About

Mohamed A. F. Noor is a Professor of Biology at Duke University and serves as the Executive Vice Provost. His research laboratory focuses on understanding the genetic changes that contribute to the formation of new species, the maintenance of fitness-related variation in natural populations, and the impact of genetic recombination on species formation and molecular evolution. His approaches combine classical genetic, molecular genetic, and genomic/bioinformatic analyses, with occasional exploration into areas such as animal behavior in relation to speciation. Noor is also dedicated to developing educational activities in genetics and evolution for K-12 and college levels. He has held his professorship since 2008 and is actively involved in initiatives related to science and society at Duke University.

Research topics

• Biology
• Evolutionary biology
• Genetics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Zoology
• Demography

Selected publications

• Transposable elements contribute substantially to naturally occurring genetic lethality in Drosophila melanogaster

  PLoS Biology · 2026-03-10

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Recessive lethal mutations are widespread across studied species, with estimates suggesting that each individual carries at least one. Numerous lethal alleles persist in wild populations at higher frequencies than expected given their extreme deleterious nature. Though these findings spurred historical debate whether classical balancing selection maintains some lethal alleles at elevated frequencies (versus mutation-selection balance acting alone), we propose the question remained unanswered, especially given that the genetic basis of most naturally occurring lethal effects is still unknown. Given current genome-wide point mutation rate estimates, mutation-selection balance alone cannot explain some of this lethal variation in nature. However, evolutionary biologists have historically studied genetic variation through a lens of single-nucleotide variants, when in fact the spectrum of mutational changes is far broader than point mutations alone, including indels, structural variants, short tandem repeats, and transposable element insertions. We uncover the genetic basis of lethality in nature and provide insight on the possible evolutionary forces allowing some to persist at higher frequencies. By locating hundreds of recessive lethal mutations in Drosophila melanogaster via complementation testing, fine-mapping, and sequencing a subset, we determine candidate lethal mutations in specific genes. We discover that many lethal disruptions are likely caused by transposable element insertions. The most common transposable elements in our data, Transib1 and Kuruka, are both estimated to have recently invaded D. melanogaster, each from a different Drosophila species (between 2013-2016 and 2017-2021, respectively). This finding demonstrates that the many lethal alleles studied in D. melanogaster in the last century had a distinct genetic basis. Hence, we propose a model that could explain lethal variation in natural populations of D. melanogaster: lethal mutation frequencies are driven by invasions of new transposable elements and as time passes after each invasion, those frequencies decline as D. melanogaster evolves suppression mechanisms, allowing for natural selection to more efficiently remove lethal insertions. Upon the invasion of a new TE, the cycle repeats. The ubiquity of lethal alleles in natural populations is a classic conundrum for evolutionary geneticists for over a century, and this study utilized modern tools and sequencing technology to provide novel insight into this age-old mystery.

  PublisherDOI

• Transposable elements drive much of naturally occurring genetic lethality in <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-10-16

  preprintOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract Recessive lethal mutations are widespread across studied species, with estimates suggesting that each individual carries at least one. Numerous lethal alleles persist in wild populations at higher frequencies than expected given their extreme deleterious nature. Though these findings spurred historical debate whether classical balancing selection maintains some lethal alleles at elevated frequencies (versus mutation-selection balance acting alone), we propose the question remained unanswered, especially given that the genetic basis of most naturally occurring lethal effects is still unknown. Given current genome-wide point mutation rate estimates, mutation–selection balance alone cannot explain some of this lethal variation in nature. However, evolutionary biologists have historically studied genetic variation through a lens of single nucleotide variants, when in fact the spectrum of mutational changes is far broader than point mutations alone, including indels, structural variants, short tandem repeats, and transposable element insertions. We uncover the genetic basis of lethality in nature and provide insight on the possible evolutionary forces allowing some to persist at higher frequencies. By locating hundreds of recessive lethal mutations in Drosophila melanogaster via complementation testing, fine-mapping, and sequencing a subset, we determine candidate lethal mutations in specific genes. We discover that many lethal disruptions are caused by transposable element insertions, potentially suggesting a higher mutation rate more compatible with mutation-selection balance. The most common transposable element in our data is estimated to have recently invaded D. melanogaster (between 2013-2016). This finding demonstrates that the many lethal alleles studied in D. melanogaster in the last century had a distinct genetic basis. Hence, we propose a model that could explain lethal variation in natural populations of D. melanogaster : lethal mutation frequencies are driven by invasions of new transposable elements and as time passes after each invasion, those frequencies decline as D. melanogaster evolves suppression mechanisms, allowing for natural selection to more efficiently remove lethal insertions. Upon the invasion of a new TE, the cycle repeats. The ubiquity of lethal alleles in natural populations is a classic conundrum for evolutionary geneticists for over a century, and this study utilized modern tools and sequencing technology to provide novel insight into this age-old mystery.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Cybercrime and Data Protection Emerging Legal Challenges

  International Journal of Law and Policy · 2025-09-30

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Cybercrime and data protection have become critical concerns in the digital era, where rapid technological advancements expose individuals, corporations, and governments to unprecedented risks. Cybercrime, ranging from identity theft and financial fraud to sophisticated cyberattacks on infrastructure, threatens economic stability and personal security. Simultaneously, the massive collection, storage, and transfer of personal data raise pressing concerns about privacy, misuse, and unauthorized access. Legal systems worldwide face the emerging challenge of balancing innovation and freedom of expression with robust regulatory frameworks to safeguard digital rights. Traditional laws often struggle to address the borderless nature of cybercrime, while differing international standards complicate enforcement. The development of comprehensive data protection laws, harmonized international cooperation, and effective cyber governance mechanisms is essential to counter these challenges. This paper explores the evolving landscape of cybercrime and data protection, highlighting the urgent need for stronger, adaptive, and globally coordinated legal responses.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The effect of a twin or singleton pregnancy on progesterone levels in the blood of Reem Gazelles (Gazelle subgutturosa marica) during different stage of pregnancy

  Open Veterinary Journal · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Background: The progesterone (PBP) hormone is responsible for maintaining pregnancy. By measuring its level, a single or twin pregnancy in deer can be diagnosed based on its blood PBP concentration. Aim: marica). Methods: marica) aged 2-4 years were used. The experiments were conducted from October 2021 to April 2022 in Babylon, Iraq. Jugular venipuncture was used to collect ten milliliters of EDTA-free blood samples. The samples were then centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 10 minutes to separate the sera, which were then stored at -20°C in sterile test tubes for later analysis. The samples were then transferred to the central laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Al-Qasim Green University. The electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, or "ECLIA," was used to measure PBP levels in plasma. It is designed to be used with Elecsys and Cobas immunoassay analyzers. Result: < 0.05) between the two groups of pregnant females with single and twin fetus, and mean ± SE was (7.45 ± 0.7786, 14.41 ± 2.32 ng/ml), respectively. Conclusions: marica) can be utilized to predict whether a pregnancy is single or twin, as well as during various pregnancy periods.

  PublisherDOI

• Enhanced Bioavailability of Herbal Extracts using Nanocarriers

  2025-03-13 · 1 citations

  book-chapter1st authorCorresponding

  The therapeutic efficacy of herbal extracts is often limited by their poor bioavailability, which restricts their clinical application. Recent advancements in nanotechnology offer promising solutions to this challenge by enhancing the bioavailability and targeted delivery of herbal compounds. This chapter explores the principles and mechanisms by which nanocarriers improve the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profiles of herbal extracts. It provides an in-depth analysis of various types of nanocarriers, including liposomes, nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and micelles, and their role in increasing the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of phytochemicals. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the current state of research, clinical applications, and future directions in the use of nanocarriers for herbal drug delivery, highlighting case studies of successful implementations. By examining the integration of nanotechnology with traditional herbal medicine, this chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how nanocarriers can revolutionize the efficacy of herbal therapeutics.

  PublisherDOI

• Digitalization and data analytics: shaping the future of cell bioprocessing

  Cell and Gene Therapy Insights · 2025-05-01

  article1st authorCorresponding

  “...we must think about what tools can help us the most with digitalization and be bold.” Abi Pinchbeck, Editor, Cell &amp; Gene Therapy Insights, speaks to Mohamed Noor, Digitalization Manager, National Institute for Bioprocessing Research (NIBRT), who shares his perspectives on how digitalization and data analytics will help to catalyze the transformation of biopharma and cell therapy bioprocessing, with the goal of producing reliable and scalable therapies for widespread use.

  PublisherDOI

• Enhancing Preschoolers’ Reading Fluency through Shared Reading with Decodable Texts: A Quasi-Experimental Study

  International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science · 2025-01-01

  article

  Early literacy development is a critical determinant of children’s long-term academic success and social development. While substantial efforts have been made to promote early literacy, effective instructional strategies that enhance preschoolers’ reading fluency remain an area of exploration. This study investigates the impact of shared reading with decodable texts on key early literacy skills, including phonemic awareness, decoding proficiency, and oral reading fluency. Using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design, the study involved 30 preschoolers from two schools, divided into an experimental group receiving structured phonics-based instruction and a comparison group following conventional literacy practices. Over a 10-week period, the experimental group participated in daily 20-minute shared reading sessions incorporating phonics-based mini-lessons, guided reading with decodable texts, and fluency-focused activities. Findings reveal statistically significant improvements across all literacy components, reinforcing the efficacy of structured shared reading with decodable texts. Paired samples t-tests indicated notable gains in Letter Recognition (+9.10 points, t(29) = -14.805, p &lt; .001), Phonemic Awareness (+11.30 points, t(29) = -18.921, p &lt; .001), and Decoding Proficiency (+11.43 points, t(29) = -15.838, p &lt; .001), with Oral Reading Fluency showing the highest increase. These results underscore the transformative potential of phonics-based shared reading interventions in accelerating preschoolers’ literacy development. This study contributes to the growing body of research advocating for structured, evidence-based literacy instruction in early childhood education. The findings offer valuable insights for educators and policymakers seeking to implement phonics-driven approaches that foster reading fluency in preschool settings, ultimately equipping young learners with the foundational skills essential for lifelong academic success.

  PublisherDOI

• Digital Communication in Building Emotional Closeness in Long Distance Marriages from the Perspective of the Quran

  AL QUDS Jurnal Studi Alquran dan Hadis · 2024-12-27

  articleOpen access

  Long Distance Marriage (LDM) is an increasingly common phenomenon in this era of globalization, where married couples are separated by long physical distances due to work, education, or other obligations. One of the biggest challenges that LDM couples face is maintaining emotional closeness and effective communication. This research aims to explore digital communication strategies that can be used to build and sustain emotional intimacy between husband and wife in LDM. Through qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews with 5 LDM couples, several key strategies were identified, such as the use of voice and video calls, text and voice messages, media sharing, and regular communication scheduling. The findings suggest that the quality of communication, including emotional depth, openness, and honesty, is critical in strengthening emotional bonds. Additionally, the consistency and frequency of communication are essential to keeping the relationship alive and dynamic. The Quran emphasizes the importance of communication based on truthfulness and sincerity, as seen in the verse: “O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice” (QS. Al-Ahzab: 70). This reinforces the idea that openness and honesty are fundamental to maintaining trust and emotional closeness, especially in LDM. The implications of this research highlight that by utilizing appropriate digital communication strategies and upholding the principles of openness and honesty, LDM couples can foster strong and enduring relationships, even when separated by physical distance.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Nephroprotective Effect of Alcholic Extraction of Tribulus terrestris Against Lead Acetate Toxicity on Kidney in Male Rats

  Journal of Animal Health and Production · 2024-01-01

  articleOpen access
  PublisherDOI

• Effect of an early perinatal depression intervention on long-term child development outcomes: Follow-up of the Thinking Healthy Programme randomised controlled trial

  UNC Libraries · 2024-04-05

  articleOpen access
  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• Chromosomal inversions and the persistence of species

  NSF · $188k · 2007–2011

• NIH Grant R01GM076051

  NIH · $1.2M · 2012

• NIH Grant R01GM086445

  NIH · $1.4M · 2015

• SG: An experimental test of the role of chromosomal inversions in adaptive evolution

  NSF · $200k · 2018–2020

• Genetics of Hybrid Sterility in Drosophila

  NSF · $396k · 2005–2010

Frequent coauthors

• Daniel Ortiz‐Barrientos

  University of Queensland

  19 shared

• H. Allen Orr

  University of Rochester

  12 shared

• John P. Masly

  University of Oklahoma

  12 shared

• Suzanne E. McGaugh

  University of Minnesota

  11 shared

• Corbin D. Jones

  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  10 shared

• Jane Reiland

  10 shared

• Brenda Manzano‐Winkler

  Duke University

  10 shared

• Michael G. Ritchie

  University of St Andrews

  9 shared

Labs

• Noor labPI

Education

• PhD, Ecology & Evolution

  University of Chicago

  1996

• BS, Biology

  College of William and Mary

  1992

Awards & honors

• Bass Fellow (2016 - Present)
• Genetics and evolution of lethal alleles in Drosophila Resea…
• Genetic and Genomics Training Grant Inst. Training Prgm or C…
• Biddle 2022 A&S Proposal Institutional Support Principal Inv…