Research

BERI’s research initiatives are focused on addressing the most pressing challenges facing humanity today through personalized learning, cutting-edge science, and advanced technology. We are committed to establishing a globally recognized research hub in Bangladesh by collaborating with industry, government, and non-profit organizations worldwide. Our current research priorities include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Public Health & Environment and Space Research. Our top priority is to tackle these major challenges collaboratively, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary research.

AI

Generative AI

Our current focus is on analysing the impact of generative AI and the digitalization of health records to enhance decision-making efficiency.

Health

Public Health & Environment

We research to understand the intersection between health and the environment as environment can impact people’s health.

Space

Space Research

Our primary focus is not just on discovering life in space, but on creating life in space.

In the meantime, if you’re seeking an expert opinion on your Research Grant Application or Research Paper, we are here to assist with your research plan, strategy, methodology development, technical writing, and more. Reach out to us today for a no-obligation consultation, ensuring you receive top-notch services.

Impact of Generative AI in Higher Education

 
Unlike traditional AI, which typically focuses on tasks like classification or prediction, generative AI can create novel and original outputs based on input data. We are particularly interested to discover the impact generative AI in higher education and related fields.
 
While generative AI in higher education offers vast potential for improving educational outcomes and efficiency, it also raises challenges in ensuring ethical use, maintaining academic integrity, and preparing students for an AI-enhanced workforce.

Health Record Digitization 

 
We believe health record digitization and AI can transform healthcare by streamlining data management and enhancing decision-making processes. Digitizing health records allows for faster, more accurate access to patient information, reducing errors and improving the efficiency of care delivery.
 
When combined with AI, this data will help us uncover patterns, predict health outcomes, and assist healthcare providers in making more informed decisions. 

Diabetes Management During Fasting

Fasting can be a spiritually fulfilling practice, but for individuals with diabetes, it requires careful planning and monitoring to maintain health and safety. Below are key tips and guidelines to help manage blood sugar levels effectively during fasting periods, such as Ramadan.

When to Monitor Blood Glucose

Frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels is crucial for diabetes management, especially during fasting. It is recommended to check blood sugar levels at the following times:

  • Before the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor)
  • In the morning and midday
  • Mid-afternoon and before the sunset meal (Iftar)
  • Two hours after Iftar
  • Anytime symptoms of hypo- or hyperglycemia arise or when feeling unwell


If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it is essential to break the fast immediately and treat it with your usual hypo treatment. Your health takes precedence over fasting.

Nutrition Tips

For a patient with type 2 diabetes during the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor or Sheri), it’s important to focus on foods that provide sustained energy throughout the day while managing blood sugar levels. Here are some general guidelines:

Complex Carbohydrates: Choose complex carbohydrates that are high in fiber to help regulate blood sugar levels. Examples include brown rice, whole grains like oats, barley, and whole wheat bread/ruti.

Protein: Incorporate lean sources of protein into the meal to help maintain satiety and stabilize blood sugar levels. Good options include eggs, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, tofu, or legumes like chickpeas (chana daal), beans and lentils(daal)

Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds like pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, sesame, and olive oil in moderation. These can help slow down the absorption of carbohydrates and keep you feeling full.

Fruits and Vegetables: Incorporate a variety of non-starchy vegetables and low-sugar fruits into the meal for vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Examples include leafy greens, broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers, berries, and citrus fruits.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during fasting hours. Avoid sugary drinks and excessive caffeine, as they can cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

Limit Sugary and Processed Foods: Avoid or limit foods that are high in refined sugars, such as pastries, sugary cereals/porridge and sweetened beverages. These can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

Monitor Portion Sizes: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. Use smaller plates and bowls to help control portion sizes.

Timing: Try to have the pre-dawn meal close to the time of Fajr (dawn) prayer to ensure sustained energy throughout the fasting period.

Physical Activity: Engage in light physical activity after the pre-dawn meal if possible, such as a short walk, to help improve insulin sensitivity and manage blood sugar levels.Consult with Healthcare Providers

If necessary, consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing blood sugar levels while fasting. Adjustments to medication or insulin regimens might be required.

By following these guidelines, individuals with type 2 diabetes can safely and effectively manage their health while observing fasting practices. Remember, your health is a priority—never hesitate to break your fast if needed to maintain your well-being.

How can you stay safe during extreme heat?

  1. Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Bring a water bottle when leaving home.
  2. Stay cool by using air conditioning or fans to circulate air indoors.
  3. Wear loose, cotton clothes in light colors to stay cool in the heat.
  4. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
  5. Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. If you need to go outside, choose cooler times like early morning or late evening.
  6. Cool showers or baths and dampening your skin with a spray bottle or sponge can help lower your body temperature and provide relief from the heat. You can also wrap a cool, wet towel around your head.
  7. Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight. Open windows if it’s too hot inside
  8. Signs of dehydration include thirst, light-headedness, dry mouth, fatigue, dark-coloured urine, and decreased urine production.
  9. Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Seek medical help immediately if you experience these symptoms.
  10. Check on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic medical conditions. Ensure they stay cool and hydrated.
  11. Never leave children or pets in hot vehicles.


By taking these precautions, planning ahead, and staying informed about the current weather conditions, you can help stay safe and healthy during a heatwave.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐲𝐩𝐨𝐱?

Monkeypox, related to smallpox, is a viral disease primarily found in Central and West Africa. It is generally mild, and most people recover within a few weeks. Symptoms usually appear 5 to 21 days after exposure.

𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬: Symptoms include rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, and muscle aches.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: It spreads through contact with skin lesions or body fluids, contaminated objects, and respiratory droplets.

𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤: Risk groups include those with close contact with infected individuals, travelers to affected areas, and vulnerable populations like infants, young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Prevention involves isolation, avoiding contact with infected individuals and practicing good hand hygiene.

𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Treatment is supportive, including pain relief and care for symptoms. Vaccination is available for protection.

𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬: Diagnosis is done through laboratory testing.

Dengue

Dengue (break-bone fever) is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.

Symptoms:
Dengue symptoms develop 3-14 days after a mosquito bite and include:

  • Sudden fever, chills, severe headache (often behind the eyes).
  • Muscle and joint pain, extreme fatigue, swollen glands.
  • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a faint rash.


Severe Symptoms (Warning Signs):
Occur 3-7 days after the fever subsides:

  • Severe abdominal pain, rapid breathing, persistent vomiting, blood in vomit, bleeding gums, and restlessness.


Seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms.

Prevention:

  • Wear protective clothing, use mosquito repellents, and sleep under treated nets.
  • Eliminate standing water and clean water storage areas regularly.
  • Use larvicides for stagnant water.


Treatment:

No specific antiviral treatment exists. Manage symptoms with rest, fluids, and paracetamol (avoid aspirin). Severe cases may require hospitalization.

Early detection and care can reduce fatality rates to below 1%.

About Space

Recently researchers at BERI were busy investigating the Moon and its craters.

Those dark spots on the Moon are called craters. Craters on the Moon were likely created by asteroids and meteorites colliding with the Moon’s surface. Unlike the Earth, the Moon has no atmosphere to protect itself from impacting asteroids and meteorites.

Become a citizen scientist with us. Just keep an eye on those craters and let us know if you think they are getting bigger or if you spotted a new crater.

Current Research: Identifying environmental impacts on human health in space

Growing Food in Space


Pink Quartz is the most common minerals in the earth’s crust. That means almost every rock has at least some quartz in it. This mineral has even been found on the moon!

That gave us an interesting idea: what if we could grow food using only quartz or other minerals in rocks that are common to both Earth and the moon?