Israel Active

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.

The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies awarded the EDAB-FENS Brain Awareness Week Excellence Award for 2016 to The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.  FENS President Prof. Monica di Luca praised the HUJ for the imaginative ways it combines neuroscience research with the arts.

Dr. Pinchas Tsukerman of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has won a prestigious Kaye Innovation Award for developing novel monoclonal antibodies that can boost the immune system’s ability to destroy tumors.

The weekly Lego Workshop is an important part of Israeli charity Ezer Mizion’s extensive cancer support services for cancer patients (children and adults) and their families.  It is held at Ezer Mizion’s “Oranit” cancer patient guest home - a home away for home during outpatient treatment.  Also Ezer Mizion’s “Good Morning” visual art workshop that relieves some of the trauma from mothers with cancer.

Many sufferers from cancer, stroke, cerebral palsy and Parkinson’s cannot take food orally.  Israel’s Fidmi Medical is developing an innovative enteral feeding device that is secure, reliable, painless and discreet.  It is extremely unlikely to get clogged up or be dislodged by (potentially fatal) accident.