New molecule discovered at Hebrew U kills brain cancer; Sheba hospital links Alzheimer’s with retina function; Israel’s Sweetch partners with US-based WellSpan Health to tackle diabetes, and much more!

By Michael Ordman

ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

New molecule kills brain cancer cells

Hebrew University of Jerusalem scientists have developed a molecule to treat glioblastoma, a very aggressive type of brain cancer. The molecule blocks the ability of the MKNK2 gene to produce Mnk2b – a cancer-causing protein but increases the levels of Mnk2a – an inhibitor protein.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-10/31/c_137572222.htm

Seeing early Alzheimer’s, before symptoms appear

I’ve reported previously (see here) that Israeli researchers at Sheba hospital have linked Alzheimer’s disease with loss of retina function. They have now found that in those with a family history of Alzheimer’s, the inner layer of the retina is thinner than usual.

https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/evidence-eye-scan-may-detect-early-alzheimers

Major partnership to prevent diabetes

I reported previously (Apr 2016) on Israel’s Sweetch and its system for detecting pre-diabetics. Sweetch is partnering with US-based WellSpan Health, providing its 15,000 employees with “the tool we have been looking for to augment our wellness assessment program”.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ai-mobile-health-app-sweetch-partners-with-wellspan-health-to-help-fight-diabetes-300741126.html  http://nocamels.com/2018/11/diabetes-israel-sweetch-health/

AIDS / cancer treatment success & goes into production

Following successful human trials, Israel’s Zion Medical is to build a biotechnology plant to manufacture its “Gammora” AIDS / cancer treatment. Gammora (see here) eliminates HIV virus-infected cells – not the virus – preventing development of resistance.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zion-medical-announces-results-of-first-human-clinical-trial-of-hiv-drug-gammora-offering-potential-cure-300741569.html

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-10/24/c_137553489.htm  http://zionmedical.com/?page_id=2603

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvWN9gJ5ZQs

Destroys tumors in weeks

I reported previously (9th Sep) on Israel’s Alpha Tau’s radiation emitters starting trials in the USA.  Trials have also been launched at two centers in Rome, Italy. But I should have mentioned that 70% of patients in earlier Israeli and Italian studies saw their tumors disappear in just a few weeks.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181107005024/en/Alpha-Tau-Medical-Launches-New-Clinical-Trials

Shape-shifting pills for better targeted treatments

3D-printing is relevant even in the medical industry. Hebrew University of Jerusalem scientists have engineered capsules from a hydrogel that can change shape upon various conditions.  E.g. to release medication only in the intestines, or to expand to fill the stomach.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/hebrew-u-team-develops-shape-shifting-3d-printed-pills-for-better-targeted-drugs/

Breathtaking technology

I reported previously (see here) on Israeli innovations that can detect illness by analyzing someone’s voice. Israeli startup HealthyMize (see here) has just won $75 million in the Henry Ford Health System’s “Increasing Patient and Caregiver Engagement to Reduce Readmission” Challenge.

https://www.israel21c.org/healthymize-wins-75k-award-from-henry-ford-health-system/

https://www.israel21c.org/smartphone-app-listens-to-your-voice-for-lung-disease/

http://www.healthymize.com/

More about finding cancer treatment trial

I reported recently (21st Oct) on Israel’s TrailJectory which helps match cancer patients with clinical trials appropriate to their condition. I believe the subject to be so important that I’m publishing another recent article about this innovative startup. It could save someone’s life.

https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3749045,00.html

Why Israelis live longer

If the previous medical articles haven’t given you the answer, this article might. Then click the link (here) to see the youtube or (here) Facebook video “Nas Daily meets United Hatzalah”.

https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/heres-why-despite-it-all-israelis-live-longer/

Just a day in the lives of Hadassah medics

When 7-year-old Elisha Alush collapsed in the Judean desert, paramedics rushed him to Jerusalem’s Hadassah hospital. They realized he had been stung, but by what?  They guessed a scorpion and the antidote worked. Had it been a Black Widow spider, it may have been too late.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/254275

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