Israel Active

Hebrew University scientists developed bacteria 3 years ago (see previously) that illuminated when spread over a minefield. Israel’s Enzymit (see previously) has now commercialized the technology, comprising tiny pellet-sized biosensors. Drones photograph the luminescence.

Israel signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK for “faster and deeper collaboration” on science, innovation, and technology. It includes £1.7million in support to research focused on technologies critical to future prosperity and quality of life, like quantum.

Israel’s Scala Biodesign (see previously) designs proteins that can be mass-produced, to help companies develop new medicines (vaccines, antibodies, enzymes etc.,) and foods faster and cheaper than before. It could even help generate entirely new applications of biotechnology that were impossible previously.

Israel’s Plantell is helping plants signal potentially fatal stresses. It develops strains of crops that include green-fluorescent protein (GFP). These light up when the plants are stressed, showing what has caused the stress. Natural fertilizers and pesticides can then be fine-tuned to treat the crops.

The Israel Innovation Authority has selected 30 Israeli climate-tech companies, from 200 candidates, to represent Israel at the United Nations’ 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai (Nov 30 – Dec 12). They include , , , and .

The IDF has reported that new hi-tech fireproof uniforms for its elite forces have already saved lives. They contain special fibers and threads that absorb and extinguish the fire. The uniforms have been integrated into the IDF reconnaissance and special forces units over the past two years.

With the increased use of commercial drones, Israel’s ParaZero has developed automatic parachute systems to ensure that any drone malfunction will not damage the payload or endanger the public below. It has enabled drone manufacturers to get U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification.

Israeli organization Shchackim employs 33 teachers at 70 schools away from the center of the country. They teach the children via digital games such as Minecraft. This imparts hi-tech skills while learning English, physics, and math. Thousands have benefited.

The app from Israel’s FloWeavers allows teachers to increase student involvement and social skills. Teachers upload tasks to the app, which students perform independently in exchange for points toward “educational incentives”. It also improves student discipline.

Israel’s ImaginDairy (see previously) has bioengineered milk proteins (whey and casein) to create a wide range of dairy products – using mushrooms and no cows. Mushrooms are easy and cost effective to grow, doubling in size every 24 hours, and they can be picked just four days after they are visible.