The eye is a highly specialized optical and mechanical system whose structural integrity and visual performance rely heavily on the precise arrangement of the extracellular matrix (ECM). As the primary structural protein of the ocular ECM, collagen provides not only physical support through its hierarchical self-assembled structure but also regulates cellular behavior via bioactive sequences. However, bridging the gap from natural tissues to synthetic biological scaffolds to achieve precise emulation of the complex microenvironments in the cornea, sclera, and retina remains a core challenge in ocular tissue engineering.  The review article titled "Ocular collagen: From architecture to biomaterials," published in Eye Discovery (2026) by researchers from East China University of Science and Technology, systematically evaluates the distribution logic of collagen across various ocular tissues. It discusses cutting-edge progress in constructing high-performance ophthalmic repair materials using physical, chemical, and biological methodologies.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing innovation and technology that drive smart mobility and sustainable urban development. In recognition of this effort, PolyU has been awarded funding under the Smart Traffic Fund for the project titled “Enhancing Vehicular Positioning and Navigation Precision in Urban Environments Using Low Earth Orbit Satellites.” This project has secured a total approved funding of HK$4.19 million.

Centromeres act as the control centers of chromosomes, ensuring accurate genetic inheritance during cell division, yet they remain among the least understood genomic regions due to their repetitive structure. 

New review challenges conventional wisdom, revealing land-atmosphere interactions play a crucial role even in wet monsoon climates.

The lymphatic system is vital for fluid balance, immune defense, and disease monitoring, yet it remains difficult to examine with precision using conventional clinical assessment tools.

Massive hepatic necrosis (MHN) represents the most severe pathological form of acute liver failure (ALF), with high mortality and limited treatment options beyond transplantation. In a review published in eGastroenterolgoy, Dr. Weng from Heidelberg University and colleagues highlights advances in understanding MHN-associated ALF, focusing on immune-mediated hepatocyte destruction, diverse cell death pathways, and the central role of liver progenitor cells (LPCs) in regeneration. Emerging evidence shows LPC-driven repair and functional compensation are critical determinants of survival, offering promising therapeutic targets for this devastating condition.

Adolescent gaming is now a routine part of daily life, but not all gaming patterns are equally healthy. 

Mitochondrial dysfunction is seen in many cardiac disorders. Understanding mitochondrial quality control (MQC) can help reduce dysfunction and improve outcomes for patients. Researchers have examined key regulatory proteins involved in MQC and how their functions are altered by the cellular microenvironment of the heart muscle. They also describe some promising new therapies that target the molecular components of MQC and restore proper mitochondrial function to damaged heart tissue.

Recently, a significant study conducted collaboratively by multiple hospitals in Shanghai was published in the prestigious journal SCIENCE CHINA Life Sciences. This work uncovers for the first time that ovarian cancer drives tumor growth and metastasis by secreting IL-1β-enriched extracellular vesicles (EVs), which activate the NF-κB signaling pathway in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), thereby inducing adipose tissue senescence and associated metabolic disorders. The team has identified two targeted intervention strategies: the senolytic combination of dasatinib and quercetin, or the natural NF-κB inhibitor resveratrol. Both approaches markedly eliminate senescent ADSCs, ameliorate metabolic abnormalities, and suppress ovarian cancer progression. This study provides novel insights into treating ovarian cancer by modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) and targeting senescent cells, and underscores the translational potential of natural compounds including quercetin and resveratrol in clinical applications.

As climate change intensifies and global food security faces pressures, accurate monitoring of crop phenology—especially sowing dates—has become critical for optimizing agricultural management and improving climate resilience. Winter wheat, a staple crop supporting nearly 40% of the global population, relies heavily on timely sowing to maximize yield potential. However, traditional monitoring methods such as field surveys are labor-intensive and unscalable, while existing remote sensing approaches suffer from soil background interference and static environmental data limitations.