What motivates us

Research led by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has discovered that the impulse for motivation is generated by the balance in the striatum area of the brain of simultaneous wavelike patterns of two neurochemicals – dopamine and acetylcholine. The team used advanced genetic tools and imaging.

First battlefield blood transfusion saves wounded IDF officer

Maj. Or, an officer from the Givati Brigade, survived a life-threatening injury in Gaza by being one of the first patients in the world to receive a fresh blood dose on the battlefield. Listen to the article for details of this historic event.

17 ambulances fly to Israel

Following Oct 7, Israeli NGO Magen David Adom urgently needed new ambulances. They called Yoav Halper who ships ambulances by sea from the USA. On Friday afternoon, a Boeing 747 landed at Ben Gurion Airport containing the first batch of 17 ambulances donated by Americans.

Israeli startups partner to develop artificial lung

Israel’s Inspira Technologies (see previously) has now partnered with Israel’s Ennocure and its infection prevention solutions, to directly oxygenate the blood for people who struggle to breathe alone. It will accelerate the development of Inspira’s ART’s intubation device.

Positive trials of cystic fibrosis treatment

Israel’s BiomX (see previously) has reported positive initial results from its clinical trials of BX004. The treatment relieves chronic pulmonary infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. BiomX now plans to initiate a larger Phase 2/3 trial.

AI rehab for IDF soldiers

The AI-powered exercise platform of Israel’s Kemtai (see previously) has been selected by Israel’s Sheba Medical Center for physical therapy to soldiers injured in Gaza. Sheba also selected Israel’s COGNIshine (see previously) for cognitive, emotional and speech therapy.

Smart wound patches save lives

A smart wound patch developed at Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center and Israel’s Noyad Biomed at Kibbutz Lavi, protects those suffering wounds that have lost blood. The patch (called Rescue Heat) warms up to 42 degrees centigrade, to protect the patient from hypothermia.

Oct 7 victims given Israeli burns treatment

Hundreds of Israelis who suffered burn wounds on Oct 7 have been treated with pineapple stem based NexoBrid gel from Israel’s MediWound (see previously). It contains the enzyme bromelain which breaks down dead tissue in 4 hours, while preserving healthy tissue.

Liver cancer patient saved

A patient with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) who participated in the Phase II trials of namodenoson from Israel’s Can-Fite (see previously) had an extremely good response. His liver function returned to normal, and he is looking forward to a good quality of life.

Clearing the airways

The LibAirty compression vest from Israel’s Synchrony Medical (see previously) has begun clinical (human) trials at the National Cystic Fibrosis Center of Sheba Medical Center, where it was developed. Synchrony’s CEO says the device is twice as effective as similar products currently on the market.