An investigation of the genome and phenome of a green alga called Chloroidium sp. UTEX 3007 has revealed, for the first time, certain adaptive traits that help algae acclimate to desert environments. Read more
Conflict and wars have continued to bend the region out of shape in 2016, with health infrastructure in Syria and Yemen continuing to crumble and fall, and the exodus of people out of dangerous zones affecting neighboring populations. The following are some of the most critical situations borne out of the flow of people as a result of infighting in 2016. Read more
In its third edition in Abu Dhabi, Imagine Science Film Festival, running from 2 to 4 March, 2017, is dedicated to light through a multitude of pictures spanning documentary, fiction and experimental film. The film festival, which contemplates the intersection between science and art and which takes place at the Arts Centre in New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), chooses a theme for its productions every year, and creates a conversation around it through talks, workshops, performances, and screenings of both local and international films. Read more
Laura Casas, House of Wisdom guest blogger and King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) marine biologist, talks to us about the orange salt water fish and how it used a marvelous evolutionary mechanism to conquer the seas. Read more
Masdar city, in the heart of the Gulf desert, on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, has no light switches or water taps. In Masdar, movement sensors control lighting and water in order to cut down electricity and water consumption by nearly half. The city is touted by the UAE as possibly “one of the world’s most sustainable eco-cities.” … Read more
An analysis of the ancient and modern DNA of the single-humped ‘Arabian’ camel or dromedary reveals how human societies have influenced the animal’s genetic diversity. Read more
A new study is warning against a climate scenario that could see large populations in the Middle East and North Africa region become forcibly displaced because of extreme weather conditions. Read more
Beneath the shifting sands of the Sahara lies a dried-up ancient river network, approximately 520 km in length, bearing witness to a time when the arid land was wetter, greener and flowing with life. Read more
Some 70 million years ago, Africa and Arabia parted to give birth to the Red Sea valley – a thriving, yet highly stressful environment for the thousands species of corals, fish and macrophytes which inhabit its waters. Read more
Welcome to the Nature Middle East blog, House of Wisdom!
The blog is designed to be a place for the science community from the Middle East, or those interested in the region, to meet, discuss and learn. We will scour and bring you the most interesting science news from across the Arab world and also discuss the various problems of the region and how science can help solve them.
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