Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed an improved technique called “tapping-mode scanning probe electrospray ionization” (t-SPESI), allowing the analysis of regions within individual cells with greater sensitivity and stability. Through device miniaturization and molecular modification of the probe surface, the team achieved higher sensitivity and long-term stability, successfully visualizing lipid distributions in mouse brain tissue at a pixel size of 5 µm.

A research team from the Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) has introduced robot-assisted microsurgery in Hong Kong for the first time. The team successfully completed 48 procedures, including the world’s first robot-assisted liver transplant surgery and trans-hairline robotic microvascular surgery. Clinical data indicate no complications related to the use of the robotic micro-surgical platform. All anastomoses were patent with no long-term complications. This breakthrough highlights the leadership of HKUMed and Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) in advancing precision surgery and setting new global benchmarks in complex surgical care.

Deleting the zinc transporter ZIP9 from the mouse hippocampus causes premature death, memory loss, neuroinflammation, and synapse damage. The study links ZIP9, which is a membrane androgen receptor, to brain aging and cognitive function through disrupted gut microbiota and lipid remodeling. Findings reveal that ZIP9 expression declines in naturally aging mice, and hippocampal deletion studies indicates that ZIP9 loss disrupts brain-gut-lipid homeostasis, ultimately leading to accelerated brain aging and premature mortality.

Five biotech startups from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) are participating in the BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO 2026), taking place from 22 to 25 June 2026 in San Diego, United States. The HKU teams are showcasing a range of cutting-edge research achievements across vaccine development, innovative therapies, precision diagnostics, and AI-enabled medical technologies, demonstrating the University’s leadership in knowledge transfer and its commitment to translating world-class research into impactful clinical solutions.

Immune checkpoints (ICs) are receptors that regulate immune responses through both activating and inhibitory mechanisms. Inflammatory microenvironment modulates IC expression through cytokines, metabolites, and oxidative signals. Immune checkpoint inhibitors not only enhance antitumor immunity but also reshape systemic immune networks. This review summarizes the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which ICs regulate inflammatory responses and highlights their roles across diverse pathological conditions.

A new review published in Nature Reviews Biodiversity shows that advances in satellite technology are rapidly improving scientists’ ability to monitor tropical forest health and resilience. While forest structure and ecosystem function can now be tracked at scale, key dimensions of biodiversity — including species, evolutionary and genetic diversity — remain largely unobservable from space. The authors highlight that next-generation satellite missions could enable more complete global monitoring of ecosystem change and support international biodiversity targets.