Latest news with #NYUAD
Economy ME
3 days ago
- Science
- Economy ME
Could life exist underground on Mars or Enceladus? NYUAD study says yes
A groundbreaking study from NYU Abu Dhabi has revealed that cosmic rays — high-energy particles from space — could provide the energy needed to support life beneath the surfaces of planets and moons in our solar system. The research, published in the International Journal of Astrobiology, challenges long-standing beliefs that life requires sunlight or geothermal heat to survive. Led by Dimitra Atri , principal investigator of the Space Exploration Laboratory at NYUAD's Center for Astrophysics and Space Science (CASS), the study shows that cosmic rays may not only be harmless in certain subsurface environments, but could actively fuel microscopic life. The process, known as radiolysis, occurs when cosmic rays interact with water or ice underground, breaking water molecules and releasing electrons. Enceladus (Saturn's moon) – NASA Read: MBRU scientists publish first Arab Pangenome Reference in major genomic breakthrough Energy source for microorganisms Some Earth bacteria use these electrons as an energy source, much like plants rely on sunlight. Using advanced computer simulations, the team examined how much energy radiolysis could generate on Mars and on the icy moons Enceladus (Saturn) and Europa (Jupiter). Enceladus showed the highest potential to support life, followed by Mars and Europa. Research breakthrough 'This discovery changes the way we think about where life might exist,' said Atri. 'Instead of looking only for warm planets with sunlight, we can now consider places that are cold and dark, as long as they have some water beneath the surface and are exposed to cosmic rays. Life might be able to survive in more places than we ever imagined.' Radiolytic Habitable Zone The study introduces the concept of the Radiolytic Habitable Zone — a new way of identifying potentially life-supporting environments not based on proximity to a star, but on the presence of subsurface water and exposure to cosmic radiation. This expands the possibilities for habitable worlds beyond the traditional 'Goldilocks Zone', also known as the habitable zone. It is the region around a star where a planet's temperature is suitable for liquid water to exist on its surface. Redefining future space exploration The findings provide critical direction for future space exploration. Rather than focusing solely on surface conditions, missions may begin targeting underground environments on Mars and icy moons, using instruments designed to detect the chemical energy generated by cosmic radiation. The research opens exciting new frontiers in the search for extraterrestrial life, suggesting that even the darkest, coldest places in the solar system could harbor the necessary conditions for life to survive.
CairoScene
30-06-2025
- Health
- CairoScene
Abu Dhabi Researchers Find New Links for Mental Health Disorders
NYUAD researchers uncover how tiny molecular changes during brain development may be tied to conditions and disorders like autism and schizophrenia, offering new insights into early intervention. Jun 30, 2025 A research team at NYU Abu Dhabi has discovered a key mechanism in brain development that could help explain how mental health conditions and disorders like autism and schizophrenia arise. In a study published in Cell Reports, the university's RNA-MIND Lab - led by Professor Dan Ohtan Wang with Research Associate Belal Shohayeb - identified how a subtle molecular tag on messenger RNA, known as m6A methylation, controls protein production in developing neurons. This tag specifically regulates the production of Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC), a protein essential for shaping neurons and enabling the local creation of β-actin, a key element in forming axons, the nerve fibers that neurons use to communicate. Importantly, the researchers also found that genetic mutations associated with autism and schizophrenia may disrupt this molecular process, potentially impacting how the brain is wired during development. 'This research connects global protein synthesis with local changes in brain cells that steer how neurons grow and connect,' said Professor Wang. 'When this system fails, it may contribute to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. Mapping these details brings us closer to understanding how and when interventions could make a difference.' The findings offer a closer look at how intricate cellular processes can shape cognitive function, revealing potential avenues for new therapies targeting early-stage brain development.
Khaleej Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Pearl Initiative and startAD highlight governance as a growth lever for UAE tech startups
Pearl Initiative and startAD came together to convene a key panel discussion at startAD Central at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), bringing together founders, investors, and regulatory experts to explore the evolving role of governance in the startup cycle of tech companies. The session, titled 'Build to Last: Governance as a Competitive Edge in Tech Ventures', featured panelists Ashwin Joshi, Director at startAD; Timothy Land, Executive Director of Monitoring & Enforcement Registration Authority at ADGM; Amine Staali, Managing Partner and CEO of DeepMinds; Stephanie Richards, Founding Partner at BrightView Global, and Aakanksha Tangri, Founder of Re:Set, who moderated the session. Ashwin Joshi, Director at startAD, emphasised the importance of embedding governance early to unlock long-term value, stating, 'Governance is not a roadblock, but a roadmap for sustainable growth.' He added that 'As UAE is carving its own footprint in the global tech innovation ecosystem, UAE based startup founders can learn from the global case studies related to startup governance and leverage this know-how for building a successful future for themselves in the region.' Joshi also noted that establishing clear decision-making structures, reinforced by accountability mechanisms and transparent reporting, can significantly strengthen investor confidence. The panel highlighted how robust governance helps startups navigate competitive markets by building trust, enhancing decision-making, and meeting investor expectations through frameworks like board composition and reporting structures. It stressed balancing founder control with stakeholder accountability and leveraging regulation for agility, reinforcing the Pearl Initiative's commitment to fostering transparency and accountability in the tech startup ecosystem. Ralph Choueiri, Executive Director of the Pearl Initiative, reflected on the role of corporate governance in supporting high-growth tech startups, particularly in the UAE's thriving entrepreneurial landscape. He stated: 'We are witnessing a transformative shift in how UAE tech founders embrace governance as a strategic advantage, especially as tech startups raised $872 million in Q1 2025 alone, reflecting a 194% surge in investor confidence. Through our Governance in Tech & AI Programme at the Pearl Initiative, we are equipping entrepreneurs with practical frameworks to foster trust, resilience, and sustainable growth in this dynamic market.' The UAE has solidified its position as a leading startup hub, with over 5,600 new startups registered in Q2 2024. Abu Dhabi's startup ecosystem achieved a $4.2 billion valuation between 2021 and 2023, securing $224 million in early-stage funding. This growth underscores the critical role of governance in sustaining the UAE's dynamic tech ecosystem.
Al Etihad
19-06-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
NYU Abu Dhabi Class of 2025: Celebration of academic excellence
19 June 2025 11:35 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has held its 12th commencement ceremony to honour the Class of 2025. Some 530 students representing more than 85 countries participated in the largest graduating class that NYUAD has held since its inception in attendance were His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Her Excellency Martina Strong, US Ambassador to the UAE; Evan R Chesler, Chair of the NYU Board of Trustees; Rima Al Mokarrab, NYU Trustee; and Linda Mills, NYU keynote speech was delivered by former NASA astronaut and geophysicist, Andrew said, 'It's been said that luck is where preparation meets opportunity, and with opportunity comes obligation. You now have an opportunity to launch from this place and continue your life mission. You also have an obligation to strive to work to the best of your ability to reach your mission objectives along this path. Some days, optimism can be elusive. However, we as humans are capable of the most beautiful and significant acts of love and kindness toward each other. Many things in life will catch your eye, but few will catch your heart; pursue those things.'Vice Chancellor at NYUAD, Fabio Piano, said, 'You arrived just as the world emerged from a global pandemic, a moment that reminded us how fragile, and how deeply interconnected, we really are. Reminding us that the biggest challenges of our time, climate change, inequality, global health, are global in nature and cannot be solved by any one nation alone. And you responded. You brought your voices, your values, your creativity. You studied, debated, researched, and built. You launched ideas and companies and NGOs, published influential papers and books, and made new solutions to help the world with medical devices or beautiful music that was played from space.'Class of 2025 Emirati student, Khalid Alzeyoudi, who majored in computer engineering, offered welcome of 2025 student, Pauline Wee, spoke on behalf of the graduating class. Originally from the Philippines, Wee completed a double major in Computer Science and Business, Organisations, and Society with a minor in Interactive said, 'Four years ago, NYUAD chose you. And you chose NYUAD. Since then, so many people have chosen to nurture your mind, cultivate your character, and change your life. In turn, you have chosen to pour so much back into this community. Going forward, how will you choose to change the world beyond Saadiyat? What commitments will you make to those around you? What will you choose to put your head, your heart, and your hands towards? Only you can decide. But I have the utmost faith that we will all continue to choose well."From its inception, NYUAD has been one of the most selective higher education institutions in the world. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 35 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest globally ranked university in the UAE and MENA from high schools around the world, NYUAD's current student body consists of some 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students from diverse date, NYUAD has produced 24 Rhodes Scholars, 20 Schwarzman Scholars, and 16 Fulbright four percent of those who applied to be a part of the Class of 2025 were accepted for admission, and the standardised test profile of the Class of 2025 matched those of the most elite higher education institutions in the their four years, the Class of 2025 has excelled in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. It has participated in student clubs, athletic groups, and built ties with the Abu Dhabi percent of the graduating class held at least one internship during their academic career in some of the world's most respected organisations such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Goldman Sachs, Google, National Geographic, Tiktok (ByteDance), UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, and World Economic Forum, among have received graduate school offers from a range of institutions, including Columbia University SIPA, Harvard University, Imperial College London, London Business School, and University of have also secured offers of employment from key local and global organisations, including Abu Dhabi Investment Council, Amazon, Department of Culture and Tourism, Meta, and World Food Programme, among opened in 2011 with an ambitious vision to be one of the world's great research universities, addressing complex challenges of local and global significance. Since then, the University has been ranked number one in the UAE for producing publications in top science journals based on Nature index, filed applications for more than 245 research patents, created and directed more than 630 creative works, and produced over 9,200 research publications, among other achievements.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
UAE scientists create paper test that diagnoses diseases in 10 mins, no lab needed!
UAE's 10-minute paper test can be quickly modified to detect COVID-19, malaria, dengue, chickenpox, and more/ Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office A breakthrough in infectious disease testing is set to revolutionize the way healthcare is approached in low-resource and remote settings. A team of scientists at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has unveiled a paper-based diagnostic tool, the Radially Compartmentalised Paper Chip (RCP-Chip), capable of detecting diseases in under 10 minutes. This innovation is a game-changer for fast, affordable, and portable disease screening without the need for complex lab equipment or trained personnel. Addressing the Global Need for Rapid Testing The RCP-Chip was conceived during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was grappling with a shortage of efficient testing methods, particularly in areas with limited resources. "Our goal was to create something fast, affordable, and easy to use, especially in areas where lab access is limited," said Mohammad A. Qasaimeh, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering at NYUAD. Qasaimeh is the senior author of the study that led to the development of the RCP-Chip. The new tool offers a simple and rapid solution for detecting infectious diseases. "It uses a minimal number of reagents and requires only a small sample to run," Qasaimeh added, emphasizing the affordability and efficiency of the device. This paper-based diagnostic chip can be deployed easily in diverse settings, from remote villages to urban areas, and can significantly improve healthcare access. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo A Versatile Diagnostic Tool While the RCP-Chip was originally designed to detect COVID-19, its capabilities extend far beyond the novel coronavirus. According to Qasaimeh, the device is easily reconfigurable to diagnose other diseases such as chickenpox, dengue, malaria, and more. "With minor modifications, it can be adapted to diagnose a wide range of diseases or even test hormones and metabolites," Qasaimeh explained. This flexibility positions the RCP-Chip as a multi-purpose diagnostic tool that could be used in various medical fields, from general infectious disease testing to monitoring chronic health conditions. "What makes it truly impactful is its real-world potential," said Pavithra Sukumar, a Research Assistant at NYUAD and the co-first author of the study. Sukumar highlighted the tool's capacity to significantly improve outbreak responses, enabling faster isolation, treatment, and control. In situations where time is of the essence, such as in epidemic or pandemic scenarios, the rapid testing offered by the RCP-Chip can help curb the spread of diseases before they become uncontrollable. Simple, Cost-Effective, and Portable One of the standout features of the RCP-Chip is its portability. Unlike traditional diagnostic devices that require sophisticated lab setups, the chip can be operated with minimal resources. "It requires a heating stage at around 60 degrees Celsius, which can be easily achieved with common household devices like a hot plate or an oven," Qasaimeh explained. The simplicity of the design allows for easy transport and deployment, ensuring that healthcare workers in areas with limited infrastructure can use it effectively. Moreover, the RCP-Chip uses saliva samples instead of traditional swabs, making it even more convenient and comfortable for patients. "In a short amount of time, you can deploy it for use in almost any area," Qasaimeh said. This feature was a key motivation behind the development of the tool, aiming to reduce the time and cost typically associated with traditional diagnostic methods. From Concept to Commercialization The development of the RCP-Chip was not without its challenges. Due to pandemic-related lab access restrictions, the team faced delays during the initial stages of research. "In the initial phase, we focused on designing the chip and brainstorming the approaches," said Qasaimeh. It wasn't until restrictions were eased that the team was able to conduct in-depth testing of the device. "After initial curfews, gradually we were allowed access to labs, and that's when we deepened the research and began testing the device," he explained. Despite these challenges, the team successfully filed a patent for the device and launched a startup to commercialize it. Biotech companies have already expressed interest in the innovation. "We aim to find investors so that we can continue with the development stage of the device," Qasaimeh added. The focus now is on bringing the device to market and further developing its translational potential, ensuring that it can be adapted for various purposes in the healthcare sector. With the growing demand for affordable and effective diagnostic tools, the RCP-Chip is poised to play a pivotal role in global healthcare. Its low cost, speed, and versatility make it an ideal solution for resource-limited settings, providing a much-needed alternative to current testing methods.
