KAUST researchers are working to improve gene editing tools, specifically CRISPR/Cas9, for crop bioengineering to address food security challenges. Magdy Mahfouz's lab is developing a germline engineering platform to produce gene-edited plants without foreign DNA and bypass time-consuming tissue culture. A recent European court decision classifies CRISPR/Cas9 crops as GMOs, facing stringent regulations, contrasting with the U.S. where CRISPR-edited mushrooms are already available. Why it matters: Advances in gene editing at KAUST could significantly enhance crop yields and stress tolerance in the region, but regulatory hurdles remain a key challenge for deployment.
Dr. John Bedbrook of DiCE Molecules LLC spoke at KAUST about the challenges of feeding a growing population with increasingly stressed arable land. He noted the increasing demand for meat in emerging economies exacerbates the problem. Bedbrook emphasized the role of genetics and hybridization in improving crop yields and quality to address food security. Why it matters: Investments in agricultural biotechnology are crucial for the GCC region to enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports amid changing climate conditions.
KAUST Associate Professor Liming Xiong is researching how plants adapt to drought conditions, focusing on reducing water consumption, increasing water uptake, and surviving under stress. His "whole plant" approach aims to identify major genes controlling water uptake, water loss, and cellular detoxification. The research seeks to develop plants that use water more efficiently or can be irrigated with brackish water, important for agriculture in Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: Understanding the molecular mechanisms of plant drought tolerance can help in breeding stress-tolerant crops suitable for the arid conditions in the region.
KAUST's Center of Excellence for Sustainable Food Security (CoE-SFS) has launched 12 translation projects focused on plant growth and water security, establishing partnerships with public and private entities to scale up research. Mark Tester's team developed stress-tolerant rootstocks, grafted onto crops like tomatoes, that thrive in hot, dry conditions with increased yields. Through his start-up Iyris, Tester is conducting commercial field trials in over 12 countries. Why it matters: These efforts to adapt agriculture to environmental change are crucial for ensuring food security in Saudi Arabia, the region, and globally, especially in the face of climate change and limited water resources.
Iain Young, current Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney, will become the new Dean of the KAUST Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) in mid-2022. Young brings over 30 years of academic experience and expertise in soil biophysics and multidisciplinary research. He aims to support KAUST's vision for a sustainable future by focusing on academic excellence in teaching and research, and building connections between research in food, water, energy, and the environment. Why it matters: This appointment strengthens KAUST's leadership in critical areas like desert agriculture and environmental sustainability, aligning with Saudi Arabia's goals for water efficiency and food security.
KAUST researchers collaborated to identify molecular pathways for plant biofortification of vitamin A. A KAUST group demonstrated high pressure conversion of carbon dioxide into useful products. Another team designed a biosensor using metal oxide transistors to detect glucose in saliva. Why it matters: These projects highlight KAUST's contributions to biotechnology, environmental sustainability, and healthcare through advanced materials and molecular techniques.
KAUST researchers have developed a hybrid cooling technology combining nanotech plastic and biodegradable mulch that significantly enhances crop yields in arid regions. The technology lowers greenhouse temperatures by 25 degrees Celsius and doubles crop yields in tests with Chinese cabbage. The nanotech plastic coating absorbs infrared light, while the biodegradable mulch reflects sunlight to keep the soil cooler. Why it matters: This innovation promises to improve food security in arid regions like Saudi Arabia while reducing energy consumption and plastic waste associated with traditional greenhouse cooling methods.
Fred Davies from Texas A&M University spoke at KAUST about the challenges of feeding the world's growing population. The keynote address was part of KAUST's Enrichment in the Fall program. Davies discussed the growing needs and problems related to global food production. Why it matters: Such discussions at KAUST can help foster research and innovation in agricultural technologies relevant to Saudi Arabia and the wider region.