Environment

Lingnan University's science and innovation teams have achieved outstanding results at the 11th Silicon Valley International Invention Festival 2025 (SVIIF) in their first-ever participation. All 13 participating projects, covering areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), smart manufacturing, and intelligent transportation, won awards, including 8 gold and 5 silver medals. One of the projects, the AI-based Fencing Training and Assessment System, led by Prof Sam Kwong Tak-wu, Associate Vice-President (Strategic Research), also received a special award ⸺ Prize of the International Federation of Inventors’ Association (IFIA), making Lingnan the Hong Kong higher education institution that won the highest number of total awards and gold medals at this year’s festival.

The five-day 12th South-South Forum on Sustainability, hosted by the Chinese Institute of Hong Kong and co-organised by the Centre for Cultural Research and Development of Lingnan University, the Global University for Sustainability, the Centre for Film Studies and Cultural Studies of Peking University, and the Tsinghua Institute for Advanced Study in Humanities and Social Sciences of Tsinghua University, and coordinated locally by the Shangyou County People’s Government, is currently being held in Shangyou County, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, China, the first time the Forum has taken place in Jiangxi.

Tsunami are rare yet one of the most devasting disasters. Researchers at Tohoku University worked together with Swiss RE International SE (Japan Branch) to develop science-based, cost-effective parametric insurance.

Curate the Curious, an annual exhibition curated by 36 students of the Master of Arts in Curating and Art History (MACAH) at Lingnan University, will be held from 1-10 August. Introducing a new-generation curatorial perspective, the exhibition presents the hidden stories behind more than 50 paintings, sculptures, videos, and new media art by over 30 well-known artists from Mainland China and Hong Kong. The six curiosity-driven themes are designed to inspire audiences to embark on their own journey of artistic discovery and dialogue. Admission is free.

A new real-time monitoring system captures minute-by-minute changes in toxic metals resulting from traffic pollution. Research indicates that non-exhaust sources, including brake wear, significantly contribute to urban health risks.

Spatial and seasonal variations of polychlorinated biphenyl (CB-153) in the Seto Inland Sea and its response to declines in atmospheric and riverine input

A daily mismatch between temperature and humidity, observed in certain mountain and waterside regions, helps regulate atmospheric dryness. However, this protective effect may weaken under global warming.

Distribution characteristics and transport processes of biodegradable microplastics in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan

Lingnan University’s Science Unit recently published Hong Kong’s first-ever scientific Hong Kong Newt Roadkill Survey Programme. Their findings show that over 1,400 Hong Kong newts were killed by vehicles in two months, accounting for more than 90 per cent of total wildlife carcasses found. The severity of the threat posed to this local species is aggravated after heavy rainfall, and the research team is calling on the government to introduce conservation measures urgently, including eco-friendly road construction, traffic control, and raising public awareness about wildlife conservation.

Geologists from The University of Hong Kong (HKU) have made a breakthrough in understanding how the Earth’s early continents formed during the Archean time, more than 2.5 billion years ago.

Ateneo biologists confirm invasive tinfoil barb in Laguna de Bay, warning it could disrupt native fish and harm local ecosystems.

A new self-powered water sensor uses wave energy to monitor pollutants like heavy metals, microplastics, and pesticides—no battery needed.

After nearly a decade of laboratory work, the research team has confirmed three new forest mice species. This raises the number of endemic mammals on Mindoro to twelve, cementing the island as the smallest known island where mammal speciation has taken place.

A new study found that land use (agricultural or forested) and the season (wet or dry) significantly impact groundwater quality, but in different ways.

Near the eastern coast of Luzon, Philippines is the Benham Bank, an underwater seamount taller than the country's highest peak, Mt. Apo. Researchers from the University of the Philippines' Marine Science Institute discovered that it is a thriving ecosystem full of unique, untouched biodiversity.

The Mindoro Archaeology Project has found compelling evidence of the pivotal role of the Philippine archipelago in ancient maritime Southeast Asia.

The Ateneo de Manila University Biodiversity Research Laboratory #SalaguGang does it again.

In response to rising energy demand and urban heat island effects in Taipei, an energy raft foundation was constructed beneath a 13-story residential building to provide energy-efficient indoor heating and cooling for the residents while acting as a structural support for the superstructure. This study investigated the thermal response of the energy raft foundation using three-dimensional coupled thermo-hydraulic finite element analysis. The numerical model was validated against field measurements. Parametric studies were conducted to investigate the influences of ground heat exchanger (GHE) spacing and pattern on heat exchange efficiency. The study found that GHE pipe spacing and length were crucial in maximizing heat exchange efficiency while minimizing the thermal impact on nearby structures. This research enhances the understanding of the thermal responses of energy rafts and supports the development of sustainable building solutions in dense urban environments.

What if we could supply 85% of Japan’s electricity needs using infrastructure that already exists? Rooftop solar panels and electric vehicle batteries are the dynamic duo proposed by a new study.

The new model could help policy-makers understand how the spatial distribution of industrial firms and their impact on the local environment affect regional development.

Higher maternal selenium levels during pregnancy were associated with a lower risk of streptococcal infections in children, suggesting a potential protective effect.

Identification of plant species at high risk of extinction in climate-sensitive alpine ecosystems.

Multi-layered mBC/CS/WPU films, made via spraying, mercerization, and infiltration, offer synergistic protection comparable to petroleum-based

Researchers from National Taiwan University reveal how electric scooter battery-swapping systems can enhance grid flexibility and support urban decarbonization.

In-situ phosphatized Ni–N3PC boosts CO2 to CO conversion in acidic electrolyte, suppresses HER, and achieves >90% FECO with high stability.

Professor Carlos M. Duarte, Ibn Sina Distinguished Professor of Marine Science, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), has been awarded the Japan Prize. Second time a KAUST scientist receives the award.

An analysis of satellite imagery of major river systems in the Philippines has revealed surprising insights into how rivers behave, with significant implications for river management in tropical settings.

A sustainable technology is unveiled to decouple chemical biomass oxidation from hydrogen production, offering new opportunities for carbon-neutral manufacturing.

Light conditions in the morning before waking up affect restfulness

A new study has found that only 9.5% of plastic materials produced globally in 2022 were manufactured from recycled materials. The findings, reported in Communications Earth & Environment, are part of a comprehensive analysis of the global plastics sector.