Researchers have discovered a novel medication that effectively treats a rare hereditary muscle disease causing complete immobility and death. The treatment has also shown promise in treating severe statin-associated myopathy, with improved symptoms in patients awaiting treatment.
The researchers designed the robot to mimic the movement of flippers in water and centipedes on land, resulting in impressive speeds of 1.5 body lengths per second on land and 0.74 body lengths per second in water. The amphibious robot has potential applications in search and rescue, marine agriculture, and fish feeding.
Scientists at Ben-Gurion University have discovered a groundbreaking treatment approach targeting the mitochondrial gatekeeper VDAC1 for Alzheimer's disease. The new therapy, VBIT-4, demonstrates significant improvement in mouse models, preventing cell death and neuroinflammation while promoting healthy neuron growth.
A recent study found that AI technologies exhibit more pronounced biases in facial age perception than humans, with exaggeration of smiling faces' aging effect and decreased accuracy for older adults. The research suggests these biases stem from visual cues rather than preconceptions.
Researchers have created a new type of polymer that can be triggered by light, enabling faster chemical reactions and more efficient energy use. The polymers, which respond to different wavelengths of light, show promise for use in various fields, including pharmaceuticals and future Mars habitats.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev discovered a new compound derived from marine red microalga that exhibits effective antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungus. The compound's unique structure, featuring long and dense spikes, allows it to poke holes in bacterial membranes and kill off infections.
Researchers found that SIRT6 maintains mitochondrial function through transcription regulation of mitochondrial genes. Without SIRT6, mitochondrial gene expression is down-regulated, leading to increased ROS production and impaired ATP generation, similar to changes observed in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study predicts that by 2099, future extreme heatwaves will expose up to 11% of land vertebrates to temperatures beyond their historical levels. However, a low-emissions scenario greatly reduces animals' exposure to heat extremes.
A new method to detect groups of anomalous users has been developed by a Ben-Gurion University researcher, which can work on any network or platform. The method, known as Co-Membership-based Generic Anomalous Communities Detection Algorithm (CMMAC), uses network structural properties to identify unusual online behavior.
A recent clinical trial found that the Green Mediterranean diet reduced visceral adipose tissue by 14%, outperforming both the traditional Mediterranean diet and a healthy diet. The new diet incorporates dietary polyphenols and lower red meat intake, resulting in significant weight loss benefits.
A Ben-Gurion University scientist has presented a plan to power a lunar colony solely through solar energy without energy storage. The concept, which exploits the unique conditions of the Moon's polar axis and low-mass transmission lines, could offer a more affordable solution than traditional nuclear reactors.
A new concept, empathic disequilibrium, suggests a balance between cognitive and emotional empathy is needed for social functioning in individuals with autism. Research found those diagnosed with autism exhibited higher rates of empathic disequilibrium, which may hinder some social interactions.
A multidisciplinary team will investigate how spatial patterns can prevent tipping points in ecosystems and promote resilience to climate change. The RESILIENCE project aims to identify novel directions to evade catastrophic ecosystem collapse.
A team of researchers, led by Prof. Ehud Pines, has confirmed his theory that a proton moves through water in trains of three water molecules, contradicting the long-held Grotthuss Mechanism. This breakthrough resolves one of the holy grails of physical chemistry after 17 years of research.
Researchers have developed a three-step process to treat phosphoric acid plant wastewater, recovering clean water and phosphate while reducing the volume of wastewater by 90%. The circular process uses selective electrodialysis, reverse osmosis, and neutralization, making it a promising solution for industries worldwide.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have discovered two defense methods in wild emmer wheat that can protect cultivated wheat from insects. The wheat produces a poison called benzoxazinoid and has a coating of 'hairs' that prevent insects from burrowing, allowing for improved pest resistance
Ben-Gurion University researchers Dr. Moti Salti and Dr. Dafna Bergerbest propose a framework to objectively compare subjective experiences and reveal their neuronal basis. They focus on numerosity as a field where objective criteria can be established, aiming to map individual transfer-functions at both behavioral and neuronal levels.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have found a phytochemical derived from broccoli that breaks down biofilms protecting antibiotic-resistant pathogens, enabling eradication rates of up to 94% when combined with antibiotics. The compound also accelerates wound healing and is being further developed for commercialization.
A study published in Psychological Science found that our brains treat some emotions as wrong and react as if there was an error. The research, conducted by Ben-Gurion University psychologists, used experiments to assess emotion responses and discovered similarities between counter-normative emotion reports and perceptual errors.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University researchers suggests that maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a distinct mental disorder that can co-occur with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study found that MD was associated with higher rates of depression, loneliness, and lowered self-esteem in individuals with ADHD.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a potential treatment combination for advanced head and neck cancer, which shows promise in pre-clinical models. The therapy involves blocking a specific signaling pathway and sensitizing tumors to immunotherapy, resulting in the disappearance of tumors.
Ben-Gurion University researchers found that participants overwhelmingly preferred virtual reality for short-term cognitive tasks, but split over the long term. A combination of both virtual reality and socially adaptive robots may be key to keeping people engaged in remote cognitive training.
The green Mediterranean diet induces specific microbial changes in the gut microbiome, enriching with bacteria that positively affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This novel diet also promotes genetic pathways involved in reducing branched-chain amino acids linked to insulin resistance.
Researchers found that 30% of fetuses who later developed ASD had heart, kidney, and head anomalies detected during routine prenatal ultrasounds. These anomalies were more common in girls and linked to the severity of ASD. The study suggests that doctors can use these signs to evaluate the probability of a child being born with ASD.
A green Mediterranean diet rich in polyphenols and low in red and processed meat may slow age-related brain atrophy. The DIRECT PLUS 18-month trial found significant attenuation of brain atrophy among participants who adhered to both diets.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University successfully trained a goldfish to drive a robotic car in new research exploring animal navigation abilities. The study found that goldfish's innate navigational skills surpass their aquatic environment, demonstrating universal cognitive abilities.
A new study published in Autism highlights the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children diagnosed before 2.5 years old showed considerable improvements in core social symptoms compared to those diagnosed later in life. Early intervention is critical, emphasizing the need for u...
A new study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that soliciting an opinion about a campaign before asking for a donation is more effective than simply asking for a donation. Donors who were encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings about a cause were more likely to contribute online over the long term.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have discovered that artificial sweeteners can significantly impair bacterial communication. Three out of six tested FDA-approved sweeteners were found to inhibit quorum sensing, a key process for bacteria to communicate with each other.
A team of researchers simulated the loss of physical activity during COVID19 lockdowns to study its effects on metabolism. They found that mice's energy sources shifted based on their diet composition after a sharp decline in exercise, leading to weight gain.
A new model developed by Ben-Gurion University scientists can help policymakers simulate their choices and find the optimal strategy for combining vaccines and social distancing. The model suggests that vaccinating the elderly and imposing social distancing on adults is generally more effective than other approaches.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has reached a strategic cooperation agreement with Microsoft's R&D Center, enabling joint research projects and internships for outstanding students. The partnership aims to create a talented group of programmers and develop next-generation technology innovations.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researchers have developed a hand gesture recognition system that enables doctors to manipulate digital images during surgeries by motioning instead of touching screens. This system reduces sterility risks and prevents the spread of infection, which is particularly important in hospital operating rooms.