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American Friends of Tel Aviv University


Is your hemoglobin 'trending'?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that low hemoglobin levels can indicate a potential for colon cancer years before it's diagnosed. A continuous long-term decline of more than 0.28 grams per decilitre over a four-year period may serve as a warning of illness on the horizon.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer Prevention·DateAug 3, 2010

Memory's master switch

A study published in Neuron reveals that GABA, a natural molecule in the brain, is responsible for regulating synaptic connections and facilitating the formation of new memories. The research demonstrates that variations in local GABA levels near individual synapses determine synaptic strength and heterogeneity.

Cow's milk does a baby good

A new study from Tel Aviv University suggests that mothers who feed their babies cow's milk in the first 15 days of life may be protecting them from developing an allergy to cow's milk protein later in life. The study found that babies who were fed cow milk protein early, in the form of infant formula, were almost completely protected ...

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 14, 2010

Smoking mind over smoking matter

A Tel Aviv University study found that nicotine patches and gum are ineffective in combating cigarette cravings, which are instead driven by psychological cues. The research suggests that understanding smoking as a habit rather than an addiction can lead to more successful treatment methods.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateJul 13, 2010

Turning back the cellular clock

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have successfully tracked the progression of adult stem cells through live imaging, gaining insight into how they are reprogrammed and evolve over time. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and effective cell reprogramming techniques for treating diseases such as Parkinson's.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 29, 2010

Autism in a test tube?

A recent study from Tel Aviv University found a strong link between IVF treatments and mild to moderate cases of autism. The research suggests that IVF may be solving one problem by creating another. Dr. Ditza Zachor's ongoing research aims to separate out risk factors and investigate the rate of autism in IVF populations.

Finding the soft spot

A Tel Aviv University researcher has developed a tool to measure tissue damage in the bed-ridden and paralyzed, aiming to alleviate discomfort and pain. The Soft Tissue Stress Monitor can detect when a load is too heavy, alerting caregivers to make adjustments to prevent permanent damage.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 18, 2010

A 'fat forward' research tool

Researchers have developed a microscope-based cell scanner to measure physical parameters in Petri dishes, allowing scientists to investigate fat cells at the cellular level. This tool enables rapid assessment of individual cell changes under experimental conditions, providing clues about treatment toxicity or effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateMay 6, 2010

Where there's smoke ...

A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals that pollution can significantly alter thunderstorm intensity, leading to changes in local weather patterns and rainfall. The study used lightning patterns as a quantitative measure of the impact of air pollution on cloud development over large areas.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 22, 2010

Water, fair and foul

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an optimal UV wavelength to keep water clean of microorganisms, preventing health threats and reducing bio-fouling. This approach could be used in water treatment plants and desalination facilities to make them more efficient and reduce costs.

An artificial eye on your driving

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed advanced algorithms to enhance camera systems in cars, enabling faster detection of pedestrians and other moving objects. The system can recognize people from other vehicles and create a model that reacts almost instantly, potentially doubling down as a tool for autonomous vehicles.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·DateApr 20, 2010

A lab rat -- created in the lab

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created lab-grown tissues from fat, skin, bone, and muscle cells, reducing the need for animal trials in pharmaceutical and medical research. This breakthrough technology has the potential to spare hundreds of animal lives and improve scientific efficiency.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateApr 13, 2010

Proof: smoking is dumb

A Tel Aviv University study found that young men who smoke cigarettes have lower IQs compared to non-smokers, with an average difference of seven points. The study tracked over 20,000 Israeli army recruits and found a strong correlation between cigarette smoking and lower cognitive function.

How arthritis thrives

A Tel Aviv University expert reviews the links between autoimmune diseases, infections, genetics, and the environment. Environmental factors such as hairspray, lipstick, second-hand smoke, food chemicals, and UV exposure are found to trigger the onset of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAutoimmunity Reviews·DateJan 25, 2010

Sleeping off childhood?

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that delayed sleep onset and reduced sleep time are associated with increased pubertal development, suggesting an earlier transition to adolescence. The research highlights the need for parents and educators to prioritize healthy sleep habits in pre-pubescent children.

Bacteria wouldn't opt for a swine flu shot

Researchers from Tel Aviv University used bacterial decision-making to advise against automatic swine flu shot uptake. Bacteria communicate through chemical signals and consider risks before making decisions, suggesting a cautious approach for humans. They propose that only individuals with widespread contact should receive the vaccine.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2009

DNA needs a good editor

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a new mechanism for DNA packaging that affects RNA splicing, leading to differences in protein production. This finding has significant implications for disease diagnosis and treatment, including the development of innovative drug therapies.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 14, 2009