All University of Hong Kong articles
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NewsResearchers reveal how human genetics and intratumoral microbiota affect colorectal cancer
A study shows that the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2355016—a tiny DNA change that some people carry—affects how intratumoral microbiota adhere to tumor cells, promoting colorectal cancer progression.
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NewsGlobal study finds single-dose baloxavir reduces household influenza transmission
A landmark study reveals that a single oral dose of baloxavir marboxil (baloxavir) significantly reduces the transmission of influenza within households, marking a major advancement in influenza management.
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NewsResearchers develop innovative solution for tracking antibiotic resistance genes
Scientists have developed a computational tool, Argo, designed to accurately track ARGs in environmental samples, providing insights into their dissemination and associated risks.
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NewsOral microbiota offer promise as screening tool for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Scientists have found promising connections between oral microbiota and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Their study introduces a prediction model with an 81% accuracy rate for identifying children with autism through simple oral sampling.
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NewsScientists develop nasal spray H5N1 avian influenza vaccine
Scientists have pioneered an influenza virus vector-based nasal spray vaccine platform and developed a nasal spray H5N1 avian influenza vaccine.
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NewsLactobacillus-dominated uterus significantly boosts pregnancy outcomes
Researchers analyzed recent studies on the reproductive microbiome and its effects on fertility. They found that a Lactobacillus-dominated (LD) uterine environment significantly improves pregnancy outcomes. Similarly, pregnancy success rates were higher in LD environments.
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NewsStudy links high-risk Epstein-Barr virus lineage to nasopharyngeal cancer in southern China
Researchers have discovered a significant association between specific Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) variants and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a cancer prevalent in southern China, where it is 20 times more common than in non-endemic regions of the world.
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NewsSludge sequencing reveals novel species and genetic diversity
A study sequencing activated sludge has unearthed a plethora of antibiotic resistance genes and has pointed to the existence of previously unknown microbial species.
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NewsScientists ID novel host factors that facilitates SARS-CoV-2 entry
Researchers have identified new host factors that interact with the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to promote viral entry.
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NewsStudy shows N95 masks near-perfect at blocking escape of airborne COVID-19
In a head-to-head comparison of masks worn by people with active COVID-19, the inexpensive ‘duckbill’ N95 came out on top, stopping 98% of COVID-19 particles in the breath of infected people from escaping into the air.
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NewsOptimal timing maximises Paxlovid benefits for treating COVID-19
Study suggests using the anti-COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid three to five days after symptoms emerge in patients and expanding global access to the drug may help reduce the severity and transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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NewsPD-1-enhanced DNA vaccine achieves 6-year cART-free AIDS prevention and virologic control
Researchers have found that PD-1-enhanced DNA vaccination can induce sustained virus-specific CD8+ T cell immunity in an AIDS monkey model.
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NewsNew institute to bolster global preparedness for future pandemics
The University of Hong Kong (HKU), the University of Cambridge (UCAM), and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) have established the international headquarters of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute at HKU.
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NewsScientists find genes in gut microbes that help to alleviate constipation
Researchers have found that probiotic Bifidobacteria longum strains possessing the abfA cluster of genes can ameliorate constipation through enhanced utilization of an indigestible fiber called arabinan in the gut.
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NewsNew antibiotic drug approved for clinical trials in humans
A new antibiotic drug has recently gained approval from the authorities to undergo clinical trials.
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NewsScientists pioneer dual trojan horse approach to combat superbugs
In the relentless battle against antibiotic-resistant superbugs, science continues to unveil ingenious strategies to address their vulnerability. Like other bacteria, superbugs have a unique weakness – their dependence on iron for growth and survival. Iron serves as an essential nutrient that bacteria utilise for various cellular processes, including DNA replication, ...
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NewsMicrobiologist and virologist creating Global Pandemic Research Alliance
Columbia University virologist Professor David Ho and The University of Hong Kong (HKU) microbiologist Professor Kwok-yung Yuen are teaming up to create a global alliance for conducting research in emerging infectious diseases.
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NewsMicroneedle array with antibacterial nanoparticles targets acne
Researchers have designed a new microneedle patch engineered with ultrasound-responsive zinc-based metal-organic framework (MOF) antibacterial nanoparticles, promising pain-free delivery to treat bacterial infection on skin tissue and facilitate skin repair.
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NewsGlobal prevalence of H. pylori infection declining
Researchers have found that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection around the world has been steadily declining over the past four decades, and that the use of antibiotics against it could alter the micro-organisms and the virus community present in the gut.
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NewsFirst human respiratory organoid culture system reveals secret of Omicron’s transmissibility
Researchers have established the first human respiratory organoid culture system and unveiled a novel mechanism for the high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.