Latest news with #EAD
Boston Globe
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
‘It seems like science fiction.' Harvard students set to graduate amid fear, uncertainty of Trump's pressure campaign
'It seems like science fiction, or a horror movie,' said Julie Shields, mother of a Harvard Law graduate, walking out of the Harvard Coop on Tuesday. 'It proves that what happens somewhere else — it can happen here.' Advertisement Shields, an attorney originally from New York, said it had been 'frightening' to see the pressure campaign unfold against one of the most prestigious and respected institutions in the country — even more so knowing that it could affect her daughter's education and career. 'The First Amendment, freedom of speech, it doesn't seem that it's being respected in the same way it was when I was growing up,' she said, adding that 'Nothing in the world is normal right now. It's all shifting. And for [the graduates], even more so.' Others say the Trump administration's threats have also brought the community together, at least for the time being, in solidarity and defiance. 'It is infuriating, and it's really obvious to anybody who has been following this, that what's going on is vindictive,' said Tony Vitt, a first-year graduate student of Celtic Languages and Literature. 'It is targeted. It's being sold as protection against antisemitism and ideological capture and those kinds of things — [but] all of that is false.' Advertisement The uncertainty felt by so many around Harvard is only heightened for graduating international students, who are weighing whether they can, or should, remain in the country after walking the stage. Kamsai Nawapruek, originally from Thailand, wrapped up her studies at Harvard in November. But she said her job at the MBTA is still predicated on an extension of her F-1 student visa. 'If you can revoke the visa, does that mean that you can revoke my EAD card?' she said, referring to the document that allows her to work in the US. 'I've heard some of my friends got laid off the next very next day [after the crackdown on international student enrollment]. I don't know why or how, but yeah, that was what happened. I'm not affected by the situation yet ... but right now it's just wait and see.' For Mobi Humayun, a naturalized US citizen originally from Pakistan graduating with a masters' in information technology, the crackdown has made him uneasy about the future of the country he now calls home. 'Right now, it feels like they're closing the doors and windows for freedom of speech,' he said. 'If I disagree with you, that doesn't mean I'm breaking the law. Disagreement brings opportunities to make things better.' Beyond the ramifications of curtailing speech on Harvard's campus, Humayun said the threat of research funding cuts would only weaken the university — and the United States. Advertisement 'Universities need funds,' he said. 'If you cut the funding, how are you going to produce those Nobel Prizes? How will America lead?' It's been enough to give students pause about what Harvard's future looks like. 'If I was thinking about doing a PhD here, this information, with everything that's happening — it would make me take a second look," said David Levin, graduating with a masters degree in computer science. Levin, who is Jewish, says he understands the need to address antisemitism on campus. But he said that most faculty members — and international students, he added — are 'not interested in causing any trouble.' 'They just want to be able to do their research in peace.' 'I didn't ask for my professors to lose research funding,' Levin said. 'That's not something that benefits me. So I think Trump is essentially screwing over the people who he said he was going to protect.' The potential cuts to scientific research have also worried alums, such as Elizabeth Adams, 64. 'One thing that might be endangered is an Alzheimer's project, which is making great inroads,' Adams said. 'And that's personal to me, because my mom died of Alzheimer's.' Adams, a retired marketing executive and graduate of the class of 1982, describes herself as a moderate Republican. But Trump's actions against Harvard have all the markings of a personal vendetta, she said. When the Department of Education announced last week it would halt Harvard's ability to enroll international students, she said she immediately made a donation to her alma mater. Peter Connolly, an 80-year-old alum living in Chelsea, felt compelled to revisit the campus Wednesday to pick up a crimson bucket hat. Advertisement 'It sounds like they're trying to basically destroy Harvard,' said Connolly, who took economics courses at Harvard in 1980. 'And higher education in general.' Ryan Doan-Nguyen, a member of Harvard College's class of 2025, stood by the entrance to Harvard Yard on Tuesday having his photograph taken by family members. David L. Ryan/Globe Staff Other students say they're encouraged the university has refused to back down in the face of federal pressure, even with the potential repercussions to its academics and research. 'I'd say Harvard affiliates from all the schools, from undergrad through PhD, have been immensely proud of the stance our institution has taken,' said Ryan Doan-Nguyen, a Worcester native graduating from Harvard College. Some students said the outside attacks have helped bridge some of the deep fractures on campus. Even those critical of the university's handling of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and diversity initiatives are generally supportive of his stance against the Trump administration. 'I think people — even those who might otherwise have disagreements about things like viewpoint diversity or [the university's] administrative policies — are finding more common ground than not, in opposing the overreach that we've seen," said Gareth Cleveland, who's graduating with a master's in education. Doan-Nguyen said that Harvard's resistance has helped bring the student body together. And, he added, it has also impacted him personally; thanks to the ongoing litigation surrounding the school, the history and literature major said he'd been encouraged to explore a career in law. 'I'm very happy to represent Harvard,' Doan-Nguyen said. 'And that's not something we're always proud to say.' Angel Vargas, graduating with a master's in liberal arts in creative writing and literature, said that, as far as universities go, Harvard has 'done a better job than a lot of others.' For someone who served six years as a US Army reservist, Vargas said the Trump administration's efforts to control higher education feel like a betrayal of the values he signed up to protect. Advertisement 'It's a disservice,' he said, 'not just to myself, but to my friends and other service members — what they fought for and had to sacrifice.' But Doan-Nguyen said that, regardless of what the future holds for their university, Harvard graduates are nothing if not resilient. 'We've been walking on eggshells these past four years,' he said. 'So our feet have hardened.' Camilo Fonseca can be reached at
Al Etihad
7 hours ago
- Science
- Al Etihad
UAE's dugong ambassador participates in vital marine research at SeaWorld
28 May 2025 23:42 AYSHA SHAAYA (ABU DHABI)On May 28, World Dugong Day, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi shone the spotlight on Malquot, a gentle but curious male dugong and an ambassador of his alone and in poor health in the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve in 2019 when he was just a week old and with no mother in sight, he was rescued and brought into the care of specialists; he was given the name Malquot, meaning "one who was lost and then found."Six years later, the marine mammal is in a healthy condition, thriving under the expert supervision and support received at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi."One of the main drivers for us to do the Abu Dhabi Ocean Realm here at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi was to highlight him and build a habitat that represented his natural environment so he could thrive," explained Rob Yordi, General Curator at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue now resides in the Abu Dhabi Ocean Realm at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a habitat designed to mirror the warm, shallow waters of Abu Dhabi, which is home to the second largest concentration of dugongs in the world, with around 3000 dugongs in the enjoys the companionship of other sea creatures and is delighted by the many faces of visitors who come to greet him and share the unique experience of feeding one of a few dugongs in human care globally, Malquot has "volunteered" to be part of a groundbreaking research in partnership with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD)."All of our animals in SeaWorld, we consider that they have choice and control. So, we always ask him if he would like to participate in his own research to study him. He's smart and intuitive. He loves his training sessions and always challenges his trainers," added contribution to the research could help ensure the future of his species, as dugongs face threats in the wild, from degradation and marine traffic to entanglement in the nets of the fishers. James Cook University of Australia is participating in a research programme, in collaboration with SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, in a bid to understand the creature's behaviour, habits and needs, and Malquot is only too ready and willing to join the team for this new study.
Al Etihad
7 hours ago
- Science
- Al Etihad
Inside the EAD gene bank protecting UAE's botanical treasures
29 May 2025 00:04 MAYS IBRAHIM (AL AIN)The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)'s Plant Genetic Resource Centre (PGRC) in Al Ain is on a mission to preserve the UAE's native flora, and since it opened in 2024, it has already collected over 580 samples of 130 plant species from across the centre serves as a gene bank that stores plant material in multiple forms: seeds, tissue, live plants, DNA, and even with Aletihad at a media tour on Tuesday, Maher Kabshawi, Head of the Seed Collection and Preservation Section, explained the process that goes into conserving native plant seeds from across the UAE is no easy task, Kabshawi said. "We have to go to the wild during specific seasons when plants are mature but not dried out. It can take several attempts, especially when targeting rare or endangered species."The goal is to conserve around 600 documented plant species in the UAE, but due to the scale of this mission, priorities have been set, he said. The initial focus is on 23 Abu Dhabi species that have been considered "threatened" on the IUCN Red seeds undergo a meticulous multi-step process that includes cleaning, drying, testing, and cataloguing. Only once they meet strict moisture and quality standards are they stored in a 20°C cold room, designed to preserve up to 20,000 samples. Under these conditions, seeds can remain viable for up to 100 years, according to Kabshawi. A High-Tech Facility The seed lab, where cutting-edge innovation meets meticulous scientific methods, is the gateway for every sample that enters the the suite of specialised machines used at the lab is a videometer, the first of its kind in the country. This AI-powered device uses spectrometry to capture high-resolution images of seeds and read a wide range of traits, such as colour, shape, surface texture, and chlorophyll content."The videometer allows us to study seeds non-invasively," seed collection specialist Nuri Asmita said. "We can evaluate a seed's health, maturity, and moisture content without damaging it."The machine works by exposing seeds to specific light wavelengths, allowing scientists to detect internal traits based on how the seed reflects or absorbs tandem, the lab uses an aspirator machine to separate seeds from debris and impurities collected in the field. Once cleaned, seeds are packaged with another precision tool: a counter that uses a light beam to count individual seeds as they pass through. From Herbarium to Fungarium Plant specimens go to the herbarium, while tissue samples are used for cryopreservation and genomic research, supporting broader biodiversity conservation herbarium, which already houses over 4,000 sheets representing 705 species, uses digital imaging - including 3D rendering - to document and preserve plant specimens for future study."Once we press, dry, and mount the samples, we digitise them, creating a record that can last for a century," Sabitha Sakkir, a flora scientist, told centre has also launched the UAE's first fungarium, which currently includes around 40 fungal specimens, including the rare Ganoderma colossum, recorded for the first time in the country. Genome Sequencing One of the most ambitious parts of the PGRC's mission is genome collaboration with G42 and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, the centre completed sequencing for six native species in its first phase, including the iconic Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria), dwarf palm, and seagrass (Halodule uninervis)."Sequencing is complex," Salama Al Mansoori, Plant Conservation Specialist at PGRC, told Aletihad. "It's time-intensive and technically demanding. That's why we prioritise species based on IUCN Red List classifications and ecological importance."Phase two of genome sequencing will focus on three key species, each vital to their respective ecosystems, according to epapposum (Arfaj), which supports desert biodiversity, plays a role in soil stabilisation and helps regulate microclimates. Orchradenus arabicus, a salt-tolerant shrub, enhances vegetation in saline habitats, supports pollinators, and aids in land restoration. Halophila stipulacea, a key seagrass species, stabilises sediment, improves water quality, and provides habitat for marine life, indicating healthy coastal DNA from arid-adapted species is especially challenging due to their fibrous structures, requiring laborious preparation and contamination control across three genome sequencing platforms for best-in-class resolution. A Glasshouse for Native Flora A highlight of the centre is its 1,000-square-meter glasshouse, which simulates five major UAE habitats: coastal areas, sand sheets, sand dunes, wadis, and than 65 native species grow here under controlled conditions, according to horticulture specialist Hassan Al Mansoori pointed out that the building itself is a nod to local heritage and environmental consciousness. Its circular design mirrors the cross-section of the Ghaf tree, while the façade takes inspiration from Ghaf structure uses terracotta for natural cooling, skylights for daylighting, and solar panels that provide more than 25% of its energy needs. Even the paint is chosen carefully to avoid disorienting migratory birds, she the centre is not yet open to the general public, it actively hosts school and university interactive exhibition area with nine installations engages students in conservation science, plant identification, and genomics. Al Mansoori said the centre will launch educational programmes next month, offering students aged 15 and up a week-long, hands-on experience working alongside scientists.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Look: Inside UAE lab preserving nature, one seed at a time
uae seeds plantsIn a high-tech centre tucked in the rugged landscape of Al Ain, scientists in lab coats gently sort through tiny particles of dust-like seeds. Their work, quietly unfolding in cold rooms, greenhouses, and herbariums, may well be the most crucial in securing the UAE's natural future. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is preserving the country's delicate web of native flora and fauna through the Plant Genetic Resource Centre (PGRC), a national facility with a mission to study, sequence and store every possible plant species found across the Emirates — from coastal seagrasses to desert shrubs — and ensure their survival for generations to come. 'This centre is not only for the emirate of Abu Dhabi; it's for the whole UAE,' explained Salama Al Mansoori, a plant conservation specialist at PGRC. 'We are covering freshwater plants, terrestrial plants, and marine plants – it's everything.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Launched in March 2024, PGRC began its work by sequencing six of the most vulnerable native species — a process that, while sounding clinical, is intensely physical and time-sensitive. Among the first plants sequenced were the grey mangrove ( Avicennia marina ), dwarf palm ( Nannorrhops ritchieana ), rare mountain shrub ( Acridocarpus orientalis ), narrow-leaf seagrass ( Halodule uninervis ), and the iconic ghaf tree ( Prosopis cineraria ). 'Sometimes for just one plant, you have to go to the field in a very specific season,' said Maher Kabashawi, head of seed collection and preservation. 'You collect when it's still green and soft. Then bring it to the lab, crush it, extract the DNA… and sometimes, you still don't get good results. You have to go out and do it again. It's a long process.' From field to freezer Inside the lab, specialists like Nuri Asmita sort seeds manually, using machines that separate debris with vacuum-like precision. 'This is our introduction and cleaning lab,' she said, demonstrating a device that prepares seeds for preservation. 'We use it to clean the soil and debris. Every sample comes here first.' Once cleaned and dried to a precise humidity level, the seeds are moved to a cryopreservation chamber. At minus 20°C, the room is cold enough to preserve seeds for up to 100 years. A separate tissue cryobank stores genetic material at –196°C in liquid nitrogen. 'The more you reduce humidity and temperature, the longer you can preserve seeds,' Maher explained. 'Even 1% more humidity can reduce viability by five years.' The centre currently holds 580 seed samples across 130 species — part of a long-term goal to conserve all 600 native plants known to the UAE. A place for every plant The PGRC doesn't just preserve seeds. In a sunlit herbarium, dried and pressed plants are mounted on special sheets designed to last a century. 'We've digitised over 3,000 specimens with metadata,' said Sabitha Sakkir, a flora scientist. 'The identification part is the most difficult. You can't name what you don't know.' In another corner, she introduces visitors to the UAE's first fungarium , a growing collection of dried fungi. Stored in containers with silica gel, it's a scientific first for a region often assumed to be barren of fungal life. 'So far, we've identified around 10 species — some up to genus level only. This is the first time we are conserving fungal diversity in the UAE.' A standout specimen: Ganoderma colossum , a massive mushroom discovered in Abu Dhabi. 'We don't know yet if it's poisonous or edible,' she said. 'But the genus is known for its medicinal value.' Nature and culture intertwined Beyond the science, PGRC's work is deeply cultural. Many native plants once formed the bedrock of local life — as food, medicine, or part of traditional practices. A humble wild chickpea with a tangy flavour, for instance, was once foraged and eaten like a salad. 'Our plants have always been important,' said Al Mansoori. 'From gardens to fishing to the economy — everything depended on them.' Some species have spiritual significance, like the Sidr tree, prized for its medicinal qualities and honey. 'It is one of the most important trees in the UAE,' she said. 'It's coming up in our next round of sequencing.' Others are ecologically vital. The endemic capparis cartilaginea , found only in the Hajar mountains, is the sole host plant for the endangered giant skipper butterfly. 'The butterfly depends on its leaves,' she explained. 'So if we lose the plant, we lose the insect.' Not just a lab – a living classroom Although not yet open to the general public, the centre regularly hosts school and university groups. A summer programme will soon give students hands-on experience with seed banks, herbariums, and more. 'The goal is to give students the opportunity to interact directly with the work we do here,' said Jamal Alzaidaneen, director of PGRC. 'To create a connection between young people and the environment.' In the expansive glasshouse — a 1,000m² replica of five UAE habitats — more than 65 plant species are cultivated under controlled conditions. Each plant has an Arabic and English label, and researchers monitor their flowering and behavioural changes across seasons. Approaching the cryopreservation chamber, a figure bundled in a winter coat, ski gloves and hoodie greeted us at the door. 'Welcome to Alaska,' said Mohammed Hayez, Specialist in Terrestrial Protected Areas Management, gesturing towards the seed storage room chilled to –20°C. Inside this icy vault, 580 samples from 130 plant species are stored under precise conditions. Maher Kabashawi, head of seed collection and preservation at PGRC, explained that this is just the beginning. 'Our aim is to conserve all 600 native species in the UAE, but we can't do it all at once. So we start with priorities — such as the 23 species identified as threatened in Abu Dhabi under the IUCN Red List.' Field expeditions are planned accordingly. 'For example, if I'm targeting the wild almond, I'll go to the area where it's known to grow. At the same time, I'll collect whatever else I encounter,' said Kabashawi. While he focuses on gathering seeds, colleagues collect live plants for the herbarium, and leaf tissues for cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen at –196°C. 'You can't just freeze a seed immediately,' he added. 'If you don't dry it properly first, it will explode. Only when the seed's humidity is reduced to around 3 percent can it be stored safely at –20°C. Even a 1 percent increase in humidity can reduce the seed's lifespan by five years.'
Filipino Times
5 days ago
- Science
- Filipino Times
Abu Dhabi uses drones to disperse over 6.5 million seeds across nature reserves
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has completed a large-scale seed dispersal project using custom-designed drones, spreading more than 6.5 million seeds across 320 hectares of nature reserves. The move is part of efforts to restore natural habitats and support the emirate's climate strategy, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported. 'We successfully implemented one of the largest drone-based seeding operations ever undertaken in Abu Dhabi, within a notably short timeframe. This achievement is in line with Abu Dhabi's Climate Change Strategy and covered a total of 320 hectares of habitat, many of which were seeded for the first time,' said Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD. The project, done with UK-based restoration company Dendra, used custom-made drones to plant seeds in remote areas, allowing work to be finished faster and without disturbing fragile land. Native plants like Samar (Vachellia tortilis), Moringa (Moringa peregrina), and Desert Cotton (Aerva javanica) were seeded in Jebel Hafit's mountain slopes. In Qasr Al Sarab's sand dunes, seeds included Fire Bush (Calligonum polygonoides) and Rimth (Haloxylon salicornicum). The agency's team, including young Emirati talent, studied soil and vegetation before seeding to match each area with suitable native species. This ensures better chances for the seeds to grow and thrive. EAD will monitor the seeded areas using AI-powered sensors to track plant growth. The project builds on the agency's earlier rangeland studies launched in 2024 to help improve land management across Abu Dhabi.
