Category: Science & Tech

Sultan of Space works on Ring Sheared Drop experiment for neuro-degenerative diseases.

Explosion has lasted three years and happened nearly 8 billion light-years away.

A colossal cosmic explosion that took place nearly 8 billion light-years away is the largest ever witnessed, astronomers said on Friday.

Scientists think the blast could have been caused by a cloud of mostly hydrogen gas many times bigger than the sun being sucked into a supermassive black hole.

The gas being swallowed is thought to have sent shock waves through the remaining gas, causing an explosion 10 times brighter than an exploding star, called a supernova.

Although first spotted in 2020 by a facility in California, the scale of the explosion, called AT2021lwx, was previously unknown.

It took place when the universe was about six billion years old.

Scientists from the University of Southampton in the UK used a selection of telescopes run by European nations and Nasa to view and measure the size of the blast.

They concluded it to be the largest on record, having lasted more than three years. Most supernovae are only visibly bright for a few months.

“We came upon this by chance, as it was flagged by our search algorithm when we were searching for a type of supernova,” said research leader Philip Wiseman, research fellow at the University of Southampton.

“Most supernovae and tidal disruption events only last for a couple of months before fading away. For something to be bright for two-plus years was immediately very unusual.”

How was the blast measured?

Measuring the size of an explosion occurring so far away is not as easy as just getting out the ruler.

The team had to analyse the spectrum of light emitted from the blast in great detail to work out distances.

“Once you know the distance to the object and how bright it appears to us, you can calculate the brightness of the object at its source,” said Sebastian Hoenig of the University of Southampton, a co-author of the research.

“Once we’d performed those calculations, we realised this is extremely bright,”

There is so much more to be measured about the blast, including temperature,

Emerging technology may also help the team to test their theory on the causes behind AT2021lwx.

“With new facilities, like the Vera Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time, coming online in the next few years, we are hoping to discover more events like this and learn more about them, said Dr Wiseman.

“It could be that these events, although extremely rare, are so energetic that they are key processes to how the centres of galaxies change over time.”

The findings will help astronomers learn more about the early universe.

The James Webb Space Telescope has captured galaxies that were formed only 350 million years after the birth of the universe — the oldest ones ever observed.

An international team of astronomers used data from the $10 billion telescope to make the discovery, with findings published in two studies, including in science journal Nature Astronomy and another on the European Space Agency website on Tuesday.

The data shows the universe when it was only two per cent of its current age.

“It was crucial to prove that these galaxies do, indeed, inhabit the early universe. It’s very possible for closer galaxies to masquerade as very distant galaxies,” said astronomer and co-author Emma Curtis-Lake from the University of Hertfordshire.

“Seeing the spectrum revealed as we hoped, confirming these galaxies as being at the true edge of our view, some further away than Hubble could see. It is a tremendously exciting achievement for the mission.”

The light from these galaxies has taken more than 13.4 billion years to reach us.

This has also helped confirm that the world’s most powerful telescope can make such observations using light from ancient galaxies that has been travelling through our universe for billions of years.

Astronomers used the telescope’s near-infrared camera (NIRCam) and the near-infrared spectrograph (NIRSpec) to make the observations.

Helping to unravel mysteries of the universe

“For the first time, we have discovered galaxies only 350 million years after the big bang, and we can be absolutely confident of their fantastic distances,” said co-author Brant Robertson from the University of California Santa Cruz.

Even though the galaxies are extremely faint because of how far they are, it would still help astronomers explore their properties.

Astronomer Sandro Tachella from the University of Cambridge in the UK, said that the telescope could unlock many mysteries of the universe.

“It is hard to understand galaxies without understanding the initial periods of their development,” he said.

“Much as with humans, so much of what happens later depends on the impact of these early generations of stars.”

The telescope was launched on Christmas Day, 2021, to help reveal secrets of the universe and how it was formed.

The first image from the telescope was revealed by US President Joe Biden on July 11. It showed the galaxy cluster SMACS 0723 as it was 4.6 billion years ago.

Researchers have also been using the telescope to learn more about the solar system and its planets.

Last year, images that showed planet Jupiter in striking detail were released.

The planet, which is believed to have 79 moons, has a unique composition and inner structure that researchers want to study more.

Its atmosphere is made up of mostly hydrogen gas and helium gas, just like the Sun.

The gas giant is covered in thick red, brown, yellow and white clouds, which make it look like the planet has stripes.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD&CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has launched the 4th batch of the Master’s Programme in Future Energy Systems & Technology, in cooperation with the University of California, Berkeley USA (UC Berkeley).

This supports DEWA’s ongoing efforts to empower young Emirati employees. The virtual launching was attended by Professor Tarek Zohdi, the Programme Director at UC Berkeley College of Engineering, Dr Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at DEWA, and officials from UC Berkeley and DEWA. With 30 students in the 4th batch, the total number of participants in the programme has reached 173 male and female employees.

In his speech at the launch event, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD&CEO of DEWA, welcomed the students of the 4th batch and commended the strategic partnership with UC Berkeley to build and sharpen the capabilities of the next generation of Emirati engineers and young innovators in clean and renewable energy technologies. He also thanked UC Berkeley professors and supervisors for their efforts and fruitful cooperation with DEWA.

“Dubai has become the hub for innovation and skilled talent thanks to the wise vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. We strive to prepare and empower a generation that will keep pace with the government of the future and has a futuristic mindset, and we adopt a comprehensive strategy to invest in our staff. DEWA launched the master’s degree in Future Energy Systems and Technology with the University of California, Berkeley in 2019. It is a part of our ongoing efforts to consolidate the UAE and Dubai’s role as a leading hub for shaping the future. This programme has been developed as a unique and futuristic Masters programme to educate UAE nationals,”

said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer encouraged the employees participating in the programme to abide by the highest scientific and professional standards, moral values and positivity. He said that the best research faculty from UC Berkeley would teach them cutting-edge subjects, such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Renewable Generation Systems, and Cybersecurity, which are necessary to master the disruptive technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, contribute to the green economy transition, and promote climate change efforts.

“We believe that you will greatly benefit from this programme as we aim for technically savvy, competent and future employees who will lead our current and future initiatives. We are counting on you to be sincere, quality-focused, thoughtful, and transformative in your approaches and actions,”

Al Tayer concluded, addressing the students.

Dr Yousef Al-Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at DEWA, said that DEWA is committed to developing the capabilities of its employees and encourages them to learn continuously. To achieve this, DEWA has established partnerships with several prestigious international universities and research centres. He noted that DEWA designed the Master’s Programme in Future Energy Systems & Technology in collaboration with UC Berkeley for Emirati employees to obtain a higher degree in a futuristic and unique domain that allows them to learn advanced topics. These enhance their skills and capabilities to respond to developments, keep pace with changes, and acquire the necessary skills to anticipate and shape the future.

Impress Your Tech-Savvy Family and Friends with LG’s Latest Monitors for Tech Enthusiasts, Professionals and Gamers.

With Eid Al Fitr just around the corner, it is time to remind our loved ones that we are grateful for them. LG Electronics (LG) has the perfect gifts to match different audiences’ needs. Whether you have a tech lover on your list, or those looking for enhanced productivity and becoming masters at multitasking, LG offers an array of innovative monitors that are designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s tech fanatics – gamers, students, business users and multimedia professionals.

Unparalleled Gaming Experience

Take gaming to the next level with the newly launched LG 45” UltraGear OLED Curved Monitor (45GR95QE model). Featuring the 45-inch WQHD (3440×1440) OLED curved display with a 21:9 aspect ratio and 800R curvature, the monitor delivers the stunning picture quality that allows gamers to enjoy a fully immersive experience. With a 1,500,00:1 contrast ratio, DCI-P3 98.5% colour gamut, HDR10 and OLED pixel dimming, it offers true-to-life imagery and accurate colour representation, making it perfect for gaming or streaming. Additionally, the monitor’s industry-leading 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms GTG response time ensure blazing-fast speed and smooth gameplay for an unmatched gaming experience.

Enhanced Productivity

For those who spend long hours at their desk, a monitor from LG’s Ergo series would make the perfect gift. The LG DualUp monitor with Ergo stand features two 21.5-inch screens (16:9 aspect ratio) stacked into one single display, saving space on the desk and enhancing work efficiency. The Ergo stand enables easy adjustments of extend, retract, swivel, pivot, height and tilt, allowing users to set the perfect position of the screen for a healthier, more comfortable experience. Furthermore, the monitor’s SDQHD Nano IPS display with DCI-P3 98.5% colour gamut ensures vibrant colour reporudction, making it perfect for multimedia professionals.

Unmatched Multitasking

LG’s UltraWide Monitors are ideal gifts for those who need to accomplish multiple tasks at once. The monitors are available in different sizes, ranging from 25 to 34 inches, offering ample screen space to work on multiple projects simultaneously. LG’s IPS display supports a wide colour spectrum and offers outstanding brightness while providing a wide viewing angle. Additionally, LG’s UltraWide Monitor can become a productivity hub with a variety of connectivity options, including RJ45 (LAN port) for wired Ethernet and USB Type-C, allowing power delivery, data transferring and connection to devices with only a single cable.

Emirati flight engineer on ISS says he will wear it as a symbol of his commitment.

MBRSC explains final stages of rover prior to landing on Moon’s surface in April.

Launch of National Dialogue for Food Security aims to reduce imports and improve sustainability.

Salmon farming on land, Fitbit-style devices for cattle and acres of greenhouses producing vegetables in a Mediterranean environment — the face of farming in the UAE is changing fast.

With a 70 per cent increase in global food demand expected by 2050, and climate change affecting agricultural production, innovation is proving the key to easing food insecurity.

A campaign by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment aims to unite businesses with innovation and funding to tackle such issues.

Local farms are at the heart of the National Dialogue for Food Security, which will be supported to become major suppliers in the UAE to help reduce the reliance on imported goods.

The project will develop a platform for emerging innovation in food production to improve the use of hydroponic, aeroponic and aquaponic farming that uses minimal resources to produce a high yield of fresh fruit and vegetables while providing a gateway into the mass market.

The drive aims to increase domestic production and self-sufficiency of selected food items and improve the income of UAE farms without compromising food trade.

Under the plan, bodies will increase their purchases of fresh national food products to 50 per cent by the end of this year, 70 per cent by 2025 and 100 per cent by 2030.

Food products and plant varieties identified in the first phase include red meat, poultry, eggs and other dairy products, dates, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and aubergine. A study is currently being conducted to identify more products for the second phase.

Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Minister of State for Food Security, said recent global crises have underlined the need for promoting food security in the UAE.

“To promote food security, the UAE has taken strategic steps, such as deploying advanced technology to strengthen the local food production sector, enhancing its contribution to closing the food gap and tackling food loss and waste by launching several initiatives, like Ne’ma, to promote the sustainability of national farms,” she said.

“These initiatives aim to enhance food security in the UAE by boosting production and marketing effectiveness for local farms, particularly those following a modern and sustainable approach.”

Ne’ma — Arabic for blessing — is a campaign aimed at curbing food loss and waste by encouraging responsible consumption.

At a meeting on Monday to discuss the latest developments, it was revealed a farm in Maliha in Sharjah had produced more than 15,000 tonnes of protein-enriched wheat.

It is the latest example of how staple foods can be produced sustainably in the UAE.

The planet’s population is expected to swell to 9.5 billion by 2050, with climate change continuing to cause extreme weather events and drought which heavily impact food production.

With freshwater sources also depleting, scientists have turned to innovation to solve these global issues.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s recent statistics show there are 38,000 farms operating in the UAE.

Total UAE vegetable production is about 156,000 tonnes annually, with more than 500 tonnes of field crops and feed, while fruit production is about 200,000 tonnes.

Domestic production of vegetables currently meets more than 20 per cent of the total demand in the country.

Precision farming, using data science and agricultural engineering, has increased yields, while high-tech greenhouses and vertical farms are reducing the need for water.

In livestock agriculture, gene editing, bio-engineering and smart tech to monitor cattle more closely are being used to increase meat production to keep up with consumer demand and close the food price gap.

Alternative proteins with more food derived from non-animal sources are also likely to become more common, using insects and plant-based meats.

Farming innovation

Health trackers worn by dairy cattle — known as rumination collars — keep track of their health and food consumption, monitoring production and allowing farm managers to oversee a large herd more effectively.

An innovation already in widespread use across the country is salmon farming on land, using huge tanks to replicate the fish’s life-cycle in the wild.

Fish were identified as one of the UAE’s strategic food items under the 2018 Food Security Strategy.

At about 30kg per capita, it has among the fish highest consumption in the GCC, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.

In 2019, domestic fish made up only 8 per cent of UAE consumption but that is beginning to change, with farmed salmon controlled in freshwater tanks (which are transferred to seawater as they grow) proving an efficient method of sustainable production.

Added to these innovative farming methods, the growing of fruit and vegetables in the arid desert has become one of the biggest success stories.

In huge temperature-controlled farming tunnels and domes, Pure Harvest Smart Farms has created the perfect Mediterranean climate to produce impressive yields of fruit and vegetables in Al Ain.

With temperatures regulated to between 14°C-32°C, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables and berries are produced using only a 30th of the amount of water usually required.

“This shows what can be done,” said Sky Kurtz, chief executive of Pure Harvest, a smart farm producing around 18 metric tonnes of food a week.

“Change [in the way we produce food] will require investment and re-education.

“There is potential to localise sourcing for many of the UAE’s food needs and to do so in a way that is sustainable, economic and environmentally sound.”

By the end of this year, the UAE hopes local farms and producers will be able to supply half of some basic food requirements, such as greens, tomatoes, meat and poultry, with an ambition to double that target by 2030.

“This will require a co-ordinated effort between the government and the private sector,” said Mr Kurtz.

“Many of the technology-enabled food production solutions that are necessary to produce food year-round in the UAE require capital, scale and know-how to deliver.

“The more that the government can do to support the many elements that underpin the fundamental business cases of these solutions, the better.”