Good News Israel presents mapping the brain; Israel is polio free and much more.

By: Michael Ordman

ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Mapping the brain

Scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Harvard University in Massachusetts have succeeded in mapping the circuitry of the brain. The Neuronal Positioning System (NPS) maps neuronal circuits to help understand how messages are sent within the brain or to other parts of the body.
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Health/Researchers-map-human-brain-with-GPS-like-system-399390

Link between gluten and ALS

Researchers at Tel Aviv’s Sourasky Medical Center have detected large concentrations of a specific antibody in some ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) sufferers. The same antibody is present when Celiac disease sufferers consume gluten. Further studies are being conducted into the link.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4647994,00.html

Israel is Polio free

Two years ago, the international press reported that the Polio virus was found in Jerusalem’s sewage system, although no one was infected. I doubt if the press will report that the World Health Organization has now declared that the virus has been eradicated. That’s why I’m reporting it in my newsletter.
http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/WHO-declares-Israel-polio-free-400572

Delayed release treatment

Israeli biotech Intec has signed a deal with a major (but unnamed) international company worth $150 million to distribute Intec’s treatment for mental and neurological diseases. The delayed release treatment remains intact until it reaches the intestines, in order to release more effectively into the body.
http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-intec-pharma-signs-150m-delayed-release-drug-deal-1001029054

EyeOn sees more investment

I reported on Israel’s EyeOn Medical’s contact lens to treat corneal edema in my 11 Aug 2013 newsletter. EyeOn began selling the product this year and has just raised $3.6 million of funds to help recruit staff and develop further innovative ophthalmologic products.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/indian-distributor-eyes-israeli-contact-lens-tech/

Philanthropy funds medical research

A $1.6 million gift to Israel’s Technion and Canada’s Waterloo University by the Gerald Schwartz & Heather Reisman Foundation will fund joint research into lung disease in prem babies, nanotechnology treatment therapy and quantum computing.
http://www.technion.ac.il/en/2015/04/13888/

Click here for all of this week’s Good News from Israel.