Using music to test for dementia; Natural gas revenues soar;
ItsMine is a Cool Vendor; and much more!
by: Michael Ordman
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Once-a-day injection to treat Parkinson’s
Israel’s Pharma Two B (see here previously) is presenting the full results of its Phase 3 trial of its once-a-day injection of its P2B001 treatment for Parkinson’s disease. P2B001 combines low-dose pramipexole with low-dose rasagiline. It relieves PD symptoms with few side effects.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/revolutionary-jab-alleviates-parkinsons-symptoms-in-new-study/
Sheba implements fast cancer diagnosis
Sheba Medical Center has deployed a new accelerated, AI-powered cancer diagnostics research platform to improve patient diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. It utilizes solutions of various Israeli startups, including that of Imagene (see here previously).
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/375264
Detecting ovarian cancer
Israel’s Nevia Bio (previously Gina Life) specializes in women’s health, using its innovative machine-learning platform to detect diseases while they are still curable. Nevia is initially targeting ovarian cancer, which has a less than 20% survival rate at stage 3 and currently has no early detection.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sykpcf119n
Accurately predicting the genetic risk of cancer
Researchers at Tel Aviv University (TAU) have developed a computational model that makes it possible to predict an individual woman’s genetic risk of developing breast cancer based on her genetic profile. It means women at risk can be tested earlier and more frequently.
https://www.aftau.org/news_item/computational-model-from-tau-will-make-it-possible-to-predict-increased-genetic-risk-for-breast-cancer/
https://jmg.bmj.com/content/early/2023/07/13/jmg-2023-109185.abstract
Treating Basal Cell Carcinoma
Israel’s MediWound (see here previously) announced positive data from its Phase I/II study of MW005 for non-surgical treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – a form of slow-growing skin cancer. MW005 is safe, well-tolerated and completely cleared the BCC lesions.
https://ir.mediwound.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mediwound-announces-positive-results-its-us-phase-iii-study
Nanotechnology improves photodynamic cancer therapy
Researchers at Israel’s Ariel University have enhanced the ability of Photodynamic cancer therapy (PDT) to reach tumors deep inside the body. They used nanoparticles of barium titanate, curcumin (turmeric) and pulsed lasers to optimize the Near Infrared Light.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-754826#
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1386142523008806
US approval for biodegradable balloon
Israel’s BioProtect (see here previously) has received US FDA’s clearance for its biodegradable balloon spacer that protects healthy tissue against damage during prostate cancer radiation therapy. BioProtect already has approval for the European market.
https://bioprotect.com/
Using music to test for dementia
Israel’s Neurosteer (see here previously) has developed a musical test for the early detection of Parkinson’s Disease as well as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Patients conduct a series of musical tasks while sensors connected to an EEG device record their brain activity.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/testing-for-dementia-in-the-elderly-with-mood-lifting-music/
US approval for acne scar treatment
Israel’s Sofwave Medical (see here previously) has received US FDA approval for its treatment for acne scars. 88% of patients reported an improvement in a clinical study of Sofwave’s Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) technology.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/fda-okays-israel-developed-treatment-for-acne-scars/
Understanding early placental development
Joint Israeli & US research has revealed crucial insights into the early development of specialized tissues that protect the fetus during human pregnancy. The findings can potentially help prevent dangerous pregnancy complications, like pre-eclampsia and preterm birth.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-technology-enables-researchers-to-better-understand-early-placental-development/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06298-9
Better health for aging Americans
Healthcare app Together by Renee is integrating the video-based biomarker check technology from Israel’s Binah.ai (see here previously). The platform allows US seniors to easily check and share vital signs with caregivers and family, using their smartphone cameras.
https://www.prweb.com/releases/2023/07/prweb19458579.htm
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
A haredi border policewoman
Sgt. Maj. Avishag Shiran Malka is Israel’s only haredi female Border Police officer. She consults her Rabbi who supports her work, which involves Shabbat and even Yom Kippur duties. 17 years in the force, Malka serves in a mostly female unit that regularly patrols Afula in case of terrorist attack.
https://worldisraelnews.com/im-very-proud-to-serve-says-israels-only-ultra-orthodox-female-border-police-fighter/
$843 million for Eastern Jerusalem
Israel has approved a five-year, 3.2-billion-shekel ($843 million) plan to invest in eastern Jerusalem. It aims to reduce economic and social disparities for Arab residents in Israel’s capital city. It should improve infrastructure, health, welfare, personal security, employment, and education.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/eastern-jerusalem/23/8/20/311833/
https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/ejerufive#
A small medical center makes a big difference
Tzafon Medical Center near Tiberias cares for 300,000 residents of Northern Israel. Staff and patients represent a mosaic of Israelis: Christian and Muslim Arabs, Bedouin, Druze, Circassians, and all kinds of Jews. It has just begun implanting LVAD heart devices.
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/israels-north-star-a-small-medical-center-making-a-big-difference/
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-755582
US University teaches Israeli innovation
Florida University has been running its “Innovation Nation: The Global Influence of Israeli Technology and Entrepreneurship” course for three years. This year it was oversubscribed. Students learn how to pitch, to think through different angles, teamwork, and “failure”.
https://www.israel21c.org/florida-university-students-learn-innovation-nation-secrets/
https://honors.fiu.edu/current-students/course-descriptions/innovation_nation/
(Great explanatory video)
Israel, Cyprus, Greece alliance to include India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed interest in joining the Eastern Mediterranean alliance between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece and to establish a cargo route from India to the Med. All three leaders approved and will invite the Indian Premier to the next summit.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/eastern-mediterranean/23/9/4/315979/
The Abraham Accords dream is coming true
Two very positive articles, to mark the 3rd anniversary of the signing of the original Abraham Accords by Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, and the USA.
https://www.jns.org/column/abraham-accords/23/9/6/316676/
https://www.jns.org/jns/abraham-accords/23/8/31/315142/
Saving the sight of Afghan children
The Retinoblastoma Silk Road Project treats young Afghan children with the potentially deadly eye cancer Retinoblastoma. Ophthalmologists from Israel’s Sheba Medical Center check images on Zoom and WhatsApp and refer children for treatment in Lahore, Pakistan.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-pakistani-mds-save-eyesight-of-afghan-children/
Clean water for Cameroon and Kenya
Israeli NGO Innovation: Africa (see here previously) is installing clean water systems in 35 remote villages in Northern Cameroon. And in Kenya, IsraAID is installing similar solar-powered pumps to extract water from the boreholes they drill.
(Another great video)
Knesset porcupine saved
A tiny month-old porcupine was recently rescued from crows by guards at Israel’s Knesset (parliament). Her wounds were treated at the nearby Nili and David Jerusalem Bird Research Station of the Society for the Protection of Nature, and at the Biblical Zoo. She has now been released back into the wild.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/375649
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
How Israel became a cyber and technology superpower
This article describes Israel’s security priority, the IDF recruitment and training process, venture capital funding, accelerator programs, and post-IDF service training. It explains how the hi-tech industry has become the engine that pulls the Israeli economy.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/idf/23/9/5/316211/
The classroom of the future
Gordon Academic College in Haifa is an innovation center for educating the next generation of teachers. Augmented Reality of an X-ray tee shirt; touchscreens that launch puzzles, quizzes, and tours; studying on an exercise bike. The school has also adopted Mistake-based Learning.
https://www.israel21c.org/a-classroom-where-teachers-and-kids-have-fun-and-succeed/
https://en.gordon.ac.il/contentpage/international_center
Cutting hospital emissions
Israel’s Finance Ministry has allocated NIS 14 million for Israel’s Brenmiller (see here previously) to build a Thermal Energy system for the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon. The aim is to cut carbon emissions by 3,900 tons and reduce energy costs by up to $1.3 million annually.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/energy-and-infrastructure/article-756877
It’s about thyme
Israel’s BotanoHealth has created BH-B spray – an organic formula for protecting plants against insects and fungi using thyme oil. BotanoHealth uses nano-emulsion to reduce thyme oil’s base ingredient thymol to a safe 1% and act as a natural antimicrobial agent by killing bacteria and fungi.
https://om/2023/08/essential-oil-pesticide-keeping-crops-healthy-and-organic/
Preventing peanut allergies
Israel’s Ukko (see here previously) is developing a therapy for those with severe allergies to peanuts. Ukko separates the parts of the peanut protein that trigger an allergic reaction from those that help train the immune system. Ukko then reintroduces the training part until the patient develops immunity.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/ai-led-peanut-allergy-treatment-offers-hope-for-severely-affected/
95% reduction in loneliness
Data from New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) shows that the smart ElliQ robot companion from Israel’s Intuition Robotics (see here previously), has reduced loneliness in 800 elderly residents by 95%. NYSOFA is now extending its partnership with Intuition Robotics.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nysofas-rollout-of-ai-companion-robot-elliq-shows-95-reduction-in-loneliness-301890438.html
Wristband to prevent drownings
Israel’s NeoMare is developing a wristband that inflates on command, potentially saving dozens of Israelis from drowning every year. NeoMare’s LifSsaver armband contains a chemical that inflates an 8-liter floatation balloon, to become a personal buoy if there is a danger of drowning.
https://neo-mare.com/en/en-lp/
Tech competition for teens
Non-profit Unistream (see here previously) organized a unique tech competition for teens from periphery communities in Israel. They got a chance to showcase their innovations and enhance their prospects of entering the hi-tech industry in the future.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/startup-nations-gateway-israels-tech-competition-paving-the-way-for-periphery-talent/
Increasing the power of AI while reducing the cost
Israel’s NeuReality (see here previously) aims to make AI systems easy to use, increase its performance tenfold and reduce its cost by 90%. All while reducing its carbon footprint.
https://www.eejournal.com/article/want-to-reduce-your-data-center-ai-inferencing-infrastructure-costs-by-10x/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Natural gas revenues soar
The latest report shows Israel earned over NIS 1 billion from its natural gas deposits in the first six months of 2023 – a rise of 22.8% compared to the same period last year. Almost half of the gas produced (6 BCM) was exported to neighboring countries – mostly to Egypt and Jordan.
https://english.news.cn/20230829/846edb686a5845df9db0cd819eb6156c/c.html
An incubator for Israeli-Arab innovators
The Hasoub (Arabic for “computer”) Garage incubator (see here previously) in Wadi Ara in the Arab town of Ar’ara comprises Hasoub Angels, an investment arm for early-stage startups, and Hasoub Labs, an innovation hub to transform ideas into reality.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/in-northern-israel-tech-veterans-are-nurturing-arab-innovation/
(Inspiring video of CEO Rabea Zioud)
Microgrid in Australia
Australia’s Endeavour Energy is adopting the Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) platform from Israel’s mPrest (see here previously). It will be part of a new micro power grid in New South Wales, delivering electricity to tens of thousands of customers.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mprest-selected-as-derms-provider-for-endeavour-energy-301894181.html
ItsMine is a Cool Vendor
Israel’s ItsMine (see here previously) has been named a Cool Vendor in Garner’s “The “Cool Vendors in Data Security” report. ItsMine’s Agentless Beyond platform is designed to prevent data loss and leakage that can lead to devastating ransomware attacks.
https://itsmine.io/cool-vendor-2023/
More innovation than ever
An interview with Israeli top tech influencer Hillel Fuld (brother of Ari Fuld z”l) who says that start-ups in the Jewish State are stronger than ever. “People don’t know this, but in absolute numbers, Israel’s ecosystem is number two in the world after the United States for food tech.”
https://unitedwithisrael.org/more-innovation-than-ever-before-tech-influencer-lauds-israeli-startup-ecosystem/
Simulating clinical trials
Over 90% of treatments that reach the clinical trials stage fail to make it to market – an annual $50 billion waste. It is mostly due to major gaps in the research needed to support clinical trials. QuantHealth.ai bridges these gaps by simulating large scale trials to accelerate development.
https://quanthealth.ai/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1xl45op2
The sun is shining on the kibbutz
Many kibbutzim have invested millions in setting up solar power systems and large storage facilities. Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak (3.5km from Gaza) stores energy in batteries during the day and sells it back to the grid during peak demand. Also Doral Energy and Nofar Energy’s many initiatives.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sytlwmzr3
Pitango’s 2nd Healthtech fund
Pitango VC has closed its $175 million second dedicated healthcare fund (see first fund here). Pitango HealthTech II. will invest in decentralized healthcare, personalized medicine, medical devices and diagnostics, AI, etc. It has already invested in QuantHealth.ai and Nevia Bio (see previously).
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/ryncgk8rn
Another Unicorn
The $155 million raised by Israel’s AI21 Labs last week gave it a valuation of $1.4 billion and financial Unicorn status.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/byy4pxa6h
Exits, takeovers & mergers to 10/9/23
Israel’s Check Point Systems is acquiring Israel’s Atmosec for a few million dollars. Jared Kushner’s Saudi-backed Affinity Partners is investing $150 million for an 18% stake in Israel’s Shlomo Group.
Investment in Israeli startups to 10/9/23:
ThetaRay raised $57 million; Ibex Medical raised $55 million; Upwind raised $50 million; Intuition Robotics raised $25 million; Harmonya raised $20 million; QuantHealth.ai raised $15 million; Pynt raised $6 million; Nevia Bio raises $3 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Piano festival in the desert
The 32nd annual Tel-Hai International Piano Master Classes at Midreshet Sde Boker in the Negev, attracted 78 budding pianists from 17 countries. Hopefuls are meticulously screened for their skills, ensuring that the event remains a true celebration of talent rather than a numbers game.
https://israfan.com/2023/08/07/harmony-in-the-desert-global-pianists-unite-under-israels-starry-skies/
The flamingos are back
The first sign of autumn (fall) in Israel was signified by the arrival of dozens of flamingos at the Hula Lake in Northern Israel. The first migrating birds also include egrets, hummingbirds, and different species of herons.
https://www.israel21c.org/flamingo-arrival-is-first-hint-of-fall/
Israeli flag flies high
Keisha Schahaff and her daughter Anastasia Mayers made history when they won a trip to become the first mother and daughter to go to the edge of space. Keisha, who is married to an Israeli, proudly wore the Israeli flag on her spacesuit aboard Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bycrqtm2h
(see Keisha on the BBC video at 1:40 & 2:20)
Imagine Dragons enthrall Tel Aviv fans
US pop giants Imagine Dragons performed to 62,000 fans at Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park. Hits included “My Life”, “Believer”, “Thunder” and “Demons”. Before “Enemy”, lead singer Dan Reynolds called out, “Don’t let your enemies take you down. You are strong.”
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-756836
Six world karate golds
The Israeli karate delegation won six gold, one silver and four bronze medals at the Aug 2023 SKIF Shotokan Karate World Games in Hungary.
https://www.israel21c.org/racking-up-medals-in-karate-marathon-windsurfing/
Victory, despite forfeiting Shabbat match
Israel’s Under 17 boys flag football team won gold at the inaugural IFAF Flag Football European Youth Championships in Grosseto, Italy. The team refused to play one match on Shabbat and were severely penalized. Despite this, they advanced to the semi-finals and finals.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-757513
THE JEWISH STATE
2nd Temple period aqueduct discovered in Jerusalem
Israeli archaeologists have uncovered 300 meters of an aqueduct that brought water from springs near Bethlehem, to Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago. 25 coins were found in the plaster, including one commemorating the Great Jewish Revolt against the Romans.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/300-meter-stretch-of-aqueduct-from-late-second-temple-period-uncovered-in-jerusalem/
Unearthing 2,200-year-old trash
Magical Caves of Maresha in Judea are 2,200 years old. Visitors get a hands-on educational experience by taking part in an archeological dig. The residents of Maresha threw their trash into the basements of their houses where it became a time capsule of Jewish life.
Jews versus Romans
A cache of weapons has been uncovered in the Judean Desert. Four well-preserved 1,900-year-old Roman swords and a shafted weapon were found in a crevice in a cave in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve near the Dead Sea. They were almost certainly seized by Judean rebels in the revolt against Rome.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/archaeology/23/9/6/316561/
(Great video)
IDF maintains a clean camp
(See Deut ch23 v13-15) The Israeli Defense Ministry and the IDF have launched an initiative to convert organic waste on military bases into renewable energy. Israel’s HomeBiogas (see here previously) will convert kitchen waste into biogas.
https://www.jns.org/startup-nation/renewable-energy/23/8/9/309185/
Ishay entertains 15,000 in MSG
Ishay Ribo became the first Israeli singer to perform at New York’s Madison Square Garden. He sang a string of hits, including “Lashuv Habaita” (“To Return Home”) and promised an invitation to a private concert for all those who made Aliyah.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-israeli-culture/madison-square-garden/23/9/5/316134/
New Israeli embassy in Bahrain
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen inaugurated the permanent home of the Israeli embassy in Manama as part of his first official visit to Bahrain. In a joint ceremony with his Bahraini counterpart, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Cohen affixed a mezuzah on the doorpost of the embassy.
https://www.jns.org/abraham-accords/bahrain/23/9/4/316023/
Papua New Guinea’s new Jerusalem embassy
Papua New Guinea opened its embassy in Jerusalem – the 5th country to maintain a diplomatic mission in Israel’s capital. Prime Minister James Marape said, “As Christians, paying respect to God would not be complete without recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel”.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/376586
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/papua-new-guinea/23/9/5/316424/
New beginnings in Jerusalem
As the Jewish New Year approaches, the new sights on Jerusalem’s streets include a Blue Moon (the second full moon in August), new construction and renovations, new blue plaques, new parking restrictions, new buggies, new artwork, and a new start for our schoolchildren.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/09/03/in-jerusalem-transition-time-and-new-beginnings/