Watch: Falak Mission Takes Saudi Arabia Into Polar Orbit
The mission, named 'Falak,' is part of the FRAM2 mission and will investigate how microgravity influences the microbiome of the eye, with potential applications for both space exploration and Earth-based health.
The mission aims to improve understanding of eye health in astronauts by analyzing the growth patterns of eye microbes and examining genetic and protein changes that occur under the influence of microgravity. One of the key areas of focus is how these microbes form biofilms, which can increase the risk of eye infections in space.
Dr. Ayoub Al Sobihi, director of the Falak mission, emphasized that the research will help create a comprehensive health protocol for eye care in space, potentially setting a global standard for space agencies. 'The resilience of eye microbes to the space environment is a question we still don't have answers to. This mission lays the groundwork for future research on this crucial issue,' he said.
This study is part of global efforts to understand how space travel impacts human health, particularly in the field of ocular health.
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Daily Tribune
28-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Urgent need for ‘global approach' on AI regulation: UN tech chief
The world urgently needs to find a global approach on regulating artificial intelligence, the United Nations' top tech chief said this week, warning that fragmentation could deepen risks and inequalities. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, head of the UN's International Telecommunications Union (ITU) agency, told AFP she hoped that AI 'can actually benefit humanity'. But as concerns mount over the risks posed by the fast-moving technology -- including fears of mass job losses, the spread of deepfakes and disinformation, and society's fabric fraying -- she insisted that regulation was key. 'There's an urgency to try to get... the right framework in place,' she said, stressing the need for 'a global approach'. Her comments came after US President Donald Trump this week unveiled an aggressive, low-regulation strategy aimed at ensuring the United States stays ahead of China on AI. Among more than 90 proposals, Trump's plan calls for sweeping deregulation, with the administration promising to 'remove red tape and onerous regulation' that could hinder private sector AI development. Asked if she had concerns about an approach that urges less, not more, regulation of AI technologies, Bogdan-Martin refrained from commenting, saying she was 'still trying to digest' the US plan. 'Critical' 'I think there are different approaches,' she said. 'We have the EU approach. We have the Chinese approach. Now we're seeing the US approach. I think what's needed is for those approaches to dialogue,' she said. At the same time, she highlighted that '85 percent of countries don't yet have AI policies or strategies'. A consistent theme among those strategies that do exist is the focus on innovation, capacity building and infrastructure investments, Bogdan-Martin said. 'But where I think the debate still needs to happen at a global level is trying to figure out how much regulation, how little regulation, is needed,' she said. Bogdan-Martin, who grew up in New Jersey and has spent most of her more than three-decade career at the ITU, insisted the Geneva-based telecoms agency that sets standards for new technologies was well-placed to help facilitate much-needed dialogue on the issue. 'The need for a global approach I think is critical,' she said, cautioning that 'fragmented approaches will not help serve and reach all'. As countries and companies sprint to cement their dominance in the booming sector, there are concerns that precautions could be thrown to the wind -- and that those who lose the race or do not have the capacity to participate will be left behind. 'Huge gap' The ITU chief ha i l e d 'mind-blowing' advances within artificial intelligence, with the potential to improve everything from education to agriculture to health care -- but insisted the benefits must be shared. Without a concerted effort, there is a risk that AI will end up standing for 'advancing inequalities', she warned, cautioning against deepening an already dire digital divide worldwide. 'We have 2.6 billion people that have no access to the internet, which means they have no access to artificial intelligence', Bogdan-Martin pointed out. 'We have to tackle those divides if we're actually going to have something that is beneficial to all of humanity.' Bogdan-Martin, the first woman to serve as ITU secretary-general in the organisation's nearly 160-year history, also stressed the need to get more women into the digital space. 'We have a huge gap,' she said. 'We definitely don't have enough women... in artificial intelligence.' The 58-yearold mother of four said it was 'a big honour' to be the first woman in her position, to be 'breaking the glass ceiling (and) paving the path for future generations'. But she acknowledged there was a lot of pressure, 'not just to achieve, but to almost overachieve'. Bogdan-Martin, who is being backed by the Trump administration to stand for re-election when her four-year mandate ends next year, said she was eager to stay on for a second term.
Gulf Insider
25-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
UAE Markets Free Of Salmonella-Contaminated Pistachio Spread
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), in coordination with local regulatory authorities, has confirmed that the product 'Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream With Kadayef' under the Emek brand, which is manufactured outside the UAE, is not available in local markets. The product has been marketed as a chocolate inspired by the flavors of Dubai Chocolate. The ministry clarified that the widely known and available Dubai Chocolate products sold in the UAE are free from any Salmonella contamination. This clarification follows a statement issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which confirmed that the affected product is limited to US markets. The ministry emphasized that the warning refers to a product being marketed under the Dubai Chocolate label, stressing that this product — manufactured abroad — is merely inspired by the distinctive flavours associated with the original Dubai Chocolate, a name commonly referring to the products of FIX Dessert Chocolatier, a Dubai-based brand known for its luxurious chocolates infused with flavors inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine. These products are subject to the highest safety and quality standards. The ministry reiterated its ongoing commitment to monitoring food safety and protecting public health, in coordination with all relevant authorities. An American retail company had recently recalled a batch of Dubai Chocolate due to concerns over possible Salmonella contamination. The FDA published the recall notice and upgraded its risk level to Class I — the most serious classification. According to the FDA notice, the company World Market recalled the 'Emek Spread Pistachio CaCao Cream With Kadayef' product due to possible Salmonella contamination. The affected items were distributed between June 11 and July 9, 2025. The recall was initiated after product samples tested positive for Salmonella during routine FDA inspections. The recall was first issued on July 14 and was escalated to a Class I recall three days later, as reported by Newsweek magazine. Salmonella is a pathogen that can cause serious, and sometimes fatal, infections — particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. According to the American company's statement, healthy individuals infected with Salmonella may experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The statement added: 'In rare cases, the infection may spread to the bloodstream and lead to more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (e.g., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, or arthritis.' Although the recall was prompted by positive test results for Salmonella, no illnesses have been reported to date. Dubai Chocolate, a pistachio and kadayef-filled chocolate bar, gained viral popularity on TikTok in 2024. The original chocolate bar was created by FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai but has since been replicated and modified by various brands, including Emek Gıda, whose product was affected by the current recall. FIX Dessert Chocolatier, a dessert brand founded in Dubai by Sara Hammouda, originated the pistachio-kadayef chocolate bar concept. Renowned Filipino pastry chef Noel Katis was brought on board by FIX to help develop the bar, which has since seen widespread popularity. Last month, the UK's Food Standards Agency reported that certain Dubai-style chocolates sold in UK retail markets may not comply with national standards and could contain banned additives or colorants.
Gulf Weekly
24-07-2025
- Gulf Weekly
Heroes return
Marvel superhero film The Fantastic Four: First Steps is out now in theatres. Starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn, the film tackles the titular team who must protect their 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world Earth-828 from the planet-devouring cosmic Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his herald the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Known for her role as Nadia Vulvokov in the Netflix series Russian Doll, actress Natasha Lyonne is also set to appear in the film. 'I think people are going to love it (the film), and I'm so proud to be a part of it,' she said in an interview. Director Matt Shakman revealed that he cast the Marvel heroes without auditions, explaining that he had an instinct for who would be right for each part. 'Great actors create great chemistry. You bring people together, and you build a process that supports the building of that chemistry,' he said. The director made sure to decorate the rehearsal room in a 1960s style and had the cast learn period dances. He also included archival stills from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) launches to immerse the performers into the film's atmosphere. 'We approached the story dramaturgically as you would a play, before we got on our feet with anything,' Pedro, who plays the role of Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, said. 'It was Matt setting up the circumstances to be together as a cast and flesh out a language that bonded each of us together as a family,' he added. The film marks the comic heroes' return to the big screen since the critical and commercial failure of 20th Century Fox's Fantastic Four (2015). It is expected to be received positively due to the new version's vibrant retro aesthetic that better captures the illustrated books' essence than its predecessor's dark and edgy approach.
