News & Stories

Researchers from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) decoded for the first time the chromosomal-level genome of a deep-sea gutless tubeworm and how the worm’s co-living bacterial partners manufacture organic nutrients for its host so it can survive the extreme habitat. The discovery lays foundation for potential applications such as biomaterial production and microbial growth control.Living in deep-sea hydrothermal vents and cold seeps ecosystems characterized by darkness, high pressure and often high concentrations of toxic substances, submarine tubeworms - common living organisms of such extreme environments, were known to owe their survival and fast growth to sulphide-oxidising symbiotic bacteria that live inside their body. However, the success behind such a complementary “marriage” between the tubeworms and their co-living bacteria had remained unknown due to the lack of genomic resources.

Life’s hardships come much early for HKUST’s third-year Data Science and Technology (DSCT) student Kevin LEUNG, who, despite coming from an underprivileged background, has not sold himself short. Recognized by numerous scholarships at HKUST, Kevin stands out from his fellows not only with his excellent grades, entrepreneurship spirit, and a caring heart for others, but, above all, a zest to turn adversity into opportunity. A dashing runnerRaised in a single-parent family, he has had a lot to shoulder since his youth. “I have helped with household chores since primary grade one, in addition to taking care of my ill father’s daily life,” says Kevin, whose father is diagnosed with kidney failure and is unable to work due to his health condition.

The new multi-purpose Shaw Auditorium offers state-of-the-art facilities for cultural performances and thought-provoking activities.

President Prof. Wei SHYY discusses the role of universities in creating a sustainable future.

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From a terminal heart failure patient to a university student, mentor, and public speaker, HKUST’s third-year business management student Krishna JHANGIANI (KJ) has hardly had a conventional study journey. Recently recognized by the Dean of Students’ Office for his community service, KJ is the embodiment of resilience, and determined to innovate to give himself and others a new lease of life. “It was like living in a bubble for 16 years and the bubble just popped,” KJ describes his near-death experience. From the massive smile that he is wearing, you would struggle to believe what he has been through.

An international research team led by HKUST has developed a simple but robust blood test from Chinese patient data for early detection and screening of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) for the first time, with an accuracy level of over 96%.Currently, doctors mainly rely on cognitive tests to diagnose a person with AD. Besides clinical assessment, brain imaging and lumbar puncture are the two most commonly used medical procedures to detect changes in the brain caused by AD. However, these methods are expensive, invasive, and frequently unavailable in many countries. 

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