KAUST deploys space technology for marine conservation

Summary

A KAUST-led research team is deploying DNA sequencing technology originally used on the International Space Station to analyze DNA samples in extreme environments along the Saudi Red Sea coast. The portable technology enables on-site extraction, concentration, and sequencing of samples from coral reefs and mangrove forests, minimizing DNA deterioration. Preliminary results indicate a more diverse and complex microbiome than previously found. Why it matters: This application of space-based technology to marine conservation in the Red Sea could provide critical insights into how coral reefs and mangroves adapt to climate change, informing preservation and restoration efforts.