Israel Active

Two studies by scientists at Israel’s Weizmann Institute have turned knowledge about probiotics on its head. Firstly, probiotics are only effective if your microbiome doesn’t resist the probiotics. Secondly, using probiotics alongside antibiotics is ineffective in restoring your natural microbiome.

Nearly 80 leading Israeli scientists joined their UK peers in London at two unprecedented academic conferences over 3 days. Topics included the role of genetics and “precision medicine” in age-related illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and dementia.

Newsletter readers know Ezer Mizion is a charity that operates a life-saving Bone Marrow Registry.  But that’s far from all it does, as this mother found out when she sought respite from looking after her schizophrenic husband. Ezer Mizion provides services to over 660,000 Israelis.

I reported previously on new Israeli treatments for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Now the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and US biotech BioTheryX are developing a single molecule that attacks multiple leukemia proteins simultaneously. Lab tests show a 50% success rate.

The US FDA has approved Israeli biotech Teva’s generic version of the EpiPen auto-injector for emergency treatment for those suffering with “anaphylactic” allergic reactions. Frantic parents in the US have been reporting a nationwide shortage of the original Mylan NV “brand” EpiPen.

I reported previously on two innovative Israeli treatments for removing head lice. Now there’s a third - Israel’s Sphinx Smarthead Technologies is developing a device that destroys lice and their eggs in a 5-minute procedure that can be performed by children aged 7 and over.

Researchers at Israel’s Technion have cured fungal infections using bacteria commonly found in the upper layers of soil. They used a gel and an innovative “factory” formula to produce Bacillus subtilis bacterium, more commonly found on plant roots, to rapidly heal infected skin.

Israeli startup Dayzz is launching an app for self-insured employers to offer their employees. The app uses big data and an algorithm to diagnose each user’s specific sleep problem and devise a personalized sleep-training plan. The employer enhances the sleep quality of its staff and reduces healthcare costs.

I reported previously when the building of Ariel University’s new medical school began.  It has now been officially opened in a ceremony attended by the Israeli President and several ministers. 70 students enrolled in its first class which is open to all citizens and Palestinian Arabs.

I reported previously that Israel’s GlucoMe was shipping its glucose monitors to 200,000 Indian diabetics. Now Germany’s Merck KGaA is trialing GlucoMe’s monitors to help many of the 3.5 million Vietnamese suffering from diabetes – some 5.5% of the entire population.