Study Uncovers Origins of the Urban Human-Biting Mosquito: West Nile Virus Transmission and Vector Control Strategies

For decades, scientists held that the human-biting mosquito Culex pipiens form molestus had evolved from the bird-biting Culex pipiens form pipiens in European subways about 200 years ago, serving as a textbook case of rapid urban adaptation. A recent study led by Princeton University, with NTU’s Professor Kun-Hsien Tsai and alumnus Kai-Di Yu, disproves this theory. DNA evidence from 12,000 samples shows that molestus originated more than 1,000 years ago in the Mediterranean or Middle East, likely Ancient Egypt, where it first adapted to humans in early agricultural societies. The findings were published on October 23 in Science.

NTU Chemistry Team Publishes Landmark Review on Near-Infrared Phosphors, Advancing Next-Generation Optical Applications

In recent years, rapid advances in optoelectronic and biomedical technologies have elevated near-infrared (NIR) light to a pivotal role in next-generation optical applications. According to the international standard ISO 20473, the NIR region is subdivided—based on biological penetration depth—into three spectral windows: NIR-I (650–950 nm), NIR-II (1000–1350 nm), and NIR-III (1500–1850 nm). These spectral ranges are critically important for applications ranging from plant lighting, security surveillance, and blood oxygen monitoring to spectroscopic analysis.

Ancient Genetic “Start” Signal Found Across Three Domains of Life

DNA may be regarded as the language of life. Using four letters—A, T, G, and C—genomes encode thousands of genes and regulatory elements that govern gene expression. Decoding DNA sequences not only illuminates the origins of life but also helps explain how organisms adapt to changing environments, providing essential knowledge for synthetic biology and for predicting future evolutionary trajectories.

Chirality-Driven Spin Photocatalysis for Artificial Photosynthesis

A research team led by Distinguished Professor Chun-Wei Chen of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the International Graduate Program in Molecular Science and Technology (NTU-MST) at National Taiwan University has developed chiral perovskite photocatalytic materials, opening a new path for artificial photosynthesis through the integration of chirality and electron spin effects. Their work demonstrates an efficient photocatalytic strategy for converting carbon dioxide into value-added fuels using solar energy, offering a promising approach to sustainable energy conversion.

Scientists Uncover a Rare Sugar in Taiwan’s Medicinal Fungus with Potent Anticancer Potential

A research team led by Prof. Chia-Chuan Chang of the Department of Pharmacy at National Taiwan University, with Prof. Mei-Kuang Lu of the School of Chinese Medicine and Prof. Tung-Yi Lin of the Institute of Traditional Medicine (Director; also Associate Chair of the School of Chinese Medicine, and Director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Glycomics Research Center) at Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, has identified a hitherto underexplored bioactive compound in Antrodia cinnamomea (niu-chang-chih), often referred to as Taiwan’s national treasure.

Nobel Laureate James E. Rothman and Joy Hirsch Engage NTU Faculty and Students in Deep Scientific Dialogue

National Taiwan University’s Raymond Soong Chair Professorship of Distinguished Research Lecture Series welcomed 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine laureate James E. Rothman on November 5, 2025. Accompanying him was his wife, Prof. Joy Hirsch, a renowned neuroscientist at Yale University, who was invited to deliver the NTU College of Medicine Dean’s Lecture. The visit culminated in a joint panel discussion, offering NTU faculty and students alike a rare opportunity to engage with two leading figures at the forefront of biomedical science.

When Love Hurts: The Long-Term Impact of Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread albeit often hidden social problem. In Taiwan, despite the existence of well-established legal protections and formal reporting systems, many victims do not seek help immediately. Based on their survey of administrative data collected nationwide, a team of NTU researchers has examined how IPV reshapes victims’ lives over time and argue that the act of reporting marks a critical turning point—one that often goes far beyond a purely administrative act.