A sustainable farming initiative is launched at Conaway Ranch in California, leveraging Israel's water technology expertise to reduce rice-crop water use. The project aims to improve yield and reduce fertilizers and weed control using subsurface drip irrigation.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that saline groundwater from coastal aquifers is a viable alternative to seawater for reverse osmosis desalination. The research revealed reduced membrane fouling and lower pre-treatment costs, making it a more efficient option.
Researchers found that arachnophobic individuals overestimated spider size compared to neutral animals, suggesting a potential treatment for phobias. The study used two experiments measuring attractiveness and self-relevance in animal size estimation.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that winning a competition increases the likelihood of subsequent dishonest behavior. The study suggests that people who measure success through social comparison are more prone to cheating.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have discovered six botnets, which are networks of malicious code that can carry out powerful cyber attacks and spread viruses. The team used advanced algorithms to identify the botnets and traced their administrators.
A computer-training task can alter brain wiring to regulate negative emotions by improving the ability to ignore irrelevant information. This non-emotional training was found to result in reduced brain reactions to emotional events and strengthened neural connections between brain regions involved in inhibiting emotional reactions.
Pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) technology is not feasible due to biofouling, which clogs membrane structures and feed channels. Researchers found that organic matter and bacteria in wastewater streams result in extreme biofouling development.
Researchers pinpoint child-pedestrian behaviors that lead to auto accidents, revealing age-related differences in hazard perception. Children as young as 13 need training to recognize road crossing hazards and distinguish safe from hazardous situations.
Researchers found that radioactive matter migrates more quickly through fractured carbonate rock when it has leaked from a tank near surface waste sites and geological repositories. Intrinsic colloid formation increases the mobility of leaked radioactive materials in the environment.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University's Zuckerberg Institute found that treated greywater is safe for irrigation and does not pose a risk for gastrointestinal illness or water-related diseases. The study compared the health risks of greywater users to those using tap water, finding no significant differences.
A recent study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that individuals with diabetic foot complications suffer from significantly impaired cognitive function. Cognitive abilities such as memory, concentration, and learning are affected, with patients exhibiting slower responses and decreased verbal fluency.
A two-year randomized controlled trial found that moderate wine consumption, especially red wine, can modestly decrease cardio-metabolic risk and improve sugar control. The study also found that slow alcohol-metabolizers who drank red wine achieved an improvement in blood sugar control.
Ben-Gurion University and MIT researchers developed a highly sensitive and cost-effective technology for rapid bacterial pathogen screening of air, soil, water, and agricultural produce. The new method outperformed traditional methods substantially, detecting pathogens within a day of receiving samples.
The BGU project Boomerang is a modular system that recognizes cancer cells at a high level of specificity and can cause disruption of genes essential for cancer survival or activate suicide genes. It has many applications in personalized medicine, paving the way to change the approach to cancer treatments.
Research by Ben-Gurion University shows that Jewish mothers employ various protective strategies to mitigate the risk of eating disorders in their daughters, including filtering, positive reinforcement, and discussion. These methods help build resilience and promote a positive body image.
A study by Ben-Gurion University researchers highlights the importance of social media in emergency situations. The public is often the first to adopt social media platforms during emergencies, creating a self-regulating environment where users can correct misinformation and share relevant information.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University are developing a comprehensive Zero Plus system to reduce community energy usage and achieve Net Zero Energy (NZE) status. The system aims to minimize energy costs by optimizing energy generation and management in buildings, with the goal of achieving an average reduction of 0-20 kWh/m2 per year.
BGU researchers discovered that infected cellphones can use GSM phone frequencies to exfiltrate small bits of data, such as security keys and passwords, from 'air-gapped' computers. The 'GSMem' malicious software uses electromagnetic waves from phones to receive and transmit data over long distances.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a new one-step graphene production process that is faster and potentially scalable. The lamp-ablation method produces high-yield few-layer graphene without toxic substances.
Researchers have developed a dynamic 'smart' drug that targets inflammation in a site-specific manner, reducing side effects. The new anti-inflammatory molecule reduces local inflammation while avoiding normal inflammatory processes, potentially improving treatment outcomes for immunosuppressed patients and those undergoing chemotherapy.
A study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that seniors are using online communities to discuss sex and share advice on keeping their mojo working. The websites provide opportunities for this population to explore its sexuality and overcome sexual vulnerabilities, such as health issues and limited access to information.
A study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Harvard found that exposure to high air temperature during pregnancy increases the risk of lower birth weight and can cause preterm birth. High temperatures of 8.5 °C in the last trimester were associated with a 17g decrease in birth weight.
The project aims to develop individualized robots that can adapt to the special needs of each elderly user, improving their well-being. The robots will be designed to model human-human interaction and adjust to user pace, abilities, and actions in real-time.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev are developing a new urban water program, focusing on water-sensitive cities and innovative technologies to deliver water security. The program aims to improve urban climates, reduce carbon footprints and enhance quality of life.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a non-contact breathing sound analysis algorithm to reliably estimate whole-night sleep evaluation for detection of sleep quality, snoring severity, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The new approach shows promising results in distinguishing between sleep and wake segments with high accuracy.
Ben-Gurion University researchers found that alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) treatment can halt bacterial colonization and spread, preventing severe infections. The study showed treated mice combatted lethal bacteria better than untreated mice, with virtually no bacteria left to grow.
A new MRI diagnostic approach has identified significant damage to the blood-brain barrier of professional football players following unreported trauma or mild concussions. The study showed that 40% of examined football players with unreported concussions had evidence of 'leaky BBB' compared to 8.3% of control athletes.
Professor Zvi Bentwich at Ben-Gurion University has received a Grand Challenges grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate parasitic worm infections in Ethiopia. The project aims to implement mass drug treatment, health education, and sanitation facilities to reduce infection rates.
Researchers found that brain anatomy in MRI scans of people with autism above age six is mostly indistinguishable from that of typically developing individuals. The study's findings suggest that anatomical measures alone are likely to be of low scientific and clinical significance for identifying children, adolescents and adults with A...
A study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that preclinical oncology courses increased students' interest in specializing in oncology and empathy for cancer patients. The research suggests a need for medical schools to include such curriculum to develop communication skills and sensitivity towards death and dying.
A recent study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that two-thirds of falls in basketball were intentional and 90% of the time no foul was awarded. The researchers believe that flopping does more harm than good from a team perspective, as it leaves teams with fewer defenders on the court.
A study by Ben-Gurion University researcher Prof. Michael Friger found that mothers living near green spaces deliver babies with significantly higher birth weights and decreased risk for low birth weight. The study analyzed nearly 40,000 single live births and found a significant association between surrounding greenery and improved bi...
A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that the Mediterranean diet has a significant correlation with slower cognitive decline among African American older adults, but not white older adults. The study suggests that further research is needed to confirm this association and understand the underlying factors.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that scorpions build sophisticated burrows with warm platforms to increase body temperature before hunting. This design provides a refuge from the heat and demonstrates the animals' adaptation to environmental conditions.
A study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that oxytocin causes participants to lie more to benefit their groups and do so quickly without expectation of reciprocal dishonesty. This raises questions about the morality of lying, even when it benefits those close to us.
A team of researchers from Ben-Gurion University has identified a severe genetic disease affecting Moroccan Jews, characterized by brain atrophy and mental retardation. The disease, PCCA2, is caused by two mutations in the VPS53 gene and can be eradicated through carrier testing.
The Mandel Foundation awards Ben-Gurion University of the Negev a $13 million grant to establish the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Institute for Social Leadership. The gift will support the development of a new honors program in social leadership, incorporating existing academic programs and research initiatives.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University found that liquid fertilizing techniques through drip irrigation result in lower groundwater pollution rates compared to intensive organic farming. High nitrate concentrations in aquifer water lead to drinking-water well shutdowns due to down leaching of nitrates under intensive organic farming.
The Israel government has announced a new national cyber research complex called CyberSpark, which will be located adjacent to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The complex is expected to attract major companies and researchers in the field, and will be a hub for cybersecurity innovation and education.
A Ben-Gurion University of the Negev study suggests that children are significantly more likely to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if their mother is already afflicted with the condition. The research found that over 21% of children exhibited PTSD symptoms, often accompanied by psychosomatic complaints such as constipatio...
The grant will support a Center for Excellence headed by Prof. Tal Svoray to study the erosion of fertile lands and develop decision-making mechanisms. The center aims to reduce land loss through physically based models and geographical information systems.
A new study from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that teen drivers who listen to their preferred music while driving are more likely to commit errors and miscalculations. In contrast, listening to background music designed to increase driver safety reduced deficient driving behaviors by 20 percent.
A recent study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that divers are willing to pay to improve aspects of reef biodiversity, with respondents ranking biodiversity as the most desirable value. The study's findings may help inform conservation efforts and direct the design of future marine reserves.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that a single dose of methylphenidate improves balance control during walking, reducing the risk of falls among elderly adults. The study participants were 30 healthy older adults who received a single dose of MPH and underwent assessments under four task conditions.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that chronic exposure to rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel is associated with an increase in severe adolescent violence. The study followed 362 Israeli adolescents and found that prolonged exposure predicted a steep increase in violent incidents.
A study by Ben-Gurion University found that oncologists face difficulties in communicating about end-of-life issues, despite high patient needs. Common barriers include physician factors, patient reluctance, and institutional stigmas.
Three Ben-Gurion University students present research projects focused on water conservation and renewable energy, addressing global challenges in education, energy, climate change, and poverty. Their initiatives aim to develop inexpensive technology for harvesting drinking water from the atmosphere and promote solar energy awareness.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. have developed a promising drug candidate to treat psoriasis. The engineered receptor effectively reduces inflammatory signals in mice models, showing potential for a viable treatment for severe psoriasis patients.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that exposure to rocket attacks in Sderot significantly increases the risk of miscarriages, with a 59% higher likelihood among women in Sderot compared to Kiryat Gat. The study suggests that stress and dysregulation of cortisol may play a role in this increased risk.
The Jordan Baruch Stem Cell Research Fund was dedicated at Ben-Gurion University to support scholarly collaboration and the Center for Regenerative Medicine, Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Research. The fund aims to develop treatments for debilitating diseases such as diabetes, ALS, Parkinson's, and leukemia.