Israel Active

Celleste Bio (see previously) is another Israeli startup using cell cultivation of plants – this time cocoa. It says one of its 800L bioreactors can produce as much as one hectare of cocoa trees.

Like growing animal protein in labs instead of farms, plants can be grown from cells in labs instead of fields. They are protected from the weather, pests, diseases, and pollutants. Israel’s ReaGenics has 60 bioreactors producing valuable plants (e.g., saffron) and vital plant molecules.

Israel’s Ben Gurion University is holding a free virtual experience on 23rd Apr (1pm ET, 8pm Israel).  It celebrates BGU’s latest innovative breakthroughs in the fields of 3D printed science, cancer research, biomedical engineering and much more.  Hosted by celebrity Dr Mike Varshavski.

NASA will launch Israel’s first space telescope – the Ultraviolet Transient Astronomy Satellite, or ULTRASAT – into high-Earth orbit in early 2026. The telescope is expected to revolutionize detection and analysis of cosmic events such as neutron star mergers and supernova explosions.

For the first time ever, Israel has exceeded 10% in connected renewable energy production facilities. The Electricity Authority reported 4,765 megawatts of renewable energy facilities installed at the end of 2022 - an annual production capacity of 11.8% compared to 9.4% in 2021.

Israel’s Energy Ministry is allocating NIS 40 million to fund a National Nuclear Fusion Institute. It will be established and operated jointly by five Israeli universities. Additional partners include the Soreq Nuclear Research Center, and Israeli startup NT-Tao (see previously).

Two Israeli brothers have designed a new beehive that allows you to watch the secret life of bees. The inspiration was when one of the brothers lost the use of his left hand. The cylindrical hive can be managed using only one hand.

Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and University of Madison-Wisconsin have discovered seven new species of funnel web spiders (Agelenidae, Tegenaria), unique to caves in Israel. The lack of light has led to exceptional adaptations e.g., enlarged sensory organs.

10 years ago, Israel’s Cellebrite (see previously) began life unlocking phones which helped police break an international crime organization. It has grown into a world-leader in digital intelligence, providing software to over 5,200 law enforcement agencies in 120 countries.

Israel’s Wilco (see previously) has created some whimsical items to help IT engineers develop their non-IT skills. They include a “dry-water canister” (just add water), organic sawdust, roast beef bath bubbles and a yodeling pickle.  Don’t ask – just read more at the link below.