KAUST-developed biomedical microgravity experiments, SSA-1 and SSA-2, were launched to the International Space Station via SpaceX CR35. The project, involving KAUST, the Saudi Space Agency's BioGravity Program, Axiom Space, and the National Stem Cell Foundation, aims to study brain cells in microgravity to advance neurodegenerative disease research. This environment accelerates conditions mimicking health challenges on Earth, providing insights into diseases like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. Why it matters: This initiative could significantly accelerate drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases and develops specialized local infrastructure and human capital in biomedical microgravity research for Saudi Arabia.
Researchers at TII have had their lunar research accepted for publication in Nature Communications. The paper unveils hidden magmatic pathways beneath the Moon’s Oceanus Procellarum region using gravity mapping data from NASA's GRAIL mission. The research indicates various volcanic systems could be connected by horizontal magmatic conduits stretching up to 150 kilometers beneath the lunar surface, offering the first evidence of long-distance lateral magma transport on the Moon. Why it matters: The discovery enhances understanding of volcanic processes on the Moon and solidifies TII’s position in space and planetary sciences.
KAUST alumna Aubrie O'Rourke (Ph.D. '15) received an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Award Fellowship with NASA to study bacteria aboard the International Space Station (ISS). O'Rourke will analyze samples of Burkholderia cepacia bacteria from the ISS potable water system. She will sequence genomes to understand pathogenicity and virulence, comparing them to terrestrial strains. Why it matters: Understanding how microorganisms evolve in space has implications for astronaut health during long-duration missions, and this award highlights KAUST's role in fostering pioneering research.
The KAUST Smart Health Initiative (KSHI) held its annual conference on November 1-2, focusing on health and wellness in KSA. The conference featured speakers from clinical, academic, government, NGO, and health industry institutions. Saudi's first female astronaut, Ms. Rayyanah Barnawi, participated in a panel discussing space medicine and its impact. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's commitment to precision medicine and showcases the potential of space research to benefit healthcare on Earth.
A KAUST and King Abdulaziz University research team is using superhydrophobic sand to grow crops like tomatoes with less water. Superhydrophobic sand reduces water consumption in agriculture, the world's largest consumer of freshwater. The sand was developed by KAUST's Himanshu Mishra and Ph.D. student Adair Gallo Junior. Why it matters: This research offers a promising solution for water conservation in agriculture, especially in arid regions like the Arabian Peninsula, addressing critical water security challenges.
Communications Physics journal has a focus collection on space quantum communications. The collection covers supporting technologies, new quantum protocols, inter-satellite QKD, constellations of satellites, and quantum inspired technologies and protocols for space based communication. Contributions are welcome from October 20, 2020 to April 30, 2021, and accepted papers are published on a rolling basis. Why it matters: Space-based quantum communication is a critical area for developing secure, global quantum networks, and this collection could highlight relevant research for the GCC region as it invests in advanced technologies.