Clues may lead to a cure for Parkinson’s

Researchers at Haifa University have discovered that sufferers of Parkinson’s disease have brain cells that are deficient in mRNA and proteins that build the extracellular matrix (ECM).  It is the ECM that provides brain cells with structural and biochemical support.  

Phage therapy combats antibiotic resistance

The Israeli Phage Therapy Center (IPTC), led by two Hebrew University of Jerusalem professors, has used a bacteriophage PASA16 on compassionate basis to treat tough Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in 16 patients. It has shown promising results with an 86.6% success rate.

500 doctors to make Aliyah

Nefesh b’Nefesh’s Medex event held in Teaneck, NJ was a huge success. Nearly 500 medical professionals attended from 30 states and provinces in the US and Canada, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, dental hygienists, and many more. A European event is scheduled end-March.

How do some viruses get nasty

Tel Aviv University researchers discovered a mechanism used by viruses to decide whether to kill their bacterial host. These phages monitor the health of the cell they are occupying. They also check that there are no viruses residing in nearby cells that the phages wish to occupy.

Predicting response to cancer therapy

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) are successful in 40% of cancer patients but are invasive and time-consuming. Scientists at Israel’s Technion Institute have developed a tool that predicts the response based on the metabolic activity in the immune system cells. (See also previously)

Sheba again at number 9

American magazine Newsweek in together with global data company Statista has again ranked Israel’s Sheba Medical Center as the nineth best hospital in the world. Key factors were the 98% survival rate for battlefield injuries, plus Sheba’s leading role in integrated physical and mental rehabilitation.

Rehab with VR

Tel Aviv’s Reuth Rehabilitation Hospital uses virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) to rehabilitate patients after injury or debilitating illness, even PTSD. It displays a VR or AR scenario, so that the patient performs exercises while immersed in a game or other enjoyable activity or experience.

And Hadassah is one of the smartest

Newsweek magazine also named Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center as one of the world’s leading hospitals in oncology, cardiology, and smart technologies. It is the sixth consecutive year that Hadassah has been recognized.

US approves smart skin patches

The US FDA has approved the Smart Skin product from Israel’s X-trodes (see previously). The patches have embedded electrodes and can be attached anywhere on the body, to measure brain activity (EEG), heart activity (EKG), eye movements, muscular activity, and other signs.

Sleep on it

James Leinhardt at Levitex Sleep knows how to get the best night’s sleep. It’s all about posture. Protect your spine and neck, reduce back and shoulder pain, prevent snoring, and increase lung capacity by reading his advice. His specialist mattresses and pillows can also help. James is relocating from UK to Israel.