RESEARCH AND INNOVATION - uaeu.ac.ae · RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Excellence Knowledge Accredited Success Enriching Diverse Research Flagship Creativity Leadership

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Excellence Knowledge Accredited Success Enriching Diverse Research Flagship Creativity Leadership

04WELCOME FROM THE DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR

06RESEARCH FACTS AND FIGURES

08AREAS OF RESEARCH

10SUPPORT FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FUNDING

14DEDICATED RESEARCH CENTERS

24RESEARCH AND TEACHING FACILITIES

34RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS

36INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE

38FEATURED RESEARCH

52PUBLICATIONS

60CAMPUS MAP

62CONTACT US

CONTENTS

3www.uaeu.ac.ae

WELCOME FROM THE DEPUTY VICE

CHANCELLORThe United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is the flagship, research-led university in the UAE. It’s known for its excellence in teaching, research and other services

provided to local, regional and international communities. Over the next few years, UAEU is planning to increase its number of graduate students and the amount of research undertaken and led by highly qualified faculty in order to address the areas of strategic importance to the country. This aspiration, allied to change and innovation will help generate new research, protect intellectual property and diversify the national economy so as to contribute to the development of UAEU’s research community which is the largest and most comprehensive in the nation. The university’s research activities span the areas of Information Technology; Energy and the

Environment; Biotechnology; Biomedical and Health Sciences; Water Resources and Engineering. Faculty, staff and graduate students have produced a large number of published papers in internationally acclaimed, peer-reviewed journals.

The diverse research activities of our faculty contribute to a more fulfilling experience for undergraduate and graduate students alike. These available research training opportunities will help produce the next generation of scholars and researchers who are well-prepared to push back the boundaries of knowledge and discovery. The Division of Research and Graduate Studies continues to promote research by broadening and strengthening UAEU's research portfolio, by supporting new faculty and allocating resources and grants to suitable research projects. We aim to improve the university’s research agenda, invest in active research and graduate programs, optimize our support for research and commercialize discoveries made by UAEU researchers.

It’s important to recognize the ongoing support of the UAEU administration as they seek to make UAEU a research intensive (and extensive) institution in line with its vision to promote leadership and excellence in higher education and scientific research at the regional and international levels.

Prof. Ghaleb Ali Al HadramiDeputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies

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2010 2012 20142011 2013 2015

RESEARCH FACTS AND FIGURES

Subject Areas of Major Publications from 2009 to 2015 (Source: SCOPUS)

COMPUTER SCIENCE (17.8%)

MEDICINE (26.8%)

ENGINEERING (17.1%)

BIOCHEMISTRY, GENETICS AND MOLECULARBIOLOGY (14.8%)

SOCIAL SCIENCES (9.5%)AGRICULTURAL ANDBIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (7.7%)

MATHEMATICS (7.4%)

PHYSICS ANDASTRONOMY (7.3%)

CHEMISTRY (6.4%)

ENVIRONMENTALSCIENCE (6.3%)

OTHER (45.0%)PATENTS GRANTED

(FROM 2007 TO JULY 2015)

PATENTSAPPLIED FOR WORLDWIDE

(UP TO JULY 2015)

LABORATORIES ON CAMPUS

PATENTEDINVENTIONS FILED(UP TO JULY 2015)

600+

7

480

66

150

142

400

36

ONGOINGRESEARCH

CONTRACTS WITHINDUSTRY

ONGOING RESEARCHPROJECTS

ESTABLISHEDRESEARCH CENTERS

ONGOING INTERNALRESEARCH

GRANTS

100 908

1,380 37

2002 1,865

UAEU

Nationality or Region of UAEU Researchers

OVER 100 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES HAVE COLLABORATED WITH UAEU OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS.

UAEU RECEIVED AED 165M IN EXTERNAL FUNDING FOR 908 RESEARCH PROJECTS FROM 2007 – 2014.

UAEU LAUNCHED ITS FIRST MASTER’S PROGRAM IN 1991 AND 1,380 MASTER’S STUDENTS HAVE GRADUATED SINCE THEN.

UAEU LAUNCHED ITS FIRST PH.D PROGRAM IN 2010 AND 37 PH.D STUDENTS HAVE GRADUATED SINCE THEN.

UAEU HAS DOUBLED THE NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS BY FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS SINCE 2002.

THERE HAVE BEEN 1,865 PUBLISHED PAPERS CO-AUTHORED WITH ACADEMICS FROM 900 DIFFERENT INSTITUTIONS IN 95 COUNTRIES FROM 2010-2015.

UAEU HAS THE HIGHEST VOLUME OF PUBLICATIONS ATTRIBUTED TO A TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN THE UAE.

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AREAS OF RESEARCHOne of the great strengths of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is its ability to address the significant challenges facing the United Arab Emirates today through its research activities. Research at UAEU has contributed significantly to the development of the country in many areas. These range from research into water resources, petroleum resources, solar and other forms of renewable energy to medical, social and economic activities. UAEU has a wide ranging research remit that allows faculty to conduct research in a variety of important areas (see below).

• Energy and the Environment • Water Technology • Bio- and Nano-Technology • Sustainability in the Built Environment • Structures and Rehabilitation • Transportation Systems and Safety • Materials and Manufacturing • Microelectronics and Computer Systems • Mechatronics and Robotics • Power and Control • Computations and Signal Processing.

• Computational Sciences • Desert and Marine Ecology • Entomology • Bioinformatics • Computational Chemistry • Mineral Resources and Hydrocarbons • Geologic Hazards and Landscape Development • Topology and Applied DNA Dynamics • Advanced Materials in the Semiconductor Industry • Theoretical and High Energy Physics • Superconductivity.

HUMANITIES AND THE SOCIAL SCIENCES:

• Computational and Cognitive Linguistics; Semantics and Sociolinguistics • Neuroimaging of Language • Mediterranean Archaeology. • Social Welfare Policy: Child Abuse, Women’s Issues, Adolescent Issues. • Psychological Disorders, Language and Autism, and Down’s Syndrome. • Remote Sensing and GIS Applications • Security and Global Issues.

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE:

• Aquaponic Technology • Plant Technology • Irrigation and Water Saving Technology • Nano-technology in Animal Feedstuffs • Natural Antibiotics in Animals • Food Product Development • Novel and Functional Foods; and Ingredients • “Omics” and Advanced Analytical Methods for the Analysis of Food.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS:• Sequential Analysis • Decision Making • E-Business • Strategic Management Accounting • Taxation • Risk Management.

LAW:• Constitutional Law • Criminal Law • Criminal Procedures • Administration Law and Government Contracts • International Public Law • International Public Criminal Law • Civil Law • Contracts • Commercial Law • Companies Law • Insurance • Maritime Law • Arbitration and Dispute Resolution • Civil Procedures.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:

• Computer Systems Design • Electronic Commerce •Enterprise Systems • Intelligent Systems • Information Security • Networking Softwar evelopment.

MEDICAL, LIFE AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES:

• Cancer and Oncology.• Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease • Genetics, Epigenetics and Development • Neuroscience • Immunoregulation and Infection • Trauma.

EDUCATION: • Curriculum and Instruction • Special Education • The Foundations of Education • Physical Education.

ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY AND THE CHEMICAL SCIENCES:

EARTH, PHYSICAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES:

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SUPPORT FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FUNDINGThe Division of Research and Graduate Studies (DRGS) at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is committed to enhancing UAEU's standing as the leading research-intensive university in the UAE. Besides fostering links with external funding bodies, the DRGS coordinates a variety of internally-funded university-wide research grants. There are currently five different internal funding opportunities available to researchers at UAEU.

Start-up:This is a research funding opportunity for faculty who have recently joined UAEU and would like to set up research programs or agendas. The funding provided by UAEU is

in the form of a one-time award granted to faculty who demonstrate that the funding will have an important impact on their research endeavors and result in a significantly enhanced outcome.

University Program for Advanced Research (UPAR):This is a research funding opportunity that supports innovative research proposals from UAEU faculty. It is a competitive process.

Interdisciplinary Center-Based Research:This program supports cutting-edge interdisciplinary research proposals in areas covered by the 7 Research Centers at UAEU.

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Sources of Funding for 2015

4% 3%

3%

29%Lundbeck

19%Abu Dhabi

Municipality

2%4%

4%

AbuDhabi Education CouncilOthers

Dassault-Aviation

Ministry of Higher Education

Al Jalila Foundation

Japan Petroleum Cooperation Center

2015 26%

NationalResearch

Foundation (NRF)

9%Environment

Agency of Abu Dhabi

Allocation of Internal Funding (2013 - 2015)

External Funding Support

0

50

100

150

200

20152014201320122011201020092008200720062005

166Projects

42Projects

55Projects 45

Projects

71Projects

119Projects 107

Projects

119Projects

90Projects

94Projects

70ProjectsNo

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AED

4,84

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22,9

96,7

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14,8

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10

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12

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80,7

96

AED

27,4

11,55

2

AED

23,0

66,0

34

AED

11,39

9,76

2

AED

5,71

1,429

AED

5,36

2,84

0

The seven research centers are:1. Emirates Center for Energy and

Environmental Research. 2. Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and

Biotechnology.3. National Water Center. 4. Roadway, Transportation and Traffic Safety

Research Center. 5. UAEU Center for Public Policy and Leadership. 6. Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences.7. National Space Science and Technology Center.

UAEU Collaborative Projects with other Institutions:There is a grant that supports innovative proposals from joint applicants provided

one is a UAEU faculty while the other is from an outside institution. It is a competitive process. The duration of these projects is flexible and the budget is shared equally between the two institutions.

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE):The purpose of the SURE program is to support undergraduate research by providing students with exposure to, and training in, research while working in teams with other undergraduate and graduate students under the supervision of qualified faculty.

UAEU has established many partnerships with institutions, organizations and companies in the UAE's public and private sector in areas of concern to the country. There have been projects between UAEUs researchers and government and other bodies related to energy, environmental

protection, water, health care, traffic safety, biotechnology and many other important issues. These joint ventures involve UAEU faculty in cutting-edge research that serves the country while also serving as training for the next generation of scientists in these vital areas.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

AED

51.3

m

University Program for AdvancedResearch (UPAR)

Interdisciplinary Center-Based Research

Start-upResearch

College-Based Seed GrantProgram

Summer Undergraduates Research Experience (SURE)

AED

43.2

m

AED

34.8

m

AED

6.3m

AED

2.7m

138Projects

89Projects

101Projects

100+Projects

66ProjectsNo

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UAEU boasts seven world-class research centers, including:

1. Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Center for Health SciencesThe United Arab Emirates University, with the generous support of the Zayed Foundation, established the Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences (ZCHS) in 2012. The center provides a combination of research, teaching, professional development, policy analysis and health consultancy. The main objective of the center is to undertake authentic scientific research relevant to the health of UAE population.

Areas of Research include:• Population health.

• Molecular medicine.

• Nutrition and health.

Contact information:Phone: +971 3 713 7452. Email: [email protected]

2. Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and BiotechnologyThe Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (KCGEB) was established in 2014 by the United Arab Emirates University and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs to form a center of excellence for the genetic engineering of desert plants and biotechnology. The center is dedicated to the development of desert plants

and biotechnological to support a sustainable desert agro-ecosystem for the UAE and other arid zones around the world. The main objective of the research at the Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology is to increase the ability of plants to resist drought and heat while developing a tolerance to salt.

Areas of Research include:

• Genetic transformation of local plant species.

• Analytical gene quantification.

• Propagation of transgenic plants.

• Elucidation of the actions of gene products.

Contact informationPhone: +971 3 713 5620. Email: [email protected]

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3. Roadway, Transportation and Traffic Safety Research CenterThe Roadway, Transportation and Traffic Safety Research Center (RTTSRC) was established in June 2004 to serve the nation's development goals in the fields of highway engineering, transportation and traffic safety. The RTTSRC offers a variety of services including the gathering and documentation of information, field studies and surveys and analyzing information regarding the roads and the transportation sector in the UAE. The center also disseminates technical expertise through training programs, symposia and conferences as well as developing research programs for projects that have a high priority in terms of the development of the UAE.

The RTTSRC is registered as a consulting body with the Department of Planning and the Economy and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry for roadways and transportation projects. It is also registered as an engineering consultancy with the municipalities of both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Areas of Research include:• Transportation infrastructure.

• Transport policy, planning and management.

• Traffic management and operations.

• Transportation and the environment.

• Traffic safety.

• The transfer and dissemination of technology.

Contact information

Phone: +971 3 713 4350/4351. Email: [email protected]

4. UAEU Center for Public Policy and LeadershipThe UAEU Center for Public Policy and Leadership was established in 2013 and aims to offer solutions and innovative approaches to deal with the various challenges facing the United Arab Emirates. It is also a key partner in promoting excellence and innovation in public policy, governance and leadership. The center has four main objectives: to conduct research on public policy and leadership; to develop an information bank; to provide training and professional development for those working in public policy, and to promote relationships with the community and other stakeholders.

The UAEU Center for Public Policy and Leadership is an academic research unit serving the federal government, local government and the private sector by providing effective solutions and innovative approaches towards various issues of governance.

Areas of Research include:• Economic policies.

• Social policies.

• Labor policies.

• Governance programs and excellence in government.

Contact informationPhone: + 971 3 713 5022. Email: [email protected]

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5. Emirates Center for Energy and Environmental ResearchThe interdisciplinary Emirates Center for Energy and Environmental Research (ECEER) was established in 2014 and has four units: (1) oil and gas; (2) alternative and renewable energy; (3) energy efficiency and (4) energy policy studies. The ECEER addresses the UAE’s research priorities in relation to energy and the environment while working closely with national stakeholders. The aims of the center are to provide solutions to industry and government agencies; to foster research networks between UAEU researchers and local and international institutions, and to develop innovative technology in terms of energy and the environment.

Areas of Research include:• Oil and Gas: Developing the technology to

improve the recovery and sustainability of the U.A.E.’s hydrocarbon resources. This covers both upstream and downstream oil and gas operations in order to minimize their environmental impact.

• Alternative and Renewable Energy: Developing the technology for solar photovoltaic, wind, bio-fuel, fuel cell and other standalone or hybrid resources to improve small and large-scale application in the generation of electricity and water. This is done in the transportation, building and other sectors.

• Energy Efficiency: Developing more efficient methods for energy utilization and mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in buildings, transportation, heavy industry, consumer electronics, domestic applications and others.

• Energy Policy Studies: To undertake comparative studies of the UAE, regional and world energy markets and their concomitant policies. This takes into account energy economics and worldwide supply and demand trends. The center also considers policy trends and the impact of carbon taxes alongside other international efforts related to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its various implications.


6. National Water CenterThe UAEU National Water Center (NWC) was established in 2014 and encourages basic and applied research in order to serve the critical needs of the nation in relation to water conservation and sustainability. The center consists of three units: water quality, water technology and water resources and ecology. Besides conducting its own research, the NWC cooperates with national and international entities and other stakeholders in the water sector.

Areas of Research, Education and Consultancy include:• Hydrology.

• Domestic water supply and sanitation.

• Aspects of water quality.

• Reuse of water.

• High precision irrigation for agriculture, private gardens and the community.

• Approaches towards an integrated, water and energy saving agriculture. E.g. aquaculture systems.

• Development and adaptation of water management strategies, methods and tools.

• Implementing integrated concepts and tools. E.g. decision support systems.

• Data processing and evaluation.

• Database implementation.



7. National Space Science and Technology CenterThe National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) launched in 2016. It was established to contribute and strengthen the fields of Space Science and Space Technology and to become a significant space science and technology hub in the region. The priorities of the center are three-fold: excellence in space science, engineering leadership in space technologies, and providing innovative

solutions to societal challenges. A world-class space science program will be established at the center, and will become the foundational driver of tomorrow’s space technologies. The center strives to attract, train and retain highly qualified personnel and research talent.

The main areas of focus of the center are research and development, higher education and community outreach. The center strives to establish close collaborations with the local space and technology industries as well as with established space and technology centers worldwide.

The center will be home to four multidisciplinary Research Units, namely:

1. Remote Sensing (RS), Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS);

2. Space Communications;

3. Space and Atmospheric Sciences; and

4. Space Technology.

Contact informationPhone: +971 3 713 6708.Email: [email protected]


24 25www.uaeu.ac.ae

The UAEU community is engaged in the discovery and exploitation of knowledge. UAEU brings an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to this task. UAEU faculty, researchers and students face challenges and use imaginative approaches to solve problems. They work together to enhance knowledge and make a meaningful contribution to the country, region and world.

A combination of teaching and research is a fundamental concern at UAEU. Faculty and students have access to cutting- edge teaching and research facilities such as scientific laboratories.

Some of the world-class facilities on campus include:

College of Humanities and Social Sciences:TV Studio The TV studio is a multi-million dirham facility fully equipped with state-of-the-art TV production equipment. It trains students in television production and broadcasting.

The studio was established in 2014 in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi based Two Four 54 company. At present it can accommodate 15-20 trainees. This facility can deal with modern, digital television production. It has 3 cameras and 3 CCUs to control camera settings. There is a waveform monitor that balances color; a lighting console;

a vision mixer for editing and cutting between camera shots; a sound mixer and audio console; an autocue and a talkback system. The studio is also equipped with ADOBE Premiere Pro CC software for post-production editing.

As part of their training students record news programs every Thursday and then broadcast these around campus through public TV monitors at different locations.

Other facilities include:1. Neurolinguistics Laboratory.2. Speech Perception Laboratory.3. Behavioral Neuroscience Psychology

Laboratory.4. Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Laboratory.5. GIS and Remote Sensing Laboratories.6. Climate Station Laboratory.7. Geomorphology Laboratory.


College of Medicine and Health SciencesAnimal Research FacilityThe Animal Research Facility (ARF) manages animal research at UAEU and oversees the campus wide animal care and use program. ARF provides assistance to scientists, faculty, staff and students who have received Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC) approval to perform research, testing or educational studies on animals. The facilities include: holding rooms; behavioral experiment laboratories; operation theatres; an experimental room; a treatment room; a cage and bedding storage area; a cage sterilization room; a horizontal autoclave; a breeding area and a cold room.

Other facilities include:1. Electrophysiology Research Laboratory.2. Imaging Unit.3. Analytical and Molecular Unit.4. Cellular Biology Facility. 5. Anatomy Dissection Laboratory.6. Basic Science Teaching Laboratories.7. Microscopy Laboratory.8. A Clinical Skills and Simulation Center.

College of LawMoot Courts and Legal ClinicThe college provides two purpose built moot courts enabling students to take part in simulated court proceedings that involve drafting briefs, participating in oral arguments and holding mock trials.

In addition, the college provides a free legal clinic to assist practical student learning as well as serving the legal needs of the local community.

College of EducationAssessment and Remedial Unit (ARU)The College of Education provides an Assessment and Remedial Unit (ARU) for students, and other

members of the community, who are affected by some of the following disabilities: learning disabilities; sensory impairment; emotional disorders; mental impairment; speech disorders and autism. The services provided include counseling, assessment, remedial services and training.

Other facilities include:1. Early Childhood Center.2. Mathematics and Science Center.3. Physical Fitness and Health Laboratory.

College of Information TechnologyRobotics and Drone LaboratoriesThe robotics laboratory allows students to design, build and program robots using Webot software. They can also program Khpera robots in a specially equipped laboratory. The laboratory contains 2 HP XW6400 workstations; 1 optiplex 9600; 3 nano robots; 3 lego mindstorms; 3 biolod kits and 1 cube X 3D printer.

In addition, the College of Information Technology houses an advanced drone research laboratory designed to provide a collaborative research environment that meets the need to develop UAV technology that can be integrated with civil and commercial applications. The laboratory facilitates interdisciplinary research projects involving UAV technology and related senior student projects.


Other facilities include:

1. Circuit and Digital Laboratories.2. Computer Architecture Laboratory.3. VLSI/ASIC Design Laboratories.4. Multimedia and Mobile Services

Laboratories.5. Business Integration Laboratories.6. Immersion Learning Laboratories.7. Ethical Hacking Laboratory.8. Firewall and VPN Laboratory.9. Biometrics Laboratory.10. Intrusion Detection Laboratories (IDS).11. Wireless Communication and Security

Laboratories.12. Cryptography Laboratory.13. Bioinformatics Laboratory.14. Grid/Cloud Computing Laboratory.15. Advanced Networking Laboratory.16. Network Fundamentals Laboratory.17. IP Telephony and Multimedia

Communications Laboratory.18. Embedded Systems Laboratory.19. Software Development Laboratory.

College of Food and AgricultureFood Pilot Plant and Nutrition ClinicThe food pilot plant is a scaled-down factory built to simulate food and beverage manufacturing practices. The facility is used for teaching, research and to provide food processing services to industrial clients. They can evaluate new ingredients, formulations and other processes on a small scale.

The college also provides a nutrition clinic for female students and university staff. The clinic is staffed with highly qualified nutritionists who assist their students in providing advice in clinical nutrition, nutritional assessment, nutrition education and nutrition counseling.

Other facilities include:1. Fish Laboratory.2. Animal Nutrition Laboratory.3. Plant Molecular Genetics/Plant

Biotechnology Laboratory.4. Sensory Analysis Laboratory. 5. Food Preparation Laboratory.6. Biochemical Nutrition Research Laboratory.7. Biomedical Analysis Laboratory.8. Body Composition and Fitness Laboratory.

College of ScienceGenomic Core Facility The Genomic Core Facility in the Department of Biology provides solutions for DNA sequencing from gene to genome level. The unit houses state-of-art equipment: an ion proton next generation sequencing machine; an ion PGM next generation sequencing machine; a 3500 gene analyzer – including 8 capillaries for Sanger sequencing; a Q24 pyrosequencer; a bioanalyzer and a Pippin Prep and Real Time PCR – by Agilent Technologies.

Other facilities include:1. Microbiology Laboratory.2. Marine Biology Laboratory.3. Animal Physiology Laboratory.4. Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratories.5. Central Laboratories Unit.6. Geophysics and Seismic Laboratory.7. Structural Geology Laboratory.8. Hydrogeology Laboratory.9. Magnetism and Superconductivity

Laboratory.10. Ultra High Vacuum Chamber for

Nanoparticle Production.

30 31www.uaeu.ac.ae

College of EngineeringArtificial Sky and Structures Laboratories The daylighting laboratory in the Architectural Engineering Department has a full dome Artificial Sky (AS) with integrated heliodon. The AS is used in several courses as an advanced simulator for optimizing daylighting designs in architectural spaces and also for conducting advanced daylighting studies.

The structures laboratory in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department is

equipped with a state-of-the-art earthquake simulator (Shake Tale) facility. This 5 million dirham piece of equipment is a way to measure and simulate the effects of strong earthquakes on structures. It assesses their ability to resist earthquakes of a magnitude that might occur in the UAE and wider region.

Other facilities include:1. Lighting and Acoustics Laboratory.2. Urban Laboratory.3. Model Making Laboratory.4. Measurement Laboratories.5. Properties of Petroleum and Petroleum

Products Laboratory.6. PVT Analysis Laboratory.7. Drilling Laboratory.8. Concrete Laboratory.9. Hydraulics Laboratory.10. Circuits and Electronics Laboratory.11. Communication and Microprocessors

Laboratory.12. Electrical Machine Laboratory.13. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Laboratory.14. Bio-Engineering Laboratory.15. Systems Control Laboratory.16. Robotics and Vibration Laboratory.17. Mechatronics Laboratory.

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RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS UAEU fosters research partnerships with governmental, corporate and academic institutions both nationally and internationally. UAEU seeks to provide solutions for society's most pressing issues through scientific technological innovation. Over the years many joint projects have been undertaken with governmental and private organizations. Our current research partnerships include:

Algeria

Argentina

Australia

Austria

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brazil

Brunei Darussalam

Bulgaria

Cameroon

Canada

Chile

China

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Egypt

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

Iceland

India

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Jordan

Kenya

Kuwait

Lebanon

Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Macedonia (FYROM)

Malaysia

Malta

Mexico

Morocco

Netherlands

New Zealand

Nigeria

Norway

Oman

Pakistan

Poland

Portugal

Puerto Rico

Qatar

Romania

Russian Federation

Saudi Arabia

Serbia

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Sudan

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Tanzania

Thailand

Tunisia

Turkey

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United States

Uzbekistan

List of Partnership Countries

NATIONAL PARTNERS » Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) » Prime Minister’s Office » National Research Foundation » Ministry of Education » Federal Demographic Council (FDC) » Health Authority of Abu Dhabi » Al Ain Municipality » Takreer » Advanced Technology Investment Co. (ATIC) » General Sectretariat of the Executive council » Abu Dhabi Municipality » Abu Dhabi Autonomous System Investments Co. » Abu Dhabi Education Council » Al Jalila Foundation » Exeed Ind. LLC » The Information and Communication

Technology Fund (ICT Fund) » The Petroleum Institute

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS » JX Nippon Research Institute » Dassault-Aviation » Terry Fox Research Foundation » Lundbeck » Japan Cooperation Center, Petroleum (JCCP),

Japan » Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), Qatar » Qatar University, Qatar » Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Oman » Research Center for Advanced Science and

Technology (RCAST) at the University of Tokyo, Japan

» National Transport Authority » Khalifa University of Science, Technology

and Research » Al Ain Zoo » Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority » Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) » Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi » Tourism Development and Investment

Company (TDIC) » Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) » Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Academic

Medical Center (AMC) » Emirates Steel Industries » Ministry of Environment and Water (UAE) » Dubai Electricity and Water Authority » Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council » Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council » Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and

Industry (ADCCI)

» University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain » UniQuest, Australia » National Institute of Transport, Ministry of

Transport, Egypt » Technische Universitat Dresden (TUD),

Germany » City University, London, England » Children's Hospital, Boston, USA » ICPA, Loma Linda University, USA » York University,Toronto, Canada » Ezose Sciences Inc., USA » Schlumberger Water Services » Intel, USA

34 35www.uaeu.ac.ae34 35

The university has a role in the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, especially knowledge that serves the public interest. This creates an environment which is highly conductive to development of many forms of intellectual property. There is always the possibility that such developments may have a commercial value and UAEU is committed to exploiting such opportunities to the benefit of the UAE economy, the inventors and innovators themselves, our collaborating partners and the university.

The Intellectual Property Office at UAEU is responsible for implementing policies relating to the commercialization of intellectual property (IP) and for the management of the intellectual property portfolio generated by UAEU research programs.

This includes:

• Financial support for researchers.

• Preparing research contracts, non-disclosure and material transfer agreements.

• Assisting researchers in identifying their intellectual property and completing disclosure forms.

• Performing due diligence checks on disclosure forms.

• Searching patent databases.

• Developing strategies for the protection of intellectual property.

• Preparing and filing patent applications.

• Developing commercialization strategies to exploit IP at UAEU.

• Sourcing of licensees and the marketing of inventions.

• Drafting and negotiating license agreements.

• Meeting contractual obligations. This includes reporting new intellectual property to the relevant state agencies.

UAEU has an emerging intellectual property (IP) portfolio. Since 2007 more than 66 patents have been filed and another 142 subsequent patent applications drafted. By July 2015, UAEU had been granted 36 patents in its own name.

Patent Jurisdictions Include:Australia; Canada; China; the GCC; Hong Kong; Japan; the EU; the UAE; the UK and the USA.

Joint Applications Include:York University – Canada; North Carolina, Greensboro (UNCG); South Marmara Development Agency (SMDAB) – Turkey; University of Pergui – Italy; Japan Cooperation Center for Petroleum (JCCP); Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) – USA; National University of Singapore (NUS); UC Berkeley – USA; Masdar Institute; Khalifa University; American University of Sharjah (AUS); Abu-Dhabi University and ADNOC.

36 37www.uaeu.ac.ae

PATENTS

Health and Medical SectorINVENTIONMonoclonal Antibodies for Parkinson`s Disease

Inventor(s) Dr. Omar El Agnaf

DescriptionThe early detection of Parkinson’s and an accurate clinical diagnosis are key issues in developing medicine to fight this disease.

The invention is a method that allows for the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and the creation of novel therapeutic vaccines for Parkinson’s and related illnesses with a similar pathology. To date there is no antibody that specifically recognizes the oligomeric forms of α-synuclein: therefore raising monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize the aggregated forms of α-synuclein could be an important tool in developing a novel approach for the diagnosis and immunotherapy of Parkinson's Disease.

Potential Applications• Diagnostics of Parkinson’s Disease• Development of a novel therapeutic vaccine to

treat Parkinson’s and related illnesses• Provision of technology for further research

FEATURED RESEARCHOver the past ten years, the United Arab Emirates University has been recognized as one of the leading national and regional research institutions with aspirations to enhance that reputation. The following exhibits represent examples of research carried out by UAEU faculty and students in recent years.

INVENTIONNatural Antibiotics from Date Pits

Inventor(s)Dr. Ahmed Hussein, Dr. Ibrahim Belal, Salem Rashed and Dr. Khalid El Tarabily

DescriptionGlobal demand for organic meat such as chicken and beef has been steadily increasing. However, since livestock and poultry can be infected with bacteria such as E. coli, antibiotics are usually added to animal feed to prevent illness. Unfortunately, the antibiotics that are currently in use, while effective in combating food borne diseases, are non-organic.

Researchers at the United Arab Emirates University discovered a method for creating a safer, natural antibiotic derived from palm tree dates, which promotes growth while simultaneously fighting against food-borne bacteria.

INVENTIONBio-Artificial Liver Device

Inventor(s)Dr. Ali Abdalla Saif Hilal Al Naqbi and Dr. Abdul Hamid Murad

DescriptionThe liver is the site of protein and amino acid production. Once the liver fails its functions are very difficult to replicate. To date, there is no approved therapy other than human liver transplant. Bio- artificial liver devices and the incubation of liver cells are only short term solutions that bridge the gap until the liver transplant.

Every commercially available device is a two compartment design which has problems with liver cell viability and functionality due to insufficient oxygen.

Potential Applications • Medical treatment (liver and kidney)• Cultivation of cells• Protein production

The method involves extracting a special type of sugar found in date pits, which when fermented, can be transformed into a powerful, natural antibiotic.

This innovation can keep livestock and poultry safe while eliminating the need to treat them with non-organic antibiotics.

Potential Applications• Antibiotics for use in poultry and other

livestock• Potential future use in humans


INVENTIONHyperthermia Therapeutic Agent Delivery

Inventor(s)Dr. Yousef Haik

Invention DescriptionThe side effects of conventional cancer treatments (chemotherapy), such as hair loss and nausea, are a big disadvantage to these methods. The completion of cancer treatment could be increased due to a high level of comfort if the effective agent could be deployed more specifically within the cancer cells.

The system employs a smart carrier that upon injection into the patients’ body will seek and home at the tumor site. A multifunctional particle has been developed to release a chemotherapeutic agent dose at the tumor site upon exposure to an electromagnetic field which significantly reduces the overall treatment dose.

In addition of being a hyperthermia agent, the multifunctional particle can be remotely detected to help the treating physician in monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment noninvasively.

Potential Applications • Medical applications (i.e. Cancer treatment)

INVENTIONProtective Vest

Inventor(s)Dr. Ali Al Marzouqi, Dr. Mahmoud Al Ahmad, Shamsa Al Dhaheri, Maryam Al Jabri, Ghubaisha Al Ameri

DescriptionThis invention can prevent drowning. It also allows for the user to be located via GPS. It is suitable for any age group regardless of body weight.

Potential Applications • Health centers• Pharmacies and medical supply stores• Sports shops

INVENTIONNano-metallic Alloy Delivery System for Treatment of Infected Cells and Legions


DescriptionInfections are a major medical problem that is challenged by resistance to antibiotics. This results in increased danger for patients and also higher treatment costs.

INVENTIONMinimally Invasive Assessment of IgE Mediated Allergies


DescriptionAllergies are a major cause of health defects (e.g. respiratory distress, shock. Etc.). The most severe reactions to food are associated with immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated hypersensitivity.

Current approaches used to diagnose allergies (skin tests, skin prick tests, assays of serum IgE levels, histamine release test, etc.) have drawbacks such as false negative or positive results, low sensitivity, and are also highly invasive.

This invention is a highly accurate rapid detection technique that assesses the presence of allergy indicators in body fluids such as blood serum or saliva. The system makes use of a class of nanoparticles that capture allergy indicators, even when present only in traces.

The second also detects the concentration of indicators via a simple device similar to that used for glucose detection in diabetic patients.

Potential Applications • Allergy diagnostics• Prophylactic screening

This invention introduces a mechanism for using nanoparticles (inorganic composition) which can destroy bacteria over an extended period of time (biocide characteristics). This is an alternative solution for infections that require long-term treatment and can be combined with surgical intervention.

Potential Applications• Disinfecting the outside of the body• Prophylactic applications• Clinical hygiene


Clean Tech SectorINVENTIONAlternative Renewable Energy Harvesting

Inventor(s)Dr. Mahmoud Al Ahmad and Dr. Irfan Saadat

DescriptionThere has been increased demand to harvest energy from non-traditional alternative energy sources for self-powered sensor chipsets located in remote locations that can operate at extremely low power levels.

The invention is an energy harvesting loop system in which the output of the harvester is fed back to an oscillator. The output from the oscillator is a positive feedback into a piezoelectric generator that provides a cyclic load for oscillation. The recycling of the harvested power keeps the system operating for sustained periods (battery free). The system enables self-contained, autonomous, self-powered devices, sensors and circuits to harvest energy from the environment to generate power.

Potential Applications • Remote/ isolated area applications• Telecommunication systems• Transportation systems• Biomedical applications• Mobile applications• Environmental and industrial sensor

applications

42 43www.uaeu.ac.ae

Industrial Applications SectorINVENTIONFoot-Based Navigation Control

Inventor(s)Reem Al Marzouqi, Hazem El Shorbagy, Husam Haboush and Dr. Yousef Haik

DescriptionSome people suffer from temporary or long-term disabilities that do not allow them to use their limbs. For example, driving a vehicle without hands is clearly a challenge.

The research team developed a system which allows people to operate a motor vehicle using only their feet. The device gives the operator full control of the vehicle without the use of their arms and upper body by providing three separate interfaces on the vehicle’s floor:

(1) A steering engagement interface;

(2) An acceleration engagement interface, and

(3) A brake engagement interface.

Potential Applications • Drivers with disabilities• Unique terrain machinery operation

INVENTIONHeat Transfer Apparatus for Passive Cooling

Inventor(s)Dr. Mohamed Younes El Saghir Selim, Fatima Mohammed Ali Khassib Al Kaabi and Rushdia Ali Mohamed Dewaib Al Zeyoudi

DescriptionDuring high temperatures the interior of a vehicle can be affected: plastic and leather interiors can deteriorate and the electronic system may be damaged.

The invention is a passive cooling device based on an evaporative cooling effect. It includes a heat pipe that can rapidly transfer heat from one point to another by using a boiling liquid as a heat transfer mechanism. The liquid will evaporate inside a car and be moved outside the car where the gas then condenses and returns to liquid form.

Potential Applications• Automotive• Medical equipment• Other industrial applications

www.uaeu.ac.ae44 45

Oil and Gas SectorINVENTIONA Cost Effective Method for Detecting Poisonous Hydrogen Sulfide Gas in the Oil and Gas Industry

Inventor(s)Dr. Sayed Marzooq and Dr. Mohamed Al Marzouqi

DescriptionWorking in the oil and gas industry can be a dangerous job as hydrogen sulfide, a poisonous and highly corrosive gas, is a naturally occurring component of crude oil and natural gas. To safeguard workers against possible exposure, the industry relies on detection devices that are not only expensive, but have short life spans and can sometimes produce inaccurate results.

Researchers at UAEU are developing a more accurate device that detects the existence of this poisonous gas “in-stream” by measuring the sulfide ion concentration via liquid absorption. Since the reaction of hydrogen sulfide results in a change in temperature, it can be measured. A temperature reading can accurately indicate the amount of sulfide present in the stream. The result is a simple, practical device that improves detection accuracy while eliminating the need for expensive instruments.

Potential Applications• Safety in the Oil and Gas Industry• Safety in Other Energy Industries

INVENTIONHydrogen Gas Sensors

Inventor(s)Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Ayesh

DescriptionConventional methods for detecting hydrogen gas concentration in industrial applications are expensive, have a low sensitivity, are hard to calibrate, work at high temperatures and are not very efficient.

This invention is a cost effective, sensitive and efficient sensor which enables the detection of hydrogen gas and determines its concentration. The sensor consists of a substrate, a discontinuous film of nanoclusters and electrical electrodes which generate a linear electrical current response signal that is related to the concentration of hydrogen.

Potential ApplicationsDetecting hydrogen leakage in:

• Fuel cells• Metal heat treatments• Oil refineries

46 47www.uaeu.ac.ae

Electronics SectorINVENTIONSemiconducting Polymers and Their Use

Inventor(s)Dr. Yousef Haik, Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Ayesh and Mohsin Mahmoud Allawy

DescriptionSilicon based semiconductors are limited by two factors: flexibility and cost. Therefore the demand for polymeric electronics has been rising and several attempts have been made to produce conductive and semi-conductive polymers.

The invention is a method of converting non-conductive polymers into conductive polymers by doping polymers with ionic liquids (bulk). In addition, the ionic liquids contribute to the mechanical and thermal properties of the polymeric blends. Of particular interest is their ability to modulate electrical conductivity by controlling the dopant concentration.

Potential Applications• Semiconductors• Electronics• Advanced materials

48 49www.uaeu.ac.ae

Advanced Materials SectorINVENTIONFilter and Process for Producing Carbon Nanotubes from Automotive Exhaust

Inventor(s)Dr. Yousef Haik; Saud Al-Dajah; Emad El-Najjar

DescriptionThe high cost of producing carbon nanotubes prevents their utilization in a number of industrial applications.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are molecular structures that are very valuable in nanotechnology thanks to their thermal conductivity, mechanical and electrical properties. They can be used in electronics, optics and other fields. CNTs are used to build powerful solar cells, create faster computer chips, manufacture body-armour and design next generation thin bodied televisions. The creation of carbon nanotubes requires purified carbon sources which are produced through a process which is expensive and damages the environment.

Researchers at the United Arab Emirates University have discovered a way to convert waste materials into carbon nanotubes. The team created a filter that converts automotive exhausts into multi walled carbon nanotubes (MW-CNT). This does not require the processing typically associated with nanotubes. In fact, the process reduces emissions. The invention works by filtering the exhaust by using iron or a similar catalyst. Once the exhaust fumes pass through the catalyst the synthesized nanotubes are purified in an ionic liquid solution which produces purified carbon nanotubes up to 95% with a diameter of 20-50nm and a length of 1-10 micrometers.

Potential Applications• MW-CNT production• Environmental emission reduction

INVENTIONCarbon Nanotubes from Microalgae


DescriptionThe high cost of carbon nanotubes prevents their broader utilization in a number of industrial applications despite their otherwise interesting properties.

The invention is a process producing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). It is more efficient than conventional processes such as chemical vapor deposition, laser ablation and arc discharge.

This process uses algae membranes as a source of carbon black for MWCNT production. It can produce large quantities of purified carbon nanotubes.

The process has three steps: first the algal membrane is converted to carbon black by pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere. Secondly, the carbon black is then converted into carbon nanotubes by mixing with fluid in a controlled combustion. The third and final step is a novel purification technique using an ionic liquid.

Potential Applications• Alternative source of MWCNT production/

manufacture • Carbon nanotubes are used in multiple

manufacturing industries, including: electronics, sporting goods, protective garments and aerospace structures.

50 51www.uaeu.ac.ae

PUBLICATIONSThe UAEU has successfully published a range of articles across an array of subject matter, from the date palms providing a future source of energy to researchers proving the power of honey in cancer treatments.

Below we see a selection of some of the most popular publications.

Date palm waste as a future source of energyThe UAE depends heavily on fossil fuels as a main energy source. Bioethanol is renewable and represents an alternative to conventional, non-renewable fossil fuels. Cellulosic bioethanol could well be a future source of alternative energy for the UAE. The country has more than 40 million palm trees, which are an important source of plant cellulose. Every palm tree produces about 15 kg of fronds per year, which contain 58� cellulose and 22� hemicellulose. Under ideal conditions 80� of these palm fronds can be converted into bioethanol.

In their research on date palm cellulosic waste and enzymatic production of bioethanol, Professors Sulaiman Al-Zuhair (PI) and Muftah H. El-Naas, from the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at UAEU, investigated how effective lignin degrading enzymes and hemi-cellulases are in the pre-treatment of lignocelluloses prior to enzymatic hydrolysis to bioethanol. Their results showed a significant simplification in the overall cellulosic bioethanol production process. In addition, the high energy levels required by conventional pre-treatment techniques were avoided.

Producing biodiesel from microalgaeProf. Sulaiman Al-Zuhair (PI) and Dr. Ali Al Marzouqi, from the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, and Prof. Yousef Hayek from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, along with the assistance of a local PhD student explored using supercritical fluid technology in the enzymatic production of biodiesel from microalgae. In their research microalgae were the best source for producing oil due to a high production rate per unit area as compared to crop derived oils. In addition, thanks to photosynthesis, microalgae uses only CO2 as a carbon source. This has the simultaneous advantages of reducing harmful emissions and avoiding a substrate dependency that can be in competition with vital food sources. Furthermore, these microalgae can grow in saline water and so fresh water loading is reduced. Supercritical fluid extraction (SCE) is also a good technique for extracting oil as it has fewer effects on the environment when compared to conventional organic solvents.

The use of supercritical fluids (SCFs) also eliminates the need for a solvent recovery unit. In addition lipase can be used as a transesterification catalyst to produce biodiesel. This overcomes the problems associated with conventional alkali and acid catalysts. The immobilized form of lipase allows for repeated use and so is more economical. An integrated continuous oil separation - biodiesel production process from microalgae using immobilized lipase and SC-CO2 has been developed.

52 53www.uaeu.ac.ae

A process for treating and reusing industrial wastewaterThis is a collaborative research effort between the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), the Japan Cooperation Center: Petroleum (JCCP) and TAKREER. The objective was to evaluate current treatment processes for refinery wastewater and to develop a more efficient and effective process for treating and recycling wastewater generated by petroleum refineries. A research team lead by Professor Muftah El-Naas from the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department at UAEU conducted the two phases of the project over a six year period.

In the first phase laboratory experiments were carried out to assess the effectiveness of different wastewater treatment processes. A new process that involved three different treatments was developed. The key feature of this process was the use of electrochemical technology to destabilize suspended, emulsified or dissolved contaminants in an aqueous medium by introducing an electrical current. In addition the process utilized date pits, which are common agricultural waste products in the UAE. They were used as a source of activated carbon for the adsorption of organic contaminants.

The second phase focused on the design, fabrication and testing of a pilot plant. The pilot plant had an integrated treatment system with a maximum operating capacity of 1.5 m3/hour and was built in Japan by Koike Tech for an estimated 4.5 million dirhams. It was transported to the UAE and operated at the Ruwais refinery for about 10 months in order to evaluate its performance under operating conditions. The results showed that the treated water met stringent discharge limits as per ADNOC’s environmental regulations. This process allows petroleum refining companies to recycle treated water for irrigation or to safely discharge into bodies of water.

Students design eco-friendly micro-filters which cut harmful emissions from diesel enginesStudents at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) have developed a cost-effective exhaust gases filter that promises to cut dangerous emission of particulate matter, such as black carbon, from diesel engines. A prototype of the eco-friendly micro-filter has been developed and independent tests have shown that the filter absorbs between 60 and 90 per cent of the particulate matter emitted by the engine. These percentages are determined by horsepower, engine speed and the type of material used. As such, there is a 10 gram reduction in emissions from the tested diesel engine with a fuel cylinder capacity of half a liter. This results in better fuel consumption, mileage, cleaner air and greater cost savings.

In addition the filter does not slow the engine performance and also saves a considerable amount of fuel. The filter is reverse engineered and will help to reduce the environmental pollution caused by metallic and non-metallic dangerous particles. The team of students was supervised by Dr. Mohammad Younes Selim, a associate professor of combustion and heat engines from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UAEU. The team included Afra Al-Darmaki, Haya Al-Nuaimi and Maitha Al- Dhaheri. The project was funded by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

54 55www.uaeu.ac.ae

A new treatment to eliminate wrinklesA research team, headed by Dr. Hassan Galadari an assistant professor of dermatology at the United Arab Emirates University have developed a filler that stimulates collagen that lasts twice as long as existing products. The current market leader is hyaluronic acid which is found in skin and joints and mainly used as a dermal filler for cheeks and lips. However the new product, polycaprolactone, is based on a molecule discovered by a Dutch medical company that enhances the formulation of collagen thus stimulating the body to create more natural collagen of its own.

Staff at the university’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences and Tawam Hospital studied the effect of these injections. The research was conducted over the course of one year on 40 people. 32 were injected on both sides of their face: one side with hyaluronic acid and the other with polycaprolactone. The results indicated that the new product lasted twice as long (approximately one and a half years) and had much better aesthetic results. Trials suggest that there is a little more swelling with the new product but this was transient and had no effect on the final result.

A drug with multitasking potentialDr Rabah Iratni and his co-researchers from UAEU have discovered that the antibiotic salinomycin which is currently used to prevent intestinal disease in poultry (coccidiosis) caused cell death to occur in two lines of cultured lung cancer cells (LNM35 and A549).

The cancer cells were treated with varying concentrations of salinomycin and then observed to see whether they lived or died. A luminescent substance was added to the cells to show if they were active metabolically: live cells gave off light, while dead cells did not. It was found that at high concentrations of salinomycin up to 90 per cent of the cancer cells died. Salinomycin did not just cause cells to stop multiplying and die but it also made them less able to migrate to a chemical attractant. This is significant because a key danger in cancer is when cells travel to other parts of the body from the original cancerous area and form new tumors called metastases. Salinomycin causes the cells to produce high levels of protein NAG-1 which prevents cells from migrating.

Thus far this research is promising in terms of treating breast and lung tumors as well as preventing metastasis. However, research also shows that salinomycin’s anti-cancer activity was not enhanced when used alongside the well-established lung cancer drug cisplatin.

www.uaeu.ac.ae56 57

International researchers investigate mechanisms that underlie rhythmic disturbances in the diabetic heartDiabetes mellitus is a serious global and regional health problem. The total number of people with diabetes is projected to rise from 171 million in 2000 to 366 million in 2030. Cardiovascular complications are a major cause of mortality in diabetic patients. Heart muscle contractions and rhythm disturbances are widely reported in diabetic patients. Heart beats are initiated in a region of the heart called the sinoatrial node. Specialized cells in the sinoatrial node are able to spontaneously generate electrical signals called action potentials. These action potentials are generated by the concerted activity of special types of ion channels in the cell membrane. These action potentials spread throughout the atria and then, via the atrioventricular node, to the ventricles of the heart. An abnormal function of the atrioventricular node may have profound effects on the heart.

In collaboration with Dr. Kathryn Yuill from the University of Plymouth in England, Professor Chris Howarth from UAEU’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences, has begun investigating the effects of diabetes on the electrophysiology of atrioventricular node cells. Initial results suggest that the L-type calcium current, a key player in the generation of action potentials in atrioventricular node cells, is compromised in the diabetic heart. The amplitude of the L-type calcium current is significantly reduced, whilst the time-dependent kinetics of the current become significantly faster. The data suggests that in diabetes mellitus the conduction of the electrical signal through the atrioventricular nodal region is likely to be delayed. This may underlie some of the disturbances in the cardiac rhythm which is evident in patients with diabetes mellitus.

UAEU researchers prove the power of honey in cancer treatmentsA research group from UAEU, headed by Dr. Basel Al- Ramadi, a professor and also the chair of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, have discovered the beneficial effects of a particular kind of honey as an anti-cancer agent. The honey is produced in New Zealand and Australia from the manuka tree and has long been known for its anti-bacterial and wound healing properties. The research carried out by the team has demonstrated that the addition of tiny amounts of manuka honey can stop the growth of cancer cells.

The researchers carried out experiments to uncover the molecular basis of manuka's anti-cancer activity. The findings provided conclusive evidence that manuka acts directly by inducing apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. Apoptosis is a physiological process that every multicellular organisms use to balance their need for cell generation with the elimination of old cells. In adult tissues cell death balances cell division exactly. Excessive apoptosis will cause tissues to atrophy, whereas insufficient apoptosis will lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, such as occurs with cancer. Manuka induces the death of cancer cells through the same physiological process used by our own bodies to maintain cellular homeostasis.

The experiments have not only confirmed the effects of manuka as an anti-cancer agent, but also its benefits in conjunction with standard chemotherapeutic agents. Thus we can maintain effective anti-neoplastic therapy, while simultaneously reducing the toxic side-effects of chemotherapeutic agents.


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