Israel Active

Scientists from Sheba Medical Center and Bar-Ilan University have discovered how chemotherapy destroys the ovaries. They have also developed a medication (under trials) called AS101, which protects the ovaries and should maintain fertility of women undergoing cancer treatment.

(Thanks to NoCamels) Doctors at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem noticed that cell tissue transplanted into the left atrial appendage of the heart in mice developed into local heart muscle tissue. The phenomenon – similar to that of embryonic stem cells – has major implications for cardiology.

(Thanks to Israel21c) Professor Solomon Wasser of Haifa University has patented a medicinal product derived from a fungus found in Israeli forests. In animal trials, the Cyathus striatus drug appeared effective against pancreatic cancer.

(Thanks to Israel21c) A team from Israel, Spain, Greece and PA-administered Nablus is developing a database revealing the science behind the medicinal benefits of thousands of plants they’ve been gathering and analyzing since November 2011 – including many native to Israel.

Israel’s Chief Scientist has awarded biotech Cell Cure Neurosciences a $1.5 million grant to help develop their cell-based OpRegen treatment for macular degeneration. The dry form of age-related macular degeneration is estimated to afflict over 7.3 million people in the US alone.

To mark Skin Cancer Awareness Week, approximately 300 Israeli health fund clinics are providing free checks by dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Early diagnosis, helped by the Israel Cancer Association’s awareness campaigns, has reduced the toll from skin tumors.

Researchers from Tel Aviv University believe they may have uncovered the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. They injected the protein Tomosyn into the brains of mice, and produced Alzheimer-like syndromes. Tomosyn exists in the brain but excess damages inter-cell communication.

A team from the Israel Trauma Coalition has gone to the Boston suburb of Watertown to help develop “a recovery process” for the local school system. Watertown was the epicenter of the manhunt for the Boston Marathon bombers. Children in the area are still reeling from the event.

Professor Pnina Klein of Bar-Ilan University has developed an innovative in-home training program for caregivers and HIV-infected mothers. Children in their care gained significantly improved language skills, memory and cognitive abilities.

Reuth Medical Center in Tel Aviv announced that, following a six-month trial of Cupron’s anti-bacterial copper-embedded linens, it will be the world’s first hospital to fully deploy copper-embedded textiles in all its patient-related hospital textiles. (see current JPost blog)