KAUST's Salt Lab, led by Professor Mark Tester, is researching how salt-tolerant plants survive in harsh environments. The lab aims to improve plant yields in suboptimal conditions, focusing on naturally occurring variability in plants to enhance salinity tolerance. With 70% of global water used for agriculture and increasing water scarcity, the research seeks to unlock the potential of seawater for irrigation. Why it matters: Enhancing the salinity tolerance of crops is crucial for addressing food security challenges exacerbated by climate change and the growing global population, particularly in arid regions like the Middle East.
KAUST marine biologist Maggie Johnson is studying how to accurately measure environmental conditions to optimize coral restoration, focusing on temperature and light. She highlights the variability in precision and accuracy of commercially available instruments for measuring these parameters. Johnson notes that some instruments fail in the Red Sea's warm temperatures and high salinity, providing incorrect data. Why it matters: Accurate environmental monitoring is crucial for the success of coral reef restoration efforts in the face of climate change, especially in extreme environments like the Red Sea.
KAUST researchers led by Mark Tester are developing new irrigation technology to enable crop production using semi-saline water, aiming to reduce freshwater reliance to 10% in greenhouse systems. The technology is eco-friendly and intends to cut agricultural costs by utilizing seawater, targeting a cost of 10 U.S. cents per cubic meter. A new company named Red Sea Farms is being developed to grow salt-tolerant tomatoes in diluted seawater in a greenhouse cooled with undiluted seawater. Why it matters: This research could significantly reduce pressure on freshwater resources in arid regions and offers a sustainable approach to increase food production using available seawater.
KAUST researchers are developing new solar desalination methods to increase efficiency and minimize heat losses, building on techniques dating back to Arab alchemists. KAUST Associate Professor Peng Wang and his team at the Water Desalination and Reuse Center are developing an innovative system that more efficiently vaporizes water using interfacial heating. The design uses a photothermal material to capture the entire spectrum of sunlight and convert it into heat with nearly 100% efficiency. Why it matters: This research could provide more sustainable and efficient methods for producing fresh water in arid regions like the Middle East.
KAUST is hosting the Marine Megafauna Movement Workshop (October 19-20) featuring international speakers showcasing research on marine animal behavior using sensors and analytics. Enrichment in the Fall 2015 (October 16-24) at KAUST will focus on marine animal movement with lectures, trips, movies, and music. KAUST aims to merge research on marine animal movement with the study of human mobility to gain new insights. Why it matters: This interdisciplinary approach could advance understanding of both marine ecosystems and human behavior, while promoting marine conservation efforts in the Red Sea.
KAUST researchers developed a hybrid wireless communication system for non-invasive monitoring of marine animals, consisting of a lightweight, flexible, Bluetooth-enabled tag that stores sensor data underwater. The tag syncs data to floating receivers when the animal surfaces, which then relays the data via GSM or drones. The system is a collaboration between the Red Sea Research Center and KAUST's electrical engineering department. Why it matters: This technology provides researchers with detailed, near real-time data about marine animals, overcoming the limitations of invasive and impractical traditional tagging methods.
A KAUST-led international team has published research detailing the potential of marine-based solutions to combat climate change. The study assesses the effectiveness of 13 ocean-based measures, including reducing greenhouse gas concentrations and protecting marine ecosystems. The research will inform decision-makers at COP24. Why it matters: Highlighting the potential of ocean-based solutions can broaden the scope of climate action strategies in the region, where coastal environments and marine resources are vital.
KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Research Center (WDRC) is dedicated to reducing the energy footprint of desalination, with Saudi Arabia being the largest producer of desalinated water globally. Biofouling, caused by organisms like the bay barnacle, increases the energy required for desalination and affects various sectors, including medical devices and marine vessels. Researchers at WDRC, including Professor Matthew McCabe and Director Johannes Vrouwenvelder, are exploring novel desalination technologies and anti-fouling agents to combat biofouling. Why it matters: Addressing biofouling is crucial for reducing the economic and ecological costs of desalination in water-scarce regions like Saudi Arabia and improving efficiency across multiple industries.