Israel Active

This clever video highlights 3 popular Israeli smart-phone applications that sum up what Tel Aviv life is all about. But be sure to watch through to the humorous self-critical ending.

(Thanks to NoCamels) Alcohoot’s application and smartphone add-on turn a user’s phone into an accurate BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) tester. It can also show you a list of nearby taxi companies and has other useful features.

This APV is by Research and Development Institute for Intelligent Robotic Systems, of the Computer Science Department of the College of Management Academic Studies (COMAS) of Rishon leZion.

(Thanks to NoCamels) Israel’s Center for Educational Technology and Singapore’s Dynamics Speech are developing VTAMIC (Visual Task Manager in a Calendar), which is designed to help children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) to deal with daily activities.

The Israeli company Epcon will build eleven wind turbines on land owned by Kibbutz Degania, to power electrical generators that will produce ten megawatts of power. On Israel’s first wind farm in the Golan Heights, built in 1992, ten turbines produce six megawatts of power.

Israel completed a successful test of the David's Sling missile defense system (also known as Magic Wand) by intercepting a medium-range missile. The system is estimated to be operational in 2014 and will provide Israel with additional layer of protection against ballistic missiles.

BBC’s David Shukman reports on the SESAME synchrotron facility, as reported by Israel21c (and me) back in Feb 2011. Shukman doesn’t mention Israel on the video – only briefly on the BBC website. Still, it’s better than nothing and also better late than never.

Technically, it can – especially when designed by scientists at Israel’s Technion.

Israel leads the world in research satellites. Science and Technology Minister Daniel Hershkowitz reported that Israel has launched 13 satellites that have collectively accumulated 66 orbiting years and achieved 100 percent orbit mission successes.

The Bruno H. Schubert Foundation of Frankfurt awarded its annual prize for excellence in natural sciences to Israeli ornithologist Dr. Yossi Leshem for his contributions to the research and preservation of birds in Israel. Dr Leshem works in Tel Aviv University’s zoology department.