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The Hebrew University of Jerusalem


Choosing the 'best' embryo in IVF

Researchers found that selecting the embryo with the lowest predicted risk score reduces disease risk more effectively than eliminating high-scoring embryos. However, polygenic embryo screening offers no guarantees about a baby's health and has limited effectiveness depending on factors like ancestry and age.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2021

Elucidating the brain's white matter

Researchers at Hebrew University developed a novel approach to mapping brain white matter fiber architecture using Nissl staining. The technique, called Nissl-ST, reveals the hidden patterns and organization of glial cells in white matter, opening new avenues for studying brain development, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

Largest population-based study of "lazy eye" reveals public health’s blind spots

A recent study of 1.5 million Israeli teens found that approximately 1% have lazy eye, with a decline in incidence over the past two decades. Socioeconomic factors and ultra-orthodox upbringing are linked to increased risk, while immigrants from certain countries have a higher prevalence

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2021

The graveyard never lies

A recent study published in eLife journal analyzed mortality data from 103 countries to determine the true rate of COVID-19 deaths. The researchers found significant underreporting of pandemic deaths, with some nations reporting 2-50 times higher excess deaths than official numbers.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2021

Near the toys and the candy bars

A recent study by Dr. Yael Bar-Zeev at Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that tobacco companies are exploiting loopholes to market IQOS products near toys, candy, and schools, targeting young consumers. The audit revealed that 70% of stores selling IQOS were within 300 meters of high schools.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJul 12, 2021

We've been at it a long time

A team of geologists and archaeologists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem confirms that ancient humans were making simple Oldowan stone tools inside the Wonderwerk Cave 1.8 million years ago. The discovery also dates the deliberate use of fire by prehistoric ancestors to 1 million years ago.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateApr 26, 2021

Novel theory addresses centuries-old physics problem

A new study by Hebrew University researcher Professor Barak Kol introduces a novel approach to the three-body problem, predicting the probability of each body escaping the system. The theory avoids infinite probabilities and provides strong agreement with computer simulations, indicating a paradigm shift in understanding the system.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCelestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy·DateApr 13, 2021

Can chips replace animal testing?

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed human-on-a-chip technology that allows for real-time monitoring of drug treatments in humans. The technology has the potential to significantly reduce testing and production time for drugs, saving time, money, and unnecessary suffering.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 9, 2021

An end to invasive biopsies?

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed a simple and inexpensive diagnostic blood test that can detect various diseases, including cancers and heart and liver conditions. The test uses epigenetic information within the cell to determine the nature of the disease or tumor, exactly where it's found, and how far developed it is.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 8, 2021

Are autism drugs on the horizon?

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation linked to autism that affects brain function and development. The study found that the mutation impacts brain cells, leading to hyper-social behavior and learning disabilities in mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments targeting the cerebellum's neural processes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 2021

If the glove fits

Israeli archaeologists discover that the inner-rim diameter of storage jars in Israel over 350 years conformed to the palm width of a male hand, matching the original biblical measurements of tefach. The consistent measurement may reflect ancient potters' use of palm as a standard diameter for jar openings.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalBulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research·DateOct 13, 2020

Coming soon to a circuit near you

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem have made a breakthrough in harnessing DNA molecules for disease detection and electronics. They developed a highly-reliable method to measure electric currents passing through individual DNA molecules, finding that the current flows along the backbone rather than base-pairs.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 29, 2020

Not just images

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed an MRI technique that can detect molecular changes in the brain, allowing for early disease diagnosis and treatment. This non-invasive method provides biological readouts of brain tissue, enabling doctors to compare scans over time and differentiate between healthy and diseased tissue.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2019

The immaculate conception?

Researchers at Hebrew University have discovered a way to transform skin cells into the three major stem cell types that comprise early-stage embryos. This breakthrough has significant implications for modelling embryonic disease, placental dysfunctions, and infertility problems by creating human embryos in a petri dish.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 2, 2019