by Prof. Terence WONG

The use of microtools to perform keyhole diagnosis and surgery is already commonplace, but they still have limitations; in breast conserving surgery, for example, no existing microtool can analyze an entire lumpectomy specimen with high accuracy, causing over 20% of patients undergo second surgeries to achieve clear margins. Prof Wong will introduce a photo-acoustic imaging device developed by his team that promises to address this clinical need, decreasing healthcare costs, reducing the risk of complications and providing a better understanding of disease induced structural changes.

The application of data science technology to precision cancer medicine

by Prof. Jiguang WANG

Recent advances in data science, sequencing and imaging are bringing breakthroughs in cancer diagnosis and treatment, complementing the traditional process of examining cells under a microscope, which often fails to accurately predict the patient’s prognosis or guide an optimal treatment. Using the example of a brain tumor, Prof Wang will explain the latest developments in precision cancer medicine, which include modelling the evolution of tumors by tracing their genomes over time and tailing treatment according to the personalized genomic change.

Creating New Materials for Biomedical Applications using Synthetic Biology

by Prof. Fei SUN

In the development of ‘smart’ materials that have adjustable properties to suit different functions, one of the latest focus areas is hydrogels – protein-based soft matter used for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and stem cell therapy.  Currently, hydrogels cannot fully mimic the complex biological environment needed for cell growth and development; however, Prof Sun will introduce a new smart hydrogel that resembles human tissues in composition and can deliver live cells into the body, potentially minimizing allergic reactions and body rejection.