AI applications in healthcare across the GCC — including medical imaging, clinical decision support, genomics, and health informatics from Gulf universities and hospitals.
A team from KAUST attended the 9th International Symbiosis Society Congress in Oregon, U.S. in July. Hagen Gegner, a KAUST Ph.D. student, presented work on the role of high salinity in the thermotolerance of corals. He reflected on the pros and cons of presenting unpublished research, balancing transparency with potential exposure of sensitive findings. Why it matters: The participation of KAUST researchers in this international congress highlights the university's focus on marine biology and symbiosis, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing in a competitive scientific field.
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.
KAUST's Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC) and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) have collaborated on research into methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) within Saudi Arabia, starting in July 2018. The two-year project aims to understand MRSA drug resistance mechanisms specific to the Kingdom and its regions, with the goal of developing public health strategies. The project involves sequencing samples and performing bioinformatics analysis to support a network of researchers in the country. Why it matters: This initiative enhances Saudi Arabia's capacity to predict, prevent, and control infectious diseases, aligning with national health objectives and building local expertise in computational bioscience.
KAUST researcher Corrado Calì won an award at the Brainstorming Research Assembly for Young Neuroscientists (BraYn) in Italy for his work on glycogen modulation and synapse stabilization. Calì presented research in collaboration with KAUST Professor Andrea Falqui and Dr. Elena Vezzoli from the University of Milan, investigating the lactate shuttle's involvement in synaptic plasticity. Calì and KAUST colleagues are also collaborating with the Blue Brain Project to produce a computer simulation of astrocyte-neuron coupling, using 3D virtual reality to investigate brain cell morphologies at the nanoscale. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contribution to neuroscience research and highlights the university's collaborative efforts in understanding brain plasticity and developing advanced tools for studying brain structures.
KAUST Ph.D. student Mohamed Bahloul received a best paper award at the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC ‘18) for the Africa and Middle East region. Bahloul's paper presented a three-element fractional-order viscoelastic Windkessel model developed in the EMAN group at KAUST. The model incorporates a fractional-order capacitor, potentially enabling earlier prediction of cardiovascular diseases. Why it matters: The award recognizes impactful research in biomedical engineering at KAUST and highlights the potential for advanced modeling techniques to improve healthcare in the region.
KAUST Ph.D. students Abdullah S. Almansouri and Hanan Mohammed won awards at the 21st International Conference on Magnetism (ICM 2018). Almansouri won the Best Poster Award for his work on magnetic tracking of cardiac catheters using flexible magnetic tunnel junction sensors. Mohammed won the People's Choice Award in the Magnetism as Art Showcase for her artwork entitled 'Autumn in my Nanoworld.' Why it matters: Recognition at ICM highlights KAUST's research contributions in magnetism and microsystems, particularly in developing innovative medical devices.
A KAUST-led team mapped the genome of the orange clownfish using the university's Supercomputing and Bioscience Core Labs. The genome contains 26,597 protein-coding genes and is available via the Nemo Genome DB database. The clownfish genome is one of the most complete fish genomes ever produced, comprising approximately 939 million nucleotides. Why it matters: This genomic map provides a crucial resource for understanding reef fish biology and responses to environmental changes like climate change.
KAUST alumnus Abhinay Ramaprasad (M.S. '12, Ph.D. '17) has been awarded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship from the European Commission. He will research malaria at the Francis Crick Institute in the U.K., focusing on the mechanisms of malaria parasite egress from red blood cells. Ramaprasad credits his time at KAUST and his work in Professor Arnab Pain's laboratory for preparing him for this opportunity. Why it matters: This fellowship recognizes the high-quality research training at KAUST and supports important work in combating a disease prevalent in many regions, reflecting KAUST's impact on global health.
KAUST held its first bio-entrepreneurship ideation workshop, "Ignite Bio", for Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering students and postdoctoral fellows. Speakers from Noor Diagnostics and Discovery, Cellestia BioTech, Kyanos Biotechnology and SaudiVax shared their experiences about the startup journey. Saudi-based startups highlighted the need for services and products not currently available in the Kingdom, such as genetic diagnostic testing and local vaccine production. Why it matters: The workshop and the highlighted startups signal growing interest and opportunities for biotech innovation and entrepreneurship within Saudi Arabia.
KAUST Ph.D. candidate Amal Mohammed Alamri received a grant from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) for her work on "Fully Inkjet Printing Photodetectors MSM - 2D Materials & Perovskite Based Inks." The grant supports her Ph.D. research at KAUST, focusing on photodetectors using 2-D materials and perovskite-based inks for applications in light communications and biomedical devices. Alamri aims to develop printed image detectors with flexible, thin, and transparent features through improved ink formulas. Why it matters: KACST's strategic investment in graduate students like Alamri helps advance Saudi Arabia's capabilities in science and technology, particularly in emerging areas like printed electronics and advanced materials.
KAUST held a workshop on metaorganism research, bringing together experts in microbial ecology and metaorganism evolution. Participants discussed the role of microbiomes in animal and plant health, with a focus on how next-generation sequencing is changing our understanding of microbial diversity. Researchers from KAUST's Red Sea Research Center, Desert Agriculture Initiative Research Laboratory, and Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division participated. Why it matters: The workshop highlights KAUST's growing interest in metaorganism research and its potential to address issues of animal and plant health through the lens of microbial ecology.
KAUST Ph.D. student José Efraín Pérez won the Magnetism as Art Showcase People’s Choice Award at the 62nd Annual Conference on Magnetism and Magnetic Materials (MMM) 2017 for his artwork "Magnetic Nanobeacon." The artwork represents magnetic nanowires embedded in a nanoporous template. Pérez's research focuses on biomedical applications of nanostructures, using nanowires as a scaffold for stem cell differentiation. Why it matters: This award highlights the innovative research at KAUST in the area of magnetic nanostructures and their potential applications in biomedicine.
Al-Maha Systems, a startup founded by KAUST students, has developed an IoT system for livestock health tracking. The system uses sensors attached to cows to monitor vital data like heart rate and body temperature, transmitting it to a cloud server. The goal is to detect health problems early and optimize breeding times for dairy farms. Why it matters: This innovation can improve efficiency and productivity in Saudi Arabia's dairy industry by leveraging IoT for animal husbandry.
A KAUST Global Ocean Genome workshop convened international scientists to discuss and evaluate the global ocean genome's progress. Participants assessed the representation of microbial communities and their gene pools, explored the functional capacities of the global ocean microbiome, and examined the distribution of key functional genes. KAUST aims to become a repository of global metagenome data, using big-data systems to explore ocean metagenome knowledge. Why it matters: This initiative highlights KAUST's commitment to advancing microbiome research and fostering international collaboration in marine genomics, positioning the university as a key player in understanding and utilizing ocean biodiversity.
Dr. Andrew Bastawrous, CEO/co-founder of Peek, discussed his work on mobile eye clinics at KAUST. He developed Peek Acuity and Peek Retina, which turn smartphones into tools for detecting visual impairment. The technology uses smartphone screens and camera clip-ons to image inside the eye. Why it matters: This low-cost mobile ophthalmic tool has the potential to prevent and treat vision loss in underserved communities.
KAUST alumna Aubrie O'Rourke (Ph.D. '15) received an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Award Fellowship with NASA to study bacteria aboard the International Space Station (ISS). O'Rourke will analyze samples of Burkholderia cepacia bacteria from the ISS potable water system. She will sequence genomes to understand pathogenicity and virulence, comparing them to terrestrial strains. Why it matters: Understanding how microorganisms evolve in space has implications for astronaut health during long-duration missions, and this award highlights KAUST's role in fostering pioneering research.
The paper introduces Guided Deep List, a tool for automating the generation of epidemiological line lists from open source reports. The tool uses distributed vector representations and dependency parsing to extract tabular data on disease outbreaks. It was evaluated on MERS outbreak data in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating improved accuracy over baseline methods and enabling epidemiological inferences.
A KAUST-led research team sequenced the first high-quality quinoa genome. This achievement may enhance our ability to feed the world's growing population. The research was conducted at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Why it matters: This breakthrough in genomics could lead to more resilient and nutritious crops, contributing to global food security efforts.
A smart bandage developed by KAUST's Associate Professor Atif Shamim and Ph.D. student Mohammed Farooqui won the IEEE MECAP’16 Best Paper Award. The smart bandage is a medical device that wirelessly communicates wound parameters and abnormalities to healthcare providers. It monitors the wound's recovery process. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the innovative research and development in healthcare technology emerging from Saudi Arabia.
Dr. John Bedbrook of DiCE Molecules LLC spoke at KAUST about the challenges of feeding a growing population with increasingly stressed arable land. He noted the increasing demand for meat in emerging economies exacerbates the problem. Bedbrook emphasized the role of genetics and hybridization in improving crop yields and quality to address food security. Why it matters: Investments in agricultural biotechnology are crucial for the GCC region to enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports amid changing climate conditions.
KAUST Discovery Associate Professor of Chemical Science Niveen Khashab received a 2017 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award. The award recognizes her research contributions in the field of physical science, specifically organic chemistry. The award highlights the impact of KAUST researchers on the global scientific community. Why it matters: This recognition underscores the growing prominence of women in STEM fields within the Middle East and the increasing global impact of research originating from Saudi Arabia.
A smart bandage developed at KAUST aims to accelerate the healing of chronic wounds. The bandage contains sensors and drug-delivery components for real-time monitoring and treatment. Why it matters: This technology could improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with chronic wound management in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
KAUST Discovery Professor Aranda's team has been researching coral adaptation to temperature and ocean acidification. The research is focused on the transgenerational aspect of this adaptation using controlled environments. The research has been ongoing for the past two years. Why it matters: Understanding the epigenetic mechanisms of climate resilience in corals is crucial for conservation efforts in the Red Sea and beyond.
KAUST researchers are studying the chemical signals in pearl millet that trigger the germination of Striga seeds, a parasitic plant. The research aims to understand the biological compounds involved in Striga infestation. The goal is to induce Striga germination without host plants, reducing Striga seed banks in infested soils. Why it matters: Addressing Striga infestation can improve crop yields and food security, especially in regions relying on pearl millet.
KAUST researchers have determined the atomic 3D structure of a key protein involved in plant stress signaling using X-ray crystallography at the SOLEIL synchrotron in France. Postdoctoral fellow Umar Farook Shahul Hameed optimized a tiny crystal of the plant enzyme for over six months. The team used the EIGER 9M detector to capture the weak diffraction pattern from the crystal. Why it matters: Understanding the interactions between proteins that communicate plant stress could lead to engineering more stress-tolerant crops, enhancing food security.
KAUST researchers created a flexible temperature array by drawing a resistor structure with a silver conductive ink pen on Post-it paper. The array functions as an artificial skin sensor. The device demonstrates a low-cost approach to wearable sensors. Why it matters: This research offers a path to scalable and accessible sensor technology for health monitoring and other applications in the region.
Dr. Charlotte Hauser, a bioscience professor at KAUST, has been elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). The NAI recognized Hauser for her innovations impacting quality of life and economic development. Hauser's research focuses on smart nanomaterials for biomedical and environmental applications, including peptide-based nanostructures and 3-D bioprinting. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to innovative research in biomedicine and nanotechnology, potentially fostering further advancements in these fields within the region.
KAUST's Spring Seed Fund Gala recognized three winning teams from its spring funding round. The winning projects include "I3-Waste CO2 to Commercial Products," "ONCOGENOMICS - Highly Accurate Test for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer," and "ZAD - Microbes to improve agriculture under drought, heat and salinity." The Seed Fund aims to empower faculty, researchers, and students to turn their ideas into successful businesses, providing the Kingdom with innovative startups and jobs. Why it matters: This KAUST Seed Fund supports promising research with commercial potential, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST researchers have developed a saliva-powered microbial fuel cell (MFC) that generates electricity using electrogenic bacteria to consume waste and release electrons. The micro-MFC uses graphene as an anode and an air cathode, achieving high current densities (1190 A m-3). The MFC produced 40 times more power than through the use of a carbon cloth anode. Why it matters: This technology offers a novel way to power lab-on-chip or portable diagnostic devices, particularly in remote or dangerous areas, and may offer alternatives to energy-intensive water purification technologies.
KAUST and the Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism (CEM) at UC Irvine have formed a partnership to advance epigenetics research, focusing on the interplay between genes and metabolism. The collaboration involves researchers from both institutions, including Professors Valerio Orlando and Pierre J. Magistretti from KAUST, and Professors Paolo Sassone-Corsi and Emiliana Borrelli from UCI. The partnership will include an exchange program for students, post-doctoral fellows, and sabbatical professors, as well as joint KAUST-UC Irvine conferences. Why it matters: This partnership enhances KAUST's research capabilities in fundamental cellular processes and positions the institution at the forefront of epigenetics research in the region.
KAUST faculty member Enrico Traversa is researching nanostructured materials for sustainable development in energy, environment, healthcare, and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). His work focuses on developing next-generation SOFCs based on chemically stable proton-conducting electrolytes to reduce operating temperatures. Traversa also develops scaffold biomaterials for tissue regeneration, aiming to create heart tissue using patient-derived stem cells. Why it matters: This research contributes to KAUST's focus on energy, water, environment and food, with potential for advancements in clean energy and regenerative medicine.
KAUST has received a $1.5 million grant from the Gates Foundation to research methods for eradicating the Striga hermonthica weed, also known as "witchweed". This parasitic plant devastates crops in sub-Saharan Africa by depleting water and nutrients, with the project led by Dr. Salim Al-Babili focusing on pearl millet. The research will involve collaboration with universities in Burkina Faso, Japan, and the Netherlands to identify biological compounds and low-cost methods for Striga control. Why it matters: Addressing Striga infestations is crucial for enhancing food security and supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers in Africa and the Middle East who rely on crops like pearl millet.
KAUST researchers are exploring the link between nutrition and brain-energy metabolism to address cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Pierre Magistretti and Dr. Johannes le Coutre are collaborating on ways to merge brain-energy metabolism research into the field of nutrition. They published an article entitled “Goals in Nutrition Science 2015-2020” in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition. Why it matters: This research could lead to nutritional interventions to hinder or prevent cognitive decline, offering a new approach beyond traditional drug treatments.
KAUST Professor Pierre Magistretti received the 2016 Fondation IPSEN Neuronal Plasticity prize for his work in neuroenergetics. The award recognizes Magistretti's contributions to understanding the relationship between neuronal activity and brain energy consumption. He shares the award with Dr. David Attwell and Dr. Marcus Raichle, and will be honored at FENS in Copenhagen. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contribution to international neuroscience research and strengthens its reputation in biological and environmental science.
KAUST has inaugurated the Computational Bioscience Research Center. The inauguration included a two-day symposium. Why it matters: This new center will likely boost computational biology research and applications in the region.
KAUST Ph.D. candidate Ahmed Alfadhel won the IEEE best research paper award for his work on artificial skin. The artificial skin design uses a flexible magnetic nano-composite cilia surface with a magnetic field sensing element. The device exhibits unprecedented flexibility due to the embedding of magnetic cilia and the sensing element in a polymeric surface. Why it matters: This research enables the development of cheaper, more versatile tactile sensors for health monitoring, robotics, and prosthetics, potentially advancing personalized healthcare and human-machine interfaces in the region.
KAUST held its first Enrichment in the Spring (SEP) program from March 20–28, focusing on the human brain and mind, coinciding with Brain Awareness Week. The program featured lectures from neuroscientists like Professor Alim-Louis Benabid, and presentations by KAUST's Ali Awami and Corrado Cali on visualization technology for studying the brain. KAUST researchers are collaborating with the Human Brain Project and Harvard University to develop comprehensive brain models and visualize connectome data. Why it matters: This initiative highlights KAUST's commitment to advancing neuroscience research and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations to understand the complexities of the human brain.
KAUST Associate Professor Liming Xiong is researching how plants adapt to drought conditions, focusing on reducing water consumption, increasing water uptake, and surviving under stress. His "whole plant" approach aims to identify major genes controlling water uptake, water loss, and cellular detoxification. The research seeks to develop plants that use water more efficiently or can be irrigated with brackish water, important for agriculture in Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: Understanding the molecular mechanisms of plant drought tolerance can help in breeding stress-tolerant crops suitable for the arid conditions in the region.
KAUST researchers analyzed the genome of strain RS24, a bacterium isolated from the Red Sea. The bacterium, named Candidatus Micropelagos thuwalensis RS24, belongs to the PS1 clade within Alphaproteobacteria. Genome sequencing revealed that RS24 and IMCC14465, while similar, are distinct species of the PS1 clade, containing genomic islands. Why it matters: This study advances understanding of microbial adaptation to extreme marine environments like the Red Sea, providing insights into the structure-function relationships within microbial communities.
Jasmeen Merzaban, Assistant Professor of Bioscience, and Ph.D. student Nouf Alshareef, both from KAUST, have received L'Oréal-UNESCO "For Women in Science" fellowships. Merzaban was recognized for her immunology research, and Alshareef for her work on salinity tolerance in plants. The fellowships were awarded at a ceremony in Dubai, highlighting the contributions of Arab women scientists. Why it matters: The awards spotlight the growing role of women in STEM fields within the GCC and KAUST's commitment to fostering high-quality research in the region.
KAUST Discovery Professor Pierre Magistretti, Dean of KAUST's Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, received an honorary membership from the Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences (CAPS). CAPS is a part of the China Association for Science and Technology, aiming to advance scientific progress and economic revitalization in China. Magistretti was recognized for his research on brain energy metabolism and the mechanisms regulating energy delivery to active neurons, with implications for functional brain imaging. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing international recognition and its faculty's contributions to fundamental research with potential applications in healthcare and neuroscience.
KAUST Discovery Associate Professor Stefan Arold has established KAUST's first structural biology lab specializing in determining the atomic 3D structure of proteins and other biological macromolecules. The lab setup involved challenges such as assembling instruments and continuing research, but the Bioscience Core Lab at KAUST and support from colleagues aided in the process. Arold's research focuses on understanding protein function through an integrated 'hybrid' approach to analyze 3D structure and function of proteins. Why it matters: This new lab enhances KAUST's capabilities in molecular biophysics and structural biology, enabling advanced research into the functions of proteins and their implications for health and disease.
KAUST hosted the Falling Walls Lab, featuring 22 finalists presenting their product or venture ideas. The winner, Aftab Hussain, presented a reusable, flexible, and smartphone-controlled smart thermal patch for chronic pain, intended as an alternative to existing solutions. The event served as a qualifier for the international Falling Walls Lab Finale in Berlin. Why it matters: Showcases KAUST's focus on innovation and provides a platform for students to develop solutions addressing global challenges, fostering entrepreneurship in the region.
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's Environmental Epigenetics Program (KEEP), led by Prof. Valerio Orlando, focuses on understanding how cells acquire and maintain memory, particularly in response to environmental factors. The research investigates the role of non-coding RNA and chromosomal components in regulating gene expression beyond the DNA sequence. Epigenetics explains how the same genome can be interpreted differently, allowing cells and organs to adapt to changing conditions. Why it matters: This research could provide insights into how environmental factors impact gene expression and cell function, potentially leading to advances in understanding and treating diseases.
KAUST's Center for Desert Agriculture is holding an international conference on November 3-5, 2014, focusing on desert rhizosphere microbes for sustainable agriculture. Researchers aim to understand how plants survive in extreme conditions by studying microbes that help them tolerate heat, drought, and salt. They will explore genetic engineering and natural microbe usage to improve crop performance under heightened stress conditions. Why it matters: This research is critical for adapting agricultural systems to global warming and meeting future food production challenges in arid regions like the Middle East.
A KAUST team discovered a simple method to fabricate microspheres using block copolymer self-assembly. The resulting particles have pH-responsive gates and a highly porous structure, granting them ultrahigh protein sorption capacity. The team leveraged their expertise in block copolymers and self-assembly to achieve this. Why it matters: This new method and the resulting particles have potential applications in biotechnology, medicine, and catalysis, advancing materials science in the region.
KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC) pioneers industry partnerships through its Center Industry Affiliates Program (CIAP). The program aligns industry interests with KAUST's research in desalination, wastewater reuse, new materials, hydrologic systems, and sustainable water technologies. Pilot plants enable intermediate-scale research and long-term assessments, bridging the gap between bench-scale testing and industrial implementation. Why it matters: This applied research model strengthens KAUST's impact on water sustainability challenges in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Dr. Ingo Potrykus, co-inventor of Golden Rice, discussed the potential of this genetically modified crop to combat vitamin A deficiency at KAUST's 2014 Winter Enrichment Program. Golden Rice, engineered to produce beta carotene, could prevent millions of deaths and cases of blindness annually in developing countries where rice is a staple. Regulatory hurdles for GMOs have stalled the distribution of Golden Rice, increasing development costs and delaying its availability to farmers. Why it matters: This highlights the potential of biotechnology developed and discussed in the GCC to address global health challenges, but also the regulatory and ethical considerations surrounding GMOs.
Professor Mohammad Younis, a new Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at KAUST, focuses his research on micro and nanotechnology, specifically the interface between nonlinear dynamics and micro/nano electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS). He is developing a generic platform for sensing and actuation with potential uses in detecting poisonous gases, biohazards, and earthquake signals. He is also working on actuator systems that can assist elderly people after a fall by automatically calling for help. Why it matters: This research has significant implications for safety, environmental monitoring, and elderly care in the Middle East and beyond.