Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q), in association with the Biotechnology Center, Ministry of Environment (BCQ-MoE), have announced that they have mapped the genome of the oryx for the first time, helping to secure the future of the animal and prevent its extinction. The announcement came at a joint press conference at Al Sharq Village. The work, which was also done in collaboration with the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, took place in WCMC-Q’s genomics laboratories by researchers from WCMC-Q and BCQ-MoE and took four months to complete. The findings will help captive breeding programs select the most genetically-diverse animals to ensure the viability of the species. This also raises the possibility that more animals will eventually be released back into the wild. The work was done in partnership with the Ministry of Environment. Dr. Javaid I. Sheikh, Dean of WCMC-Q, said the research demonstrated the value of partnerships between organizations. “This was a highly successful collaboration between Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar’s Research Division and the Biotechnology Center in Ministry of Environment,” he said. “Through working together and using cutting-edge technology, we have results which could make a real, tangible difference to the survival of a species. This has huge implications and everyone involved in the research sould feel justly proud of themselves.” ILQ NEWS

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