Female students of the Department of Chemistry at Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University has made a scientific trip to King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) on Monday 26/3/1438 AH, under the supervision of Ms. Arwa Al-Mubarak and Ms. Su'ad Al-Zahrani.
This center provides an advanced scientific environment and continuously contributes to the development of future clinical practices. KFSH&RC has generated a truly remarkable stream of fundamental and applied research discoveries in clinical practices and medical contributions. Through the development of new research works in cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, environmental health, infectious diseases, stem cell therapy, genetics and rare diseases. This makes it the world's leading research center for rare diseases. The centre supports and strengthens science and research through staffed experts and more than 300 scientists and researchers in all fields.
The students have been greeted by Ms. Nouf Al-'Ajmy, public relations manager, who accompanied them to the following departments:
Genetics Department:
During the visit, Dr. Haya Al-Dosary briefly outlined the National Program for metabolism and gland diseases for the newly born. She pointed out the structure and function of DNA. The students explored a number of DNA machines; one of them is a rare machine (one of only 7 in the world). In addition, she explained ways for protecting DNA from cancer.
The students in this section were familiarized with the DNA and the protein that it produces. It is worth mentioning that the difference in the quantity of protein production is responsible - after Allah the Almighty's will - for the imbalance causing some diseases. She explained the importance of early examination and the importance of other tests that have to do with genetic diseases, and thus obliges us to raise awareness among people.
Molecular Biology Department:
Dr. Nourah Al-sohaybani explained the following topics:
- Molecular analysis project for genetic diseases in the embryo before its culture.
- Genetic research.
- Immunology and infectious diseases.
- Molecular biomedicine research.
- Genomic medicine Research
Dr. Al-Sohaybani explained the importance of periodic inspection in the therapy which assists in treatment by 90%, Allah willing.
(1) "A machine for biopsy for uninfected sample".
(2) "A card used to measure the amount of radiation to which a person is exposed".
Radiation Therapy Department:
Molecular Oncology Research: is a science concerned with radiation therapy (sending radiation to shrink tumors) and the side effects, stem cell re-engineering program with current applications and sanitizing processes with chemical compounds and modern sterilization ways.
At the end of the visit, the whole team, female students and teachers, thanked KFSH&RC administration especially the Head of the Radiation Therapy Department Dr. Sami Abdulazῑz Al-Husain, the vice dean Ms. Maha Al-'Ali for allowing this visit. They also thanked Ms. Arwa al Mubarak Al-Qahtani, and Ms. Su'ad Al-Zahrani for coordinating the visit with the research center and their keenness to reinforce students understanding of the concept that chemistry is an applied science relevant not only to scientific and practical fields, but also relevant to various aspects of life and that chemistry has an integral relationship with the other fields of science. The team also expressed their desire to do such activities again and to visit other bodies that are relevant to their field of interest as chemists.
