KAUST researchers have developed a green synthetic biology approach using engineered algae to replicate the complex fragrances of agarwood, also known as oudh. They catalogued the chemical diversity of sesquiterpenes (STPs) in 58 agarwood samples and reproduced some of the chemical complexity of agarwood STPs in algae using synthetic biology. The team used the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to produce nine distinct STP chemical products widely found in agarwood, offering a sustainable alternative to harvesting endangered trees. Why it matters: This research provides a sustainable route for producing sought-after fragrances, reducing pressure on endangered agarwood tree populations and promoting green chemistry in the region.
The UrduFake@FIRE2021 shared task focused on fake news detection in the Urdu language, framed as a binary classification problem. 34 teams registered, with 18 submitting results and 11 providing technical reports, showcasing diverse approaches. The top-performing system utilized the stochastic gradient descent (SGD) algorithm, achieving an F-score of 0.679.
KAUST startup uODS signed an MoU with Saudi Aramco Base Oil Company (Luberef) to develop and deploy technology removing sulfur from hydrocarbons. The uODS process, based on KAUST's sonochemistry research, reduces sulfur in marine fuels to meet IMO 2020 regulations. Luberef aims to reduce its environmental footprint by piloting the uODS technology at its Jeddah refineries, with uODS set to produce 10 tons per day of desulfurized fuel for testing. Why it matters: The partnership demonstrates KAUST's role in addressing Saudi Arabia's environmental goals and showcases the potential of university spin-offs to contribute to a more sustainable oil industry in the region.
This paper provides an overview of the UrduFake@FIRE2021 shared task, which focused on fake news detection in the Urdu language. The task involved binary classification of news articles into real or fake categories using a dataset of 1300 training and 300 testing articles across five domains. 34 teams registered, with 18 submitting results and 11 providing technical reports detailing various approaches from BoW to Transformer models, with the best system achieving an F1-macro score of 0.679.
Todd Nims, a filmmaker born in Saudi Arabia, premiered his film "Joud" at KAUST's 2018 Winter Enrichment Program. The film, set in Saudi Arabia, explores the cycle of life in reverse and the meaning of "Joud" (generosity in the face of scarcity). Nims describes Saudi Arabia as a "magical place" due to its rich storytelling tradition. Why it matters: The article highlights KAUST's role in showcasing cultural works and supporting Saudi artists, though the AI relevance is limited.
KAUST Ph.D. student Asrar Damdam won a Silicon Valley pitching competition with her biotechnology startup UVERA, which uses ultraviolet light to extend the shelf life of fresh food. The idea ranked first out of 116 others and was deemed the most investable by venture capitalists. UVERA's technology reduces food pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, aiming to reduce food waste. Why it matters: This award highlights the potential for innovative foodtech solutions emerging from Saudi universities and their ability to attract global investment.
KAUST and Saudi healthtech company amplifAI health have signed an MoU to develop a new disease detection system. The system will combine amplifAI's AI technology with KAUST's HyplexTM hyperspectral imaging, initially for diabetic foot complications. Clinical trials are planned, with aims to reduce amputations and save Saudi Arabia over 2 billion Riyals annually. Why it matters: This partnership showcases the potential of combining Saudi AI and advanced imaging technologies to address pressing healthcare challenges in the region, particularly diabetes.
KAUST and the Al-Madinah Region Development Authority (MDA) signed an MoU to enhance efficiency, resiliency, and safety in Al-Madinah. KAUST will share high-resolution climate change projections and assess soil loss dynamics. The collaboration aims to tackle challenges in the environmental and water sectors through research, development, and training. Why it matters: This partnership showcases KAUST's role in translating research into practical smart city solutions for regional development, addressing critical environmental concerns.