Saudi students qualify for science, engineering fair in US
DAMMAM: Nine students from Eastern Province schools have secured their place on the Saudi Science and Engineering Team at the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair in the US, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.
The students, whose qualification followed a rigorous national competition in Riyadh, were selected after they impressed in the four-stage process.
Their journey involved project submissions, electronic arbitration, and regional exhibitions before they earned their place at the final Kingdom-level event.
Sami Al-Otaibi, director general of education in the Eastern Province, hailed the achievement as testament to Saudi Arabia's ongoing investment in its youth and education sector.
He added that the students' success reflected the unwavering support of the Saudi leadership in empowering students to contribute to the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 reform program.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 days ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Marks World Environment Day, Urges Global Action on Plastic Pollution
The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture reiterated on Thursday the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to environmental protection, the preservation and sustainability of natural resources, and the rehabilitation of ecosystems. It also stressed the critical need to mobilize national and international efforts to reduce environmental pollution worldwide, aligning with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. On the occasion of World Environment Day, annually observed on June 5, the ministry underscored the grave threat posed by plastic pollution, which has escalated into a widespread global crisis. United Nations statistics reveal that over 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually worldwide, yet the recycling rate for this immense volume does not exceed 10%. This alarming statistic highlights the severe harm inflicted upon marine life and the alarming entry of microplastic particles from plastic waste into the food chain within seas and oceans. The world celebrates World Environment Day with this year's theme being "Beat Plastic Pollution," which emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about tackling plastic pollution and fostering enhanced cooperation between the government sector and local communities. The goal is to encourage the adoption of sustainable environmental practices that will lead to a healthy, pollution-free future. The ministry said that the Kingdom has made tangible progress in aligning its national environmental policies and plans with global developments. It has launched several pioneering environmental initiatives, both locally and internationally, including the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. Additionally, numerous national programs and initiatives are in place to enhance community awareness of the importance of environmental conservation through the adoption of sound practices. The Kingdom also annually organizes the "Environment Week" event across all its regions to contribute to raising the level of community participation in environmental programs and practices, reflecting the profound concern for environmental issues within Saudi society.
Arab News
2 days ago
- Arab News
Advanced tech enhances Hajj crowd management
ARAFAT: The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, in cooperation with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, is using high-resolution satellite imagery, geospatial artificial intelligence and real-time data during the Hajj season. These tools help monitor and analyze human and vehicular movement to enhance crowd management efficiency, with the analysis covering entry points to Makkah to observe vehicle flow and peak times. They also track crowd density around the Grand Mosque and analyze pilgrimage routes to predict mobility patterns and congestion, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. The technology supports immediate decision-making by providing accurate data and improving crowd distribution. It also ensures safe mobility and enhances coordination among operational teams on the ground. The collaboration presents an advanced model for using geospatial technologies, helping improve safety and increase field operation efficiency during Hajj.
Saudi Gazette
30-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
How groundbreaking innovations and early detection are redefining diabetes care in KSA
The body's immune system provides protection against harmful viruses, bacteria, and other foreign bodies. However, in some individuals, this protective mechanism can turn on the body itself. Such is the case with type 1 diabetes, a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly targets the very cells responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. According to Dr Mohammed Al-Sofiani, Associate Professor of Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism at King Saud University, many patients with type 1 diabetes usually present to the emergency room with symptoms like severe fatigue, weight loss, excessive urination, and excessive thirst. He explains that in people with type 1 diabetes, the immune system produces antibodies that attack the beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin - the hormone that controls blood glucose. However, even after the antibodies form, there is a long asymptomatic phase, and the clinical onset of type 1 diabetes happens only after significant beta cell destruction has already occurred. This period presents a critical window of opportunity for early intervention and diagnosis. Dr Al-Sofiani further notes that the challenge lies in identifying the disease before it reaches its final stage when insulin therapy becomes a medical necessity. One particularly dangerous complication of this disease is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a condition in which the blood becomes acidic due to an accumulation of ketones. Often the first sign of type 1 diabetes in children, DKA can be life-threatening. In Saudi Arabia, the mortality rate for diabetic ketoacidosis is estimated at 2 to 3.5 per cent, underscoring the urgent need for early diagnosis and preventive care. Professor Dr Bassam Saleh Bin Abbas, Consultant, Head Section of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Pediatric Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center emphasises the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune attacks which lead to partial or complete deficiency of insulin, type 2 diabetes stems from a resistance to insulin's effects. Therefore, type 2 diabetes can be treated with drugs that increase the function of these receptors, while type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy instead. He also remarks that preventive drugs approved by the American and Saudi FDA are now available in Saudi Arabia. These are particularly helpful for the relatives of those with type 1 diabetes as they typically have a genetic predisposition for this disease. It is also beneficial for those who have already developed the antibodies, even without any symptoms. Notably, preventive drugs can help delay the onset of the disease in such individuals by a median of 2 to 2.7 years. In Saudi Arabia, Sanofi is redefining diabetes treatment practices through its trailblazing innovations, further catalysing the shift from reactive to proactive, patient-centric healthcare. Furthermore, through these advancements, the company aims to provide families with what they desire the most, which is to delay disease onset and the need for lifelong insulin therapy. While type 1 diabetes can often feel too sudden and overwhelming, its detrimental impact can be minimised through early detection and preventing disease progression. In addition to being a key scientific milestone, such medical breakthroughs lay the foundation for a robust national healthcare system, built on the tenets of prevention, early action and better outcomes.
