Introduction In recent years, the spread of dengue fever has become a significant public health concern worldwide. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is not exempt from this mosquito-borne disease, with an increasing number of cases reported each year. To address this issue, the King Saud Medical City (KSAMC) is stepping up its efforts by finalizing a comprehensive program to combat dengue. This article will explore the steps being taken by KSAMC and the impact they hope to achieve in fighting this disease. The Challenge of Dengue Fever Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is primarily transmitted through the bite of the Aedes mosquito. The symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. With no specific treatment available, prevention and control are crucial to reducing the impact of dengue. KSAMC's Approach to Combat Dengue The King Saud Medical City has recognized the importance of a multi-faceted approach to c...
The US space agency NASA is preparing to soon receive its first material from an asteroid that did not find its way to the Earth's surface under its own power. The OSIRIS-REx probe is approaching as scheduled.
Preparing for landing
This started in 2016 and made its way to the asteroid Bennu. The probe accompanied the object for two years and examined it in detail. The highlight of the mission up to that point was collecting material from the surface of the asteroid. This worked unexpectedly well: instead of the hoped for 90 grams, around 250 grams ended up in the transport container.
OSIRIS-REx then made its way back to Earth. After seven years of flight, the big event is now approaching: On September 24th, the sample return capsule is to be separated and landed on Earth. As NASA has now announced, the probe is exactly on the intended course, so that in a few weeks the capsule will enter the Earth's atmosphere at exactly 5:42 p.m. our time.
On Wednesday, NASA employees conducted the dress rehearsal for the event with the US military. At the landing site in the US state of Utah, a dummy capsule was dropped from an aircraft and recovery was tested. The object not only has to be found and collected, but also carefully taken to a NASA clean room and opened there without materials from Earth contaminating it.
Dress rehearsal successful
The final test was successful.According to the statement, "Pure material from the asteroid Bennu will help shed light on the formation of our solar system 4.5 billion years ago, and perhaps even how life began on Earth."
NASA Manager Nicola Fox.
However, once the capsule has been deposited on Earth, the mission is by no means over. Under the then changed name OSIRIS-APEX, the probe will then move away from Earth again and is expected to enter the orbit of the asteroid Apophis in 2029 and examine it for 18 months.
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