists identify strains that could trigger a human pandemic.

A plant compound could boost the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy 19 August 2026

A natural plant compound increases beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing cancer immunotherapy effectiveness in mouse studies of melanoma and lung cancer.

A simple stretch could change the colour of light in future displays 18 August 2026

University of Hong Kong scientists showed that stretching gallium nitride crystals reversibly changes the colour of light they emit.

Why some tumours resist a key chemotherapy drug 17 August 2026

Scientists at the University of Hong Kong found a tubulin site that weakens the binding of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, pointing towards improved cancer therapies.

How moving to high altitude can quietly harm the heart 15 August 2026

Scientists have identified a protein, ITGA2B, linked to heart damage in some high-altitude migrants, offering a potential drug target.

Protecting your photos from an army of face-scraping bots 14 August 2026

A Hong Kong researcher has developed a free tool that disguises photos to stop AI facial recognition and deepfake misuse.

Uncharged protein droplets found to create their own electric potential 13 August 2026

Hong Kong Baptist University researchers found uncharged protein droplets create their own electric potential, revealing a new mechanism behind disease-related protein aggregation.

Urban sewers are an overlooked source of climate-warming gas 12 August 2026

Researchers developed a tool revealing that urban sewers are a measurable, overlooked source of methane, increasing wastewater carbon footprints.

New study suggests Moon's volcanic gases took years, not minutes, to escape 11 August 2026

Analysis of ancient Apollo lunar glass beads reveals volcanic gases escaped over years, not minutes, hinting at a short-lived Moon atmosphere.

The brain can shift its entire focus in under two seconds, study suggests 10 August 2026

A single brief pulse to the thalamus was enough to trigger a brain-wide reorganisation, researchers found using rats.

A surprising revival of superconductivity 8 August 2026

A Hong Kong team observed rare re-entrant superconductivity at unusually high temperatures, pointing to new materials for stronger magnets and imaging.

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