KAUST researchers from the Red Sea Research Center (RSRC) and Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC) found macroalgae DNA prevalent in the open ocean, up to 5,000 km from coastal areas. 69% of drifting macroalgae sinks below 1,000 m depth, sequestering carbon in deep ocean waters. The study used metagenomes generated by global ocean expeditions Tara Oceans and Malaspina, analyzed via KAUST's DMAP platform and Shaheen supercomputer. Why it matters: The findings confirm the role of macroalgae in carbon sequestration, highlighting their importance in blue carbon assessments for climate change mitigation and underscoring KAUST's contribution to environmental sustainability research.
Two KAUST researchers, Leena Ibrahim and Taiba Alamoudi, were named L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Middle East Young Talents. Leena Ibrahim, an Assistant Professor in Bioscience, leads the Neural Circuits Lab and researches how sensory experiences shape the brain's ability to process information. Taiba Alamoudi is a Ph.D. candidate in Marine Science. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing contributions of women in STEM fields in the Middle East and KAUST's role in supporting female researchers.
Three KAUST researchers, Asma Al-Amoodi, Walaa Khushaim, and Hajar Al-Zarah, have been selected to attend the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings in Germany. They will join 600 young scientists to discuss physiology and medicine with around 40 Nobel Laureates. The students, pursuing PhDs in Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), will have networking opportunities through lectures, talks, and discussions. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing prominence in bioscience and bioengineering research and provides a platform for young Saudi researchers to engage with leading global scientists.
KAUST's Bioscience Core Lab (BCL) supports regional and global health initiatives through industry partnerships, offering expertise and technology access to organizations like SaudiVax. BCL aids SaudiVax in developing vaccines and monoclonal antibodies tailored to the needs of Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, focusing on respiratory diseases like MERS and COVID-19. SaudiVax is also collaborating with KAUST to research a new preventative drug targeting SARS-CoV-2. Why it matters: This strengthens Saudi Arabia's capabilities in vaccine development and biomanufacturing, addressing critical healthcare needs in the region and reducing reliance on external sources.
KAUST Associate Professor Xiangliang Zhang is using machine learning to analyze social media posts on Twitter related to COVID-19. Her team at KAUST's Computational Bioscience Research Center is analyzing sentiment in tweets using hashtags like #coronavirus and #covid19. Zhang aims to use this data to help predict localized outbreaks and provide an early warning system for governments and organizations. Why it matters: This research demonstrates the potential of AI-powered sentiment analysis to support public health efforts and inform decision-making during pandemics in the Middle East and globally.
KAUST researchers are analyzing the SARS-CoV-2 genome to identify potential targets for treatment and vaccine development. They are using the KAUST Metagenome Analysis Platform (KMAP) and the university's supercomputer to compare and analyze genomic data. The research focuses on identifying key genes for detection and treatment of COVID-19. Why it matters: This research contributes to the global effort to combat the pandemic and highlights KAUST's capabilities in genomic data analysis and computational bioscience.
KAUST alumna Dina Bashir Abusamra, who received her master's degree in 2010 and Ph.D. in 2016 from KAUST, is now a postdoctoral research fellow at the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Her early research at KAUST focused on understanding the mechanisms by which transplanted hematopoietic stem cells home back to bone marrow, specifically studying glycan-binding proteins like selectin. She now studies the role of glycan-binding proteins and galectins in microenvironment modulation. Why it matters: This highlights the impact of KAUST in fostering scientific talent and contributing to research in biomedical engineering and bioscience, with alumni now making contributions at leading international research institutions.
Sahika Inal, an assistant professor of bioscience at KAUST, focuses on organic electronic materials for clinical health monitoring. Her research involves finding functional polymers and designing electronic platforms that connect biological systems with electronics. Inal notes that KAUST's facilities and collaborative environment in BESE have been crucial for her research and team growth since 2016. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering interdisciplinary research and attracting talented scientists in the emerging field of bioelectronics.