UAE offers Dh5.5m grant to scientists who can make rain


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The UAE is offering grants of up to Dh5.5 million ($ 1.5m) for scientists who can make rain.

The National Centre of Meteorology called on climate researchers to contribute to the National Rain Enhancement Programme.

The centre hopes to attract more researchers and position the UAE as, in its own words, “a global hub for rain enhancement”.

“While doing so, we seek to bring new perspectives to rain enhancement research and support the development of demand-driven solutions that can address the most pressing water-security challenges in the years to come,” said the centre’s director, Dr Abdulla Al Mandous.

The UAE is one of the world’s most arid countries, with about 100mm of rain a year.

The government has invested extensively in cloud seeding, which can help agriculture and help replenish natural reserves that are running dry. There are hundreds of missions annually.

Seeding improves rainfall by firing salt flares into clouds.

It is unclear how much cloud seeding helps – the NCM estimated that its missions can increase rainfall up to a third in ideal conditions.

Research areas for the fourth round of grants include weather modelling and increasing the efficiency of rain enhancement.

“This will help us direct our future research efforts towards areas with broader implications for arid regions to address their most pressing water security challenges,” said Alya Al Mazroui, the programme’s director of research.

Proposals are due in early 2021.

Nine research projects were awarded between 2015 and 2017.

Applicants can submit proposals at uaerep.ae.

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What is myofascial pain syndrome?

Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (­connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).

What are trigger points?

Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft ­tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and ­sustained posture are the main culprits in developing ­trigger points.

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Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle ­sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in ­connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. ­Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.

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Known as the UAE’s strongest man

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Spare

Profile

Company name: Spare

Started: March 2018

Co-founders: Dalal Alrayes and Saurabh Shah

Based: UAE

Sector: FinTech

Investment: Own savings. Going for first round of fund-raising in March 2019

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