ABU DHABI // Khalifa University is celebrating a year of domestic and international achievements, with students winning a series of awards at home and abroad.
The top four places at the Higher Education and Scientific Research Smart Applications Awards went to Khalifa University teams, in addition to first and second place in the Emirates Skills National Competition’s web security and programming categories.
The students were given the opportunity to travel abroad and present their projects in international competitions, such as taking an electric-powered remote control airplane to compete in the Design, Build, Fly Competition held in Tucson, Arizona.
Several of its academics also had a successful year.
Among them was Dr Habiba Al Safar, who was granted a scholarship to attend the Harvard Medical School Global Clinical Scholars Research Training programme, and Dr Mohammed Rezeq, who was awarded two patents for the development of nano-probes and the world’s smallest semiconductor transistor.
Last year also saw the establishment of two research centres at the university.
In conjunction with The Advanced Technology Investment Company and the Semiconductor Research Corporation, the university launched its Centre of Excellence for Energy Efficient Electronic Systems.
With the support of Mubadala Development Company, a Dh55 million Aerospace Research and Innovation Centre was founded to advance regionally relevant research in aerospace.
Dr Tod Laursen, the university president, said: “I couldn’t be more pleased with our accomplishments in 2013. We had a very busy year and we’re looking forward to an even busier one in 2014.
“Our students have had the opportunity to meet some of the leaders of the UAE, as well as international leaders and industry leaders, this has made for a very inspiring year for them.
“It is also very rewarding to see our students’ achievements in local and international competitions. Their accomplishments are a testament to the quality of education they receive at Khalifa University, and let us know that we are helping to achieve the goals of Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Vision.”
newsdesk@thenational.ae
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
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Director: Siddharth Anand
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Rating: Two out of five stars
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Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
