Israel Active

I’ve reported previously on Israel’s Bonus Bio’s innovative treatment that re-grows damaged bone external to the patient using the patient’s own fat cells. Bonus Bio has just begun its second trial of 60 operations. It says that the technology can replace any bone in the body.

Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered molecular biomarkers in the blood for preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that can lead to underweight or premature babies and even death. A new blood test, when available can initiate the early application of simple treatment.

Researchers at Israel’s Technion have developed nanotechnology that replaces the dentist’s scalpel with the target release of the enzyme collagenase to break down collagen fibers in the gums. It spares the pain associated with orthodontic surgeries and significantly reduces tissue recovery time.

I reported previously on the amazing WoundClot bandage made by Israeli startup Core Scientific Creations (CSC). Woundclot is now sold in 32 countries, including Italy, India, Vietnam, the UK, Poland, Romania, and France. It was used to save the lives of victims of recent stabbings.

Israel’s Stratasys is teaming up with multinational 3D software company Dassault Systèmes and robotics innovator Easton LaChappelle to provide amputees with affordable, custom-made, battery-powered prosthetic limbs, created using 3D scanners for printing anywhere in the world.

I reported previously that the only chance Kyra Warrell, of Brighton, UK had of saving her leg from amputation, was for surgery at Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center by visiting US (Israeli-born) surgeon Dr Dror Paley. Many Israelis helped Kyra’s family and the operation was a success.

This video of five major Israeli cancer detection and treatments was released to mark World Cancer Day on 4th Feb. They are Velcade for multiple myeloma; IceCure; RAD51 gene research; bone marrow transplants for leukemia; and Doxil’s delivery direct to the tumor.

I reported previously that Hebrew University of Jerusalem scientists made progress countering the way the malaria virus hides its genes from the immune system. Now Weizmann Institute scientists have disabled the gene that fools the immune system into attacking decoy cells.

British Jewish philanthropist David Dangoor is launching the UK Israel Dangoor Health Initiative. This new accelerator/hub will match a pipeline of Israeli digital-health startups with Britain’s NHS.

10-month-old Ram Jannam from the Druze/Arab town of Maghar, broke his toy telephone and swallowed the battery. Doctors at Israel’s Padeh-Poriya Medical Center in Tiberias, extracted the battery endoscopically under anesthesia.  Ram is now back home and doing well.