Israel Active

Weizmann Institute scientists have discovered Corticotropin Releasing Hormone. CRH is a kind of “on-off” switch in the brain for regulating the release of Cortisol (a main stress hormone) in the body. The finding is relevant to research into a number of stress-related neurological disorders.

Scientists from Bar Ilan University, Hadassah University and Hebrew University have discovered that the SIRT6 gene controls the aging process in mammals. Activators such as resveratrol (found in red wine) increase SIRT6 levels and could extend the human life span.

The Weizmann Institute of Science and Tel Aviv University, have been chosen as Core Centres of the Integrated Structural Biology Infrastructure (Instruct), supporting European biomedical research. Instruct’s aim is to allow Europe to maintain a competitive edge in cellular structural biology.

(thanks to NoCamels and Technion) Paralysed in a horse-riding accident in 2007, Claire Lomas was told by doctors that she would never walk again. But thanks to Argo’s ReWalk, she plans to complete the 26 mile London Marathon in April.

Israel’s Brainsway reported positive final results in a clinical trial of its Deep TMS (transcanial magnetic stimulation) device for opening of the blood brain barrier in patients with malignant brain tumours. This is important for chemotherapy, and new therapies, in order to provide more focused delivery to improve their effectiveness.

Israel’s BiolineRX has reported positive results in the preclinical trial of BL-7010, its treatment for celiac disease. The study found that BL-7010 was safe and reduces digestion of wheat gluten, thereby decreasing its toxicity. Currently, there is no cure or pharmacological treatment for the disease.

Current research into the working of the brain at the cellular level has led to major new treatments. Watch Prof Yadin Dudai of the Weizmann Institute, 5mins into to this discussion of an international panel of experts at a joint meeting of the European Molecular and Cellular Cognition Society and Haifa Forum for Brain and Behaviour.

(Thanks to NoCamels) Soroka hospital and Ben Gurion University are developing a unique method to detect various types of cancer through a simple blood test. Researchers say that in their recent first trial they succeeded in detecting cancer in almost 90 percent of cancer patients tested.

Tel Aviv University inaugurated the Sagol School of Neuroscience - the first of its kind in Israel – at the Sheba Medical Centre in Tel Hashomer. Three Israeli Nobel Prize winners attended the official opening.

Israel’s Teva and Gamida Cell Ltd have completed enrolment of patients for their Phase III clinical trial of StemEx, a cell therapy for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. StemEx is for adolescents and adults who cannot find family-related, matched bone marrow donors.