Israel Active

Israel’s Microtech (part of Medinol – see previously) has begun human clinical trials of their microsensor platform, to measure atrial pressures, vital for the treatment of heart failure. The tiny device is implanted and uses ultrasound to communicate, reducing hospitalizations.

Ben Gurion University Prof Assaf Zaritsky has been honored with a 2024 Allen Distinguished Investigator Award. It includes $1.5 million for a project exploring how cellular structures called organelles form dynamic networks during the process of stem cell differentiation into neurons.

In 2024, Israel’s Schneider Children's Medical Center treated 55,000 children in its Emergency Rooms; 1,500 in intensive care; 874 babies in neonatal intensive care; six children received a new heart; 39 had organ transplants; 60 had cochlear implants; plus 3,000+ dialysis and 270,000+ outpatient visits. (Israelis)  (USA) (UK)

Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Israel’s Agriculture Research Organization have discovered that the fat globules in milk deliver beneficial pro-biotic bacteria and prevent the formation of harmful bacteria. The finding can lead to better infant milk and healthy milk products.

A study by Tel Aviv University reveals how plasmids - small circular DNA fragments - neutralize bacterial defense mechanisms. It opens a door to combating antibiotic resistance. Plasmids could also break down pollutants, fix carbon dioxide, and improve gut bacteria.

At the Shamir Medical Center, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) - breathing pure oxygen in pressurized chambers - is proving to be a game-changer for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) sufferers, with 70% reporting lasting relief. See previously.

Tel Aviv University researchers have developed bio-degradable nanoparticles to simultaneously deliver two chemicals to tumors that express the P-Selectin protein. The dual combination needs to arrive at the same time to be most effective.

Researchers from Jerusalem's Hebrew University and Edinburgh  University, Scotland, uncovered how critical proteins, called transcription factors (TFs), define cellular identity. It raises the possibility of converting skin cells into heart cells, or insulin-producing cells to cure diabetes.

Israel’s United Hatzalah first responder organization has implemented an Artificial Intelligence system developed by the IDF 8200 intelligence unit. It analyzes 18 years of historical emergency data and in trials has achieved a 85% accuracy rate in predicting locations and times of emergency events.

A consortium led by Prof. Hossam Haick of Israel’s Technion Institute has secured an eight million Euros grant from the European Union, for early diagnosis and monitoring of schizophrenia. The VOLABIOS project will analyze biomarkers derived from various sources in the body.