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The Hebrew University of Jerusalem


Study finds food deliveries to Gaza met nutritional standards, but distribution challenges persist

A new study in the Israel Journal of Health Policy Research found that food deliveries to Gaza between January and July 2024 exceeded international caloric and nutritional standards, except for dietary iron. Despite meeting energy and protein needs, distribution challenges prevented equitable access to food.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalIsrael Journal of Health Policy Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025

Ancient engravings shed light on early human symbolic thought and complexity in the levantine middle palaeolithic

A new study sheds light on intentional, symbolic engravings from Levantine Middle Palaeolithic sites, indicating advanced cognitive and symbolic behaviour among early humans. The findings provide key insights into the development of abstract thinking and cultural complexity of Middle Palaeolithic societies.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2025

Study reveals gaps in healthcare quality assessments across Israel, the US, and the UK

A new study reveals striking similarities and critical gaps in how three major countries measure healthcare quality, with an emphasis on family medicine and process-focused metrics. The findings underscore the need for a more balanced approach that includes all aspects of medical care, from infrastructure to patient outcomes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 28, 2025

A new chapter in Roman administration: Insights from a late Roman inscription

A newly discovered Tetrarchic boundary stone provides valuable historical insights into the sweeping tax reforms of Roman Emperor Diocletian. The inscription mentions two previously unknown village names, a new imperial surveyor, and reflects the socio-economic dynamics during the Tetrarchy period.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPalestine Exploration Quarterly·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2025

Tropical sea temperatures influence Middle Eastern weather patterns, study reveals

Researchers have identified a critical link between tropical ocean temperatures and rainfall patterns in the Middle East, shedding light on the complexities of forecasting seasonal weather. The study found that positive phases of the El Niño Southern Oscillation and Indian Ocean Dipole significantly increase rainfall, while negative ph...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2025

Early hominin toolmaking in Ethiopia sheds light on engineering ingenuity

A study published in PLOS ONE investigates how early hominins selected rocks for toolmaking between 1.6-1.0 million years ago in the Ethiopian highlands. The research demonstrates that early humans made informed decisions based on factors like durability and efficiency, providing new insights into their technological behaviors.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2025

Breathing life into ancient texts: Unveiling Greco-Roman medicine through modern reenactments

A new study combines science and history to uncover new insights into Greco-Roman medical practices. Researchers recreated Galen's 2nd-century CE dissections, clarifying discrepancies in the text and shedding light on the enduring influence of ancient medicine on modern thought.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 7, 2025

Crafting the perfect bite of meat

Researchers from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have pioneered the use of metamaterials to replicate the texture and structure of traditional meat. Their novel approach enables the mass production of whole cuts of meat at a cost of $9 per kilogram, making sustainable protein alternatives more accessible.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2025

Study uncovers key role of enzyme G6PC2 in controlling blood sugar by regulating glucagon secretion

A recent study has uncovered the crucial role of enzyme G6PC2 in regulating blood sugar levels by controlling glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells. Genetic variations in G6PC2 impact its expression in alpha cells, and inhibiting this enzyme may provide a new therapeutic strategy for type 2 diabetes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2025

Unlocking proteostasis: A new frontier in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's

Researchers have discovered a nucleolar complex that plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular health through protein homeostasis, allowing for the dramatic reduction of toxic effects of Alzheimer's-causing proteins. This breakthrough offers hope for new therapies to slow or prevent neurodegenerative diseases, promoting healthy aging.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2025

Looking up the sky: UFOs and economic attention

A new study by Dr. Ohad Raveh and Dr. Nathan Goldstein finds that UAP sightings are positively correlated with economic conditions across regions but display counter-cyclical patterns within those regions over time. The research suggests that shifts in attention to extraordinary phenomena may reflect broader fluctuations in public focus.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2024

New computational method uncovers surprising variability in Neolithic building practices

A recent study introduces a new computational approach to analyze architectural remains, uncovering insights that qualitative methods might overlook, including quantification of defined angles in structures as early as the Natufian period. The research highlights architectural diversity during the Natufian and early Neolithic period, s...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalArchaeological Research in Asia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 18, 2024

Unlocking the clock: The role of the circadian system in inflammatory bowel diseases

Research highlights the critical link between the body's circadian clock and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Disruptions in circadian rhythms exacerbate inflammation, suggesting that aligning treatment strategies with natural biological cycles could improve patient outcomes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 12, 2024

New nano-device for generating structured light for advanced applications developed

Researchers developed a tiny device that creates radially polarized photons at room temperature, improving the efficiency of devices using structured light. The breakthrough enables advancements in communication and optical technology, paving the way for new possibilities in secure communication and quantum applications.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2024

New method reveals DNA methylation in ancient tissues, unlocking secrets of human evolution

A novel method has been developed to infer DNA methylation patterns in non-skeletal tissues from ancient specimens, providing new insights into human evolution. The study found over 1,850 sites of differential methylation specifically in prefrontal cortex neurons, linked to genes crucial for brain development.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2024

Empowering people, saving the planet: A case for direct democracy

A new study explores the relationship between democratic attributes and greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the effectiveness of Direct Popular Voting in reducing emissions. Civil Society Participation is also found to have a significant impact, particularly in countries with higher GDP per capita. The research provides insights for...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEcological Economics·TypeCase study·DateNov 18, 2024