Monthly Archives: April 2014

The best young pianists in the world

Posted on April 27, 2014

The 14th Arthur Rubinstein International Master Piano Competition starting May 13 in Tel Aviv is regarded as one of the world’s most important musical competition. http://www.arims.org.il/reg/index.php/the-competition/general-information https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DktmWCu9zcE

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Radio waves treatment for Barrett esophagus

Posted on April 27, 2014

Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center now offers radiowave treatment instead of surgery to eliminate abnormal cells and prevent the development of cancer in patients suffering from Barrett esophagus. Instead of 10 days’ hospitalization, patients go home the same day. http://www.jpost.com/Health-and-Science/Health-Scan-Radio-wave-treatment-instead-of-surgery-for-Barrett-esophagus-349921

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Hypoparathyroidism treatment gets US boost

Posted on April 27, 2014

Israel’s Entera Bio has obtained orphan status from the US FDA for its oral treatment for hypoparathyroidism (decreased function of the parathyroid glands). The condition results in muscle cramping, twitching, or involuntary contraction, and several other symptoms. http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-dna-biomedical-jumps-on-orphan-drug-status-1000933656

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What gene silencing can achieve

Posted on April 27, 2014

Weizmann Institute graduate Leemor Joshua-Tor describes her research which includes the discovery of a protein that can destroy defective genes in the RNA that are responsible for viruses and diseases such as macular degeneration and cancer. http://www.newsday.com/business/executive-suite-leemor-joshua-tor-1.7537860

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The DNA on/off switch

Posted on April 27, 2014

Hebrew University of Jerusalem geneticists have identified how different species of animals can have so many identical genes. Genes are silenced by on/off patterns in the epigenome. They also explain how twins with identical DNA sequences can have so many … Continue reading →

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Genetic-engineered tissue to repair muscle injury

Posted on April 27, 2014

For the first time ever, Israel Technion scientists have transplanted engineered muscle tissue containing major blood vessels to repair a damaged abdomen. The breakthrough may lead to full abdominal surgery in humans using laboratory-generated tissue. http://www.jpost.com/Health-and-Science/Technion-breakthrough-Transplanting-of-engineered-tissue-to-repair-muscle-injury-348040

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Treatment to stop epilepsy development

Posted on April 27, 2014

Attacks of epilepsy that have been brought on by head injury could be prevented using a new treatment developed by a team including scientists from Ben-Gurion University. In laboratory tests, Losartan (marketed as Cozaar) significantly cut down seizures. http://www.timesofisrael.com/blood-pressure-drug-could-end-injury-caused-epilepsy/

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Israelis get their jabs

Posted on April 27, 2014

The vaccination rate among Israeli children is among the world’s highest and the availability of free immunization is among the best the world, the Health Ministry announced during World Immunization Week. About 95 percent of babies and children receive routine … Continue reading →

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An app to make you enjoy music

Posted on April 27, 2014

Weizmann graduate Yuval Karminka found that 85% of non-musicians wish they had learned to play a musical instrument. He then founded JoyTunes that produces popular music learning apps that encourage the novice musician to advance in their practicing. http://www.fastcompany.com/3028711/whos-next/piano-hero-how-joytunes-makes-young-musicians-actually-like-practicing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn_b_bcX3tg … Continue reading →

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Israeli scientists spring-clean the planet

Posted on April 27, 2014

To mark Earth Day, Weizmann Institute’s latest e-magazine includes the work of Professor Berkowitz who has transformed toxic chemicals in water into harmless compounds. Also Professor Bayer who designed bacteria that turns waste paper into sugar. And much more. http://www.weizmann-usa.org/e-news/14-04/landing/spring-cleaning-for-the-planet.htm

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