Latest news with #HamadBinKhalifaUniversity
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Celebrate Argentina and Chile at YoC family weekend
Tribune News Network Doha Years of Culture (YoC), in collaboration with the Embassy of Argentina in Qatar and the Trade Commission of Chile (ProChile), has announced its upcoming 'Summer Family Weekend' — a three-day public celebration taking place from August 14 to 16 — in honour of this year's country partners, Argentina and Chile. The event will be held daily from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Teen Hub, the green-roofed building adjacent to the Fire Station. It is designed especially for children aged between 4 and 15 years, with free admission available upon online registration at WHAT TO EXPECT: A WEEKEND OF DISCOVERY AND FUN Creative Workshops • Moai Clay Sculptures – Shape and sculpt figures inspired by Chile's iconic Easter Island. • Fabric Traditions of Argentina – Explore ancient weaving techniques and natural dyes made from turmeric, beetroot, and more. Kids will create fabric tote bags using traditional pattern with Gabriela Salvino, long-time early childhood educator from Argentina. • Art & Nature from Chile – Discover Chile's flora and fauna through daily art sessions with Chilean educator Lisbeth Pino Westermayer, crafting birds, flowers, and forest animals using a bilingual, hands-on approach. • Explore Qatari Culture with Dadu – On August 15 and 16, Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar will offer Make Your Own Batoullah and Make Your Own Falcon Hood workshops. Adventure and Play • Night Skies – Explore the night sky and the stories it tells from across the globe. • Erupting Candy Volcano – A fun and fizzy science activity inspired by South America's volcanic landscapes. Cinema Zone • In partnership with the Doha Film Institute, enjoy a selection of Made in Qatar family-friendly films. Discover new stories that nurture curiosity and cross-cultural understanding. Collaborative Mural • Contribute to a giant collective artwork that will grow over the weekend—a colourful memory created by every child who participates. Move and Connect Through Dance • Learn the Chacarera, a joyful Argentinian folk dance, led by María Paula Reyes Ortiz and María Cristina Ortiz Murcia, a mother-daughter duo from Qatar's Latin American folkloric ballet and long-time educators in Doha. • Join Daniela Bedmar from the Language Center of Hamad Bin Khalifa University—Chilean educator and community leader—as she teaches the Cueca, Chile's national dance, blending rhythm, movement, and tradition. Language Hot Spot • Try your hand at basic Spanish through playful 'Say it in Spanish' and 'Test Your Spanish' sessions, great for beginners of all ages, with support from Marcela Lozano at the Language Center of Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Taste of Latin America • Explore the Food & Beverage Zone, featuring a variety of traditional snacks and refreshing drinks available for purchase. Enjoy flavours from empanadas to alfajores and more. Future Careers: Veterinary Science & Equine Care • Led by Benjamin Uberti, Senior clinician at the Equine Veterinary Medical Center, this 45-minute workshop introduces youth to veterinary science, highlighting equine care's cultural and scientific importance in Qatar, Argentina, and Chile. The event is part of Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture, which is designed to promote respect and understanding among diverse peoples by engaging across all aspects of culture, recognising it as the fabric of our daily lives.
Qatar Tribune
21-07-2025
- Science
- Qatar Tribune
QRDI Council awards 30 proposals for 6 Rapid Research Calls
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council announced 30 awards to seven institutions who will collaborate with the selected host partners on six Rapid Research Calls. Each research call is designed not only to produce practical, scalable solutions but also to build lasting research capacity within local institutions. Dr. Omar Boukhris, Director of National Research Program at QRDI Council, said: 'We look forward to the outcomes of these initiatives and their impact on shaping the nation's future. These collaborations are a clear reflection of QRDI Council's commitment to advancing toward Qatar's National Vision 2030. We will continue to champion and support research that drives innovative, practical solutions for the country's long-term growth.' The six Rapid Research Calls, along with their awarded institutions and host partners, are as follows: Education Above All: Life-Long Education Call (LiLEC) Awarded Institutions: Georgetown University in Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation, and Northwestern University in Qatar. This initiative focuses on creating an environment that supports lifelong learning by transforming education systems, improving policies, and encouraging workforce development. The goal is to enhance economic resilience and empower individuals through education. Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA): Modernising Charitable Sector Call (MCSC) Awarded Institutions: Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Northwestern University in Qatar, and Qatar University. This call aims to strengthen Qatar's charitable and humanitarian sectors by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to improve performance and efficiency. It also looks to introduce innovative approaches to make humanitarian and developmental work more impactful. Qatar National Library (QNL): Preserving Qatar's Heritage Call (PQHC) Awarded Institutions: Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Qatar University. This project is dedicated to building a sustainable heritage sector that preserves Qatar's cultural legacy for future generations. By developing resilient strategies, it ensures the protection and promotion of the nation's rich history. Scientific Research Programmes Office: Pathways Toward Prosperity (PTP) Awarded Institutions: Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar University, and the University of Doha for Science and Technology. This initiative addresses critical national priorities to support Qatar's sustainable development and economic growth. It focuses on identifying pathways to prosperity by tackling key challenges and promoting innovation. Qatar Airways: Qatar Logistics and Transportation Call (QLTC) Awarded Institutions: Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar University, and the University of Doha for Science and Technology. This call aims to develop a sustainable logistics and transportation sector that contributes to Qatar's prosperity. A particular focus is placed on advancing solutions for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to promote environmentally friendly practices in aviation. Ministry of Public Health (MoPH): Road to BioPharma Call (RTBC) Awarded Institutions: Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar University, and Sidra Medicine. This initiative seeks to establish a regulatory framework that encourages innovation in biopharmaceuticals. It also aims to improve access to high-quality medicines, contributing to better healthcare outcomes for Qatar's population. By addressing pressing challenges and utilising the power of strategic partnerships, these research projects highlight Qatar'scommitment to building a diversified, knowledge-based economy. These awards reflect the Council's dedication to empowering researchers, strengthening institutional capabilities, and driving forward Qatar's ambition to become a global leader in research, development, and innovation.
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Business Standard
21-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Key vitamin D gene may unlock new cancer, autoimmune treatments
A key gene that helps the body absorb and process vitamin D has been found to play a much bigger role than previously thought. Researchers using the gene-editing tool CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) have identified the gene SDR42E1 as a critical component not only in vitamin D metabolism but also in the development and treatment of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases. The findings, published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, have opened a promising chapter in the field of personalised medicine. By disabling or enhancing this gene, scientists may be able to improve vitamin D function and also fight conditions like colon cancer, the finding mentions. These findings come from a joint study by three universities in Jordan, Qatar and Lebanon. Why is vitamin D so important? Vitamin D is not just an essential nutrient, but also the precursor of the hormone calcitriol, which regulates the uptake of phosphate and calcium necessary for bones by the intestines, as well as cell growth and the proper function of muscles, nerve cells, and the immune system. The scientists have identified how a particular gene, called SDR42E1, is crucial for taking up vitamin D from the gut and further metabolising it. This means that issues with this gene could not only impact vitamin D absorption but also raise the risk of chronic conditions linked to vitamin D deficiency. What makes SDR42E1 so special? Researchers used a gene-editing tool, CRISPR, to transform the active form of the gene SDR42E1 into inactive form, in colon cancer cells taken from a patient. After turning the gene off, the number of live cancer cells dropped by 53 per cent. The change also affected over 4,600 other genes in the cells, many of which are linked to cancer growth and how cells process fat-like substances. The results suggest that this gene, SDR42E1, can work in two helpful ways: 1. Suppressing SDR42E1 to kill cancer cells: Turning off the SDR42E1 gene might be beneficial in cancer treatment, as it may help induce the death of cancerous cells. 2. Enhancing SDR42E1 to boost calcitriol production: Increasing the activity of this gene in certain body tissues could be advantageous for health, as it aids in producing calcitriol — a biologically active form of vitamin D that supports various bodily functions. 'Because SDR42E1 is involved in vitamin D metabolism, we could also target it in any of the many diseases where vitamin D plays a regulatory role,' said said Dr Georges Nemer, professor and associate dean for research at the University of College of Health and Life Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, and the study's corresponding author. 'For example, nutrition studies have indicated that the hormone can lower the risk of cancer, kidney disease, and autoimmune and metabolic disorders,' he said. Dr Shishir N Shetty, senior consultant-surgical oncology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, expressed caution: 'SDR42E1 is linked to lipid metabolism. Disrupting it may affect systemic pathways including bone marrow function, immune cell regulation, or endocrine signalling. Any intervention must ensure that silencing this gene doesn't induce long-term metabolic, immunological, or skeletal side effects in treating one cancer. We should be careful not to open new pathways for other types of cancers.' Could this lead to new cancer therapies? The early results are encouraging. Although the current research focuses on colon cancer, scientists are hopeful that similar approaches could work for other cancers or immune-related diseases. While the gene knockout seems to impair colon cancer cell survival, it's still unclear if the SDR42E1 gene is non-essential in healthy tissue. 'Editing genes in live patients, especially in solid tumours, requires not just accuracy but safety at every level. Additionally, it is not one gene which may be the problem. Different genes might be overexpressed in other cancers. Only if SDR42E1 overexpression or dependency is seen in other cancers could this strategy be expanded. However, tumour specificity is key. CRISPR is a potential game-changer, but with gene targets, the devil is always in the details, and in this case, it is the biological and clinical details,' said Dr Shetty. How soon could this lead to colon cancer treatments? While much of the work is still in early stages, the discovery of SDR42E1's role has the potential to reshape how we think about vitamin D and its link to disease. With more research and clinical trials, scientists hope to turn this genetic insight into life-saving therapies for millions around the world. Dr Shetty explained, 'This is promising basic science, but we're very early in the discovery phase. If follow-up studies in animals and patient-derived models are favourable, we may see targeted therapies emerge in five to 10 years. And it is very complex and not easy to translate gene knockouts into safe drugs.'
Hans India
19-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Gene essential for vitamin D absorption may boost cancer treatment
Scientists have identified a key gene essential for vitamin D absorption, which may also boost treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The gene, called SDR42E1, is crucial for taking up vitamin D from the gut and further metabolising it -- a discovery with many possible applications in precision medicine, including cancer therapy. 'Here we show that blocking or inhibiting SDR42E1 may selectively stop the growth of cancer cells,' said Dr Georges Nemer, Professor at the University of College of Health and Life Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar. Previous research showed that a specific mutation in the SDR42E1 gene on chromosome 16 is associated with vitamin D deficiency. The mutation caused the protein to be cut short, rendering it inactive. In the study, published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology, the researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to transform the active form of SDR42E1 in a line of cells from a patient with colorectal cancer, called HCT116, into its inactive form. In HCT116 cells, the expression of SDR42E1 is usually abundant, suggesting that the protein is essential for their survival. Once the faulty SDR42E1 copy had been introduced, the viability of the cancer cells plummeted by 53 per cent, the researchers explained. The results suggest that inhibiting the gene can selectively kill cancer cells, while leaving neighbouring cells unharmed. 'Our results open new potential avenues in precision oncology, though clinical translation still requires considerable validation and long-term development,' said Dr Nagham Nafiz Hendi, Professor at Middle East University in Amman, Jordan. 'Because SDR42E1 is involved in vitamin D metabolism, we could also target it in any of the many diseases where vitamin D plays a regulatory role,' said Nemer. However, as long-term effects of SDR42E1 on vitamin D balance remain to be fully understood, the researchers stressed the need for further studies.
Qatar Tribune
29-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QF launches second international alumni chapter to support and connect its graduates in UK
LONDON: The Qatar Foundation (QF) launched its Alumni Chapter for the UK, in the presence of Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani. The Qatar Foundation Alumni Chapter for the UK launched at a London gathering is a platform aimed at helping its members support each other as their journeys continue to unfold, as well as to retain their ties with Qatar. It is the second international Alumni Chapter to be established by Qatar Foundation's (QF) Alumni Program, following the launch of its US and Canada equivalent in 2024. Reflecting the global reach and impact of QF's ecosystem of education, 137 of its alumni are currently working or pursuing further advanced studies in the UK, in fields including Artificial Intelligence, healthcare and medical research, policy, sustainability, communications, and humanitarianism. "The true legacy of Qatar Foundation and its schools, partner universities, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University lies not in rankings or research output, but in the lives of our alumni," said Francisco Marmolejo, President of Higher Education and Education Advisor, QF. "Graduates of Qatar Foundation-supported institutions are now driving positive change in over 120 countries. It's aliving proof of our mission to unlock human potential." Speaking at the launch of the Chapter, diplomat and economic strategist Sheikha Alanoud H Al Thani, who currently serves as the Counselor for Economic Affairs at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the UK and is a graduate of QF's Qatar Academy Doha and QF partner university HEC Paris, Doha, said: "This Chapter deepens the longstanding Qatar-UK partnership in education and innovation,not just through institutions, but through the living bridge of our alumni." Across the UK, graduates of QF schools and universities are now harnessing the skills, knowledge, and values they gained through their years of study and discovery at Education City in Doha, as government economists, data scientists, software engineers, doctors, neuroscientists, climate strategists, and legal experts, among other roles. Others are pursuing postgraduate and doctoral studies in fields such as AI, public health, cancer research, and global affairs. Among them is Dr Basil Mahfouz, a data scientist at University College London and a graduate of QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar. His projects focus on harnessing Artificial Intelligence to unlock knowledge and drive inclusive innovation, and he co-founded SynSapien, an open science platform that united global researchers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ulan Seitkaliyev, an alumnus of QF partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar and now a London-based software engineer for Bloomberg, said: "What stood out most for me during my time at QF was the incredible support we received, as well as the wide range of projects and opportunities available to explore our interests and pursue our own initiatives; it was an environment that truly encouraged creativity, independence, and innovation." Asmaa Alkuwari, Alumni Engagement Manager, QF, said: "This Chapter represents more than just a gathering, it's part of a broader strategic effort by the QF Alumni Engagement Office to foster lasting, global connections among QF graduates. We are proud of the distinguished alumni based in the UK who hold influential roles across sectors and continue to carry QF's values into the world through their work, leadership, and impact."
