Dr Sheikh Muszaphar’s research work patented

PUTRAJAYA: The results of one of Malaysia’s five research works conducted at the International Space Station (ISS) last year has been patented by other countries - proof that the country can make a significant contribution to the world in the field of science and research.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Maximus Ongkili said the results of protein crystallisation, research headed by Prof Dr Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman of Unitersiti Putra Malaysia, has been patented not only by Malaysia but also in Europe, the United States and Japan.[......]

Thanks to Deming.

The story reported in NST is a bit different but the title is also trying to justify that Space programme is worth to continue.

NST reported:

Space experiment a commercial hit

2008/09/03

PUTRAJAYA: An experiment in space by Malaysia’s first astronaut is a success with findings being patented overseas. The Protein Crystallisation in Space experiment, which saw the successful testing of the effects of microgravity on protein enzymes, has been termed a breakthrough in the field.

The experiment by Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor on behalf of Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Prof Dr Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman was aimed at comparing the crystallisation of proteins in space with those crystallised on Earth.

The proteins were found to be crystallising on a larger scale in space, making it more accurate for Raja Noor to study the structure of protein enzymes.

“When we know how it acts, we can use the protein fully to benefit the oleochemical, food supplement and pharmaceutical industries.

“By producing our own enzymes, we can sell them to generate income for the country or even improve the job market in the industries,” Raja Noor Zaliha said after the opening of a workshop on microgravity sciences at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here yesterday.

The patent has been filed here, in Europe, the United States and Japan, with the protein crystallisation technology already in use.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the research component of the space programme would continue for the next five years and was likely to be included in the 10th Malaysia Plan. The cabinet will decide on the programme scale and funding.

theStar reported:

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar’s research work patented

By MAZWIN NIK ANIS

PUTRAJAYA: The results of one of Malaysia’s five research works conducted at the International Space Station (ISS) last year has been patented by other countries - proof that the country can make a significant contribution to the world in the field of science and research.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Maximus Ongkili said the results of protein crystallisation, research headed by Prof Dr Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman of Unitersiti Putra Malaysia, has been patented not only by Malaysia but also in Europe, the United States and Japan.

“The findings on protein crystallisation is of industrial importance and we expect a lot of companies including those dealing in pharmaceutical, food supplement and oleo-chemical to benefit from this.

“This is certainly a milestone for Malaysia and it quashes the perception that Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was a space tourist. He is a true Angkasawan and we have proven our ability in conducting world-class research,” he told reporters Tuesday after opening a workshop on micro-gravity sciences.

Maximus said the workshop would look into the results of other research work and would later present the findings to the Cabinet for it to decide on the future of the country’s space programme.

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