Stories from Hong Kong · Hong Kong

Technicians captured four distinct images of a subject's eye against a black background. The images feature an orange-centered circle with white light and a yellow dot. The circular structure is connected to various blood vessels within the eye.

Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong are testing methods to detect Alzheimer's disease risk using AI analysis of eye fundus images. During a demonstration, a patient used a green crosshair on a screen to align their eye with the fundus camera. The process involves taking multiple photos of each eye to ensure accuracy. Experts are using AI to analyze retinal vasculature to assess brain health and detect early signs of Alzheimer's risk. This method aims to detect potential issues at an early stage before physical impairments appear. New technology can detect the risk of cognitive impairment in elderly or middle-aged individuals at an early stage, potentially before symptoms appear. This approach seeks to identify individuals who may transition to high-risk categories within a few years.

The government intends to propose legislative recommendations within this year to refine industrial compensation mechanisms for these workers. Drivers and passengers using Flyde and UberApp are reportedly unaffected by the deal. Industry experts and scholars noted the acquisition occurs while the government has yet to establish clear regulations for the sector. Drivers and passengers using the Fadec and UberApp services will not be affected by the transaction. Labor groups petitioned the government headquarters on Monday to review the minimum wage. The study identifies certain crab species, such as the short-arm crab, as natural predators that can control sea urchin populations. Researchers in Hong Kong found that short spiny crabs may control sea urchin populations that consume coral.

More than 1.1 million pangolins were illegally traded between 2000 and 2016, according to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The animals are trafficked for their scales and meat, and their skin is used to manufacture products such as handbags and belts.

Illegal trade of wild pangolins is common due to high commercial value, making them one of the most smuggled animal groups globally. Some parts of the pangolin, such as the scales, can be valued at tens of thousands of yuan per jin.

The Hong Kong government is being urged to increase promotion of an employer subsidy scheme following the abolition of the NPF offsetting arrangement one year ago. Uber has acquired Fly Taxi, a locally built metataxi platform launched 13 years ago in Hong Kong. Uber stated that Fly Taxi will continue to operate normally with no changes for drivers or riders. Eligible travelers can use the bridge multiple times from mid-July until the quota expires in 2029. Hong Kong's Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Sun Yuk-han, announced the government is researching legislative mechanisms to improve industrial insurance for platform workers, including delivery drivers. Labor and Welfare Bureau Secretary Sun Yuhann issued a greeting to workers on social media platforms for International Workers' Day.

Lawmaker Lam Chun-sing is calling on the government to increase promotion of a subsidy scheme for employers. This follows the abolition of the NPF offsetting arrangement one year ago. The government has received over 20,000 applications for the scheme. The government has reserved $33.2 billion for the subsidy over 25 years, but only $40 million has been dispersed so far. Lam noted that some employers may be unaware of the scheme or the application procedures. Lam describes as lower than expected. Lam Chun-sing stated that resources should be used to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The comment was made regarding the utilization of available resources for business support.

President Jose Raúl Molina defended his country's takeover of port contracts from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison. The move occurs amid mounting U.S. pressure to curb Chinese influence over waterways. Molina stated the dispute will soon be heard by international arbitration courts.

Police intercepted a vehicle yesterday after a driver attempted to block passengers on a bridge.

Experts suggest generative artificial intelligence will not simply replace humans but will reshape division of labor patterns.