The Weizmann Institute will receive a $8 million grant from FAMRI to focus on lung cancer research related to second-hand and mainstream tobacco smoke. Researchers from the institute and Sheba Medical Center will collaborate to advance treatment protocols.
Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science have produced the most detailed 3-D representation of the spliceosome's structure to date. The study reveals the spliceosome has two distinct halves surrounding a tunnel, with the larger part containing proteins and RNA segments.
A team of scientists developed a biological computer that can diagnose cancer and produce a drug to kill cancer cells in a test tube. The system uses pre-programmed medical knowledge and DNA-manipulating enzymes to identify cancer biomarkers and release targeted therapy.
Researchers have developed a method to preserve biological samples without distorting them, allowing for clearer views of lipids and other materials. The breakthrough, enabled by a unique polymer capsule, has potential applications in advancing studies of biological materials.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute developed a novel nanotube composed of nanoparticles, offering tailored properties for various applications. The tubes' unique characteristics enable design of future sensors and catalysts.
A study led by Prof. Ehud Ahissar found that two types of neurons respond to whisking motion and surface contact, respectively, indicating a dynamic dance of perception where hands, eyes, and whiskers actively seek out sensation. This research has implications for optimizing artificial sensory aids for the deaf and blind.
Researchers discovered that a special protein called importin beta is produced at the site of damage in axons, facilitating the entry of molecules into the nucleus. Blocking this process inhibits nerve regeneration, highlighting the need to identify proteins containing the "healing message"
Researchers discovered a specialized DNA polymerase that can rescue stalled replication processes when encountering foreign material, even if it contains damage. This shows the remarkable ability of cells to reproduce and cope with genetic errors.
Researchers develop a method to capture enzyme activity in real-time, revealing detailed information about molecular interactions. This breakthrough enables the design of targeted synthetic drugs for cancer treatment.
Researchers found that colon cancer cells can revert to non-metastatic behavior when surrounded by other cells, reversing the invasive process. By targeting a specific gene called Slug, scientists hope to develop a drug to block metastasis in patients.
Scientists have developed a method that uses allicin, found in garlic, to selectively kill cancer cells in mice. The method involves injecting an antibody and enzyme combination that targets specific receptors on cancer cells, triggering the production of lethal allicin molecules that destroy tumors while leaving healthy cells intact.
A new blood test can detect smokers with low levels of DNA repair enzyme OGG1, which increases their risk of lung cancer by 5-10 times. The test may help inform smoking cessation decisions for high-risk individuals.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute have identified a new principle guiding brain memory systems, explaining inconsistencies in previous studies. This discovery may lead to the development of new methods for wiping out unwanted memories and treating psychological trauma.
Weizmann Institute scientists found that around 50 genes are optional, affecting a person's unique pattern of active olfactory receptors. This high level of genetic variation impacts how thousands of aromas and flavors are perceived. The study also shows varying levels of obliteration among different ethnic groups.
Weizmann Institute researchers have solved the 3D structure of the glucocerebrosidase enzyme involved in Gaucher disease. The discovery may lead to the design of more effective therapies, including enzyme replacement therapy and small molecule supplements.
A Weizmann Institute study found that the Yatir forest is expanding rapidly into the Negev Desert, absorbing more carbon dioxide than expected. This could be due to the increased availability of carbon dioxide, which eases plants' water loss dilemma, allowing forests to grow in areas previously too dry.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how proteins fold by capturing single proteins in action. The study reveals that protein molecules vary in the routes they take to form the same folded shape and create numerous intermediate shapes along the way.
A study found that 54% of human olfactory receptor genes are impaired, compared to 28-36% in other primates. The decline of the sense of smell likely occurred within an 'evolutionary moment' 3-5 million years ago.
A team led by Prof. Lucio Frydman has found a way to perform multidimensional NMR with a single scan, significantly speeding up molecular studies and enabling the observation of rapid changes in molecules like protein folding. The new method uses a 'slicing' approach, simultaneously performing measurements on multiple thin slices of a ...
A DNA-based computer, award-winning for smallest biological computing device, processes input molecules using spontaneous energy releases to carry out computations without external power. The device contains 15,000 trillion computers performing 330 trillion operations per second with high accuracy.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute find that sperm are attracted to fertilization site by temperature difference. A temperature-driven mechanism, known as thermotaxis, guides the sperm through the fallopian tube and prepares them for penetration of the egg.
Researchers found that Deinococcus radiodurans' DNA is packed tightly into a ring, preventing breakage and allowing it to withstand extreme stresses. The microbe's unique ring-like DNA structure enables it to repair damaged DNA and survive in harsh environments.
Scientists have successfully transplanted human and porcine 'kidney precursor cells' into mice, resulting in functional kidneys that produce urine. The optimal time for transplantation is between 7-8 weeks (human) and 4 weeks (porcine), reducing the risk of immune rejection.
Researchers discovered a gene, CDAN1, associated with CDA-1, a rare form of anemia. The study, involving 45 Bedouin patients, suggests the gene's protein plays a crucial role in blood cell maturation and may lead to new treatments.
Researchers discovered identical organizing principles in genetic, neural, and food networks, revealing potential strategies for information processing and filtering noise. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding complex systems and could lead to breakthroughs in fields like medicine and electronics.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science observe 'sister chromosome' repair mechanism, which is responsible for 85% of last-resort repairs. This system enables cells to repair genetic damage without creating mutations, increasing genetic diversity and driving evolution.
Researchers tracked a star's orbit around a suspected black hole in the Milky Way, revealing its massive gravitational pull. The observation provides key evidence for the existence of a supermassive black hole at the galaxy's center.
A new herbicide-resistant maize technology has been developed to combat Striga hermonthica, or witchweed, which infests approximately 20-40 million hectares of farmland in sub-Saharan Africa. The method, tested for over ten crop seasons, shows promising results, increasing yields up to four-fold in fields highly infested with witchweed.
Researchers discovered that degradation of SDF-1 protein is crucial for stem cell mobilization in bone marrow transplants. G-CSF growth factor triggers this process by reducing SDF-1 levels, allowing stem cells to flow into the bloodstream. The findings may lead to improved collection of stem cells for clinical transplantations.
Researchers discovered the CASQ2 gene mutation responsible for PVT (Pericardial Ventricular Dysfunction), a fatal heart condition. The study found that the mutation impairs calcium ion release, leading to heart failure.
Researchers at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School and Peptor Ltd. successfully arrested the progression of Type I diabetes in newly diagnosed patients using DiaPep277, an experimental drug that alters immune cell behavior.
Researchers created a tiny computer using DNA molecules and enzymes, performing a billion operations per second with high accuracy. The device can be programmed to perform simple tasks and may pave the way for future computers that can operate within the human body.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute and Max-Planck Research Units create crystals capturing individual complexes formed between bacterial ribosomes and antibiotics, revealing how these drugs shut off protein production. The findings may improve treatment strategies of existing drugs and lead to rational drug design.
Researchers from Israel and abroad identified the genetic mutation causing Hereditary Inclusion Body Myopathy (HIBM), a degenerative muscle disease affecting Jews of Persian descent. The mutations affect an enzyme crucial for protein synthesis, leading to muscle degeneration.
Brittlestars, also known as serpent stars, possess a unique 'visual' system that enables them to detect shadows and escape from predators. Their skeletal elements feature crystal lenses that transmit light to their nervous system, allowing them to respond to light changes.
Weizmann Institute scientists propose a novel vaccination method to prevent secondary degeneration after partial spinal cord injury, leading to significant recovery of movement in rats. The treatment protected nerve fibers and showed potential effectiveness in other central nervous system disorders.
Researchers propose a blood test to diagnose schizophrenia by measuring the levels of mRNA molecules encoding D3 dopamine receptors on white blood cells. This test may help assess the biological basis of the disease, which is still unknown.
A team of scientists has discovered a group of enzymes capable of duplicating damaged genetic material, allowing cells to 'compromise' and replicate with a certain 'sloppiness'. This mechanism increases genetic diversity and enables natural selection, driving the evolutionary process.
The team designed a unique mathematical system for analyzing genetic data based on a computer algorithm that clusters information into relevant categories. The algorithm mimics unassisted learning, categorizing tissue samples into separate clusters according to their gene expression profiles.
A team of researchers has discovered the gene responsible for Mucolipidosis IV, a rare genetic disorder affecting Ashkenazi Jews. The newly identified gene is linked to impaired fat breakdown, leading to accumulation of fats and sugars in lysosomes.
A recent study by Dr. Ehud Ahissar finds that tactile information is encoded by both spatial and temporal data, suggesting the brain requires more than spatial patterning. The temporal pathway processes low-frequency stimuli for object location, while the spatial pathway focuses on high-frequency stimuli for object features.
Researchers developed an algorithm to calculate protein association rates and increase affinity by genetically determining protein design. The new system may lead to diverse medicinal applications, including antibody detection.
Scientists have successfully visualized the transition of magnetic whirlpools in superconductors from solid to liquid states and back again under temperature variations. This study reveals complex solid-liquid patterns and provides insights into how temperature changes affect superconductor performance.
Researchers suggest that early life forms could have emerged from heterogeneous lipid assemblies, with information stored in composition rather than sequence. This model offers a solution to the long-standing question of how lipid assemblies could carry and propagate information.
Scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science have shown that frequent observations do not freeze motion, but rather increase it. This contradicts Zeno's paradox, which suggested that repeated glimpses could stop an object in place.
A new study suggests that most gamma radiation reaching Earth is leftover energy from massive shock waves caused by gravitational forces. The collision of electrons with low-energy photons could be a sign of ordinary matter captured within intergalactic clouds, shedding light on the 'missing matter' puzzle.
Researchers create molecular footprints of information to encode diverse data, including music, on a single silicon surface. The novel approach enables precise control over structure and chemical composition of nano-devices, potentially leading to breakthrough electronic tools.
Weizmann Institute scientists developed a new method to incorporate organic molecules into electronic devices, controlling their properties and predicting behavior. The approach overcomes challenges in detecting electrical properties of organic molecules, enabling a feasible way to harness their diversity.
A recent study reveals a new parameter regulating cell attachment, which is influenced by the physical properties of the surrounding environment. The rigidity of the matrix affects cell adhesion dynamics, leading to the formation of different types of adhesions.
Researchers hope to achieve a treatment that prevents total paralysis after partial spinal cord injury by adding T-cells to the immune response. In laboratory animal tests, rats with partial spinal cord injuries regained motor activity in their paralyzed legs, while untreated rats developed increasing paralysis.