KE Spotlight - Community Engagement - HKU Knowledge Exchange

HKU dentists find that half of Hong Kong's preschoolers with tooth decay

HKU Faculty of Dentistry Dr C H Chu and his team found that roughly one half of Hong Kong's preschoolers aged four to six had an average of about two teeth per child contained dental caries, most of them were untreated cavities. The team also discovered that snacking frequency, dental visits, parents' oral health knowledge and family income were the most important factors affecting the preschoolers' dental health. Such findings imply that oral health promotion in kindergartens requires the involvement of not only the children, but also their parents and teachers. Joint efforts of the government and the dental professions are essential to tackle social inequality of dental health. More details of Dr Chu's and his team's effort on promoting oral health of preschoolers are available here.

HKU academic urges less consumption of groupers which face extinction

A study conducted by HKU Biological Sciences Professor Yvonne Sadovy has found that at least 20 grouper species are facing extinction. Professor Sadovy said threatened species such as HK grouper and longtooth grouper, which were found in HK waters, should be protected by law. She has urged the government to protect them through legislation and tighter monitoring of grouper trade, and to set a good example by serving sustainably caught seafood in official functions.

Mineral treasures of China on display at HKU Stephen Hui Geological Museum

A special exhibition of mineral treasures of China will be held at the HKU Stephen Hui Geological Museum, in association with the Mineralogy Society of HK, until August 30, 2013. Over 50 world-class mineral specimens from private collection of Dr Guanghua Liu will be on display.

HKU establishes the first legal information website for HK seniors

The HKU Law and Technology Centre has developed the first bilingual legal information website for seniors in Hong Kong: the Senior CLIC website (www.s100.hk or www.seniorclic.hk). This website, which is sponsored by the Home Affairs Bureau, provides information on 27 legal topics of concern to seniors.

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.