Salim T. S. Al-Hassani from the University of Manchester presented at KAUST's 2019 Winter Enrichment Program about the contributions of Muslim civilization to science and engineering. The lecture highlighted inventions like early clocks from Muslim heritage, including Al-Jazari's elephant clock. Al-Hassani aims to address the neglect of non-European cultures' impact on humanity. Why it matters: The talk emphasizes the historical significance of Islamic contributions to science and technology, relevant for promoting STEM education and cultural awareness in the region.
KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) is scheduled from January 13-24, featuring the theme of "TIME." The festival includes 12 keynote lectures from international experts, including a Nobel laureate, and explores topics like biological clocks, sleep, aging, and the universe. The program also offers workshops, exhibitions, and virtual reality experiences. Why it matters: Such science festivals can boost STEM engagement and knowledge dissemination within Saudi Arabia and internationally, aligning with KAUST's mission to promote scientific advancement.
Dr. Paolo Sassone-Corsi from UC Irvine spoke at KAUST's 2019 Winter Enrichment Program about circadian rhythms. He discussed how modern lifestyles disrupt our internal clocks, impacting our health and metabolism. Studies show that the timing of food intake affects weight gain, with eating late at night causing metabolic stress. Why it matters: This highlights the importance of circadian rhythm research for understanding and mitigating the health consequences of modern lifestyles in the region.
Nobel laureate Dr. Michael Young from Rockefeller University presented his research on circadian rhythms at KAUST as part of the 2019 Winter Enrichment Program. His work on Drosophila genes has significantly advanced the understanding of circadian rhythm mechanisms. Young's research identified nine genes that regulate circadian rhythmicity at the molecular level, influencing thousands of gene expression patterns. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in hosting leading international researchers and fostering scientific exchange on fundamental biological processes.