Gene deletion shrinks cancer cells
Researchers from Tel Aviv University (Dan Peer’s lab) utilized CRISPR to cut the SOX2 gene from cancer cells of head and neck tumors – and in lab tests successfully eliminated 50% of the tumors. The breakthrough defied general belief that knocking out a single gene wouldn’t have any effect.
No more injections
Researchers at Israel’s Technion Institute have discovered that a protein in breast milk facilitates the passage of nanoparticles through the intestinal wall, delivering essential nutrients to the baby. Mimicking this mechanism, can protect medications from the digestive system and allow non-needle delivery.
260 doctors attend MedEx in New Jersey
Over 500 Jewish doctors and healthcare professionals, including 260 doctors, gathered at the 10th annual MedEx event in Teaneck, New Jersey. The International Medical Aliyah Program (IMAP) started MedEx to bring 2,000 Jewish doctors to Israel. In 2024 alone it brought 519.
Anti-virus nasal spray for the US
Israel’s Enovid (see previously) has now launched its SaNOtize Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray as NOWONDER in the US. NOWONDER delivers advanced nasal cleansing, viral protection (e.g. against COVID-19), and sinus health support.
Brain study can transform speech to text technology
An Israeli-led research team has analyzed how the brain processes speech and transforms sounds into conversation. It could lead to new advancements in speech recognition technology, tools for people with speech disorders, and personalized assistive devices.
Developing immunity against cancer
Israel’s Purple Biotech (see previously) has partnered with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York, to develop CAPTN-3, a platform of activated antibodies. The aim is to enhance tumor-specific immunity against various cancer types.
Blood test to detect cancer
Israel’s OncoRedox is developing a new platform for the early diagnosis and monitoring of cancer and chronic diseases. Its disposable sensor plus AI-powered technology is designed to detect and profile cell-free metabolites within minutes, providing a unique metabolic fingerprinting.
“Potential goldmine” for new antibiotics
A discovery by Weizmann scientists has astounded the world of microbiology (and the BBC). Every cell in the human body makes bacteria-killing chemicals to recycle proteins. These natural antibiotics could transform future research into combating resistant bacteria.
Sheba is eighth best hospital
Israel’s Sheba Medical Center increased its position from ninth to eighth on Newsweek’s ranking of the best hospitals in the world . Sourasky (Ichilov) was at 60, and Rabin (Beilinson) was at 122. Hadassah Ein Kerem made the list for the first time coming in at 242.
A day close to my heart
As part of 2025 National Defibrillator Day, Magen David Adom volunteers set up over 500 training stations across Israel. They showed 35,000 members of the public how to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest, locate and operate a nearby Automated External Defibrillator, and call 101 for assistance.