Abu Dhabi University Faculty Member Secures German Patent for Breakthrough Sustainable Packaging
This achievement reflects ADU's broader strategic vision to be a hub for global research collaboration and environmental innovation. By empowering faculty and students to co-create sustainable solutions, the university strengthens its contribution to the UAE's environmental goals and nurtures the next generation of scientific leaders.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Bawaba
2 days ago
- Al Bawaba
Jordan heatwave kills 1 man and injures 2
ALBAWABA - A man died in Jordan after suffering from a heatstroke, while two other individuals were hospitalized and are undergoing treatment due to the ongoing heatwave that hit the country this week, as reported by the local Jordanian news outlet, Al Ghad. According to local medical reports, several individuals were hospitalized in the past two days due to suffering from heatstroke, among them was an Arab man who arrived at the hospital in a critical condition. However, the man passed away shortly after he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Jordan recorded temperatures that exceeded 47 degrees Celsius, as officials urged citizens to stay inside to avoid direct contact with the sun, drink plenty of water, and limit physical outdoor activities. Officials also released a statement prohibiting construction workers from working between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Officials also advised against leaving children and the elderly inside closed vehicles, even for a short period. Additionally, university students were also advised to study and work from home. The ongoing heatwave also caused several electrical wires to catch fire across the country, as electricity usage spiked from prolonged air conditioner use.
Al Bawaba
2 days ago
- Al Bawaba
AUB GHI and IOM MENA to Advance Joint Efforts on the Climate–Health–Migration Nexus in the Region
The Global Health Institute (GHI) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), convened a forum titled "Navigating the Climate–Health–Migration Nexus: A Forum for Bridging Policy, Research, and Action in MENA." The event brought together academic institutions, UN agencies, humanitarian actors, and civil society organizations to address the urgent intersection of climate change, public health, and human mobility in one of the world's most vulnerable regions.A key outcome of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between GHI and IOM, solidifying a long-term partnership focused on advancing research, policy, and joint action at the climate–health–migration his opening address, Dr. Shadi Saleh, founding director of AUB GHI, emphasized that climate change is one of the most pressing health threats of our time, particularly in fragile settings like many countries of MENA. He warned that health systems across the region are increasingly unable to absorb the compounded impacts of climate-related disease burdens, displacement, and social inequities. He noted that the Cli-Health Program (CHP) at GHI addresses this nexus by working across sectors with partners like the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI) and the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at AUB, as well as IOM and others, to translate knowledge into actionable, equitable solutions. In parallel, Nour El Arnaout, associate director at AUB GHI, presented GHI's growing portfolio under the Cli-Health Program, which examines this nexus with a focus on justice, resilience, and vulnerable populations. She also announced the upcoming launch of an online, self-paced certificate on climate and health designed to equip learners with tools for addressing climate-related health challenges through practical, context-specific Michela Martini, senior regional thematic specialist on migration health at IOM MENA, stated that the intersection of climate, health, and migration is a defining challenge of our time and remains significantly understudied, particularly in regional contexts. She highlighted that IOM's collaboration with academic institutions such as AUB is essential to generate evidence-based, gender-sensitive, and locally grounded responses that contribute to filling the gap. Along the same line, Masako Ueda, regional climate action and mobility specialist at IOM MENA, emphasized that climate change is a growing driver of both displacement and health risks, disproportionately affecting migrants and displaced populations due to systemic vulnerabilities and inequitable exposure. She called for greater coordination, stronger policies, and continued leadership from institutions in the from the presentations, the forum featured two thematic panels. The first, moderated by Dr. Michela Martini, addressed evidence gaps and policy needs. Dr. Kenza Khomsi, climate and environmental health expert from Morocco, warned that extreme climate hazards now pose direct and escalating public health threats. Yara Mourad, director of programs at IFI at AUB, called for regional cooperation and the integration of inclusive, gender-sensitive climate-health-migration policies into national agendas. Roula Majdalani, senior advisor on sustainable development at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), underscored the role of disaggregated data in addressing displacement and climate-induced vulnerability in countries like Lebanon and Jordan. Dr. Lucia Barcellini, technical officer for refugee and migrant health at the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO EMRO), emphasized the need to integrate migrants and displaced populations into national health systems and planning processes, with a whole-of-government second panel, moderated by Nour El Arnaout, focused on localizing the climate–health–migration nexus through community, civil society, and humanitarian action. Nora Achkar, chief of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Regional Office for Arab States, discussed the importance of inclusive disaster risk reduction strategies rooted in local realities. Kassem Chaalan, director of the Disaster Risk Reduction Unit at the Lebanese Red Cross, presented their nationwide community-based disease surveillance initiative, designed to detect outbreaks linked to climate-related risks. Abeer Abou Zaki, youth and adolescents development specialist at United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Lebanon, emphasized the leadership of youth in driving climate action, including youth-led policy proposals and advocacy efforts. Pamela DiCamillo, head of programs at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Lebanon, highlighted the gendered impacts of climate-driven displacement and the urgent need for mobile health services and gender-responsive policies. Fadi Dweik, climate resilience technical advisor at Save the Children International, focused on the disproportionate impacts of climate change on children, and stressed the importance of child-centered climate finance, preventive action, and GIS-enabled early warning event also featured a short video introducing the 'Voices on Climate Change and Health' campaign, highlighting lived experiences and insights from experts and communities across the Global close the event, Mathieu Luciano, head of the International Organization for Migration in Lebanon, affirmed that the partnership between IOM and GHI represents more than an academic or technical exchange. 'It is a step toward building resilient and inclusive systems that place migrants at the center of preparedness and response strategies. We must act now, work together, and center migrants in our response,' he stated. More information on the Cli-Health Program at GHI is available at
Al Bawaba
4 days ago
- Al Bawaba
Al Jalila Foundation Supports 60 Organ Transplant Patients through 'Your Donation Saves Lives' Campaign
Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, announced that it has contributed to saving the lives of 60 patients by supporting organ transplant surgeries as part of the first and second editions of the Your Donation Saves Lives announcement coincides with World Organ Donation Day, observed annually on 13 August, and reflects the Foundation's long-term commitment to supporting patients with organ failure and fostering a culture of organ donation as a humanitarian its launch in April 2021, the campaign has supported 60 transplant procedures, including 53 kidney transplants and 7 liver transplants. Among these are 24 children with kidney failure and 5 children with liver failure. As part of this program, the Foundation continues to support more than 65 patients with life-saving transplants, who are unable to access or afford specialized efforts are aligned with the goals of HAYAT, the National Program for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation and are carried out in partnership with Dubai Health's integrated academic health system. From Campaign to Permanent ProgramDr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, announced that the Your Donation Saves Lives campaign has now evolved into a permanent initiative under the Foundation's A'awen program, which provides financial assistance to patients in need of critical medical treatment across the UAE, a step that aligns with Dubai Health's commitment, 'Patient First'.'On World Organ Donation Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting patients with organ failure and extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous donors, individuals and institutions alike, who contributed to both the first and second editions of the Your Donation Saves Lives campaign. Their support represents a powerful model of human solidarity, with the first edition alone helping to fund nearly 30% of all organ transplants performed in Dubai,' said Dr. Al also extended his appreciation to living organ donors and to the families of deceased donors, saying: 'Your compassion has given others a second chance at life. We thank you for your extraordinary generosity.'Ensuring Safe, Successful TransplantsDr. Ashraf Al Hinnawi, Consultant Transplant Surgeon at Dubai Health, explained that the medical team works collaboratively to thoroughly evaluate both the donor and the recipient before transplantation, ensuring the highest possible long-term success rates.'We conduct comprehensive assessments of kidney function and immune compatibility between the donor and recipient, along with detailed medical and surgical evaluations that include lab tests and imaging studies to ensure the success of the transplant. We also follow up with patients regularly after the procedure to ensure adherence to the treatment plan and to closely monitor kidney function.'Regarding living donors, Dr. Al Hinnawi noted that they undergo meticulous evaluations, including assessment of the kidneys, functional testing, and screening for any infectious or cancerous conditions, in addition to psychological and social assessments. He added that all cases are reviewed by a multidisciplinary medical committee to determine donor eligibility, ensuring the highest levels of safety for both donor and recipient.A Lifeline for Patients in NeedAl Jalila Foundation continues to welcome donations through A'awen, offering individuals and organizations the opportunity to fund life-changing programs that enhance well-being and provide essential medical first edition of the campaign was launched in April 2021 in collaboration with Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, and Emarat Al Youm newspaper. The second edition took place in September 2024 and concluded in December of the same year, as part of a collaboration between the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Al Jalila Foundation, and Emarat Al Youm surgeries were conducted in partnership with Dubai Health's Dubai Hospital and Al Jalila Children's Hospital, alongside Mediclinic City Hospital and King's College Hospital London in of HopeYousef's New BeginningAmong the beneficiaries of the campaign, is the child Yousef Jashim, who underwent a kidney transplant with the support of Al Jalila Foundation. Yousef suffered from constant fatigue and recurring pain and was undergoing regular dialysis sessions that significantly affected his daily life and imposed strict dietary restrictions. When he turned fourteen, the doctors informed his family of the necessity of a kidney transplant as an essential step in his treatment Jalila Foundation's support was instrumental, helping the family cover the cost of the the transplant, Yousef's life transformed. He regained his energy and no longer required mother expressed deep gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation, the medical teams involved in his care, and the wider community whose support helped save her son's Healing JourneyRoula Tabba'a is also among the beneficiaries of the campaign, following a long journey with kidney failure. She underwent dialysis three times a week, which caused severe physical and emotional exhaustion. Her condition was first diagnosed in 2016, and she underwent several Jalila Foundation covered the cost of her dialysis sessions and medical tests, eventually supporting her inclusion in the kidney transplant years of waiting, Roula received a life-changing call from the medical team confirming that she had been approved for the procedure. Thanks to the dedication of the medical staff, the transplant was life was completely transformed following the surgery, she no longer needed dialysis and regained her ability to move freely, travel, and live independently. Roula expressed her deep gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation, saying its support not only saved her life, but also restored hope and stability for her entire family.
