Hope for hypothyroidism sufferers

Israeli researchers have discovered that a common pollutant (perchlorate salts – found in pesticides and automobiles) interferes with the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. They built a detection device that uses a receptor molecule to alert to pollutant’s presence.

Pain relief is also anti-inflammatory

Israel’s PainReform (see previously) has developed new improved anti-inflammatory properties for its PRF-110 pain relief treatment. These have then been successfully tested in a Phase 3 multi-site US trial of 443 patients undergoing bunionectomy surgery.

Can we talk?

Researchers at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center have created LIV - a new generative AI-based platform offering personalized patient interactions and effective diagnostics to people with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It reduces bottlenecks from an acute shortage of mental health experts.

Detecting high risk of pulmonary embolism

Researchers at Ben Gurion University and Israel’s Sheba Medical Center used AI to detect nearly 2,000 patients at high risk of developing a pulmonary embolism (lung blood clot). Sheba used the BGU algorithm to analyze the records of 46,000 patients who were admitted to ER.

Positive early results of heart repair trial

Israel’s Endospan (see previously) shared good early news from the trial on 22 patients of its Nexus Aortic Arch Stent Graft System. The trial is being extended to 110 patients. 120,000+ patients suffer thoracic aortic arch disease every year in the USA and Europe.

Treating and reversing DDD

Israel’s Discure Technologies is developing an implantable bioelectronic device designed to treat and reverse degenerative disc disease (DDD). The Discure System restores fluids and nutrients to the affected discs. DDD accounts for 35% of all lower back pain, at a cost of $100 billion in the US alone.

AI contest for Parkinson’s FOG detection

Tel Aviv University researchers ran an international contest to develop an algorithm to detect “Freeze of Gait” (FOG) in Parkinson’s sufferers, using data from 100 patients. The prize of $100,000 attracted nearly 25,000 solutions from AI researchers in 83 countries.

AI devices for the hard-of-hearing

Israel’s Bettear provides Auracast-based assistive listening solutions to enhance sound experience. Its B-CASTER streamer integrates with hearing aids and cochlear implants. Other products support tour guides, teachers, entertainers, and museums.

Real-time medical translator

Current and ex-students from Israel’s Technion Institute have developed CommU - a real-time language translation platform that allows doctors to converse with patients in Hebrew, English, Arabic, Russian, and most other European languages.

Aquatic plant is good for diabetics

An Israeli clinical trial shows that diabetics who drink a beverage with the Mankai cultivated aquatic plant after meals can reduce blood sugar levels by 20%. It confirms the results of initial tests that Israel’s Ben Gurion University scientists conducted five years ago (see previously).