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American Friends of Tel Aviv University


Roaches inspire robotics

Researchers at Tel Aviv University are studying the neurological functioning of cockroaches to design more efficient robots with compact builds. The insects' stable tripod gate movement and ability to adapt to terrain inspire robotics engineers to create faster and more robust robots for future space exploration.

The science of bike-sharing

The new bike-sharing system aims to reduce traffic congestion and alleviate parking shortages, promote fitness, and enable good complementary public transportation. Tel Aviv University's research provides a mathematical model to scientifically manage bike availability, creating a more efficient and user-friendly system.

The genius of bacteria

Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed an IQ test to evaluate bacteria's 'social intelligence,' revealing high scores for certain strains. This breakthrough could lead to new antibiotics, powerful pesticides for agriculture, and better understanding of bacterial behavior.

Getting inside the mind of Islam

A Tel Aviv University psychologist investigates the link between Islamic beliefs and practices and mental well-being among American Muslims. He found that those who created support groups or became more active at their local mosques reported increased religious practices, while those feeling isolated experienced anger and depression.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPsychology of Religion and Spirituality·DateDec 22, 2010

Rocking the cradle after 45

Despite associated risks, newborns of older moms (45+ years) can overcome complications, research from Tel Aviv University reveals. The study found that most older women deliver healthy children with minimal health risks affecting the baby after three days.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateDec 7, 2010

From the brain of a locust

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have made a groundbreaking discovery that mechanical stress is instrumental in several key phenomena in neuronal development. The team used insect cells, including those from the desert locust, to build an in vitro nervous system and observe how neurons form a network.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateNov 29, 2010

Shopping religiously

A Tel Aviv University researcher discovered that a consumer's religiosity has a significant impact on their likelihood of choosing particular brands. Secular populations are more prone to defining their self-worth through loyalty to corporate brands, while religious consumers are less likely to display explicit brand preference.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalMarketing Science·DateNov 15, 2010

Out-sniffing bomb-sniffing dogs

A Tel Aviv University scientist has developed a small, portable sensor that can detect multiple kinds of explosives with unprecedented reliability and efficiency. The sensor, which uses nanotechnology advances, is more sensitive and reliable than any sniffer dog and can detect explosives at a distance.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 10, 2010

Fat sand rats are SAD like us

Researchers found that Fat Sand Rats exhibit symptoms of depression when exposed to short light hours, similar to those experienced by humans with Seasonal Affective Disorder. The rats responded well to common SAD therapies, including bright light exposure and medications, suggesting a viable animal model for studying affective disorders.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalThe International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateNov 8, 2010

Paradise lost -- and found

Researchers have uncovered a rare find of an ancient royal garden at Ramat Rachel, which dates back to the 7th century B.C.E. The dig has revealed intricate irrigation systems, stone-carved gutters, and elaborate waterfalls, providing valuable insights into power dynamics and water management in ancient times.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNear Eastern Archaeology·DateOct 28, 2010

Breaching the breech protocol

Researchers at Tel Aviv University argue that traditional vaginal delivery for breech babies is not only safe but also safer than C-sections. The study's findings indicate reduced morbidity and mortality for mothers. The expert advocates for retraining obstetricians and midwives in traditional techniques to revive vaginal birth methods.

Is anxiety contagious?

A study by Prof. David Eilam and his team found that group members display the same level of anxiety when exposed to a common threat, regardless of individual differences. This result has implications for helping clinicians better treat victims of trauma or terror, such as in the case of the 9/11 attacks.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBehavioural Brain Research·DateOct 14, 2010

Gambling on bacteria

Research by Prof. Eshel Ben-Jacob suggests that bacteria can effectively control 'noise' in their environment and make decisions that benefit the entire colony. Bacteria's group decision-making processes can inform human decision-making, particularly in situations with multiple stakeholders.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2010

Re-evaluating the time of your life

Prof. Dov Shmotkin's research investigates how people's well-being is tied to their concept of time trajectory, which encompasses past, present, and future. The study found that a stable time trajectory is associated with higher well-being in older adults, particularly those who can contrast their present with past traumatic experiences.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAging & Mental Health·DateOct 11, 2010

The dual nature of dew

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found dew essential for plant growth in semi-arid zones like the Eastern Mediterranean. Dew provides moisture to plant leaves, enabling photosynthesis and growth during early morning hours.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCanadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques·DateSep 28, 2010

Diving deeper into the gene pool

Tel Aviv University researchers developed miRNAkey software to analyze microRNA patterns in healthy and diseased tissues, improving understanding of human diseases at a genetic level. The software enables scientists to identify relevant microRNAs, determine their levels, and generate statistically valuable information.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBioinformatics·DateSep 27, 2010

How safe is your swipe?

Tel Aviv University researchers Prof. Avishai Wool and Yossi Oren have developed a method for extracting more information from secure chips using modern cryptology methods and constraint programming. By analyzing power fluctuations, they can block out 'noise' and deliver accurate analysis of chip secret contents.

Avoiding an asteroid collision

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have verified a theory that asteroid pairs are formed when small gravel-sized rocks separate from a larger asteroid through centrifugal force. The study, published in Nature, reveals that these 'separated asteroids' share the same orbit and demonstrate the existence of paired asteroid relationships.

Mapping a brain atlas

A team of scientists has created a brain atlas that maps the connections between different parts of the human brain. This atlas will help researchers better understand disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, which are believed to be caused by abnormal connections among different regions within the brain.

A cluster bomb for cancer care

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a nano-sized vehicle that can deliver chemotherapy drugs directly into cancer cells while avoiding interaction with healthy cells. This technology has the potential to increase the efficiency of chemotherapeutic treatments while reducing their debilitating side effects.

SPF on your plate

A Mediterranean diet high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce the damaging effects of UV rays on the skin. Foods such as olive oil, fish, fruits and vegetables can provide essential nutrients to protect against skin cancer, while regular sunscreen applications and protective clothing are also crucial.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNutrition Reviews·DateAug 16, 2010