KAUST doctoral student Jose Filho won the 2022 InnovateFPGA Design Contest for his "Customized Medicine for Corals" project. The project uses an automatic feeder technology to deliver coral probiotics and monitor their efficacy via cloud connectivity, computer vision, and an FPGA. The system gathers data from cameras, temperature sensors, and luminosity sensors, using AI to determine the coral's bleaching stage and deploy beneficial microorganisms. Why it matters: This win highlights KAUST's innovative research in applying AI and cloud technology to address critical environmental challenges like coral bleaching, demonstrating the potential for technology to aid marine conservation efforts.
KAUST Ph.D. student Khalil Moussi won two awards at the IEEE International Conference on Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular Systems for his research on a miniaturized drug delivery system. The system, developed in collaboration with KAIMRC, uses 3D printing and wireless power to deliver drugs for coronary artery disease treatment. The device features an electrochemical micro-pump, a 3D printed reservoir with microneedles, and a wireless powering unit, allowing customization for various in vivo drug delivery applications. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to biomedical engineering and its potential to develop innovative solutions for critical healthcare challenges in the region and beyond.
KAUST master's student José Ilton de Oliveira Filho won first place at the IEEE International Sensors and Measurement Systems Student Contest for his smart bracelet and gesture-capturer designed for people with Parkinson's disease. The bracelet assists users in basic activities and creates a database for tracking the disease's involuntary tremors. The bracelet can also control smart TVs and enable smoother application navigation. Why it matters: This project demonstrates KAUST's commitment to developing innovative technologies that address real-world healthcare challenges and improve the quality of life for individuals with special needs.
KAUST Ph.D. student Nils Rädecker won a best student presentation award at the European Coral Reef Symposium (ECRS) 2017 for his talk on coral bleaching. Rädecker's presentation focused on the underlying mechanisms of coral bleaching and the breakdown of symbiosis between corals and endosymbiotic algae due to ocean warming. His research explores the nutrient exchange between the coral host and algal symbiont to understand why the symbiosis is disrupted. Why it matters: This award recognizes important research into coral bleaching, a critical issue for marine ecosystems in the Red Sea and globally, highlighting KAUST's contribution to addressing environmental challenges.
KAUST researchers are using 3D printing with a novel calcium carbonate ink to create coral support structures that accelerate coral restoration. Their approach, named 3D CoraPrint, involves printing coral microfragments onto the structure, offering a head start for reef recovery. Two methods were developed: printing a mold for reproduction and direct printing for customization. Why it matters: This eco-friendly technique provides a potentially scalable solution to combat coral reef degradation, leveraging advanced materials and fabrication for ecological conservation in the region and beyond.