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Researchers Uncover New Insights on Date Palm Evolution Using 2,100-year Old Leaf

This study is one of the first to examine the genomes of plants found in archaeological sites.

Genome Reading Technique of Basmati Rice Can Help Tackle World Hunger

Following a breakthrough in genome sequencing, NYU scientists are now hopeful that this vital crop can be made more resistant to drought and disease.

NYUAD Researchers Release New Date Palm Genome Sequence

The new study further uncovers the genetic basis for important fruit traits of an essential MENA region food source.

History of North African Date Palm Unlocked

Origins found in hybridization between Middle East cultivated date palm and a wild relative native to the Island of Crete.

NYU Abu Dhabi’s 100! Dates Genome Sequencing Project Sheds Light on the Origin of the Date Palm

"The data on diversity in the genomes helps us to identify genes that may help develop better date palms. It also tells us how date palms evolve, and provides clues as to where date palms came from."

Scientists Unravel Evolutionary History of Date Palm

The origin of the date palm has long been a matter of debate by farmers, historians, and scientists. Like one’s affinity for a football team, allegiances can be determined by geographic proximity.

100 Dates! Project Wins Prestigious Prize

The 100 Dates! project, led by Michael Purugganan, has won the Khalifa International Date Palm award in the category of Distinguished Researchers and Studies.

Resident Expert: On Dates

NYUAD's Michael Purugganan, principal investigator of the 100 Dates! project at the Center for Genomics and Systems Biology (CGSB), aims to uncover valuable information on the origins and traits of date palms by sequencing the genomes of 100 date varieties.

NYUAD's Hub of Advanced Genomic and Biological Research

Whether researchers at NYUAD's Center for Genomics and Systems Biology (CGSB) are conducting drug screening in nematodes, studying neurons in fruit flies, analyzing the genetic development of date palms, or investigating the use of algae as a source of biofuel, the fundamentals of the science are the same.

Engineering the Biofuel of the Future

In the search for viable alternative energy sources, biofuels have been in the spotlight in recent years as strong candidates to lead the way for the future of clean energy.

Using Multi-level Genomic Approaches to Tackle Regional Issues

NYUAD Research Center to Map Genomes of 100 Date Varieties

NYU Abu Dhabi’s (NYUAD) Center for Genomics and Systems Biology (CGSB) aims to uncover valuable information on the origins and traits of date palms by sequencing the genomes of 100 date varieties.

In the News

NYU Abu Dhabi science faculty and researchers are frequently featured in local and international media.

New insights on date palm evolution using 2,100-year old leaf found in ancient Egyptian temple
Using a leaf uncovered from the archaeological site of an ancient Egyptian temple, researchers from New York University Abu Dhabi’s (NYUAD) Centre for Genomics and Systems Biology have successfully determined the ancient hybrid origin of some date palms, which could prove useful for modern date palm breeding as the plant remains a cornerstone of Middle Eastern and North African agriculture.
Emirates News Agency | September 08, 2021

Abu Dhabi researchers uncover new insights on evolution of date palm
Findings could prove useful for modern date palm breeding.
Khaleej Times | September 08, 2021

Study sequences genome of extinct date palms germinated from 2,000 year-old seeds
This study marks the first time researchers have sequenced the genomes of plants from ancient germinated seeds.
Science Daily | May 03, 2021

NYUAD study sequences genome of extinct date palms germinated from 2,000 year-old seeds
This study marks the first time researchers have sequenced the genomes of plants from ancient germinated seeds.
Eureka Alert | May 03, 2021

Genome reading technique of Basmati rice can help tackle world hunger
The research, partly supported by NYU Abu Dhabi's Research Institute, was published recently in Genome Biology details the breakthrough, which has been to innovate a new 'whole-genome' approach that determines an organism's complete DNA sequence.
ZAWYA UAE | March 10, 2020