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The Hebrew University of Jerusalem


Major breakthrough in understanding Prader-Willi Syndrome, a parental imprinting disorder

Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have reported a major breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a disease that involves defects in parental imprinting. The researchers created a model for PWS by reprogramming skin cells from patients into embryonic-like cells, showing that pater...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 12, 2014

Neurotransmitters resarch can promote better drugs for brain disorders

Researchers at Hebrew University deciphered the mode by which neurotransmitter inhibitors work, raising hopes for new and effective drugs for brain disorders. The study used baker's yeast as a model and identified flexible domains in the structure of the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT) responsible for tetrabenazine binding.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 7, 2014

New compound for slowing the aging process can lead to novel treatments for brain diseases

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered a new compound, NT219, that selectively inhibits the aging process to protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases. The compound's inhibition of IGF1 signaling pathway has therapeutic potential for treating neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalAging Cell·DateDec 3, 2013

Not just cars, but living organisms need antifreeze to survive

Researchers have discovered that antifreeze proteins in plants and animals prevent frost damage by coating and protecting ice crystals. The study, published in PNAS, used microfluidic devices to observe the binding of AFPs to ice, revealing a strong and irreversible interaction that prevents ice growth even without protein presence.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2013

New understanding can lead to srategies for dealing with neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem have identified two inclusion bodies, JUNQ and IPOD, with opposing effects on protein aggregation. Aggregation in JUNQ can lead to toxicity, while aggregation in IPOD is protective, suggesting a new potential strategy for designing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 6, 2012

Hebrew University researchers show how we can do math problems unconsciously

Researchers at Hebrew University have found that people can read and solve complex mathematical problems without being consciously aware of them. Using a technique called Continuous Flash Suppression (CFS), the team showed that participants could complete arithmetic tasks more quickly when they were unconsciously presented with equations.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2012

Researchers identify mechanisms that allow embryonic stem cells to become any cell in the human body

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem identified mechanisms allowing embryonic stem cells to become any cell type by examining epigenetic pathways and chromatin structure. This discovery could lead to the creation of cells in labs for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other degenerative diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2012

Stem cell research paves way for progress on dealing with Fragile X retardation

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem have successfully generated neuronal cells from stem cells of Fragile X patients, paving the way for restoration of normal gene expression. The study identified a chemical compound, 5-azaC, that can clear methyl groups and reactivate FMR1 gene expression in both stem and neuronal brain cells.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Molecular Cell Biology·DateMay 22, 2012