Jameel Research, part of Abdul Latif Jameel International network, is sponsoring a research project in the Department of Biological Engineering and Institute for Medical Engineering and Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, aimed at tackling the global public health crisis of antimicrobial resistance.
This ambitious, multi-disciplinary project is led by Professor James J. Collins, Termeer professor of medical engineering and science at MIT and faculty lead for life sciences at the MIT Jameel Clinic, the epicenter of artificial intelligence and health at MIT.
The project, spanning at least three years, will leverage the Collins’ lab’s cutting-edge strengths in synthetic biology and AI to create next-generation diagnostics.
The growing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and a declining antibiotic pipeline has led to a global public health crisis. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has predicted some 2 million infections and 23,000 deaths occur each year in the US alone, costing $55 billion. The World Bank predicts that up to $100 trillion of economic output may be at risk by 2050. The UK government-commissioned Review on Antimicrobial Resistance is projecting more than 10 million deaths worldwide per year by 2050 if the crisis is not addressed.
Professor Collins and his team at MIT are setting out to develop the next generation of antibacterials and rapid diagnostics to overcome AMR — using synthetic biology and advanced generative AI to deliver faster results and help control the use of antibiotics to where they can be effective.
With support from Jameel Research, the first phase of this project will develop and validate programmable antibacterials to overcome AMR in a range of bacterial pathogens. These AI-designed minibinders will be delivered by engineered microbes to neutralize key toxins and protein targets.
This directed design and engineering approach to antibiotic development technology advances a long-term vision to create programmable antibacterials to address the AMR crisis. This would then offer the potential for the more rapid development of medical countermeasures to emerging and re-emerging pathogens and a swifter response to future outbreaks and pandemics.
Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel, KBE, chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel, said: “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most urgent challenges we face today and addressing it will require ambitious science and sustained collaboration. We are pleased to support this new research, building on our long-standing relationship with MIT and our commitment to advancing research across the world, to strengthen global health and contribute to a more resilient future.”
“This project reflects my belief that tackling AMR requires both bold scientific ideas and a pathway to real-world impact,” Professor Collins said. “Jameel Research is keen to address this crisis by supporting innovative, translatable research at MIT.”
Jameel Research is advancing the work of pioneering pathfinders to create an extraordinary impact on a global scale.
This initial project holds the promise of rapidly developing medical countermeasures for emerging and re-emerging pathogens, offering a rapid response to future outbreaks and pandemics.
The new research project builds on the close and long-standing relationship between MIT and the Jameel family. This includes the MIT Jameel Clinic, which was co-founded in 2018 by MIT and Community Jameel, the international nonprofit organization founded by Mohammed Jameel, KBE, to advance science and learning for communities to thrive, and one of the Jameel family’s philanthropies.
Jameel Research project at MIT tackles antimicrobial resistance
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Jameel Research project at MIT tackles antimicrobial resistance
iCAUR V27 conquers city roads with new energy technology
A media test drive event focused on premium on-road driving was held in Jeddah. On Feb. 5, iCAUR invited representatives from media outlets, including leading automotive outlet Motory, to take part in an in-depth driving experience featuring the all-round hybrid SUV V27 across urban roads and intercity highways.
Guests gathered at Jeddah’s premium landmark, Millionaire Restaurant, where the iCAUR Saudi Arabia team introduced the V27’s design philosophy and key technologies. Open discussions followed, helping members of the media gain a clearer understanding of iCAUR’s brand vision and the V27’s core strengths ahead of the test drive.
The test drive route covered urban roads in Jeddah as well as inter-city highways leading to King Abdullah Economic City, providing an ideal setting to evaluate the V27’s on-road performance across varied conditions. During long-distance highway driving, range and power remain key considerations, and the iCAUR V27 demonstrated solid on-road performance. As the brand’s first mass-production model equipped with the Golden REEV system, the V27 features a dedicated 1.5T range-extender engine with a thermal efficiency of 45.79 percent. It generates 3.71 kWh of electricity per liter of fuel and delivers a combined range of over 1,000 km, effectively addressing long-distance travel concerns.
On city streets with moderate traffic, the V27 impressed with its smooth and quiet ride. The electric motors deliver responsive, linear acceleration, with seamless start-stop performance that keeps driving relaxed even in traffic. Once on open intercity highways, pressing the accelerator fully unleashes 455 hp from the dual motors, propelling the SUV from zero to 100 km/h in about five seconds. Overtaking and lane changes feel effortless, with no hint of lag at any point.
Even more impressive, this five-meter-long SUV, with a chassis tuned by the internationally renowned racing team Prodive and equipped with an intelligent all-wheel drive system, maintained precise handling at high-speed corners. The steering felt responsive and refined, while the suspension offered solid support, completely defying the typical perception of large SUVs as cumbersome. “I didn’t expect such a large SUV to handle so nimbly — it was enjoyable to drive from start to finish,” one media guest remarked after the test drive. “The intelligent cockpit exceeded all expectations, making long-distance driving both comfortable and enjoyable!”
During the test drive, several media representatives praised the V27’s Stellar Cockpit. The 15.4-inch 3K HD touchscreen delivers crisp, detailed visuals, while the smart infotainment system powered by the 8155 chip ensures smooth operation comparable to a premium tablet, with seamless swiping and no lag. Meanwhile, a temperature-controlled armrest compartment, along with ventilated and heated seats precisely calibrated to the driver’s comfort, kept the driving experience enjoyable throughout the long-distance journey.
Previous test drives at Riyadh’s Edge of the World demonstrated the V27’s off-road capabilities under challenging conditions. The Jeddah media test drive, however, offered a first-hand experience of the V27’s impressive performance in city commuting and intercity highway scenarios. It not only overcomes the typical trade-off between power and range found in conventional new energy vehicles but also seamlessly combines intelligent technology with precise handling, meeting the key expectations of Saudi drivers for on-road performance.
As a model tailored for the Middle East market, the iCAUR V27 made its global debut in the UAE on Feb. 8, followed by a launch in Bahrain on Feb. 10. The arrival of the V27 is expected to bring fresh energy and new possibilities to the region’s premium new energy mobility segment.
