ABU DHABI // Researchers say they have for the first time completely mapped the genome of the Arabian camel, a milestone that some believe will help to develop more powerful vaccines for human beings.
It marks the first sequencing of a mammal's genome in the Middle East and the project's advocates say the information gleaned from the research could be used to develop more powerful vaccines and selectively breed camels for increased milk yield, speed and beauty.
Experts say the potential for further research into the Arabian camel's immune system and milk, thought to possess powerful nutritional qualities, could prove one of the discovery's greatest benefits.
In fact, in 2006, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation called for increased consumption of camel milk, which may have antibodies that help fight cancer, HIV/Aids and hepatitis C.
"We are proud to announce today that we have fully mapped the genome of the Arabian camel. It is the result of intensive collaborative research of more than 20 researchers over one year," said Dr Abdulaziz Alswailem, the project's principal investigator and co-ordinator of the Live Sciences and Environment Sector at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).
Initial exploration into the project began six years ago. The sequencing, which involved 20 researchers, took just one year, and cost less than US$1 million (Dh3.67m).
Unlocking the genome also helps reveal the secrets behind the Arabian camel's adaptability, which allows it to tolerate wide ranges of body temperature and massive water loss, and gives it the ability to drink 100 litres of water in 10 minutes.
Camels possess an immune system more resilient to disease than that of other mammals, and researchers say the discovery could lead to the development of more powerful vaccines for human beings using camel genetic sequencing to develop stronger antibodies that combat human diseases.
It could also offer insights into how to protect other livestock from such afflictions as foot-and-mouth.
The discovery has strong cultural symbolism for a region that cherishes the endurance of camels, nicknamed "the ships of the desert".
It was carried out by researchers from KACST and the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI).
"I think the camel is kind of like the Chinese panda for the Saudi and the Arabian people," said Prof Wang Jian, the president of BGI.
The research revealed that the camel genome is about 2.2 billion nucleotides in size.
Nucleotides are molecules that make up DNA, the strands of genetic material that describe the functioning and development of different organisms.
By comparison, the human genome contains 3.2 billion nucleotides. Fifty-seven per cent of the Arabian camel's genes are shared with humans, the research showed.
Dr Ulrich Wernery, the scientific director of the Dubai-based Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, said unlocking the genome could prove a boon to the camel-racing industry.
Camel races in the UAE are divided into two categories: one involving local breeds and another for camels that are selectively bred with others from Sudan, which possess higher stamina and are faster.
To date, there has been no surefire way to differentiate the two, but the genome sequence could help prevent cheating in the arena, said Dr Wernery, who participated in the project that produced the world's first cloned camel, Injaz, last year.
"Of course people want to win and it is very difficult for the owners and veterinarians to see if it is a hybrid or a local breed," he said.
"We can of course [also] do a lot concerning camel diseases," he said.
For example, Arabian camels are less susceptible than South American camels to foot-and-mouth disease, he said, adding that "the reason lies in the different DNA and genome".
Dr Wernery, who visited the KACST laboratory where the research is conducted, said he did not understand why the project took so long, but he was nevertheless excited about its prospects.
"I am very happy to see they have finally succeeded," he said, giving him the opportunity to work with the camel genome before retirement. "I think it is a very big achievement for Saudi Arabia and it is wonderful that they did it."
kshaheen@thenational.ae
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
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Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
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WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS
England v New Zealand (Saturday, 12pm)
Wales v South Africa (Sunday, 1pm)
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Things Heard & Seen
Directed by: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, James Norton
2/5
Voices: How A Great Singer Can Change Your Life
Nick Coleman
Jonathan Cape
Brief scoreline:
Manchester United 1
Mata 11'
Chelsea 1
Alonso 43'
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Info
What: 11th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship
When: December 27-29, 2018
Confirmed: men: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Kevin Anderson, Dominic Thiem, Hyeon Chung, Karen Khachanov; women: Venus Williams
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae, Virgin megastores or call 800 86 823
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Match info
Arsenal 0
Manchester City 2
Sterling (14'), Bernardo Silva (64')
Habib El Qalb
Assi Al Hallani
(Rotana)
the pledge
I pledge to uphold the duty of tolerance
I pledge to take a first stand against hate and injustice
I pledge to respect and accept people whose abilities, beliefs and culture are different from my own
I pledge to wish for others what I wish for myself
I pledge to live in harmony with my community
I pledge to always be open to dialogue and forgiveness
I pledge to do my part to create peace for all
I pledge to exercise benevolence and choose kindness in all my dealings with my community
I pledge to always stand up for these values: Zayed's values for tolerance and human fraternity
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RESULTS
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In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
match info
Manchester United 3 (Martial 7', 44', 74')
Sheffield United 0
If you go
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Funchal via Lisbon, with a connecting flight with Air Portugal. Economy class returns cost from Dh3,845 return including taxes.
The trip
The WalkMe app can be downloaded from the usual sources. If you don’t fancy doing the trip yourself, then Explore offers an eight-day levada trails tour from Dh3,050, not including flights.
The hotel
There isn’t another hotel anywhere in Madeira that matches the history and luxury of the Belmond Reid's Palace in Funchal. Doubles from Dh1,400 per night including taxes.