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.
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.
A KAUST scientist led a global call for climate solutions, published simultaneously by 14 academic journals and released at COP29. The publication, prepared by 18 scientists, urges international governments to deploy microbial 'vaccines' against climate change. Six simple 'vaccine' examples are outlined, including carbon sequestration boosters and methane busters. Why it matters: This coordinated effort highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and KAUST's leading role in microbial solutions.