RIYADH: Scientists at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have discovered the existence of active hydrothermal vent fields in the Red Sea, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The university said on Monday that the Hatiba Mons fields, the largest of their kind ever reported, were the focus of this discovery.
Hydrothermal vents are hot springs created by underwater volcanoes located at tectonic plate boundaries. The release of warm fluids heated by magma beneath the volcano results in an abundance of microbial communities that exceed normal levels.
According to KAUST, these findings will provide valuable insight into the biological and mineral resources of the deep Red Sea, as well as the evolutionary processes of life in extreme environments.
KAUST scientists have identified 45 vent fields at Hatiba Mons, covering an area of 1.6 sq. km. Notably, all 14 directly observed fields were actively venting, setting them apart from other vent fields worldwide, which are typically limited to smaller areas of active venting along mid-ocean ridges.
The vents’ relatively low temperatures, measured at 40 C, have contributed to the formation of numerous iron-oxyhydroxide mounds that support thriving microbial communities. These communities are thought to play an important role in the formation of large mounds, providing favorable conditions for the flourishing of life via positive feedback mechanisms.
The presence of macrofauna near the vents was an intriguing find, highlighting the potential of these microbial communities to shed light on the origins and adaptations of life in the deep sea.
KAUST scientists discover first hydrothermal vent fields in Red Sea
https://arab.news/gfxqd
KAUST scientists discover first hydrothermal vent fields in Red Sea
- Hatiba Mons fields, the largest of their kind ever reported, were the focus of discovery
Saudi hospital pioneers preventive type 1 diabetes treatment
- The new therapy is designed for adults and children aged eight years and older who are diagnosed at stage two of the disease
RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center introduced a groundbreaking preventive treatment aimed at slowing the progression of type 1 diabetes, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The new therapy is designed for adults and children aged eight years and older who are diagnosed at stage two of the disease. It marks the first time such a treatment has been implemented in the Kingdom.
The initial application involved two patients who met all the criteria outlined in the approved protocol. The step represents a major advance in early preventive care for one of the most common autoimmune conditions affecting children and adolescents.
Both cases were treated at the hospital’s Department of Pediatrics. For families already managing type 1 diabetes, the innovation brings new hope.
Siblings of affected children often face increased risk due to shared genetic and immune factors. Preventive options like this could significantly lower those risks in the future.
The treatment targets the early, pre-type 1 diabetes stage when insulin-producing pancreatic cells begin to deteriorate. Through early intervention, doctors can slow this damage, delay the onset of symptoms and help extend the time before full disease progression.
Implementing the therapy required careful preparation. The drug was compounded in the hospital pharmacy under a precise protocol, while nursing teams received training on administration, monitoring and managing possible reactions.
Medical staff were also briefed on patient selection and follow-up criteria based on the latest clinical guidelines.
According to the SPA, experts expect the program to inspire national research focused on the early stages of the disease and on developing preventive approaches that enhance quality of life for at-risk groups.
KFSH&RC continues to gain recognition on the global stage. It was ranked first in the Middle East and Africa, and 15th worldwide among the top 250 academic medical centers for 2025.
The hospital was also named the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East by Brand Finance 2025.
Additionally, Newsweek included KFSH&RC on its lists of the World’s Best Hospitals (2025), the World’s Smartest Hospitals (2026) and the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals (2026).
