Doctors at Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center successfully operated on a two-month old with jaws that were fused shut; Volunteers from Israeli charity Ezer Mizion become a patient’s ‘virtual’ legs; Israeli study shows vitamins and folic acid reduce autism risk, and much more.

ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Surgeons separate baby’s fused jaws

Doctors at Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center successfully operated on a two-month-old baby born with a very rare defect in which his jaws were fused shut. Worldwide, there have been only about 50 cases. The team comprised orthodontists, anesthetists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

http://www.jpost.com/HEALTH-SCIENCE/Rambam-doctors-successfully-separate-congenitally-fused-jaws-of-infant-521481

A cancer patient’s ‘virtual’ legs

When a cancer patient is unable to walk, even simple tasks such as making coffee, selecting a magazine or doing the laundry becomes impossible.  Volunteers from Israeli charity Ezer Mizion become a patient’s “virtual” legs.  They also cheer up the patient, which helps them battle the disease.
http://www.ezermizion.org/blog/they-were-my-legs/

Vitamins and folic acid reduce autism risk

A study of 26,702 Israeli expectant mothers and 45,300 children by a team led by Haifa University researchers, has revealed that mothers who take folic acid and multivitamin supplements before and during pregnancy are 73% less likely to have an autistic child.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/women-who-take-vitamins-folic-acid-73-less-likely-to-have-autistic-child/

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2667432

Breakthrough in pancreatic cancer research

Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered that 7% of pancreatic cancer sufferers survive more than five years due to high levels of the gene miR-34a and low levels of the gene PLK1. They then devised a nanoparticle to deliver miR-34a and a PLK1 silencer direct to the tumor.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/tel-aviv-university-study-augurs-hope-for-pancreatic-cancer-patients/

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-017-02283-9

More smart socks

I reported previously (Feb 2016) on the Israeli SenseGo socks that spot incorrect posture or ill-fitting shoes. Now an Israeli startup has developed Elastimed – smart socks that improve circulation in the legs for treating venous and lymphatic diseases. Electric pulses compress and massage calf muscles to increase blood flow. http://nocamels.com/2017/12/elastimed-smart-socks-market-2019/

Israeli biotechs merge

I reported previously (28th May) on Israeli biotech BiomX which develops treatments using human bacteria (microbiome).  BiomX has now acquired Israel’s RondinX, which has built a cutting-edge technology platform set to unlock the potential of microbiome therapeutics.

http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-biomx-buys-rondinx-in-israeli-microbiome-merger-1001216994

200,000 Indian diabetics to get Israeli glucose meters

I reported previously (see here) on Israel’s GlucoMe blood glucose monitors for diabetics.  Now, Apollo Sugar – the Indian national chain of 55 diabetes clinics – is to supply kits containing a GlucoMe monitor to each of its 200,000 diabetic patients.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-glucome-gets-india-contract-for-diabetes-kits/

Only Rambam can save her leg

Six-year-old Kyra Warrell from Brighton in the UK has proximal focal femoral deficiency in her leg, which UK doctors want to amputate. But her parents are raising £58,000 to go to Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center where visiting US surgeon Dr Dror Paley says he can cure her condition.

https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/six-year-old-faces-leg-amputation-unless-family-can-raise-funds-for-surgery-in-israel-1.451313

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