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Abu Dhabi Scientists Create Electronic Appetite Regulation Pill

The tiny device utilizes electrodes to stabilize and regulate the gut-brain axis, which can help control appetite and treat several diseases.

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2 years ago

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abu dhabi scientists create electronic appetite regulation pill
NYUAD

A research team from NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), overseen by Professor Khalil Ramadi, has created a groundbreaking “ingestible electroceutical device” known as the FLASH system. The pill-shaped device modulates the signaling pathway between the digestive tract and the central nervous system and is administered like a regular ingestible capsule tablet.

Featuring surface electrodes that deliver stimulation to the stomach’s mucosal tissues, the non-invasive device bypasses gastric acids to achieve direct electrode-to-tissue contact. The ingestible pill is powered by tiny batteries, delivering stimulation for around 20 minutes before being excreted by the body — a process that can take up to two weeks, depending on the size of the human or animal test subject.

the flash system appetite regulation pill

“FLASH is one of the first ingestible electroceuticals that can regulate precise neurohormonal circuits while avoiding the discomfort patients can experience with invasive treatments,” says Professor Khalil Ramadi, NYU Abu Dhabi.

Researchers on the FLASH project were inspired by the unique skin surface properties of the Australian Thorny Devil Lizard, whose skin can efficiently wick away surface moisture. The pill replicates this process by using grooved surface patterns and hydrophilic properties that enable it to be ingested and excreted without side effects.

Also Read: Sultan Al Neyadi Becomes The First Ever Arab To Spacewalk

During testing, scientists noted that the capsule modulated the release of the hormone ghrelin, which the body uses to stimulate hunger. Regular hormone medications have poor bioavailability in oral form, requiring an injection to administer. The FLASH system, on the other hand, can target very specific gastric-hormonal pathways through simple oral administration.

The FLASH pill shows promise against a wide range of diseases, including metabolic, gastrointestinal, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Unfortunately, the device requires further preclinical testing before being ready for the public market. However, the development team has set a goal of creating an advanced prototype for human trials within five years.

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UAE Prepares To Launch Two Satellites: Thuraya-2 And MBZ-SAT

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council yesterday.

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5 days ago

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December 17, 2024

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uae prepares to launch two satellites thuraya-2 and mbz-sat

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council in Dubai on December 16, 2024. The session highlighted the UAE’s ambitious space plans and took stock of the sector’s economic progress.

The council emphasized the growing role of private companies in advancing space technologies, noting that their contributions are now equal to that of the public sector. Members also praised initiatives like the Space Economic Zones Programme, which are designed to fuel innovation and investment in the space industry.

Discussing the UAE’s space journey, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum remarked, “The national space sector continues to grow and advance, and we take immense pride in the remarkable achievements we have accomplished over the years”.

Sheikh Hamdan also received updates on two upcoming satellite projects: Thuraya-2 and MBZ-SAT. Thuraya-2, developed by Space42, is slated for launch this December. Meanwhile, the MBZ-SAT, created by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), will soon follow. MBRSC, a major driver of the UAE National Space Programme, continues to lead the nation’s space-related developments.

Space42 took the opportunity to showcase its advancements, including ongoing collaborations between public and private entities. The company also outlined strategies to promote innovation, boost revenue streams, and create new opportunities for growth in the sector.

Also Read: IBM Opens New Doha Office To Support Qatar’s Digital Growth

The UAE’s current projects build on a growing legacy of space exploration. Back in 2020, the nation made headlines with its Mars mission, successfully sending a probe into the planet’s orbit in 2021. This mission, which is now in its second phase as of June 2024, has been collecting critical data to develop a comprehensive diurnal image of Mars.

The UAE also ventured into lunar exploration with an unmanned mission aimed at studying untouched regions of the Moon’s surface. While the probe ultimately crashed during its landing attempt after communication was lost seconds before touchdown, the effort represented a significant step in the country’s exploration ambitions.

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