A wealth of new discoveries

FAMILIES can take advantage of the upcoming long weekend to discover some of the fascinating research being undertaken in the country that’s being showcased from today through Monday as part of the Thailand Research Expo 2018 at Centara Grand Hotel and Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World.
The outstanding research being shown at the expo is divided into nine categories, namely security, agriculture, food, and technology, industry, society, medical and public health, energy, resources and the environment, the digital economy and information, and logistics. 

Crocodile blood skincare 

In the medical and public health zone, the Biotech Economic Development Agency team led by Dr Nisachol Chaengpromma shows how crocodile blood cream is beneficial to the skin. Containing higher collagen compared to other animals, the blood of this aquatic reptile is bursting with antioxidants, and can kill bacteria and reduce inflammation while revitalising skin cells. 
The plasma or white blood cells of the crocodile extract have been selected as a substrate in the preparation of a hypo-allergenic cosmetic cream. 
The team has worked with the private sector to develop this cosmetic for sale on the market and has also developed to produce a gel for wound healing to reduce skin infections.

Isaan woven fabric

In the society sector, a value-added project for Isaan woven fabric, initiated by researchers from Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, has seen the development of prae wa silk products mixed and matched with linen in Kalasin province, loincloths in Ubol Ratchathani, and teen jok sarong in Buri Ram. 

Pumpkin species with phytonutrients

Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna’s Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Lampang, meanwhile, has developed three pumpkin species with phytonutrients as a value-added project for food for health innovations. The PK11, PK14 and PK17 species each weigh between three and five kilograms and boast a fine texture that doesn’t change when heated. Both the pumpkin and its seeds have high phytonutrients including anti-oxidant agents, prebiotics, vitamin A, beta carotene, fibre, folic, and Omega 3 and 6.

Waffle composite wall

The “Waffle composite wall system” research of Dr. Thanongsak Imjai of Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok: Uthenthawai Campus, is a sandwich wall popularly used in cold weather countries. It uses a special kind of foam, which is stronger than ordinary foam and also heat resistant, moulded in a waffle sheet that strengthens walls. Tests carried out in a two-storey 60sqm house, found that the temperature inside the house was about 10 degrees Celsius cooler than the outside. The construction cost is about Bt5,000, making it considerably cheaper than building a home with the Infill wall system or bricklaying.
The expo also features presentations and information about more than 100 innovations developed through university level contests, creative research and innovation exhibitions, as well as activities, seminar and conferences,
The highlights are a trio of exhibitions dedicated to the memory of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s sufficiency philosophy and to the projects initiated by His Majesty the King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.