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Israel’s Alpha Tau Medical uses alpha radiation to treat solid tumors; Education as a work of heart; Israeli software company CodeOasis has been quietly transforming company systems for 13 years, and much more!
By: Michael Ordman
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Alpha radiation destroys solid tumors safely
Israel’s Alpha Tau Medical uses alpha radiation to treat various types of solid tumors. Alpha DaRT (Dіffusіng Alpha-emіtters Radіatіon Therapy), developed at Tel Aviv University, is to begin clinical trials in Massachusetts USA.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3744829,00.html
https://www.massdevice.com/alpha-tau-wins-approval-to-test-cancer-targeting-device-in-the-u-s/
Israeli leukemia treatment approved for UK children
The breakthrough CAR-T personalized leukemia therapy devised by Professor Zelig Eshhar of Israel’s Weizmann Institute (see here) is now available in the UK. The National Health Service will fund Kymriah – the CAR-T treatment commercialized by Novartis.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/09/04/nhs-fund-game-changing-personalised-cancer-drug/
Good results for colon capsule scan
Israeli biotech Check-Cap announced positive interim results for its post-CE approval study of the C-Scan system Version 3. Check-Cap’s capsule detects polyps (cancerous or precancerous) in patients without them having to undergo a colonoscopy or even any preparation.
Preventing hemorrhagic shock
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University and Hadassah Medical Center have developed software named VitalMiner to predict blood pressure instability in intensive care patients. It can give several extra hours’ warning of impending hypotension, where vital organs are starved of oxygenated blood.
“Natural” protein to treat osteoporosis
Ben Gurion University scientists have discovered a natural protein in the body that can be tailored to treat osteoporosis. The protein can be modified to inhibit its standard bone destruction function, which avoids many of the side effects common with current treatments.
https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article/authors?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.2002979
Safer transplants
I reported previously (see here) on Israel’s Orgenesis which was developing a treatment for diabetes based on replacing cells in the body. Ogenesis is now working with Ben Gurion University to develop a cell transplantation process that avoids being attacked by the immune system.
http://in.bgu.ac.il/en/pages/news/orgenesis_bgu.aspx
Auto-adjusting orthopedic brace
Israeli startup OrthoSpin is developing an electric brace to help with bone lengthening, setting complex fractures, and correcting deformities. The system tunes the brace’s position from pre-programmed instructions by an orthopedist who monitors progress remotely.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3742883,00.html
https://www.israel21c.org/let-a-robot-tend-your-fixation-device-after-leg-surgery/
Eye drops to correct far-sightedness
I reported previously (18th Mar) that Israeli scientists were developing eye drops to improve vision. Israeli startup Orasis is also working on eye drops to treat presbyopia – age-related far-sightedness due to loss of elasticity in the lens of the eye.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3739792,00.html https://www.orasis-pharma.com/
Probiotics are personal
Two studies by scientists at Israel’s Weizmann Institute have turned knowledge about probiotics on its head. Firstly, probiotics are only effective if your microbiome doesn’t resist the probiotics. Secondly, using probiotics alongside antibiotics is ineffective in restoring your natural microbiome.
https://wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il/life-sciences/inside-look-probiotics
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(18)31102-4
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(18)31108-5
UK-Israel conference on aging
Nearly 80 leading Israeli scientists joined their UK peers in London at two unprecedented academic conferences over 3 days. Topics included the role of genetics and “precision medicine” in age-related illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and dementia.
Ezer Mizion’s Mental Health Program. Newsletter readers know Ezer Mizion is a charity that operates a life-saving Bone Marrow Registry. But that’s far from all it does, as this mother found out when she sought respite from looking after her schizophrenic husband. Ezer Mizion provides services to over 660,000 Israelis.
http://www.ezermizion.org/blog/in-lieu-of-mommy/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Education as a work of heart
Meled Jerusalem is an alternative high school for Jewish students who struggled to fit into Israel’s mainstream religious school system. The school is led by its founder, development psychologist Dr. Menachem Gottesman, and described in his book “Not at Risk”.
http://www.en.meled.manhi.org.il/BRPortal/br/P102.jsp?arc=92624
http://jeducationworld.com/2018/05/book-review-not-at-risk-education-as-a-work-of-heart/
2.3 million children start school together
Over 2,310,000 students started the school year at some 5,000 Israeli schools. New educational initiatives include innovative research equipment, extra staff at 6,000 kindergartens, smaller class sizes and expansion of studies in mathematics, English and the Hebrew language.
https://worldisraelnews.com/2-3-million-students-begin-school-year-in-israel-under-banner-of-unity/
Genesis Prize empowers Israeli women
The Genesis Prize Foundation and the Kahn Foundation has awarded $1 million in grants to 37 Israeli nonprofits. They represent Jewish, Arab, Druze and Bedouin communities focused on socioeconomic opportunity, gender equality, minority rights or violence prevention for women.
Training Haredim for civil service leadership
Israeli President Reuben Rivlin presented awards to Haredi graduates of the “Influencers” program. The 19 strictly orthodox men will fill government roles including the fields of economy, science, education and law.
https://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=37&ARTICLE_ID=107628
More on Krembo Wings
I reported previously (12 Aug) that Israeli NGO Krembo Wings had been awarded special advisor status to the United Nations for its work integrating disabled children with other children. Here now is a new video that highlights the work of the organization.
Country club for Bedouin Arabs
The Israeli government has built a country club in the Bedouin city of Rahat in Southern Israel. It includes a fitness center, saunas, sports facilities and the first swimming pool in a Bedouin settlement in Israel. The club will serve many thousands of Bedouin Arabs from the Negev area.
The quality of life for Israeli Arabs
This article describes excellently the unprecedented advancements during the last decade in the quality of life for Israel’s Arab citizens. It covers health, education, communities, employment and business development. http://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/what-apartheid/
First ever visit by a Philippines President
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and his 400-person delegation to Jerusalem. The two countries signed agreements, in trade, science and caregiving. Mr Duterte praised the work conditions of the 30,000 Filipino care workers in Israel.
https://worldisraelnews.com/philippines-president-thanks-israel-for-its-critical-help/
CPR training for Kenya
A team from Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center conducted an advanced resuscitation skills course for local medical and nursing staff in Nakuru, Kenya. The course was conducted with cooperation of Israel’s Technion and included lectures, simulations and individual training.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/251511
Saving lives in Myanmar
Two top gynecologists from Tel Aviv’s Ichilov hospital spent two weeks in Pindaya, Myanmar, helping train local doctors. On their first day they saved two lives. Infant mortality in Myanmar is 40.1 deaths per 1000 live births. The OECD average is 5.9; In Israel it is 2.9.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-obstetricians-bring-western-know-how-to-myanmar/
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Bringing companies into the digital age
Israeli software company CodeOasis has been quietly transforming company systems for 13 years. Solutions for the likes of IsraCard, Super-Pharm, Wix, Strauss and SodaStream, CEO Amir Golan was interviewed on ILTV about CodeOasis’ innovative services.
https://www.codeoasis.com/en/selected-projects/
Drink me
Dehydration results in over 1.5 million outpatient visits, 200,000 hospitalizations, and 300 deaths in the US per year. Israeli startup Water.io has developed “Reminder” – an IoT (Internet of Things) smart cap and sensor for disposable water bottles that blinks, vibrates or sounds an alarm when you need to take a drink.
https://www.israel21c.org/smart-cap-tells-you-to-drink-water-take-meds-refill-soap/
Smartphone analyzes mental state
Israeli 3D imaging company Mantis Vision has just acquired Israeli AI (Artificial Intelligence) startup BrainVu. BrainVu uses machine vision (e.g. of eye dynamics and blood flow) to identify the mental state (e.g. stress levels) of a person from images captured by a smartphone camera.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3745670,00.html https://www.brainvu.com/
SkyTrain for Netanya
My local council has just approved plans for Israel’s first skyTran pod cable car rapid personal transit system. The 600-meter line is designed to overcome traffic congestion and link-up Netanya’s residential and industrial areas. Each skyTran 2-person pod will operate using magnetic levitation.
A drone to save you from drowning
Israeli startup Blueskimmer developed drones to thwart firebombing kites and balloons from Gaza. Now the drones have been adapted to release floats to rescue people at risk of drowning. The drones are controlled by lifeguards and have a public address system.
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-09/02/c_137439009.htm
https://www.facebook.com/blueskimmerdrone/
Israeli summer school for science students
73 international high school graduates came to Israel this summer to participate in a hands-on scientific research program at the Weizmann Institute of Science. More than 3,000 students (Jews and non-Jews) have attended the 4-week course over the years.
Untold News on Buzzfeed
One of my favorite NGO’s Untold News has published another article on Buzzfeed highlighting 10 Israeli futuristic innovations. 300,000 saw their last article and this one is well worth reading.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/israelisonit/tech-health-security-heres-how-israels-advancements-are
Syte is so cool
Gartner has named Israel’s Syte in its 2018 Cool Vendors in AI for Retail report. Syte provides Artificial Intelligent image search technology and in-store solutions to track social media and create a more seamless shopping experience. Customers include UK’s Marks & Spencer, Intu and Boohoo.
https://www.syte.ai/gartner-lp/ https://www.syte.ai/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6XnXSVB8V4
Your personal Israeli robot
Temi is an Israeli-developed personal robot that aims to become an essential addition to every home. temi traverses the home without colliding with furniture, providing a host of services. Another Israeli startup, Newsight Imaging will provide the sensors for temi’s 3D visual system.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
The best universities for entrepreneurs
Seattle-based market research company Pitchbook rated Tel Aviv University at number eight (up from nine) in its list of global undergraduate programs that produce venture capital-backed entrepreneurs. Israel’s Technion came 14th and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem was 35th.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3745446,00.html
https://www.israel21c.org/3-israeli-universities-on-pitchbooks-entrepreneurial-list/
Financial Tech agreement with Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Finance Minister Paul Chan visited Israel with a delegation of 20. He signed an agreement with Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon to promote cooperation in the field of Fintech. Other initiatives explored included the areas of Artificial Intelligence and Biotech.
https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-hong-kong-sign-financial-tech-agreement/
Dutch Prince seeks hi-tech investment
Prince Constantijn van Oranje of the Netherlands, head of Dutch innovation organization StartupDelta, is in Israel with a delegation of Dutch investors. His aim is to attract Israeli hi-tech startups to Holland and to learn how to establish technology and innovation centers.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-dutch-prince-seeks-israeli-hightech-cooperation-1001252882
Japan opens Israeli startup accelerator
The Japanese External Trade Organization (JETRO) – a government agency – is opening a business center and accelerator program for Israeli startups to help them expand of their business to Japan.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-japanese-govt-opens-israeli-startup-accelerator-1001251883
More multinational investment
Over the last 18 months, 16 multinational financial firms started operating in Israel, or increased previous business through strategic partnerships and investments. Newcomers include AXA SA, Bank of Montreal, Fosun, TD Bank, AmTrust, and Mastercard. The attraction? – Israeli technology. Plus two video reminders of the 4 multi-billion-dollar exits so far in 2018.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3745680,00.html
Award-winning Proof of Concept
I reported previously (see here) about Israeli startup prooV and its service that allow companies to perform Proof of Concept (PoC) testing on new technology. The Business Intelligence Group has now named prooV a 2018 Stratus Award winner, for its unique cloud technology solution.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Rare chance to see Worms Mahzor
For the first time in 30 years, and ahead of the High-holidays, the Worms Mahzor – a famous 13th-century prayer book – will go on display at the National Library of Israel. The exhibition, “Our hearts responded in ancient prayer…” features many beautiful medieval Hebrew manuscripts.
Vibrations are still good for Brian Wilson
Beach Boys founder and composer Brian Wilson performed at the Charles Bronfman Auditorium in Tel Aviv. Two years after his Israeli debut, Wilson and his 10-piece band played through an outstanding songbook of classics. At 76, how does he do it? The answer is in the video.
https://www.jpost.com/OMG/A-smiling-setting-sun-for-Brian-Wilson-564377
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDS4LxlcId0
Virtual Reality tour of Jerusalem
I’ve reported previously (see here) on several VR (Virtual Reality) tours where you can step back in time to see ancient Israel. Now the Tower of David Museum is launching “Step into History” – a VR tour of Jerusalem as it looked 2000 years ago.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/virtual-reality-tour-brings-millennium-old-jerusalem-to-life/
https://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=37&ARTICLE_ID=107690
Hiking in Israel
There is a new English website for foreign tourists, dedicated to nature and hiking in Israel. It is great news for the traveler who wants to explore Israel independently but doesn’t speak Hebrew. The descriptions are accompanied by high-quality hiking maps, GPS track files and transport links.
THE JEWISH STATE
The Jewish foundations under Mount Zion
Mount Zion, South West of Jerusalem’s Old City, sits on top of thousands of years of history. Archeologists recently discovered evidence of Hasmonean construction from the time of the Second Temple.
Uncovering the City of David
Doron Spielman, of the City of David Foundation, was interviewed on ILTV about the latest findings in the 4,000-year-old city of King David that was only re-discovered a few years ago. Layers have been peeled away like an onion to reveal the Pilgrimage Road leading up to Temple Mount.
1,020 ancient clay seals discovered
Archeologists have uncovered a trove of 1,020 clay seal impressions dated from the Maccabean era, over 2,100 years ago. They were found in a newly discovered 7-room cave complex at the ancient city of Maresha, part of the Bet Guvrin-Maresha National Park in central Israel.
The US-Israeli pilot who stopped Egyptian army
US citizen Gideon Lichtman, who died recently aged 94, made history in 1948 when he volunteered for the emerging Israeli Air Force and shot down its first enemy plane. His Machal 101 squadron prevented the Egyptian army from capturing Tel Aviv.
Jerusalem prepares for New Year
In Israel’s capital, people are extremely busy. Activities include an update for Sacher Park, musical events in the streets and synagogues. One “unique” photo shows the candidates for position of the next Mayor of Jerusalem dancing together. And the first Sukkah (tabernacle).
http://rjstreets.com/2018/09/05/jerusalem-preparing-for-new-year/
A country, not a cause
I reported previously (28th Jan) about The Israel Innovation Fund (TIIF). Founder Adam Bellos urges American Jews to look beyond the politics and to come to Israel, learn the language, meet the people, listen to the music, drink the wine and enjoy the country. Israel has so much to offer.
http://jewishjournal.com/opinion/237629/israel-country-not-cause/
Ancient tree may help cure diseases
On Kibbutz Katura, I saw Methuselah – a Judean date palm that scientist Elaine Solowey planted on Tu Bishvat from 2000-year-old seeds discovered by archeologists at Masada. Now scientists believe that the tree’s ancient genetic properties could have major medical benefits.
Free-gift at Ben Gurion airport
To prevent the importing of diseases, Israel’s Agriculture Ministry has banned passengers from bringing 3 of the set of 4 species (palm branch, myrtle, willow) required to be used during the Sukkot (Tabernacles) holiday. A free set will be given to those passengers who want one.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/251427
(Click HERE for last week’s Good News from Israel archive.)
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