SHARJAH //The country's first stem cell conference began yesterday at Ajman University of Science and Technology.
The conference, Stem Cell from Theory to Practice, was opened by Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid, Ruler of Ajman.
"The conference on stem cells in Ajman, coming as we still celebrate the union's 40th year, is another achievement," Sheikh Humaid said. "I am very grateful to all the organisers for this conference and hope it will bring good results for researchers both locally and globally in the field of stem cell research."
Dr Saeed Abdullah Salman, the university's president, said he was grateful to host the conference, which had been postponed several times for various reasons.
He said stem cells remained among the most controversial scientific topics, but that increased research was vital to find therapies for patients with otherwise intractable conditions.
"Unfortunately, this vital scientific work is being hindered by politics," he said. "I was in China in 2009 and asked one of the leading researchers in the field about US policy to ban stem cell research, and all he could reply was it was just a political stance taken by the US government towards China. And after I also couldn't find a reason for it, I agreed."
Dr Saeed urged politicians to give stem cell research a chance.He said it could lead to a cure for some currently untreatable conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neurological disorders and spinal cord problems.
Hamad Taryam Al Shamsi, director of the Ajman Medical Zone and Sheikh Khalifa Hospital, said Ajman University was living up to its founding objective of innovation by organising such a conference.
"Stem cell research is important in the UAE to help in the treatment of people with different accident injuries," he said.
Papers presented at the conference included: Stem Cells: Research and Application Governing Laws, by Dr Shahbi Ibrahim Al Shafawi of Ajman University; Retrodifferentiation:A Simple, Safe and Ethical Approach Towards Stem Cell Creation, by Dr Elham Saleh of the UK; and Serious International Organisations Working in the Field of Stem Cells, by Dr Zayed Mohammed Al Zaabi of Jordan.
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THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
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Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
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The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
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What is Diwali?
The Hindu festival is at once a celebration of the autumn harvest and the triumph of good over evil, as outlined in the Ramayana.
According to the Sanskrit epic, penned by the sage Valmiki, Diwali marks the time that the exiled king Rama – a mortal with superhuman powers – returned home to the city of Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, after vanquishing the 10-headed demon Ravana and conquering his kingdom of Lanka. The people of Ayodhya are believed to have lit thousands of earthen lamps to illuminate the city and to guide the royal family home.
In its current iteration, Diwali is celebrated with a puja to welcome the goodness of prosperity Lakshmi (an incarnation of Sita) into the home, which is decorated with diyas (oil lamps) or fairy lights and rangoli designs with coloured powder. Fireworks light up the sky in some parts of the word, and sweetmeats are made (or bought) by most households. It is customary to get new clothes stitched, and visit friends and family to exchange gifts and greetings.
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