KAUST's Sciencetown podcast episode 23 features researcher Dana Al-Sulaiman discussing portable biosensing technologies for cancer detection. These devices aim to enable liquid biopsies for early screening and personalized treatment. The biosensors gather clinical information from biological samples to inform clinical decisions. Why it matters: This research can advance non-invasive diagnostics and personalized medicine in the region.
KAUST and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) are collaborating to develop bioelectronic sensors for rapid pathogen detection. These sensors aim to provide cheap and accurate results, potentially replacing conventional lab tests. A COVID-19 saliva test developed by KAUST researchers showed comparable sensitivity to PCR tests with a 15-minute turnaround. Why it matters: This partnership accelerates the development of novel diagnostic tools, which could improve healthcare accessibility in remote areas and low-income countries within the region.
KAUST postdoctoral fellows Eloise Bihar and Abdellatif Ait Lahcen won Young Scientist awards at the Euroanalysis XX Conference in Turkey. Ait Lahcen won for his work on sensors detecting toxic compounds using ultrasound probes. Bihar won for her research on inkjet-printed biosensors for glucose detection, a collaboration between the Salama, Inal, and Baran groups at KAUST. Why it matters: The awards recognize KAUST's strength in developing innovative sensor technologies with potential applications in environmental monitoring and healthcare.
KAUST held its third annual Sensor Initiative, hosting 70 delegates from KAUST and international institutions like MIT and UCLA. The interdisciplinary meeting focused on transforming sensor technologies and exploring applications. Researchers from KAUST and abroad presented on topics like chemical sensors and sustainable ecosystems. Why it matters: The initiative demonstrates KAUST's commitment to advancing sensor technology and fostering collaboration between local and international experts.
KAUST researchers created a flexible temperature array by drawing a resistor structure with a silver conductive ink pen on Post-it paper. The array functions as an artificial skin sensor. The device demonstrates a low-cost approach to wearable sensors. Why it matters: This research offers a path to scalable and accessible sensor technology for health monitoring and other applications in the region.
KAUST researchers collaborated to identify molecular pathways for plant biofortification of vitamin A. A KAUST group demonstrated high pressure conversion of carbon dioxide into useful products. Another team designed a biosensor using metal oxide transistors to detect glucose in saliva. Why it matters: These projects highlight KAUST's contributions to biotechnology, environmental sustainability, and healthcare through advanced materials and molecular techniques.
A KAUST team led by Hossein Fariborzi won second place in the MEMS Design Contest for their "MEMS Resonator for Oscillator, Tunable Filter and Re-Programmable Logic Applications." The device is runtime-reprogrammable, allowing the function of each device in the circuit to be changed during operation. The KAUST team demonstrated that two MEMS resonators could replace over 20 transistors in applications like digital adders, reducing digital circuit complexity. Why it matters: This innovation could significantly reduce power consumption, chip area, and manufacturing costs in microprocessors, advancing the development of energy-efficient microcomputers in the region.
KAUST Associate Professor Jürgen Kosel has been named a distinguished lecturer of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Sensors Council for 2020-2022. Kosel's research focuses on sensors and transducers with applications in animal monitoring, precision farming, Formula One racing, and biomedical instruments. His group is also developing magnetic devices for high-density data storage and cancer treatment. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to sensor technology and its potential impact on diverse fields, including healthcare in developing regions.