NYU Abu Dhabi researchers find mysterious new set of waves in Sun
Researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi’s (NYUAD) Centre for Space Science have discovered a new set of waves in the Sun that, unexpectedly, appear to travel much faster than predicted by theory.
In the study, ‘Discovery of high-frequency-retrograde vorticity waves in the Sun’, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the researchers, led by Research Associate Chris S. Hanson, detailed how they analysed 25 years of space and ground-based data to detect these waves. The high-frequency retrograde (HFR) waves, which move in the opposite direction of the Sun’s rotation, appear as a pattern of vortices (swirling motions) on the surface of the Sun and move at three times the speed established by current theory.
The interior of the Sun and stars cannot be imaged by conventional astronomy (e.g. optical, x-ray etc.), and scientists rely on interpreting the surface signatures of a variety of waves to image the interiors. These new HFR waves may yet be an important puzzle piece in our understanding of stars.
Complex interactions between other well known waves and magnetism, gravity or convection could drive the HFR waves at this speed. “If the HFR waves could be attributed to any of these three processes, then the finding would have answered some open questions we still have about the Sun,” said Hanson. “However, these new waves don’t appear to be a result of these processes, and that’s exciting because it leads to a whole new set of questions.”
This research was conducted within NYUAD’s Centre for Space Science in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and New York University, using NYUAD and TIFR’s computational resources. By studying the Sun’s interior dynamics – through the use of waves – scientists can better appreciate the Sun’s potential impact on the Earth and other planets in our solar system.
“The very existence of HFR modes and their origin is a true mystery and may allude to exciting physics at play,” said Shravan Hanasoge, a co-author of the paper. “It has the potential to shed insight on the otherwise unobservable interior of the Sun.”
Health
Dubai’s strict new medical rules: Why doctors, clinics and influencers face tough social media limits
If you scroll through medical feeds in Dubai, you’ve probably seen your share of ‘miracle’ transformations, ‘magic’ fixes, and glowing influencer reviews. That era is coming to a hard stop.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has rolled out sweeping new social media guidelines targeting every licensed doctor, clinic, and hospital promoting services across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp.
Here is a breakdown of what is changing, what is officially off-limits, and how it impacts anyone creating medical content in the emirate.
1. Hype words are banned
The DHA is tackling exaggerated claims that give patients unrealistic expectations. If you are promoting a procedure, you can no longer describe it with words like:
- Miraculous or magic
- The best, unique, or incomparable
- 100%, certain, or guaranteed success
- Zero side effects or immediate results
- Pioneer, famous, or exclusive
Any promo promising money-back guarantees, taking cheap shots at competitor clinics, or slamming government entities is strictly barred.
2. Influencers face direct accountability
Partnering with influencers won’t create a legal loophole. If an influencer features a clinic, treatment, or outcome, the content must be reviewed and signed off by the facility’s medical director before it goes live.
Even if an influencer shoots a reel on their personal phone inside a clinic or shares it to their private profile, the clinic itself is held legally responsible.
3. Strict rules on professional titles
Doctors and staff can only use the exact job titles printed on their official DHA licenses. Vague or buzzy marketing labels like Beauty Expert, Anti-Ageing Specialist, Cosmetic Specialist, or Cosmetologist are no longer permitted.
Additionally, the title Dr is reserved exclusively for physicians, dentists, and holders of recognised PhD degrees attested by the UAE Ministry of Education.
4. No surgery live-streams and tighter photo rules
The rules also clamp down on patient imagery:
- Operating Rooms: Filming or live-streaming promotional videos during minor or major surgeries, or while a patient is under anaesthesia, is completely banned.
- Before-and-After Shots: Photos must show the same patient, captured with the same camera lens, completely unedited, and paired with a clear disclaimer stating that results vary.
- Consent: Facilities must secure written consent before posting any patient’s image, video, or review (with parental consent mandatory for anyone under 18).
5. Separate accounts for visiting doctors
Doctors who divide their practice between Dubai and overseas can no longer mix their feeds. They are required to run a dedicated, Dubai-specific account that aligns fully with DHA standards, even when sharing content involving treatments done abroad.
6. Medical directors in the hot seat
Medical directors are now tasked with policing internal output. They must approve every social post mentioning the facility, archive content for unannounced DHA audits, designate moderators, and run regular staff training on what is legally acceptable.
The update forms part of the DHA’s wider 2022–2026 strategy to clean up digital medical marketing, respect local cultural values, and make sure patients get realistic, evidence-based healthcare information.
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Dubai’s strict new medical rules: Why doctors, clinics and influencers face tough social media limits
