KE Spotlight - Community Engagement - HKU Knowledge Exchange

HKU and Universities in USA find face masks can reduce the spread of influenza

There is very little scientific research on whether wearing surgical face masks can help to reduce the spread of influenza. In view of this, the School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with the University of Maryland and Harvard School of Public Health have conducted a study on this issue and are the first to report that influenza carriers who wear surgical face masks can reduce the amount of viruses being disseminated into the environment by more than 70%, thus reducing the spread of influenza in the community.

Award Presentation Ceremony for Excellence in Teaching, Research and Knowledge Exchange 2012

The University's Award Presentation Ceremony for Excellence in Teaching, Research and Knowledge Exchange 2012 was held on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 in Loke Yew Hall. Starting this year, Knowledge Exchange Awards are presented at the Ceremony.

HKU academic discovers selective use of natural condiments may reduce cancer risk

HKU Biological Sciences Associate Professor Dr Wang Ming-fu discovered that selective use of natural condiments such as grapefruit, tomato sauce and green tea as meat seasoning may significantly reduce cancer risk. By incorporating appropriate cooking methods, such condiments can also lead to the formation of some novel food components that helps preventing cancer. Dr Wang and three other HKU researchers will be presented with University Outstanding Young Research Award 2012 in the Award Presentation Ceremony for Excellence in Teaching, Research and Knowledge Research on March 27.

The largest ever database on night sky brightness developed by HKU reveals very serious light pollution problems in Hong Kong

An HKU research team, led by Dr Jason Pun Chun-shing of the Physics Department, developed the HK Night Sky Brightness Monitoring Network (NSN) in May 2010, which is the largest ever database on night sky brightness. Over 5 million night sky brightness measurements have since been collected. The Hong Kong urban night sky was found to be 100 to 1,000 times brighter than the international dark sky standard between 8:30-11:00pm, making it one of the most light-polluted cities in the world. In European cities like Madrid and Florence, the readings were normally below 100 times the standard. The NSN was funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund of the Environmental Protection Department, and the HKU Knowledge Exchange Fund. Results of the project will provide the scientific basis for the Government in possible developments of regulations on outdoor lighting usages.

A Night at the Museum of Art with Andy Warhol: A unique experience of an overnight event for secondary students

The Hong Kong Museum of Art opened up its doors for the first time at night on February 22 and March 8 for ''A Night at the Museum of Art with Andy Warhol'', an innovative programme co-organised by The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMA). The event drew some 600 secondary school students from 56 local schools to the Art Museum.

HKU's collaborative study finds limited efficacy of non-pharmacological treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Supplementation with omega-3/omega-6 free fatty acids such as cod liver oil, elimination of artificial food colorings and psychological treatments are often regarded as treatments for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some parents may prefer non-pharmacological interventions for their children with ADHD. However, a recent research study, with participation by the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy of The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine and conducted by The European ADHD Guidelines Group, shows that there is still limited evidence on the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions. Parents should be made aware of the results of the current study. This analysis provides an important reference about ADHD management for clinicians.

"TKT Land Production" Exhibition - HKU Landscape Architecture exhibits to tell the stories of Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing from "City｜Villages｜Countryside"

The "TKT Land Production" exhibition by the Division of Landscape Architecture of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) intends to represent Tsuen Wan's and Kwai Tsing's "real estates" to its original meaning, and to explain how, in fact, the significant roles that landscape play in forming, deriving, and allowing the emergence of the local culture, industry, and vibrant citylife that the Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing District now has. The exhibits of the HKU team are now showing at the Sam Tung Uk Museum in Tsuen Wan until March 3, 2013.