Researchers at KAUST and international collaborators have published a framework in Nature Microbiology for using microbiomes to protect wildlife. The framework outlines a path from laboratory research to large-scale applications of microbiome solutions for threatened ecosystems. It addresses ethical considerations and risk assessment for applying environmental probiotics. Why it matters: This framework provides a science-based guide for responsible research and development of microbiome solutions to combat global biodiversity loss, particularly in sensitive marine ecosystems like coral reefs.
KAUST Professor Raquel Peixoto will co-lead the first global body under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to safeguard microbial biodiversity. The Microbial Conservation Specialist Group will explore ecological disruption and potential extinction of microbes vital to ecosystems and human health. The group will assess extinction risks, set conservation priorities, and establish criteria for a microorganism Red List. Why it matters: This initiative highlights the growing recognition of the importance of microbial ecosystems and positions KAUST as a leader in integrating microbiology into global biodiversity governance.
KAUST Professor Raquel Peixoto has been awarded the inaugural Rachel Carson Prize for microbiology. The prize recognizes scientists using microbiology to preserve the global ecosystem, understand terrestrial life and ocean biodiversity, and provide solutions for sustainable marine resource use. Peixoto's research at KAUST focuses on microbiome restoration and rehabilitation through probiotics to protect corals threatened by climate change. Why it matters: This award highlights the importance of KAUST's research in marine science and its potential to provide innovative solutions for coral reef conservation in the Red Sea and beyond.
KAUST scientists discovered a new brine pool in the Red Sea, named the Afifi pool, in collaboration with Saudi Aramco. The Afifi pool is the saltiest known in the Red Sea, six times saltier than surrounding seawater, and is located at a depth of 400 meters. Researchers used a variety of tools including Niskin bottles, an Idronaut CTD, and the Research Vessel Thuwal to characterize the pool's physical and chemical properties and sample its microbiology. Why it matters: This discovery facilitates understanding of the geochemistry and microbiology of extreme ecosystems, potentially aiding in the sustainable conservation of the Red Sea and offering insights into potential extraterrestrial environments.
KAUST researchers have discovered that combining ultraviolet sunlight with phages increases the susceptibility of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to sunlight disinfection. This breakthrough addresses the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, as the rate of discovering new antibiotics has slowed. The team demonstrated this method's effectiveness against a pathogenic E. coli strain found in Saudi wastewater. Why it matters: This research offers a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics, particularly relevant in regions like Singapore and the GCC where treated wastewater is a crucial water supply source.
Xiao Wang from Purdue University presented research on Adversarial Contrastive Learning (AdCo) and Cooperative-adversarial Contrastive Learning (CaCo) for improved self-supervised learning. He also discussed CryoREAD, a framework for building DNA/RNA structures from cryo-EM maps, and future work in deep learning for drug discovery. Wang's algorithms have impacted molecular biology, leading to new structure discoveries published in journals like Cell and Nature Microbiology. Why it matters: The research advances AI techniques for crucial tasks in molecular biology and drug discovery, with potential applications for institutions in the GCC region focused on healthcare and biotechnology.