Saudi study on human eye microbiome joins SpaceX launch
The study by Falak for Space Science and Research will examine the eye's bacteria and other microorganisms in conditions of microgravity.
A research team collected biological samples of microbial cultures and conducted tests to ensure that the samples could withstand launch conditions and return safely from space.
The project 'will contribute to achieving qualitative progress in education and research in space and associated technologies,' Dr. Ayoub Al-Subehi, CEO of Falak, told the Saudi Press Agency ahead of the launch.
The study of the ocular microbiome in space is an emerging research field. This experiment will analyze the growth rates of the microorganisms in space compared to growth rates on Earth.
It will track the genetic and protein changes that may occur as a result of exposure to microgravity.
The experiment also aims to evaluate the ability of microbes to form biofilms, which may increase the risk of infection in space, as well as analyze changes in microbial resistance to antibiotics after exposure to microgravity.
Dr. Wedad bint Saeed Al-Qahtani, a research scientist in the mission, added: 'Studying the impact of the space environment on the natural microflora of the eye could provide valuable data on how it responds to microgravity conditions, which could help develop new strategies and protocols to maintain eye health.'
Another one of the mission's scientists, Prof. Salwa Al-Hazza, stressed the importance of ophthalmological research, saying: 'What we are doing today is not limited to sending a scientific experiment into space, but is a fundamental step towards building a deeper understanding of the impact of the space environment on eye health, and we hope that the results will contribute to the development of future medical solutions that enhance eye health care, both in space and on Earth, proudly carrying this Saudi flag and representing an important step in the Kingdom's commitment to innovate scientifically and enhance its growing role in the global space sector.'
This mission is part of global efforts to study the impact of space on human health and was preceded by similar research that dealt with the effect of microgravity on the intestinal and oral microbiomes.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
an hour ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi conjoined twins Yara and Lara undergo separation surgery in Riyadh
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi medical and surgical team of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program on Thursday began the complex operation to separate conjoined twins Yara and Lara at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital in Riyadh. This comes under the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and head of the surgical team, confirmed that the seven-month-old twins were born on Nov. 5, 2024, with a combined weight of 10 kilograms. Each has separate upper and lower limbs, and after thorough evaluations and several medical board meetings, the team determined separation was possible. The twins are joined at the lower abdomen and pelvis, sharing parts of the colon, rectum, urinary and reproductive organs, and pelvic bones. The surgery is expected to unfold in nine stages over approximately 15 hours, involving 38 medical experts including consultants in pediatric surgery, urology, orthopedics, anesthesia, plastic surgery, as well as nursing and technical teams. The success rate is estimated at 70 percent. Al-Rabeeah noted that the program has assessed 150 cases from 27 countries over the past 35 years, with 64 successful separations. This operation marks the 65th procedure under the program and the 16th for Saudi conjoined twins. He expressed deep gratitude to the Kingdom's leadership for its unwavering support, which he said has enabled Saudi medical teams to provide world-class care, elevate the quality of life for affected children and families, and position the Kingdom as a global leader in complex humanitarian medical procedures. The program continues to enhance its clinical and research capabilities and share accumulated knowledge with medical professionals inside and outside Saudi Arabia, contributing to a lasting humanitarian impact and reinforcing the Kingdom's standing in advanced surgical excellence.
Saudi Gazette
17 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi minister holds strategic AI and tech talks with French institutions in Paris
Saudi Gazette report PARIS — As part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha held a series of strategic meetings in Paris with leading French research institutions and global technology firms. The minister began his engagements with Dr. Bruno Sportisse, CEO of INRIA, France's national institute for digital sciences and technology. The two sides discussed potential partnerships in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and robotics, including the establishment of joint research labs and researcher exchange programs aimed at talent development. In a separate meeting with Arthur Mensch, CEO of Mistral AI, Alswaha reviewed areas of collaboration in the development of open-source large language models (LLMs) and enhancing innovation in generative AI. Alswaha also met with Marie-Laure Denis, President of the French Data Protection Authority (CNIL), to explore cooperation in data governance and protection. The discussion included Saudi Arabia's regulatory frameworks and international initiatives to promote responsible use of emerging technologies. Additionally, the Saudi delegation held talks with Patrice Caine, Chairman and CEO of Thales Group, on collaboration in intelligent systems and space technologies. The discussions focused on supporting Saudi Arabia's priorities in building robust digital infrastructure and advancing its high-tech industrial base.
Leaders
a day ago
- Leaders
Arab Students Make History as Space Experiments Return from ISS
The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) announced on Tuesday the successful execution and safe return of scientific experiments conducted in microgravity by 10 student winners from Saudi Arabia and several Arab countries, as part of the 'Space Madak' competition. This pioneering initiative aimed to empower youth across the Arab world by enabling them to carry out space-based experiments that combine the disciplines of art, engineering, and plant science. Pioneering Initiative Launched in partnership with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) and the Ilmi Center for Science Discovery and Innovation, a Misk affiliate, the competition aimed to foster Arab creativity and inspire deeper engagement with the future of space exploration. The mission featured 10 diverse student-led experiments, including scientific research and creative projects, submitted by students from Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations. The experiments were carried out aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and returned to Earth following the conclusion of the AX-4 mission. The selected projects underwent rigorous scientific and artistic evaluation by experts from the Kingdom and abroad. Selection criteria included the quality of the idea, feasibility in a space environment, and potential to inspire future innovation. Conducting the Experiments Veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson conducted the experiments during her stay aboard the ISS, under the direct supervision of Saudi astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi and with technical oversight from the Saudi Space Agency's scientific teams. Barnawi, the first Saudi female astronaut, has previously conducted 14 experiments aboard the ISS as part of her mission. 'Space Madak,' the first competition of its kind in the Arab world, significantly enhanced student engagement in the space sector. Through its three tracks — arts, plants, and engineering — the competition offered educational and practical opportunities that support the development of national and regional scientific capabilities. Over 80,000 students from across the Arab world participated in the competition, showcasing a wide range of innovative ideas. Impact and Future Goals The SSA confirmed the success of the scientific experiments conducted by Arab students aboard the ISS. These experiments included projects in the fields of art, engineering, and plant science, which astronaut Peggy Whitson conducted under the supervision of Rayyanah Barnawi. The project aimed to enhance student participation in the space sector and promote innovation in the Arab world. This achievement is part of the Saudi Space Agency's efforts to enhance the Kingdom's presence in international space programs and provide a stimulating environment that contributes to supporting the knowledge economy, in line with the goals of Vision 2030. The successful return of these experiments marks a significant milestone in Arab space exploration. It underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to scientific innovation and developing emerging talent in the growing field of space sciences. Additionally, the mission aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to prepare a new generation to contribute effectively to the future of the space sector and drive the country's scientific and technological progress. Short link : Post Views: 51
