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.
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's Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC) and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) have collaborated on research into methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) within Saudi Arabia, starting in July 2018. The two-year project aims to understand MRSA drug resistance mechanisms specific to the Kingdom and its regions, with the goal of developing public health strategies. The project involves sequencing samples and performing bioinformatics analysis to support a network of researchers in the country. Why it matters: This initiative enhances Saudi Arabia's capacity to predict, prevent, and control infectious diseases, aligning with national health objectives and building local expertise in computational bioscience.
KAUST's Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC) held a Research Conference on Big Data Analyses in Evolutionary Biology. The conference focused on the impact of large "omics" datasets on evolutionary biology, requiring big data approaches for analysis. Researchers discussed how computer science can contribute to biology and vice versa. Why it matters: Such interdisciplinary events at KAUST can foster innovation at the intersection of computational science and biology, advancing research in both fields.
KAUST has inaugurated the Computational Bioscience Research Center. The inauguration included a two-day symposium. Why it matters: This new center will likely boost computational biology research and applications in the region.