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American Friends of Tel Aviv University


A second skin

A Tel Aviv University-developed dressing can eradicate infection-causing bacteria after just two days, protecting wounds until they heal. The biodegradable, antibiotic-infused material mimics skin's protective properties and helps doctors administer high doses of antibiotics locally, reducing toxicity issues.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateNov 17, 2009

A nervous system drug-by-design

Researchers have developed a new drug, L803-MTS, that targets the GSK3 protein to prevent CNS diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The compound slows down disease progression without exhibiting toxic side effects, offering a potential therapeutic approach for these devastating conditions.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateOct 26, 2009

Sensing disasters from space

The HRS technology combines space sensors with ground and air measurements to provide advance warnings of natural disasters such as forest fires. It can also identify water contamination, pollution spills and monsoon strikes, offering valuable insights for property developers and authorities.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateOct 22, 2009

Going out on a limb

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a biologically active scaffold made from soluble fibers that can help replace lost or missing bone. The technology, which has shown promise in animal models, could also be used to regenerate other types of human tissues, including muscle, arteries, and skin.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateOct 19, 2009

A 200,000-year-old cut of meat

Archaeologists at Tel Aviv University have uncovered clues about the development of communal meat-cutting habits in early humans. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that our ancestors shared meat differently than later periods.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2009

A thermometer for the Earth

The Optical Soil Dipstick (OSD) measures soil health through a small hole in the surface of the earth, providing information on pollution, water needs and crop condition. The device could help solve the mystery of global warming's effects on farming and water resources.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateOct 1, 2009

Telltale moss

Researchers found that moss shares basic development processes with humans and discovered a key component in stem cell programming. This discovery has implications for cancer research and could lead to better reprogramming of implanted stem cells.

Keeping the suicidal soldier alive

Researchers have developed a predictive tool to detect at-risk soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The study shows that fMRI can be used to forecast which soldiers might be vulnerable to stress psychopathology in the future.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2009

Open source DNA

A new mathematical formula and software solution ensure the protection of individual identities in genetic research studies. This allows researchers to access valuable DNA information while maintaining privacy, potentially leading to groundbreaking medical discoveries.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 31, 2009

Trust in a teardrop

A Tel Aviv University researcher suggests that tears signal vulnerability and attachment, making interpersonal relationships stronger. Crying is not just a symptom of pain or stress, but an evolution-based mechanism to bring people closer together.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateAug 24, 2009

Flying by the skin of our teeth

A study by Prof. Herzl Chai and colleagues reveals that teeth's wavy hierarchy and micro-cracking mechanism can inspire stronger composites for planes and aerospace engineering. Dental specialists can also use the research to create smarter crowns with improved durability.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2009

Bypassing bypass surgery

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a protein-based injection that can regrow blood vessels in the human heart, eliminating the risk of cardiac attack and potentially replacing bypass surgeries. The therapy has shown no side effects or inflammation in animal models, paving the way for potential commercial availability.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBiochemical Pharmacology·DateAug 13, 2009

A 'super sensor' for cancer and CSIs

The 'super sensor' can detect pathogens, pollution, and disease biomarkers with high precision, making it suitable for various environments and situations. The device's potential applications include early warning systems for heart attacks, detecting pollutants in drinking water, and monitoring pesticides in organic food.

Hurricane Katrina: Phone home

Researchers from Tel Aviv University have developed a novel way to predict the intensity of the next big flood using cell phone signals. By analyzing fluctuations in atmospheric moisture around cell phone towers, they can provide accurate 'critical moisture distribution' levels for fine-tuning model predictions of big floods.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateJul 6, 2009

Zooming in to catch the bad guys

A new video 'perfection tool' from Tel Aviv University can enhance raw video images to identify suspects, improving the odds of locating terrorists or identifying criminal suspects. The tool uses algorithms to stabilize images, allowing objects that are really moving to be distinguished from chaotic atmospheric changes.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 30, 2009

Your arteries on Wonder Bread

A new study from Tel Aviv University shows that high glycemic index foods, such as cornflakes and white bread, can cause sudden expansion of artery walls, leading to reduced elasticity and increased heart disease risk. The research provides a new mechanism for understanding how these foods affect the progression of heart disease.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 25, 2009

In pursuit of a happiness gene

Tel Aviv University researchers found that 50% of happiness is genetically determined, with positive psychology exercises improving participants' happiness levels by up to 30%. The study aims to bridge the gap between psychology and clinical medicine, exploring physical benefits of mental well-being.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalExpert Review of Neurotherapeutics·DateJun 23, 2009

If you do good, you look good

A study by Dr. Anat Bracha of Tel Aviv University found that participating in charitable events in public settings boosts donations due to positive recognition from the community. In contrast, monetary incentives are more effective in private settings, where social judgment is less present.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJun 11, 2009

Are you okay to kiss?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a pocket-size breath test that can detect the presence of malodorous bacteria, allowing users to determine if their breath is 'okay to kiss'. The test uses biomarkers in saliva to identify two distinct populations of bacteria causing bad breath.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateMay 18, 2009

Scaling the wall of deafness

A new study by Prof. Karen Avraham at Tel Aviv University has discovered that microRNAs are involved in the development of deafness, opening up new avenues for treatment and potential cure. The researchers found that microRNAs help regulate cell functions in the ear, and their loss can lead to progressive hearing loss.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2009

Violent video games can improve vision

A Tel Aviv University study found that playing violent video games can enhance the ability of teenagers to discriminate between subtle contrasts in color or shades of gray. After playing 50 hours of violent action games, players showed a significant improvement in contrast sensitivity, with some even experiencing up to 58% enhancement.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 7, 2009