Dr. Shira Knafo discovered a small protein, which inhibits the processes normally associated with impairment, including depression and Alzheimer’s disease, and Israel’s Vigor Medical Technologies won the Innovex Disrupt contest at Tel Aviv’s Innovex 2016 conference.

By: Michael Ordman

ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Reversing Alzheimer’s symptoms

Israel’s Dr. Shira Knafo heads Spain’s Molecular Cognition Laboratory at BioCruces Health Research Institute. She has discovered a small protein, which inhibits the processes normally associated with impairment, including depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
http://www.algemeiner.com/2016/02/09/medical-breakthrough-israeli-scientist-heading-intl-research-team-reverses-alzheimers-symptoms-in-mice/

http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nn.4225.html

Sealing wounds without stitches, tape or bandage

Israel’s Vigor Medical Technologies won the Innovex Disrupt contest at Tel Aviv’s Innovex 2016 conference. Vigor’s sealant system treats thoracic trauma, a chest injury that can cause the lungs to collapse. If treated within one hour, the patient has an 80% survival chance.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/start-ups-sealant-for-collapsed-lungs-nabs-prize-at-innovex/

Sensors to monitor the elderly

Kytera is another Israeli startup that has developed innovative sensor technology to keep a close eye on at-risk seniors. It also collects anonymous data that can be used to provide vital research on specific illnesses or medications.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOTn_rmJexc

Heart device saves more lives

I reported on Israel’s V-Wave in May 2014 when it implanted its first heart shunt to treat congestive heart failure patients. It has since successfully treated over 30 patients. V-Wave has just raised $28 million to expand clinical evaluation, development and production.
http://vwavemedical.com/2016/01/20/v-wave-ltd-announces-28m-series-b-financing/

Portable ultrasound

Professor Yonina Eldar at Israel’s Technion is developing an innovative portable ultrasound system that transmits scans to the treating physician immediately. Scans can be performed in disaster areas, at road accidents, and in developing countries where the medical infrastructure is limited.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-engineer-develops-small-portable-ultrasound/

Socks to warn of foot ulcers

Another great innovation from Hadassah / Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s BioDesign students. Their SenseGo socks contain dozens of micro-fabricated pressure sensors that send warnings via smartphone of incorrect posture or ill-fitting shoes that may cause foot ulcers to develop.

http://new.huji.ac.il/en/article/28743

Another app to cure stuttering

Israel’s Ninispeech enables people who stutter to take control over their speech, using unique mobile feedback technology. NiNiSpeech catalyzes assimilation of speech strategies, encourages communication, sharpens learning curve, and maximizes success rate. 3 top Israeli doctors are cofounders, including Dr Yoav Medan, ex-CTO of Israeli focused ultrasound specialists InSightec.
http://www.ninispeech.com/

Device to shakeup a snorer

Israeli startup Nexense manufactures a device to treat snoring and sleep apnea. Worn as a chest strap or wristwatch, it detects snoring or sleep apnea and then vibrates to help the patient resume breathing or stop snoring, without waking him/her up.

http://nexense.com/?page_id=87
http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-sleep-apnea-treatment-co-nexense-raises-3m-1001099272

Linked to Life

Cancer charity Ezer Mizion has a unique WhatsApp Group. “Linked to Life” has about 4,000 volunteers who respond fast to (sometimes life-threatening) problems. Like forgotten medication or a premature baby who needs special formula.

http://www.ezermizion.org/blog/whats-app-by-kobi-arieli/

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

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