Latest news with #MountedPoliceCommand
Observer
25-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
Omani innovation develops biocompatible dental filling
MUSCAT: An innovative team from the Oman Dental College has successfully developed a dental filling using Omani Portland cement reinforced with carbon nanoplates, creating the first material that combines exceptional strength with complete biocompatibility for dental tissues. This breakthrough opens new horizons in global dental treatments. Malak bint Khalifa al Harthiyah, a member of the research team "Pulp49," said that the innovation stemmed from observing how traditional fillings often lack a balance between "strength" and "biocompatibility." This prompted the team to develop a new composite that achieves this challenging balance. She explained that the composite is a dental filling made by integrating Omani cement with graphene sheets, resulting in a material with high mechanical efficiency and significant biocompatibility. This has led to clear and rapid restoration of surrounding dental tissues. The development of the composite took approximately five years of research and experimentation, undergoing initial cell-level testing followed by animal trials in collaboration with the Mounted Police Command. It is now in the second phase of human trials, with preliminary results showing highly promising indicators. Regarding the expected benefits of this composite in dentistry, she noted that it provides a cost-effective solution while enhancing the longevity and efficiency of dental treatments. This represents a major advancement in dental materials, offering improved outcomes for both patients and dentists. Among its key advantages is high biocompatibility, as the integration of carbon nanoplates enhances the material's positive interaction with biological tissues while reinforcing its mechanical properties. This makes it particularly suitable for complex and challenging dental applications. Malak bint Khalifa al Harthiyah Additionally, the composite supports tissue regeneration by mimicking an ideal environment for the rebuilding cells in surrounding dental tissues. This effect is attributed to the synergistic interaction between the carbon nanoplates' properties and the calcium ion-based reaction of Portland cement with physiological body fluids. The composite also exhibits superior sealing capabilities, with the increased volume and unique properties of the nanoplates enhancing its ability to fill gaps and voids, making it ideal for applications requiring tight seals or water resistance. The innovation has been officially recognised, securing a patent in the Sultanate of Oman and international registration. The team is currently finalising the last stages of development after receiving essential support from the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, paving the way for its introduction to local and eventually global markets. Addressing the challenges faced during the project, she explained that the team encountered difficulties in achieving the ideal composition, requiring multiple rounds of testing, experimentation and model adjustments before finalising the approved formula. She emphasised the substantial support received, with the Oman Dental College providing necessary resources and the ROP Mounted Police contributing to trials. She also acknowledged the direct support of Dr Abu Bakr Qateeshat, Head of Graduate Studies, Research and Development at the college, and Dr Aida al Wahaibi, as well as the encouragement from family, which served as a major motivator in achieving this milestone. Regarding her selection to represent Oman at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) in Malaysia in 2025, she described it as an opportunity to showcase Omani youth's capabilities and their role in delivering innovative solutions that elevate Oman's global standing, while also facilitating knowledge exchange with innovators worldwide. Malak bint Khalifa al Harthiyah affirmed that Omani youth are capable of remarkable achievements when they believe in their ideas and channel their creativity toward serving society — especially when innovation is genuine, addresses real needs and contributes to the nation's progress.
Muscat Daily
27-04-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
ROP study on Arabian horses wins global acclaim
Muscat – A groundbreaking study by Royal Oman Police (ROP) marking a significant milestone in veterinary science has earned international recognition from equine experts and enthusiasts. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Veterinary World , the study is the first to evaluate safety and efficacy of oral edible bird's nest supplementation on purebred Arabian horses. Edible bird's nest (EBN), a product of salivary secretions of swiftlet birds, is well-known for medicinal and nutritional properties. Led by Lt Col Dr Khalid bin Obaid al Khaldi, Assistant Director of Veterinary Services Department at Mounted Police Command, the research highlights ROP's commitment to applied science and institutional excellence. 'This achievement reflects our efforts to nurture national talent and foster partnerships with local and international institutions,' said Lt Col Khaldi. The study compared the EBN supplement – produced using spray-dried technology – with the widely used Premium E supplement known for its high vitamin E content. Findings showed that EBN significantly enhanced immune function, liver health and muscle condition, outperforming Premium E without the side effects of prolonged vitamin E use. 'This recognition gives our study significant scientific value and places it at the forefront of specialised veterinary research,' Lt Col Khaldi noted. The paper interweaves Oman's cultural heritage, recounting the story of Zad al Rakeb – the Arabian horse gifted by Prophet Sulaiman (PBUH) to the Azd tribe of Oman. Referenced in Omani historical records, the tale underscores the deep-rooted bond between Omanis and Arabian horses. The research was supervised by Mounted Police Command and conducted in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia, the National University of Malaysia, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Sultan Qaboos Academy for Police Sciences' Research and Studies Centre. 'Publication of this work in a prestigious journal with an impact factor of 1.4 is an international endorsement of ROP's scientific and institutional performance,' Lt Col Khaldi added. 'It shows that ROP's excellence extends beyond security to include innovation in veterinary science and equine care.'
