News

Distinguished Lecture: Richard Howitt on Indigenous Self-Determination

As part of NTNU’s Distinguished Lecture Series, Yushan Honorary Chair Professor Richard Howitt examined the legacy of settler-colonial institutions and the structural challenges facing Indigenous self-determination, drawing on fieldwork across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Taiwan, and Israel.

Elite Athletes College Visits Singapore for Sports and Academic Exchange

NTNU’s Elite Athletes College delegation visited Singapore’s top sports institutions, expanding cooperation in education, research, and athletic training.

Asian children are less susceptible to constipation – except for Taiwanese children

Child or adult, nearly everyone knows what it feels like to be “a little backed up,” so to speak. Assistant Professor Ngan Thi Kim Nguyen from the NTNU Programs of Nutrition Science has conducted in-depth research on the prevalence of constipation among Asian children and its related factors. Her findings reveal that the prevalence of constipation among Asian children is approximately 12%, which is significantly lower than the global average of 29%. Among Asian regions, South Asia has a slightly lower prevalence rate (6.9%) compared to East Asia (14.1%). However, a surprising discovery is that the prevalence of constipation among school-aged children in Taiwan reaches 32.2%, far exceeding that of other regions in Asia.

Movement Shapes Growth, Actions Build the Future: Taiwan Children's Motor Development Survey

Children's motor development is crucial for their health, brain development, cognitive function, social adaptation, and academic performance. Good motor skills not only enhance physical fitness but also improve focus, learning ability, social interactions, and emotional regulation. Conversely, inadequate motor development may lead to coordination difficulties, attention deficits, and reduced participation in physical activities, affecting confidence and daily functioning.

Professor Yung-Chih Chen’s Top Three Strategies to Counteract Negative effects of Prolonged Sitting

In modern society, prolonged sedentary behavior has become a common lifestyle, particularly among office workers who may not have the time for regular exercise. However, extended periods of sitting can have detrimental effects on health, including impaired postprandial blood glucose and insulin regulation, as well as an increased risk of weight gain and obesity. Associate Professor Yung-Chih Chen from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at National Taiwan Normal University has conducted two studies demonstrating that interrupting prolonged sitting can promote metabolic health by stimulating the secretion of gut hormones and increasing energy expenditure. His research also explores simple strategies to break up sedentary behavior and enhance overall well-being.