Israel Active

Israel’s Aspect Imaging develops small, affordable and innovative MRI scanners.  Its non-claustrophobic WristView scans limbs (e.g. wrist and hand) and Embrace scans newborns.  WristView has just received the European CE Mark, to add to its existing US FDA approval.

Scientists at Israel’s Technion Institute have stimulated the feel-good center in mice and discovered that their immune cells were able to kill twice as much bacteria than those of non-stimulated mice.  The results, published in nature medicine, could explain the placebo effect.

Israeli founded Cleveland Diagnostics (CDX) is developing a technology and test kit that can eradicate inconclusive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. CDX says it will save the $4000 cost per negative biopsy, currently necessary in 70% of current testing.

Israel’s Micromedic Technologies (part of Israel’s Bio-Light Life Sciences) reported positive results in a trial of its prostate cancer diagnosis solution.  Its CellDetect technology was used to diagnose samples from 18 patients and healthy subjects, and both groups were accurately diagnosed.

Almost a year ago Tel Aviv University researchers found what triggers melanoma cells to become malignant tumors in the brain.  Now they have uncovered an early warning of that event by detecting the brain’s inflammatory response to microscopic invading tumor cells.

Israel’s Mazor Robotics has launched FDA-approved Mazor X, “a transformative platform for spine surgeries”.  Mazor’s current range guides surgeons in spine operations. The new platform also helps planning through to verification.  Israel’s Medtronic has already bought 15.

Israel’s Origene Seeds is developing a range of snack vegetables which aim to replace fast food snacks.  The “Sweet Drops” mini-size cucumbers and peppers have a long shelf-life and will be marketed in special packets as "Finger Food" for work, school or leisure.

Israeli startup Biotreat 21 has invented what it calls a miracle cream, claiming it could completely regrow damaged skin by utilizing one’s own immune system. Initial trials have erased scars and even healed severe diabetic ulcers. It is also anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and kills pain.

I reported previously about Hebrew University of Jerusalem scientists’ development of TXM peptides that can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia in diabetics.  Latest HUJ research shows that TXM peptides can also protect the brain after mild traumatic brain injury.

Dr. Yosef Buganim, a research scientist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has been honored with the Boyalife Science & Science Translational Medicine Award in Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine.