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Tag: Taiwan

NTU Reconstruct 120-Day Blood Sugar Levels

Posted on by National Taiwan University

Scientists at National Taiwan University (NTU) have created a pioneering optical microscopy method capable of reconstructing a person’s long-term blood glucose history from a single blood sample. Led by Professors Chi-Kuang Sun and Tzung-Dau Wang, the team developed colour-resolved third-harmonic-generation microscopy (cTHGM), a label-free imaging technique that distinguishes glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from normal haemoglobin within individual red blood cells.

Unlike conventional monitoring systems that capture short-term glucose fluctuations, this method tracks sugar exposure over the entire 120-day lifespan of red blood cells. Using a broadband femtosecond-laser microscope, the technique detects nanometre-scale wavelength shifts caused by chemical differences in haemoglobin molecules, producing a high-resolution chemical map of long-term blood sugar exposure.

The NTU researchers suggest that cTHGM could improve precision diabetes management and provide early detection of metabolic disorders associated with cancer. Beyond clinical applications, the technique demonstrates the potential for real-time, colour-sensitive molecular imaging in living tissues, turning subtle biochemical traces into actionable diagnostic information.

CKM syndrome may shorten your life expectancy

Posted on by Taipei Medical University

Summary

Researchers from Taipei Medical University (TMU) and collaborating institutions conducted a large-scale study of over 500,000 adults, revealing that cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome significantly increases the risk of early death, cardiovascular deaths, kidney failure, and reduced life expectancy—highlighting the urgent need for integrated chronic disease care.

A study involving over half a million adults has confirmed that the combination of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic conditions substantially increases the risk of early death and serious illness. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated care that treats these conditions together rather than in isolation.

Why Chronic Disease Care Needs a Unified, Global Approach

As chronic diseases continue to rise globally, this research offers timely evidence for healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public. The study shows that CKM syndrome, newly defined by the American Heart Association in 2023, is not just a medical concept but a real-world predictor of life expectancy and health outcomes. The findings support a shift toward cross-speciality collaboration in medicine, with particular relevance for aging populations, health insurers, and those shaping chronic disease policy.

Every Added Condition Matters: New Patterns Reveal Deadly Toll of CKM Syndrome

The study uncovered several significant patterns that clarify how CKM syndrome and its components influence long-term health risks:

  • Widespread Impact: Over 70% of the study’s participants met the criteria for CKM syndrome. Among adults aged 55 and older, nearly 90% were affected.
  • Increased Risk of Death: People with CKM syndrome had a 33% higher risk of death from any cause and were nearly three times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease.
  • Kidney Disease Link: Those with CKM syndrome were over ten times more likely to develop end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), requiring dialysis or transplantation.
  • Each Added Condition Matters: Every additional CKM component (such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, or high triglyceride) increased the risk of all-cause death by 22% and cardiovascular death by 37%.
  • Shorter Life Expectancy: Each additional component reduced life expectancy by approximately 2.5 years for men and 3 years for women. Those with all five components could lose up to 13–16 years of life.

Massive 25-Year Study Confirms CKM’s Deadly Impact in Over Half a Million Adults

Researchers from Taipei Medical University and collaborating institutions analyzed medical data from over 515,000 adults in Taiwan, collected between 1996 and 2017. Participants underwent physical exams, laboratory tests, and completed lifestyle questionnaires. The study tracked deaths and disease progression over 25 years, using statistical models to assess the impact of CKM components on mortality. The team used standardized definitions aligned with American Heart Association guidelines, which were adjusted for use in Asian populations.

“Our findings show that cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic conditions are not isolated challenges—they are profoundly interconnected. We need a healthcare model that reflects the reality of how these diseases cluster and amplify risk, especially as populations age,” said Prof. Mai-Szu Wu and Prof. Mei-Yi Wu, the corresponding authors of the study.

First Large-Scale Asian Study Urges Shift to Integrated Chronic Disease Care

This study, published in PLOS Medicine in June 2025, is among the first large-scale evaluations of CKM syndrome in an Asian population, reinforcing the need for coordinated, multidisciplinary care. Treating high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease in isolation may miss the broader picture—where the intersection of these conditions drives worse health outcomes. Early intervention and integrated disease management could help millions live longer and healthier lives.

Look for More Information

Original Article: Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: A retrospective cohort study

NTU Contribute to Science Study on Mosquito

Posted on by National Taiwan University

Professor Kun-Hsien Tsai and alumna Kai-Ti Yu from National Taiwan University(NTU)’s Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences joined an international research team led by Princeton University to redefine the evolutionary history of the underground mosquito Culex pipiens form molestus and its role in spreading West Nile virus. The large-scale genetic study, published in Science on October 23, 2025, provides new insights into how mosquitoes adapted to human environments.

The findings reveal that the so-called “underground mosquito,” known for infesting subways during World War II, did not evolve recently with urbanization. Instead, genetic evidence suggests that mosquito populations adapted to human habitats as early as 1,000 to 10,000 years ago, likely in ancient Egypt or the Mediterranean. The NTU team further discovered distinct genetic differences between northern and southern Taiwan populations, suggesting multiple introductions or gene exchanges among mosquito groups.

The study highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary approaches to public health and urban planning. It calls for enhanced monitoring of mosquito gene flow across urban and rural regions, integration of mosquito ecology into disease prevention and climate adaptation policies, and greater community awareness of vector control. The research provides a scientific foundation for forward-looking strategies to prevent viral spillover and improve urban health resilience.

This research was published in Science: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ady4515

NTU and Garmin Foster Research Talent

Posted on by National Taiwan University

National Taiwan University (NTU) recently held the Garmin Professorship and Scholar Awards ceremony alongside the inauguration of the NTU–Garmin Faculty Residence. Garmin Founder and Chairman Dr. Min Kao personally presented awards to three endowed professors—Professors Chi-Kuang Sun (Graduate Institute of Photonics and Optoelectronics), Chih-Wei Liu (Department of Electrical Engineering), and Chen-Hung Kao (Department of Materials Science and Engineering)—and four Garmin Scholars: Professors Chao-Chieh Lan, Chia-Ya Lan, Nien-Tze Lee, and Yi-Teng Huang. Each awardee will receive an annual grant of US$30,000 for a renewable three-year term.

The newly completed NTU–Garmin Faculty Residence features 14 housing units and shared living spaces to provide a supportive environment for teaching and research. By integrating accommodation with the professorship program, NTU aims to strengthen its capacity to attract and retain top scholars and to further enhance international academic competitiveness.

NTU President Wen-Chang Chen expressed gratitude to Dr. Kao for his sustained generosity, noting that in addition to establishing the endowed professorships, Dr. Kao has also donated to support the construction and maintenance of faculty housing. Dr. Kao announced an additional US$5 million donation to expand the program, extending eligibility to the College of Science and further advancing NTU’s research and global engagement goals.

NTU Study Links Urban Nature to Vitality

Posted on by National Taiwan University

In the rush of urban life, reconnecting with nature can restore mental energy. Dr. Shih-Han Hung from National Taiwan University (NTU)’s International College and her team examined how perceptions of naturalness and biodiversity influence subjective vitality—the feeling of being energetic and alive. Based on surveys from over 1,000 Taichung park visitors, they proposed a dual-path model: biophilic design and restorative experience, both centered on perceived naturalness. Their findings, published in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, highlight that clear and perceivable nature cues—rather than random wildlife encounters—offer more consistent psychological benefits.

Using immersive virtual reality, the team simulated five environments—from streams to urban forests—to test mental responses. Results showed urban forests most effectively boosted vitality, while streams and parks enhanced attention restoration. This psychological pathway of “restoration → preference → vitality” was detailed in Landscape and Ecological Engineering.

Dr. Hung further applies these insights in teaching, integrating biodiversity and AI tools to train students in evidence-based spatial design (Journal of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning). In collaboration with Chiang Mai University and the University of Helsinki, her team continues exploring how the “dose” of urban nature exposure supports well-being and resilience in sustainable cities.

Students and Collaboration Worldwide Are Always Welcomed by the Department of English, CCU

Posted on by Chinese Culture University
The Department of English Language & Literature provides excellent surroundings for students to expand their intellectual capacity and develop professional skills. Aligned with the mission and initiatives of Chinese Culture University (hereinafter referred to as CCU), our program prepares students for the ever-changing developments and globalization of industries in Taiwan and the world over.
The department offers courses in: 
1. Language Training: Courses designed to build up English proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. 
2. English & American Literature: Courses designed to increase reading proficiency, interpretation skills, and cultural literacy in English, American, and Western literatures.
3. Linguistics: Courses designed to introduce students to the phonological, syntactic, semantic structures of the English language, as well as knowledge about social and pragmatic aspects of language.
4. Translation & Interpretation: Courses designed to introduce students to basic skills in translation and interpretation and to prepare them for advanced professional translator/interpreter trainings in the future. 
5. Applied English: Courses designed to improve English writing and communication skills in professional fields such as business, tourism, journalism, etc.
The department’s goals of development include:
1. A focus on developing well-rounded English competence and communication skills.
2. A dynamic learning environment and cross-disciplinary learning resources.
3. Diversity in the curriculum to enrich language learning opportunities, to enhance knowledge of the humanities, and to provide a competitive edge in the job market.
4. Development of students’ English proficiency and interdisciplinary competence to cross disciplinary boundaries for future careers.
The department consists of 18 full-time faculty members and more than 400 students. Our faculty members are devoted to pedagogical innovation and mentoring students. Four of our professors have been awarded Teaching Practice Research Programs by the Ministry of Education since 2018, covering areas in literature, English for tourism, and English for Science and Technology. In addition, the undergraduate students—under the intensive mentoring by our faculty members—have also won several student research awards since 2018, with topics on Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Virginia Woolf, Washington Irving, and English Listening.
In addition, the department offers a wide a variety of opportunities for learning and self-development. For instance, the annual English contests in recitation, public speaking, writing, and mini-movie encourages students to show their own strength and express themselves in the public. The overseas short-term course provides students on-site experiences on foreign campuses and face-to-face contact with teachers and students in other universities. The exchange program offers opportunities for in-depth learning in other countries for 6 to 12 months.
On the other hand, our career development initiative provides ample choices to prepare students for their career route. The field visits give students a tour to local companies. The service learning course allows students to serve as teaching assistants to English teachers in local elementary or junior schools. The Internship Program allows students to work part-time in local industries, applying their language skills to meet the demands of the jobs.
As a language department, we try our best to offer students opportunities for growth so that they will be able to embrace the world and have a bright future. We welcome anyone who is willing to collaborate with us, either students or educators who are interested in joining us. We are also open to diverse forms of collaboration. We look forward to making more friends and find more colleagues around the world.

RCMB Signs Cooperation MOU with NTU Dentistry

Posted on by National Taiwan University

On August 28, 2025, the Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials (RCMB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the School of Dentistry at National Taiwan University (NTU) to advance research collaboration.

National Taiwan University, ranked 68th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, is home to one of Asia’s top dental schools, recognized for excellence in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Diagnosis, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Biomaterials. The partnership emphasizes joint research and international collaboration.

This agreement is expected to accelerate the application and commercialization of novel materials developed at National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) in dentistry and oral healthcare.

NTU Creates Ultrathin Ta₃N₅ Photoanodes

Posted on by National Taiwan University

Researchers from the Department of Chemistry at National Taiwan University have developed a novel method to synthesize ultrathin Ta₃N₅ photoanodes using a chemically engineered Ta₂N₃ precursor. This approach enables a 100nm tantalum nitride layer to achieve performance comparable to much thicker films made with conventional oxide precursors, while reducing tantalum usage.

The ultrathin films exhibit improved charge separation and enhanced photocurrent generation, overcoming the poor charge transport issues that have previously limited the practical application of Ta₃N₅ photoanodes. Trace subnitride impurities formed at the interface with silicon act as conductive pathways, facilitating efficient extraction of photogenerated carriers.

This advancement not only lowers material costs but also opens new possibilities for scalable solar-driven hydrogen production. By combining structural, optical, and electrochemical optimization, the study demonstrates a broadly applicable strategy for designing next-generation photoelectrodes.

https://labspotlight.ntu.edu.tw/focus/123?locale=zh-TW

Cornell Law Expands East Asian Ties via NTU

Posted on by National Taiwan University

Cornell Law School has jointly launched a new student exchange partnership with National Taiwan University’s College of Law, widely recognized as Taiwan’s leading law school. This builds on Cornell Law’s long-standing program with Waseda University’s School of Law in Japan, creating a trio of academic partnerships—true sister schools across East Asia and the United States.

To mark this milestone, the inaugural Waseda–National Taiwan University–Cornell Interdisciplinary Workshop took place at Waseda University in Tokyo on July 30–31, followed by the first-ever National Taiwan University–Waseda–Cornell Workshop in Taipei on August 4. The events gathered Deans, Vice-Deans, and faculty from all three institutions to present research, exchange perspectives, and deepen institutional collaboration.

Cornell Law was represented by Professors Valerie Hans, Dan Awrey, and Yun-chien Chang, each of whom presented working papers and engaged in discussions with Taiwanese and Japanese scholars. The workshops were co-sponsored by the Clarke Program in East Asian Law and Culture, and generously supported by the Tokyo-based law firm, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, an alumni affiliate and friend of Cornell Law School.

National Taiwan University Alumnus Prof. Cho-Yun Hsu Wins Prestigious Tang Prize in Sinology

Posted on by National Taiwan University

On June 20, National Taiwan University Distinguished Alumnus and eminent historian Prof. Cho-Yun Hsu received the sixth Tang Prize in Sinology. Despite physical challenges, he made remarkable contributions to historical studies, combining Eastern and Western perspectives and mentoring students worldwide. His dedication to scholarship and social consciousness earned him this prestigious recognition.

Prof. Hsu expressed gratitude to the Tang Prize Committee and to National Taiwan University, which he credited as the foundation of his academic path. Entering academia in 1949, he first studied foreign languages before transferring to history, graduating in 1953. With the support of mentors, he pursued his doctorate at the University of Chicago and later returned to teach and reform the history curriculum, introducing modern interdisciplinary methods.

Though he went on to a distinguished career at the University of Pittsburgh, Prof. Hsu often returned as a visiting professor, inspiring new generations. His achievement follows in the footsteps of Prof. Ying-Shih Yu, the first Tang Prize laureate in Sinology, strengthening National Taiwan University’s role as a global hub for the field.