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Israelis live longer; Your personal electric plane; Digital Media Warriors; and much more!
by: Michael Ordman
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
The next booster could be Israeli
The CEO of NRx – the US company in charge of trials of Israel’s BriLife coronavirus vaccine – said NRx is designing a Phase II study of BriLife as a booster to protect against COVID-19 variants. The study will be led by the research heads of Israel’s Hadassah and Sourasky (Ichilov) hospitals.
https://www.jns.org/israel-aims-to-test-brilife-vaccine-candidate-as-booster-dose/
92% recovery after 3 days
Israel’s Maccabi Healthcare has treated 850 of its high-risk coronavirus-infected customers with the new Pfizer Paxlovid pills. 60% significantly improved on the first day, rising to 92% within 3 days. All recovered.
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-692757
Pancreatic cancer breakthrough
Researchers at Tel Aviv’s Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center studied the data of 17,000 pancreatic cancer patients. They discovered that a mutation resulting in the absence of two proteins P15 and P16 allows the cancer to spread to the liver. The findings can help treat such patients.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2022/01/23/israeli-researchers-reveal-achilles-heel-of-pancreatic-cancer/
Non-invasive test for IBD
Israel’s Weizmann Institute, working together with Israel’s Sheba Medical Center can detect inflammation in the intestines by analyzing a fecal sample for the genes expressed in the cells. It can help diagnose gastric disorders such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and monitor their treatment.
https://wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il/life-sciences/noninvasive-test-gut-inflammation
https://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2022/01/18/gutjnl-2021-325516?rss=1
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/320979
Look into my eyes
A great article about Israel’s Neurolight (see here previously) and its amazing ocular technology that extracts microscopic eye movement measurements to help diagnose neurological disorders. The platform aims to help developers of treatments for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis patients.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-answer-to-parkinsons-and-alzheimers-is-all-in-your-eyes/
AI management approved for type 2 diabetes
Israel’s DreaMed (see here previously) has now received US FDA approval for use with Type 2 diabetes sufferers as well as Type 1. It will relieve the strain on endocrinologist who each have on average some 46,000 patients.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/spotlight/israeli-startup-offers-hope-in-global-diabetes-crisis/
Israelis live longer
The latest report of life expectancy for Israeli men is 81 years – 8th in the OECD. For Israeli women it’s 84.8 – 11th in the OECD (see here for previous years). Both exceed the OECD average. Israel’s birth rate is by far the highest in the OECD and infant mortality is well below the OECD average.
https://www.jns.org/report-israelis-live-longer-lives-than-most-despite-major-deficits-in-health-care/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Empowering the blind on public transport
Israel’s Moovit (see here previously) has partnered UK’s WeWALK to enable blind and partially sighted users to navigate public transportation independently. It provides step-by-step guidance to bus and train stops, real-time arrival info, and audio / text “get off” alerts.
https://www.israel21c.org/moovit-powers-public-transport-independence-for-the-blind/
Promoting tech in the Arab sector
Israel’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Israel Innovation Authority have launched an economic program to encourage Israeli Arabs and minorities to enter the hi-tech sector. It includes NIS 225 million over 5 years for incubators, tech centers and local tech startups.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3928008,00.html
Peace through olive oil
A new video featuring Israeli non-profit Sindyanna of Galilee (see here previously) in which Arab and Jewish women work together to produce and market fair trade olive oil. Instead of labels stating, “Extra Virgin olive oil”, they read “Extra Peaceful”, “Unified”, “Hopeful”, and “Positive”.
Afghan refugees meet their rescuers
87 Afghan refugees, rescued by Israel’s IsraAID in October, finally got the chance to meet their rescuers in Albania, as they prepared to begin the process of resettlement in Canada. The refugees include judges, journalists, cyclists, families of diplomats, artists, police and scientists.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/afghan-refugees-saved-by-israelis-finally-meet-their-rescuers/
Teaching tech to girls in Ghana
World ORT’s Israeli Kadima Mada implements technology curriculums for disadvantaged populations in Israel and in more than 30 other countries. The Ghana program, first piloted in 2020, uses female instructors to teach young girls coding skills, game design and animation.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-stem-program-empowers-girls-in-ghana/
Indonesian delegation visits Israel
A delegation from Indonesia recently visited Israel to learn about its COVID-19 response. It included National Board for Disaster Management and National COVID Task Force head Suharyanto. Indonesia’s Defense minister previously said talks with Israel were in the national interest.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-692795
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Israel shines at CES
Over 22 Israeli startups exhibited at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. New to me (see below) were Cecilia, Iromascents, Moodo Air, Oorym, Visionary.ai and Tikbag, Others include Imagery (car awareness), Indoor Robotics (drone security), Resight (metaverse), and VBox (TV streaming).
https://nocamels.com/2022/01/ces-2022-israeli-companies-unveil-breakthrough-gadgets-jaw-dropping-tech/
https://www.israel21c.org/22-israeli-startups-that-shone-at-ces-2022/
https://www.indoor-robotics.com/ https://imagry.co/
Shaken not stirred
Israel’s GKI has launched Cecilia – the world’s first robotic bartender. The first youtube video is totally true. The second one is just humorous (hopefully you will appreciate it). A very amusing team.
They make scents!
Israel’s Iromascents has developed a scent delivery mechanism that allows movie goers to experience odors connected with the action on the screen. The system also can also be used inside shops and even installed at home to enhance TV movies. Moodo Air is similar, controlled by smartphone, Alexa or Siri.
https://iromascents.com/ https://moodo.co/
https://moodo.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Moodo_MAIN.mp4
Seeing is believing
Israel’s Oorym has perfected smart glasses for viewing Artificial Reality (AR). The best visual quality, lightweight, low-cost, and simple manufacture. Based on the research of Yaakov Amitai, a graduate of Israel’s Weizmann, who invented the “waveguide” technology used in most of today’s AR systems.
http://oorym.com/
See the unseen
Israel’s visionary.ai applies computer vision, artificial intelligence, and algorithms to improve the quality of images and videos taken from any camera. It removes blur, provides true night vision, and facial recognition. Visionary.ai has just partnered with Israel’s Inuitive to integrate with its cutting-edge AI processor.
https://www.visionary.ai/news/real-time-video-enhancement-reaches-new-standard-with-visionary-ai-and-inuitive-partnership
Smart school bags
Israel’s Tikbag has developed interactive “smart bags” that monitor and notify the wearer via an app if the backpack is too heavy in relation to body weight. It can also check if the bag is unbalanced. Tikbag was developed to help schoolchildren avoid back pain and protect against future damage to their spine.
https://www.tik-bag.com/
Environmental tech projects
Israel has awarded a total of NIS 5.3 million to five projects that benefit the environment. They are Agrint (pesticides), Daika Wood (wall cladding), Diptera.ai (mosquitoes), Clean Flare (burning gases) and Emma Sensing (corrosion in pipes).
https://innovationisrael.org.il/en/news/pilots-environmental-technologies-granted-support-total-nis-53-million
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-692288
https://www.oktopuscloud.com/terralab-daika
Would you believe it?
3 billion tons of wood is wasted every year, but now it can be avoided. Israel’s Daika Wood recycles waste wood, molding or 3D-printing it into shapes that would be impossible to carve, even with machines. Imagine your computer keyboard made of 100% natural wood – now it can, with Israeli technology.
https://www.oktopuscloud.com/terralab-daika
Vegan fish
Israel’s Plantish, unveiled the prototype of a plant-based whole-cut salmon fillet, announcing that it was developing a e for 3D printing – to make plant-based fish alternatives at a low cost and at scale. The structured, boneless salmon fillet has the same nutritional value as the actual fish.
https://plantish.com/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/faux-fish-israeli-startup-unveils-3d-printed-plant-based-salmon-fillet/
TopGum
Israel’s TopGum launched its sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan line of “gummiceuticals” in 2021. It is investing $30 million in a new production facility to triple its essential vitamins, minerals, natural extracts, pre and probiotics, and superfood supplements to strengthen the immune system, vision, urinary health and more.
https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/topgum-triples-capacity-with-30m-investment-in-new-plant-301466415.html
https://topgummiceuticals.com/
Precision agriculture
Israel’s Alta provides agricultural solutions for farmers using drone / UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) technology. These include crop surveillance, safe and cost-effective spraying, eradication of pests and rodents while reducing the use of toxic pesticides, etc.
Your personal electric plane
The CEO of Israeli start-up AIR describes its AIR ONE electric plane. It will be so safe and simple to operate that you don’t have to be a pilot to fly it.
Preparing to land on the Moon again
SpaceIL co-founder Kfir Damari discusses the Beresheet 1 mission, his hopes to spark children’s interest in space and plans for Beresheet 2 to launch in 2024 or 2025. Also, SpaceIL and the Parasol Foundation Women just co-launched a NIS 1 million program promoting women in space tech.
https://www.israel21c.org/getting-ready-to-land-on-the-moon-again/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3927873,00.html
Israeli astronaut’s 35 experiments
During his mission on the International Space Station in February, Israeli astronaut Eytan Stibbe (see here previously) will perform 35 experiments, designed by schools, leading Israeli institutions, companies, universities, and hospitals. He will also give science lectures to Israeli schoolchildren.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/space-meat-and-hummus-israel-finalizes-experiments-for-upcoming-iss-mission/ https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3927811,00.html
Israel joins NASA’s human mission to the Moon
Israel is the 15th country to join the NASA-led Artemis space program. Artemis aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface in 2025 and establish a long-term human presence on the moon as a warm-up for future missions to Mars. A test flight is expected this summer.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-signs-onto-nasa-led-artemis-program-to-land-astronauts-on-lunar-surface/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Israeli investment keeps getting better
Israeli venture capital firm Viola has just published its report “Israel Tech Ecosystem 2021: Breaking Records in a Record-Breaking Year”. It highlights that the $8.1 billion of funding in startups in the last 3 months of 2021 was the highest investment quarter of all time.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3927712,00.html
Boosting food security startups
Israel has awarded a total of NIS 8.6 million to six agro-tech startups engaged in ensuring the regular supply of fresh food (food security). They are BioFishency, Agrint Sensing Solutions, Tosaf Compounds, ALTA drones, FruitSpec and Salicrop.
https://alta.team/en/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3927980,00.html
Direct flights from Philippines
Philippine Airlines is to launch a direct route to Israel in April and has already started selling tickets. Initially, it will operate two weekly flights between Tel Aviv and Manila. The expected flight time is about 11 and a half hours on the Airbus A350 aircraft.
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-694286
Nvidia to expand Israeli R&D
US giant Nvidia, which acquired Israel’s Mellanox in 2020 for $7 billion, is to establish a new Israel-based design and engineering group. Its aim is to develop the next-gen Nvidia CPUs for powering the revolution in AI, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and virtual world simulations.
https://nocamels.com/2022/01/nvidia-expands-cpu-israel/
More partners to remove CO2
Israel’s Albo (see here previously) has now partnered with Israel’s Taranis to help farmers in the US, Canada, Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, and Australia prove they are CO2 “sinks” and can receive carbon credits. Another partner is Tembo Climate of Mauritius, which works with Sub-Saharan farmers.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-startup-making-sense-of-carbon-credits/
Growth for pure plant protein
Israel’s ChickP has doubled its annual production of concentrated allergen-free, non-GMO chickpea protein isolate. It has also opened a new R&D center, appointed Liat Lachish Levy as CEO, and raised $8 million of funds. It now plans to expand its marketing into the US, Europe, and Asia.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3927870,00.html
https://www.chickp-protein.com/
DHL opens Israeli robotic sorting center
DHL has just made its biggest Middle East investment – opening an $80 million automated processing center in Israel. It can ship 20,000 packages every hour – vital, due to the growth in Israel’s economy since the beginning of the pandemic.
This week’s Unicorn
Israel’s Firebolt, developer of cloud data warehouses for engineering teams, has just raised $100 million ($1.4 billion valuation) to join the Unicorn club of private companies worth over $1 billion.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3928013,00.html
Investment in Israeli startups:
Redefine Meat raised $135 million; Immpact Bio raised $111 million; FireBolt raised $100 million; Island.io raised $100 million; Personetics raised $85 million; Hunters cybersecurity raised $68 million; Sayata raised $35 million; Walnut raised $35 million; Addionics raised $27 million; Portnex raised $22 million; DigitalOwl raised $20 million; Vanti Analytics raised $16 million; Honeycomb insuretech raised $15.4 million; SiteAware raised $15 million; Sensi.ai raised $14 million; Ridge raised $12 million; Redefine security raised $11 million; GetApril raised $10 million; Polar Security raised $8.5 million; ChickP raised $8 million; Scribe Security raised $7 million; Spring Games raised $7 million; Supersmart has raised $5+ million; Impala raised $1 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Art to promote unity
The Mayor of Israeli city Beit Shemesh is using Jewish artwork to unite the city’s diverse population. Exhibits in the lobby of the local municipality buildings include the works of local artist Naama Goldberg and her husband Asher, portraying Rabbis from almost every branch of Jewish culture.
https://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=37&ARTICLE_ID=151727
One of the earliest printed Hebrew books
The National Library of Israel (NLI) has acquired 90 pages from Rabbi Yaakov ben Asher’s “Arba’ah Turim”. The 1492 Soncino edition is from the earliest period of Hebrew printing. No complete copies have survived, and these 90 pages cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/israel/israels-national-library-acquires-90-pages-of-one-of-earliest-printed-hebrew-books/2022/01/18/
https://www.jpost.com/j-spot/article-693909
Snow in Jerusalem
Children in Israel’s capital enjoyed a brief morning playing in 10 inches of snow that fell during storm Elpis. Even President Herzog and his wife joined in.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-694734
Israel’s first paralympic skier
20-year-old downhill skier Sheina Vaspi will be Israel’s first and only competitor at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing, March 4-13. She is from a Lubavitch family in the Hula Valley and was the first Israeli to compete in the recent Para World Alpine Skiing Championships in Norway.
https://www.israel21c.org/israels-first-winter-paralympics-athlete-is-alpine-skier/
THE JEWISH STATE
Dig for a day, at Maresha
Israeli licensed tour guide Nosson Shulman writes about Maresha, a city mentioned in the Book of Joshua, where visitors can help excavate houses that are millennia old. When they find an object, Nosson tells them that they are the first people to be holding it in over 2,000 years.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/off-the-beaten-track-biblical-maresha-and-beit-guvrin/
Ancient Hebrew amulet found at site of Joshua’s Altar
Israeli archeologists recently discovered an ancient Hebrew amulet on Mount Ebal, overlooking Shechem (Nablus), at the site of Joshua’s Altar. It is inscribed with the Hebrew letter Alef and a popular Egyptian motif. The Israelites may even have brought it from Egypt!
https://worldisraelnews.com/ancient-hebrew-amulet-discovered-in-samaria/
Digital Media Warriors
Episode 13 of the JNF’s Conversations on Zionism (Reclaiming the Narrative) will be shown on Tues 1st Feb at 7:30pm ET (4.30pm PT). Register today and then tune in on 1st Feb to hear 4 dynamic panelists who use social media to empower Jews to expose the world to the miraculous story of Israel.
https://www.jnf.org/events-landing-pages/conversations-on-zionism
NASA veteran makes Aliya
Jerry Wittenstein, the CEO of NASA’s International Space Systems who worked alongside US astronaut Neil Armstrong and developed half of Apollo 11’s trajectories, has just made Aliyah with his wife Carol. They regularly flew on Delta Airlines, which gave them an emotional on-board send-off.
https://worldisraelnews.com/we-have-liftoff-senior-nasa-veteran-makes-aliya-to-israel/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOzd8wICxLc
Jewish woman escapes Iran for Israeli medical treatment
After Iranian doctors had given her no hope, Iranian Jew Zehava fled Iran, via Turkey, to get life-saving treatment in Israel. One month later, Zehava can walk again, and is no longer constantly connected to an oxygen tank.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-mother-flees-iran-for-life-saving-treatment-in-israel/
VeryGoodNews zooms to Massachusetts
Your editor gave a virtual presentation last week to members of Temple Israel of Natick and others, entitled “Israel – Beyond Imagination”. Watch the recording here.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/steJNQx0pEg?start=930
More publicity for Israeli good news
Student “Ambassadors” at Haifa’s Reali Hebrew School have been posting selected articles from the VeryGoodNewsIsrael newsletter onto their website. Read them here.
https://www.medioq.com/XX/Unknown/233385837507023/Very-Good-News-Israel
Israel’s youngest lifesaver
At his recent Bar Mitzvah, Rafael was presented with a certificate of appreciation and excellence by Israel’s United Hatzalah. A week earlier, Rafael, the son of a UH volunteer, successfully performed the Heimlich Maneuver to save his 4-year-old sister when she choked on a piece of candy.
https://israelrescue.org/blog/youngest-life-saver-in-israel/
