Israel Active

Two doctors from Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical organization have been awarded a grant from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Dr. Shani Paluch-Shimon and Dr. Michal Braun will study the varying cancer treatment outcomes with the diverse populations in Israel.

For easy general queries, chatbots can usually answer most medical queries. But for doctors wishing to diagnose and treat life-threatening conditions, they are not effective. Scientists at Israel’s Ben Gurion University have devised a questionnaire for comparing AI software.

Israel’s Droxi (see previously) has developed a software platform to help doctors manage administrative burdens. The idea for Droxi came after a medical error that harmed co-founder CEO Gadi Shenhar’s grandmother. Both co-founders are graduates of the elite IDF 8200 unit and the Technion.

Scientists at Israel’s Technion Institute have studied how RNA creates genes that make proteins. One process utilizes an enzyme called ADAR, which sometimes creates a genetic mutation that leads to cancer or brain disease. The discovery could result in a gene repair process and disease eradication.

Israel’s Biolojic Design (see previously) is joining the Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS (JLABS) to develop therapeutic antibodies at its Washington, D.C. site. JLABS is one of the largest global networks of incubators pioneering groundbreaking healthcare solutions.

Israel’s Momentis Surgical (see previously) now has US FDA approval for its 2nd-generation Anovo® robotic surgical platform. The new version has haptic feedback, allowing the surgeon to “feel” what he is doing. Also, new video and annotation features help communication and training.

Israel’s Polyrizon is developing innovative medical device hydrogels delivered in the form of nasal sprays. These can trap incoming pathogens to protect individuals, but also deliver medicines efficiently into the bloodstream to treat disease. Polyrizon has raised $4.2 million on NASDAQ.

United Hatzalah, Israel’s leading volunteer emergency response organization, reported that it had recruited 1,000 new volunteers this year, bringing its total to 8,000. President and founder, Eli Beer, said “it is inspiring to see how so many people from all walks of life come together to selflessly save lives.”

The Dangoor Health-Tech Academy is a partnership between the UK-Israel Tech Hub and the Dangoor Foundation. It will select 8 Israeli startups for each 8-week cohort beginning in January. The first cohort will focus on AI or automation to revolutionize the NHS and UK healthcare system.

Tel Aviv University scientists previously discovered a link between mutations in the Shank3 gene and autism (see ). They recently identified the brain mechanisms involved and inserted DNA that regenerated normal Shank3 protein and restored brain function. It could lead to new treatments.