Researchers at KAUST have developed a new genome engineering approach allowing accurate integration of large genetic sequences into plants. This method opens new avenues for agricultural biotechnology, synthetic biology, and plant-based biomanufacturing.
Researchers at KAUST developed a wearable microneedle patch that continuously tracks drug levels beneath the skin and wirelessly transmits data to a smartphone. The platform provides continuous information about therapies inside the body, offering a more complete picture of how medicines move through the body over time.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a system that uses tiny laser devices to generate unique digital fingerprints, verifying device identity without traditional passwords or security keys. The technology combines with AI to authenticate fingerprints instantly, offering a faster and more secure alternative for large-scale digital networks.
Researchers documented over 200 marine ecosystem disruptions in a year of unprecedented ocean warming, highlighting the need for year-round monitoring and assessment to support conservation efforts. Impacts were not limited to traditional summer heatwaves, with evidence of ecological disruption across seasons.
Terraxy, a KAUST spinout, has secured $3 million in funding to scale its desert greening technology, which can deliver up to 70% improvement in plant growth and yield. The investment will support the establishment of a commercial facility in Al Zulfi and enable the deployment of its proprietary soil enhancer, Carbosoil.
A new staining-free imaging platform has been developed to analyze tissue samples more quickly and consistently, supporting future AI-assisted cancer diagnostics. The platform achieved a 99% agreement rate with conventional pathology assessments when analyzing colorectal tissue samples.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a resilient renewable energy system capable of meeting electricity demand during extreme weather conditions in hot desert regions. The system combines concentrated solar power, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines with battery and thermal storage, reducing CO2 emissions by 330,000 tonnes annually.
Researchers at KAUST have discovered that depleted oil fields can be used to store hydrogen in a safe and efficient manner. This method involves incorporating hydrogen into carbon-based molecules called Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs), which can then be stored underground and extracted to recover residual oil.
KAUST researchers study water-repelling surfaces and find that the rate of droplet release significantly impacts charge generation, contrary to intuition. The interface 'remembers' its recent past, influencing how charge is transferred in subsequent cycles.
Researchers at KAUST developed a system that directly measures electrode integrity using digital signal quality evaluation between electrodes. This innovative approach enables accurate signal acquisition and detects early signs of contact degradation, improving the quality of health data recorded by wearable medical devices.
A tiny sensor developed by KAUST researchers can detect hazardous head impacts with 360-degree accuracy, distinguishing minor bumps from severe blows. The device's innovative design allows it to operate without power or routine upkeep, paving the way for next-generation wearable safety systems.
A new study reveals an unusual microbial world in the Hatiba Mons hydrothermal vent fields, showcasing remarkable metabolic versatility. The microbes present demonstrate a unique ecosystem dominated by iron-driven metabolisms, which drive chemical transformations and sustain life under extreme conditions.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have achieved a new benchmark in integration density and efficiency by stacking six semiconductor transistors. This feat enables larger area electronics while maintaining performance, opening possibilities for flexible electronics and the Internet of Things.
A new study reveals that wildfire smoke particles act like tiny chemical factories under sunlight, generating peroxides and other pollutants. This overlooked chemistry means current models are underestimating the impact of wildfires on air quality and climate.
The Red Sea experienced a massive disruption 6.2 million years ago, completely changing its marine life and transforming into a barren salt desert. The catastrophic flood from the Indian Ocean rapidly refilled the basin, restoring normal marine conditions within less than 100,000 years.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have developed a system to convert captured carbon dioxide into industrial-grade ethylene, a crucial commodity in plastics, textiles, and construction. The innovation reduces energy costs by 0.8 gigajoules per metric ton compared to existing electrolysis systems.
Researchers achieved excellent passivation of perovskite top cells on textured silicon surfaces, leading to improved efficiency and conductivity. The breakthrough enhances understanding of processes occurring in top cells and paves the way for further innovation in tandem solar cell development.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology developed a new mathematical approach to protect aircraft from 5G interference. They proposed deploying exclusion zones around runways, which would minimize interference with radio altimeters while maintaining 5G performance.
Researchers have found that stylolites in limestone rock samples disrupt sound wave propagation, particularly affecting secondary waves that form due to scattering. This discovery has implications for monitoring hydraulic fracture propagation in rock samples containing stylolites.
KAUST researchers developed a mathematical model to predict fluted film behavior, which can inform design strategies for industries like food processing and pharmaceuticals. The study reveals complex shapes formed by the liquid as it drains from a tube.
Scientists at KAUST discovered how free water compromises battery life and performance, but also found a solution with affordable salts like zinc sulfate. The study showed that sulfate reduces the amount of free water in batteries, increasing their lifespan by more than ten times.
A near-complete genomic framework of wild Oryza species has been developed, offering insights into the evolution of the genus and new avenues for crop improvement. The resource enables researchers to explore genetic diversity and detect adaptive traits useful for domestication.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a new method for separating valuable hydrocarbons from crude oil using hollow molecules called cucurbiturils. These 'molecular sieves' can efficiently capture and isolate specific hydrocarbons, reducing the need for energy-intensive distillation processes.
Researchers at KAUST developed a predictive model to optimize polymer film processing in organic thermoelectric devices. The tool significantly improves power output by predicting the best solvent to use, with chlorobenzene found to maximize desirable edge-on orientation.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have created a deep learning tool called deepBlastoid to study human embryo development in artificial laboratory conditions. The tool can evaluate images of blastoids equally well as expert scientists but 1000 times faster than traditional methods.
Researchers developed a composite material that enhances solar cell performance, raising power output and lifespan while reducing heat absorption and electricity consumption. The passive cooling technology, tested in various environments, showed excellent results with increased power output by 12.9% and lifespan by over 200%.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a simple method to track body water levels during fasting and intense physical activity using capacitive sensors found in smartphone screens. The system achieved impressive accuracy rates of up to 92% in detecting dehydration among athletes and 87% among fasting individuals.
A team of researchers at KAUST has developed a powerful modeling approach to integrate spatially misaligned datasets, including air pollution prediction and disease mapping. The new model uses the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) framework to merge geographically inconsistent datasets, providing faster and more accurate p...
A new quantum random number generator has been developed, surpassing existing generators in speed and size. This breakthrough could significantly impact industries relying on strong data security, including health, finance, and defense.
Researchers developed a remote sensing tool to monitor coral bleaching in the Red Sea, utilizing satellite imaging and analyzing changes in light reflection. The tool can accurately identify bleached corals, providing early warnings for conservation strategies, and supporting sustainable fisheries and tourism management.
A team of researchers at KAUST has invented a low-power hydrogen sensor that outperforms commercial detectors. The device can detect traces of hydrogen at just 192 parts per billion and responds within one second of exposure, making it an essential tool for safety in industrial and transportation sectors.
Researchers at KAUST created an electrochemical sensor that detects vitamin D deficiency using MXene-antibody hybrid biosensor device. The sensor has a detection limit of 1 picogram per milliliter, making it suitable for point-of-care testing in remote healthcare centers.
Scientists discovered 26 novel bacterial species growing in NASA spacecraft assembly facilities, carrying genetic traits associated with resilience to extreme environments. The study highlights the importance of contamination control in space missions and reveals potential for microbial persistence in extraterrestrial environments.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered genes that can strengthen rice crops against environmental stresses such as heat, drought, and salinity. The study also identified a comprehensive framework for developing robust rice crops that can thrive in challenging environments.
A new study reveals that incorporating CPMAC into perovskite solar cells enhances energy efficiency and stability, reducing defects in the electron transfer layer and improving performance.
Researchers at KAUST developed a highly accurate 3D dynamic model to better anticipate large earthquakes. The model provides a more accurate understanding of strong shaking during the Turkiye earthquake, enabling information for future seismic hazard assessments.
A new study published in Science reveals the first molecular events that give wheat immunity against stem rust, a major wheat disease. The findings provide insights into how to engineer wheat with stronger resistance against infection.
Scientists at KAUST developed a new nanoplastic mulch that cools greenhouses by 25 degrees Celsius, increasing Chinese cabbage crop yields by nearly 200%. The biodegradable mulch reduces microplastic waste and energy consumption in hot cities.
For the first time, scientists have witnessed the moment DNA begins to unravel, revealing a necessary molecular event for DNA replication. This direct observation sheds light on the fundamental mechanisms that allow cells to faithfully duplicate their genetic material.
A new study introduces nanoPE, a nanomaterial that enhances thermal radiation emission from LEDs, reducing temperature and energy loss. This technology can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the US by over one million metric tons.
Researchers found a unique ecosystem in the deep waters of the Farasan Bank coral reef system, where corals and fish adapted to survive in low-oxygen environments. The discovery highlights the need for further marine exploration and conservation of these extreme habitats.
Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered a way to increase the performance of lithium-metal batteries by incorporating nylon into the design. This breakthrough could lead to more energy-dense batteries with lower carbon dioxide emissions.
Researchers identified a single gene, CIROZ, responsible for pediatric heart defects and abnormal organ placement. The study found that mutations in this gene can lead to severe heart defects at birth, emphasizing the importance of preventive strategies and curative therapies.
Researchers used Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites to quantify off-fault damage and surface displacement caused by the two 2023 earthquakes. The study suggests that off-fault damage can reach up to five kilometers from the fault, contradicting previous estimates.
A new AI-powered tool from KAUST researchers is mapping cause-and-effect relationships between diseases, creating a framework for targeted therapeutic strategies and disease prevention. The tool reveals surprising links between metabolic diseases and other conditions, including cardiovascular and nervous system diseases.
A KAUST-led research team discovered EZH1 plays a dual role in circadian regulation, stabilizing RNA Polymerase II and reshaping chromatin to activate or silence genes on schedule. This ensures genes involved in metabolism, sleep, and other essential processes rise and fall on cue.
Researchers have developed a perovskite X-ray detector that uses cascade engineering to reduce dark current, enabling high-quality medical images at ultra-low doses. The device achieved a detection limit of 100 nGy·s−1, a significant improvement over previous limits.
A hybrid modeling approach predicts optimal nanofiltration membranes for chemical separations, reducing energy consumption by up to 40% and CO2 emissions by 90%. The AI-powered tool evaluates millions of potential separation options, enabling industries to make informed decisions.
A recent study found that multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibits distinct characteristics in Saudi Arabia, with molecular factors contributing to increased virulence and severity. The researchers highlight the need for tailored surveillance programs and new antimicrobial agents to address this local threat.
A new study by KAUST researchers predicts that the Arabian Peninsula will experience extreme temperature rises, with some areas warming three times faster than global averages. The findings highlight the urgent need for good climate policy to mitigate the effects of climate change in the region.