DOHA: The two Kuwaiti inventors Dr Mohammad Al-Mugahwi (right) and Sara Abu Rjaibn participating in 'Stars of Science.' - KUNA

DOHA: Two Kuwaiti inventors are participating in a competition with their innovated works; one intended to aid the impaired and the other for pin pointing bone fractures. The inventors, Dr Mohammad Al-Mugahwi and Sara Abu Rjaib, are partaking in the contest to win the title, "the top Arab inventor," the 12th edition, as part of the annual "Stars of Science" program, organized by Qatar Education Development Institute. Dr Mugahwi is presenting an automatic toothbrush for people of special needs that can be easily used without hands.

Many persons of special challenges do not care much about -- or cannot take care of -- their teeth and gum cleanliness due to their impairment, thus these cases are prone to develop illnesses in the teeth and gums, Dr Mugahwi said, indicating that his special toothbrush helps the disabled to keep their teeth clean and spare them frequent and arduous visits to dentists. The doctor said the invention's idea dawned on him as a result of his career as a dentist, sensing needs among these cases, in addition to children and the elderly.

Dr Mugahwi lauded Kuwaiti associations and entities that encourage the talented -- namely Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity, affiliated to the Kuwait Foundation for Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) that puts all its resources and potentials at disposal of the skilled and innovators in their works and marketing of their items. Moreover, there are scientific incubation bodies and clubs in Kuwait such as the Scientific Center, in addition to the Civil Service Commissions that earmarks an annual budget for funding manpower and enhancing skills of civil servants.

Meanwhile, Abu Rjaib has said she is competing with her work, a mobile, infrared scanner to pin point bruises, fractures or deformities in the human body. Abu Rjaib was inspired when she went through a tough experience when she had an accident years ago, and it took her some time to determine whether she had a fracture. Her optical scanner is quite useful for children and athletes, many susceptible to be hurt in exercise.

She echoed her peer's praise for the Kuwaiti authorities' support for the skilled, noting the state's great help for inventors to issue patents. However, she noted some difficulties for the talents, such as securing funding. The "Stars of Science" is a platform for the Arab innovators aged between 18 and 25. - KUNA