By Naser Al Wasmi, NYU Abu Dhabi Public Affairs
The human body’s defence system is highly complex. A team of engineers have developed a microchip that can efficiently and precisely isolate T cells — a type of white blood cell important to our immune system. The microchip will help researchers identify, and track in time, the amount of cytokines released from each cell.
Accurate and real-time measurement of T cells’ responses to various bacteria and viruses is critical to our understanding of a patient’s immune status, and for evaluating treatment methods and the efficacy of new drugs.
A tiny sensor the size of a grain of sand could prove to be a life-changing innovation for millions of diabetes patients. The sensor, implanted under the skin, can track blood sugar level quickly and painlessly, possibly eliminating the need for at-home test kits and intrusive needling.
To do your job, you need tools like a laptop, phone, or a pen. Scientists need tools too, though theirs are much more complex, especially in medical research. To study how the brain functions, chemists developed a sophisticated system to wrap biologically active molecules in a chemical cage, then release the molecules at precise times and in exact locations in the brain with pulses of light.
More than 7,000 UAE Nationals have signed up to participate in the UAE Healthy Future study, a landmark, long-term study that will address some of the country’s most pressing public health questions.
Heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are prevalent among Emiratis. Although science has made progress in the fields of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, little is known about the causes and impacts of these diseases on Arab populations.
The study will be a resource for researchers throughout the UAE and the wider region with data accessible to scientists and physicians.
UAE Nationals between the ages of 18 and 40 can join the study by registering online: uaehealthyfuture.ae