Israel Active

Researchers at the Rabin Medical Center in Petach Tikva have proved scientifically that the thickness of the layer of fat enveloping the heart can predict heart disease. It is not the weight (BMI) of an individual that matters, but whether the tissue supporting the heart muscle grows too large.

(Thanks to Israel21c) Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a protein code-named PEDF that treats pain and fertility problems in women suffering from angiogenesis of the uterus. It can also cure potentially life-threatening side effects caused by IVF treatments.

At the "Moscow Days in Israel" economic conference in Tel Aviv, Mark Groysman of Africa Israel announced plans to develop oncology centers in Moscow. Over 500,000 Russians contract cancer each year, where there is a lack of medical devices, equipment, doctors and clinics.

Israel’s BioLineRx has licensed its BL-8030 oral treatment for the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) to China’s Jiangsu Chia-tai Tianqing. Approximately 43 million Chinese suffer from Hepatitis C – a chronic and debilitating disease.

The Amity platform from Israel’s Xorcom provides 24/7 remote supervision for the elderly or infirm, whether they are alone, in sheltered accommodation, or a hospital or nursing home. Sensors and cameras monitor pulse rate, breathing, movement; even checking if the stove has been left on.

(Thanks to Israel21c) The Inspiromatic smart dry-powder inhaler for children from Israel’s Inspiro Medical has just passed a critical clinical trial at Schneider Children’s Medical Center in Petah Tikvah. The Inspiromatic has an internal micro controller and flow sensor that dispenses the particles of medication at the right time and of the right size, without need for forceful inhalation.

Israel’s Eon Surgical has developed technology to perform microlaparoscopy – a single minimally invasive surgical procedure through a tiny incision in the abdomen. Even before selling its first product, Eon has been bought by US giant Teleflex, indicating that Eon’s technology is exceptional.

(Thanks to Israel21c) Even if you need a major operation – such as a caesarian – Israel’s IonMed will ensure you won’t have unsightly scars from the stitches. BioWeld1 uses cold plasma (partly ionized gas) to weld together the openings from surgical incisions.

Israeli biotech Valeritas has developed a cheap, disposable mechanical pump for delivering insulin to type 2 diabetes patients. The device is important as health insurance companies are not prepared to cover expensive insulin pumps and cheap pumps previously were easily damaged.

A research team led by Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Dr Alex Binshtok has isolated the neurons that carry the signals of itching to the brain. The findings can lead to therapies for previously largely untreated dry skin itch and allergic dermatitis itch.