Israel Active

Hebrew University of Jerusalem researchers have developed a tiny, room-temperature device that creates a special type of high-quality light with over 93% polarization purity. These radially polarized photons are highly useful for secure communications, advanced imaging, and precision optical tools.

Scientists at Israeli Bar-Ilan and Haifa universities have proposed to revive the 1,000-year-old system of farming known as “plot and berm” for arid areas. Plots were dug in places where the water table was high. Berms are sand barriers, built to retain water and shield against the wind.

Tel Aviv University Prof. Dan Peer (see previously) was elected as a Fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors (NAI). It is the highest recognition for innovators whose inventions have had a decisive impact on quality of life, economic development, and social welfare.

Israel’s Technion celebrates 100 years of achievements and contributions to the Jewish State.  Visit its Centennial website. Explore the achievements via its “Journey through time”. Also watch the trailer of its film “Technion 10squared” documentary of the past 100 years and future possibilities.  (English trailer) (Full Hebrew film)

Israel is to build its first anaerobic waste facility, near the Dia landfill site close to the Gaza border. It will use sealed containers of microbes to break down 200,000 tons of agricultural and household waste annually. It will produce biogas, for the national grid, as well as high-quality fertilizer.

Dr. Shimrit Maman of Israel’s Ben-Gurion University has been appointed Vice Chair of the Earth Observation Committee at the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). This committee oversees remote-sensing satellite activities around Earth. Dr Maman was a scientist on the “Venus” satellite project.

Israel’s CropX (see previously) has integrated its agronomy platform with the digital farm and fleet management platform of German agricultural machinery manufacturer CLAAS. The data can be visualized and used to plan seeding, fertigation, and irrigation, to increase harvest yields.

A recent article about Israel’s Firedome (see previously) that merges traditional fire suppression methods with cutting-edge aerospace, military, and AI technology. Firedome is advised by Pini Yungman, one of the founders of Iron Dome and David’s Sling.

Israel’s Stepac (see previously) is changing the way broccoli and other vegetables are transported in the USA and Japan. Long-haul shipping mostly uses non-recyclable polystyrene or waxed containers. StepacPPC’s packaging is environment-friendly and holds up to 60% more vegetables.

Israel’s Rail Vision (see previously) has unveiled its Active Control System. This transforms Rail Vision from a developer of passive train driver warning systems to being able to take control of the throttle and brakes of a semi-automatic train, stopping it if danger is detected.