
Scientific study enhancing global presence
Engineer and researcher Najat al Fadhli from the Industrial Innovation Academy contributed to the scientific study, which examined the response of ancient marine organisms — dating back over 60 million years — to environmental changes in Oman's geologically significant "Saiwan" site.
The study enhances understanding of climate change impacts on fragile marine ecosystems while contributing to a knowledge-based economy by empowering national competencies in earth and climate sciences.
The Industrial Innovation Academy emphasised that such research is not merely an academic contribution but a strategic pillar for supporting resource sustainability, achieving sustainable development goals and setting a national model for investing in scientific knowledge. - ONA
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
Oman to produce medical diagnostic machines locally
A strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr Mohammad Mahmoodi, CEO of Carbon Technologies, and Dr Frank Vitzthum, Board Member and CTO of R-Biopharm, Germany, in the presence of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, on Tuesday. Under the MoU, advanced diagnostic manufacturing will be localised in Oman, supporting technology transfer and enhancing the country's health innovation ecosystem. The partnership will enable integration of state-of-the-art assay technologies into its local production lines, supporting both national and regional healthcare priorities. 'It is a milestone MoU in Oman's journey towards eliminating tuberculosis and other diseases from the country, and both communicable diseases and NCDs,' said Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. 'I'm optimistic and this will pave the way for various scientific advancements in the country, especially when it is located near SQU and within the Innovation Park Muscat. We have begun, and we look forward to having an international consortium to eradicate both communicable and non-communicable diseases. We look forward to collaborating with regional, national and international partners so that we can cooperate with the leading players,' she added. Speaking to the Observer, Dr Mohammad Mahmoudi, Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Technologies, said that this collaboration is a testament to Oman's growing capacity in innovation-driven industries and its strategic openness to global partnerships. 'Together with R-Biopharm, we aim to elevate diagnostic standards, nurture Omani talent and contribute to national healthcare resilience,' Dr Mohammad added. Aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, the MoU supports national goals in biotechnology, scientific research and industrial innovation. Speaking on the sidelines of the signing ceremony, Eng Said bin Nasser al Salmi, Board Member of Carbon Technologies, said that the MoU would open up more opportunities to leverage Carbon Technologies as a leading Omani company and expand local R&D capabilities to serve both domestic and international markets in the healthcare industry and position Oman among the leading innovation hubs in such sectors. Dr Dirk Dressler, Head of Business Development at R-Biopharm AG, said, 'We are honoured to partner with Oman's Carbon Technologies. This collaboration reflects our confidence in Oman's capabilities and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible diagnostics across the region."


Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
Prague zookeepers turn to puppets to parent baby vultures
Zookeepers feeding two baby vultures in Prague are using a hand puppet designed to look like the chicks' parents, a technique they hope will ensure the birds learn to identify with other vultures - not humans. Staff at Prague Zoo had to start hand-feeding the lesser yellow-headed vultures when their parents stopped nesting. After using the approach with other birds, they quickly made a hand puppet that looks like an adult vulture's head. "If we raised (the bird) in direct contact with humans, it would become imprinted to humans, and then it would be difficult to breed that individual within the species," said Antonin Vaidl, Prague Zoo's curator of bird breeding. Human imprinting increases the risk of a chick struggling to build a relationship with a mate in adulthood. Hand puppets have previously been used with other bird species at the zoo including rhinoceros hornbills and Javan green magpies, with their design reflecting distinctive features such as a large colourful beak. Prague is one of three European zoos to breed the lesser yellow-headed vulture, also known as the savannah vulture. Vulture conservation is crucial for maintaining ecological balance. As natural scavengers, vultures efficiently consume carcasses, preventing the spread of diseases like rabies and anthrax. Their decline due to habitat loss, poisoning, and hunting has led to increased carcass decomposition times, encouraging disease transmission to humans and livestock. Protecting vultures helps sustain healthy ecosystems and supports public health by reducing zoonotic disease risks. Additionally, their role supports biodiversity and ecological stability. Conservation efforts ensure these vital birds continue to fulfill their ecological functions, highlighting their importance in natural waste management and disease control. —Reuters


Observer
10-08-2025
- Observer
Fourth edition of research skills forum kicks off
MUSCAT: The fourth edition of the Research Skills Forum kicked off on Sunday at the Arab Open University in Muscat. The forum is organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in cooperation with the Arab Open University in Muscat. The forum, which runs until August 21, is being attended by students from universities and colleges in the Sultanate of Oman. The forum seeks to enable Omani students to develop their research skills in different spheres of knowledge. It includes workshops and interactive sessions on the applied aspects of 'Mixed Methods Research', including the designing of studies, managing research stages, collecting and analysing data and publishing scholarly findings. — ONA