Latest news with #FalakforSpaceScienceandResearch
Arab News
01-04-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Saudi study on human eye microbiome joins SpaceX launch
RIYADH: A Saudi mission to study the effects of low gravity on the microbiome of the human eye joined the launch of SpaceX's Fram2 flight on Monday night. The study by Falak for Space Science and Research will examine the eye's bacteria and other microorganisms in conditions of microgravity. A research team collected biological samples of microbial cultures and conducted tests to ensure that the samples could withstand launch conditions and return safely from space. The project 'will contribute to achieving qualitative progress in education and research in space and associated technologies,' Dr. Ayoub Al-Subehi, CEO of Falak, told the Saudi Press Agency ahead of the launch. The study of the ocular microbiome in space is an emerging research field. This experiment will analyze the growth rates of the microorganisms in space compared to growth rates on Earth. It will track the genetic and protein changes that may occur as a result of exposure to microgravity. The experiment also aims to evaluate the ability of microbes to form biofilms, which may increase the risk of infection in space, as well as analyze changes in microbial resistance to antibiotics after exposure to microgravity. Dr. Wedad bint Saeed Al-Qahtani, a research scientist in the mission, added: 'Studying the impact of the space environment on the natural microflora of the eye could provide valuable data on how it responds to microgravity conditions, which could help develop new strategies and protocols to maintain eye health.' Another one of the mission's scientists, Prof. Salwa Al-Hazza, stressed the importance of ophthalmological research, saying: 'What we are doing today is not limited to sending a scientific experiment into space, but is a fundamental step towards building a deeper understanding of the impact of the space environment on eye health, and we hope that the results will contribute to the development of future medical solutions that enhance eye health care, both in space and on Earth, proudly carrying this Saudi flag and representing an important step in the Kingdom's commitment to innovate scientifically and enhance its growing role in the global space sector.' This mission is part of global efforts to study the impact of space on human health and was preceded by similar research that dealt with the effect of microgravity on the intestinal and oral microbiomes.
Gulf Insider
26-03-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia to Launch First Space Research Mission on Eye Microbiome
A Saudi nonprofit, Falak for Space Science and Research, is preparing to launch the Kingdom's first space-based experiment focused on the human eye, in collaboration with SpaceX as part of the FRAM2 mission later this month. The groundbreaking mission will investigate how microgravity affects the eye's natural microbiome, offering insights that could benefit astronaut health and unlock new medical discoveries on Earth. According to Falak, all necessary preparations — including sample collection, integration, and transportation — have been completed ahead of launch. Dr. Ayoub Al-Subaihi, CEO of Falak and the mission's principal investigator, described the initiative as a major milestone for Saudi Arabia's emerging space sector. 'We are proud to be the first Saudi society specializing in space science and its applications,' he said. 'In a short time, we've made a tangible impact through research and training programs that have supported students and scientists. This mission marks the next step in our journey.' Al-Subaihi emphasized the importance of nonprofit contributions to scientific advancement. The experiment will study how bacteria in the eye respond to low-gravity environments by analyzing genetic and protein changes that may impact astronaut health. Researchers will assess whether microgravity alters microbial resistance to antibiotics and encourages biofilm formation — factors that could elevate infection risks during extended space missions. Dr. Wedad Al-Qahtani, a research scientist on the project, confirmed that the samples were prepared with precision to maintain biological integrity throughout the mission. Ophthalmologist Dr. Selwa Al-Hazzaa, also involved in the study, highlighted the potential medical implications. 'This isn't just about sending an experiment into space,' she said. 'It's about understanding how space conditions affect human vision. The results may guide future treatments for eye health, both in orbit and here on Earth.' While previous space research has focused on gut and oral microbiomes, the eye microbiome remains largely unexplored. The upcoming mission positions Saudi Arabia at the forefront of this emerging field. Also read: Saudi Arabia To Carry Out Extensive Survey Of Dengue Fever Source Saudi Gazatte
Broadcast Pro
26-03-2025
- Health
- Broadcast Pro
Saudi Arabia to launch first space experiment on human eye
Scheduled for the end of this month as part of the FRAM2 mission in polar orbit, the eye microbiome study is in collaboration with SpaceX. Saudi nonprofit Falak for Space Science and Research is set to launch the Kingdoms first space-based experiment on the human eye in collaboration with SpaceX, as part of the FRAM2 mission later this month, according to a report by Saudi Gazette. The mission will explore how microgravity affects the eyes microbiome, offering potential breakthroughs for astronaut health and medical advancements on Earth. All preparations, including sample collection and transportation, have been completed. Dr. Ayoub Al-Subaihi, CEO of Falak and the missions principal investigator, called it a milestone for Saudi Arabias space sector, emphasising the nonprofits role in advancing research and training. The experiment will analyse how bacteria in the eye respond to low gravity, focusing on genetic and protein changes that could impact infection risks and antibiotic resistance during long space missions. Dr Selwa Al-Hazzaa, an ophthalmologist involved in the study, highlighted its medical significance: 'This research could transform our understanding of vision in space and lead to new treatments on Earth.' While past studies have examined gut and oral microbiomes in space, the eye microbiome remains largely unexplored, positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of this research field.
Zawya
26-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia to launch first space research mission on eye microbiome
RIYADH — A Saudi nonprofit, Falak for Space Science and Research, is preparing to launch the Kingdom's first space-based experiment focused on the human eye, in collaboration with SpaceX as part of the FRAM2 mission later this month. The groundbreaking mission will investigate how microgravity affects the eye's natural microbiome, offering insights that could benefit astronaut health and unlock new medical discoveries on Earth. According to Falak, all necessary preparations — including sample collection, integration, and transportation — have been completed ahead of launch. Dr. Ayoub Al-Subaihi, CEO of Falak and the mission's principal investigator, described the initiative as a major milestone for Saudi Arabia's emerging space sector. 'We are proud to be the first Saudi society specializing in space science and its applications,' he said. 'In a short time, we've made a tangible impact through research and training programs that have supported students and scientists. This mission marks the next step in our journey.' Al-Subaihi emphasized the importance of nonprofit contributions to scientific advancement. The experiment will study how bacteria in the eye respond to low-gravity environments by analyzing genetic and protein changes that may impact astronaut health. Researchers will assess whether microgravity alters microbial resistance to antibiotics and encourages biofilm formation — factors that could elevate infection risks during extended space missions. Dr. Wedad Al-Qahtani, a research scientist on the project, confirmed that the samples were prepared with precision to maintain biological integrity throughout the mission. Ophthalmologist Dr. Selwa Al-Hazzaa, also involved in the study, highlighted the potential medical implications. 'This isn't just about sending an experiment into space,' she said. 'It's about understanding how space conditions affect human vision. The results may guide future treatments for eye health, both in orbit and here on Earth.' While previous space research has focused on gut and oral microbiomes, the eye microbiome remains largely unexplored. The upcoming mission positions Saudi Arabia at the forefront of this emerging field. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Leaders
26-03-2025
- Health
- Leaders
Falak to Pioneer First Arab Nonprofit Space Research Mission by March End
Falak for Space Science and Research is set to make history with the first Saudi-led experiment investigating the eye microbiome in space. The mission, part of the FRAM2 polar orbit expedition, will launch aboard a SpaceX rocket by the end of March. This groundbreaking study aims to advance space medicine by analyzing how microgravity affects the eye's natural microbiome. Moreover, the findings could enhance astronaut eye health and uncover potential medical applications on Earth. All preparatory stages—including sample collection, microbial cultivation, and rigorous environmental testing—have been completed flawlessly, ensuring the mission meets the highest scientific and technical standards. Why This Research Matters? Compare microbiome growth in space vs. Earth Study genetic and proteomic changes caused by microgravity Assess microbial biofilm formation, which may increase infection risks in space Examine potential shifts in antibiotic resistance after space exposure While past research has explored microgravity's effects on gut and oral bacteria, the eye microbiome remains understudied. This mission bridges a critical knowledge gap, contributing to global efforts in understanding space's impact on human health. Finally, Falak's initiative marks a major milestone in Arab-led space research, reinforcing the region's role in pioneering scientific discovery. Related Topics : First Falak Ship Docks at Jeddah Islamic Port Riyadh Hosts 4th International Fisheries Exhibition Featuring 120 Foreign Firms KAUST Awards $1.1 million in funding to 11 startups at its TAQADAM Startup Accelerator Showcase MODON Unveils Jeddah Aviation Hub to Boost Aerospace Leadership Short link : Post Views: 1 Related Stories
