Israel Active

Now that the human genome has been mapped, the problem is how to store each terabyte of an analyzed genome. Israeli startup Geneformics has developed technology to reduce the size of the data footprint by 90 per cent, helping those working on customized medicines for patients.

The Middle East is drying up.  But Israel’s Zuckerberg Institute is developing solutions that can help its parched neighbors and in the process, bring together old enemies in common cause. They see water as a bridge, through joint ventures. And one of those ventures is desalination.  

See the latest exhibits at the Design Museum of Holon – 6th on the UK Telegraph’s list of coolest museums.  The video shows a recent exhibit of cool eyewear, featuring intriguing optometry pieces from the 19th century, curious contemporary glasses, and futuristic VR shades.

I reported previously that the Hebrew University of Jerusalem had founded the Quantum Information Science Center. The center has just won a NIS 7.5 million Israel Government tender to lead the construction of a national demonstrator for quantum communications technologies.  

I reported previously on olive trees planted at Ben Gurion University’s Wadi Mashash experimental agricultural desert research farm. Students from 30 countries now study how to grow crops in the minimal rainfall climate where planting can only occur after a winter flood.

Scientists from Israel’s Weizmann Institute, Sourasky hospital and Tel Aviv University have proved that everyone can have entirely different blood-sugar reactions from eating white and whole wheat bread. It is the bacteria in the gut that determines the reaction.

I reported previously (Apr 2016) on Israeli startup Workey which uses Artificial Intelligence to match workers to open job offers. Workey has just raised $8 million to help it launch in the US and open a new office in New York City.

I reported previously about the solar-powered artificial tree designed by Israeli start-up Sologic. Now, a Sologic eTree has been placed in the French Loire town of Nevers (population 37,000), allowing passers-by to charge their phones, use free Wi-Fi and have a cool drink.

Israeli start-up AclarTech has developed the AclaroMeter app that works with a smartphone’s camera and the Israeli SCIO molecular scanner, to monitor the ripeness, freshness and quality of fruit and vegetables. It could revolutionize the global food market by helping prevent wasted products.

I reported previously on three Israeli companies that provide services to prevent cyber-attacks from the hidden side of the Internet.  Israeli start-up White Hat is another. Staffed by former members of IDF intelligence units, White Hat deals in “civilian cyber intelligence”.