A KAUST-led research team has observed intergenerational epigenetic inheritance in corals, demonstrating that corals pass patterns of DNA to their offspring. The research, published in Nature Climate Change, shows that corals can adapt to environmental changes and pass those traits on through DNA methylation patterns. This is the first time this process has been observed in animals, previously only seen in plants. Why it matters: This finding could enable biologists to train corals in nurseries to produce offspring better equipped to survive changing marine environments, aiding coral reef restoration efforts.
Five students from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have been selected to participate in the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany, scheduled for June 28 to July 3, 2026. These students, from various fields including electrical and computer engineering, bioengineering, and chemistry, are among only 600 young researchers worldwide chosen for this distinguished intergenerational scientific exchange. KAUST is the sole Saudi institution represented at the prestigious event, which will involve interaction with approximately 75 Nobel Laureates. Why it matters: This selection highlights KAUST's commitment to cultivating exceptional talent and its growing global reputation in science, indicating potential future scientific leadership from the region.
A study investigated language shift from Tibetan to Arabic among Tibetan families who migrated to Saudi Arabia 70 years ago. Data from 96 participants across three age groups revealed significant intergenerational differences in language use. Younger members rarely used Tibetan, while older members used it slightly more, with a p-value of .001 indicating statistical significance.