A new study finds that a specific mutation in the human APOL1 gene arose more frequently where it was needed to prevent disease, supporting a non-random pattern. This challenges the long-held notion of evolution driven by random mutations and introduces a new theory on how mutations arise.
Scientists discovered a new parasitic relationship where sea anemones infect jellyfish through comb jellies, breaking evolutionary norms. This finding highlights the adaptability of parasites in rapidly changing marine ecosystems under climate change.
Maladaptive daydreaming is characterized by extensive immersion in vivid fantasies and can impair social, family, and employment functions. The new study's results show significant improvement in treatment groups, with around one-fourth of participants completely recovered from the condition.
A new study by the University of Haifa and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute reveals that high soil humidity reduces the chances of survival for young tree seedlings growing at high densities. This leads to a greater variety of tree species in the following year, as less dominant species are able to establish themselves.
Corals face an impaired ability to capture prey and a growing reliance on energy from symbiotic algae as oxygen levels decline. The study found that corals pay a heavy price for climate change, with a decline in reproductive processes and a increased dependence on the symbiosis of coral with its algae.
Researchers at the University of Haifa have identified a new process involving the 'murder' of live newly-generated cells in fruit flies. The study found that phagocytic cells can kill normal cells during cellular differentiation, which could contribute to understanding and developing treatments for cancer.
A recent study published in Vaccines found that the proportion of women reporting side-effects after Pfizer vaccinations is almost twice that of men. The highest frequencies of side-effects were reported after the second vaccination, with pain in the entire arm and weakness being notable examples.
A new study by University of Haifa researchers reveals that the rate of generation of the HbS mutation, protecting against malaria, is higher in Africans than Europeans. The findings support nonrandom mutation and upend traditional thinking on evolution.
A recent study found that oxytocin improves social interaction interpretation in both men and women, but with distinct effects on kinship vs. competition for each sex. Men's competitive relationships improved with oxytocin, while women's kinship identification enhanced, highlighting the hormone's impact on sex-specific social behaviors.
A recent study found that male Holocaust survivors lived an average of 14 months longer than non-survivors, with a significant difference in life-expectancy among men aged 10-20 during the war. The researchers suggest that the 'Posttraumatic Growth' phenomenon may have contributed to their longevity.
Researchers found that HMM-HA prevents overcrowding and tumor formation in naked mole rat cells. The protein's unique amino acid changes may be responsible for its cancer-fighting properties.
A study on rats found that stress even before conception causes changes in the expression of a gene linked to the stress mechanism, affecting offspring's brains. The research suggests a potential link between transgenerational influences and human experiences.
The discovery of flower beds in graves at Raqefet Cave reveals Natufian burial rituals dating back to 13,700 years ago. Researchers found impressions of Salvia plants and other species, indicating the use of colorful flowers in springtime burials.
Researchers have uncovered a system of active gas springs in the Haifa Bay seabed, at relatively shallow depths. The discovery poses significant ecological risks and highlights the need for thorough research to prevent infrastructure failures and mitigate climate change impacts.
A new study found a connection between Alzheimer's disease and the activity level of eIF2alpha protein. Researchers believe altering this protein via drug therapy could lead to a treatment for the incurable disease.
A new study from the University of Haifa and the University of Texas found that Israel's perception of Barack Obama is influenced by his middle name, Hussein. Jewish Israelis and Arab Israelis perceive him as less pro-Israeli when his middle name is mentioned, while American participants show no effect.
International experts warn about the adverse effects of exposure to light at night, particularly LED lighting, on circadian rhythms in nature and human health. The panel highlighted the harm caused by short-wavelength illumination to various species, including mammals, birds, and plants.
A recent study by Prof. Gabriel Weimann reveals that lone wolf terrorists are not isolated individuals but part of virtual terrorist communities on the Internet. These online forums and platforms provide social environment, support, and moral encouragement to radicalize individuals and track their enlistment and training processes.
A new study found that the brain processes Arabic differently than Hebrew or English, with the right hemisphere relying on the left hemisphere for decoding. This makes learning Arabic more challenging, even for native speakers.
A 28-year study found that wild cereal populations are undergoing dramatic changes due to climate change, including earliness in flowering time and reduced genetic diversity. These changes threaten the best genetic resource for crop improvement and may damage food production.
A new study from the University of Haifa identifies developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children through a simple writing task, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Children with DCD struggle with motor coordination, leading to difficulties in everyday tasks like dressing and typing.
A new study from the University of Haifa found that emotional and instrumental support from a supervisor can significantly reduce employee absenteeism and increase productivity. The study also highlights the importance of co-worker support in mitigating the effects of stress at work, leading to improved overall well-being.
The MOBIGUIDE project aims to provide chronic patients with continuous monitoring and decision support in their home environment, improving quality of care and reducing hospital visits. The system will analyze patient data in real-time, delivering personalized treatment recommendations via mobile phones or web browsers.
Researchers found that administering synthetic marijuana helps block PTSD-like symptoms in rats after experiencing trauma. The study suggests a 'window of opportunity' for treatment, which may be longer for humans due to their lifespan.
A new international study reveals that 'white' light bulbs emit shorter wavelengths that suppress melatonin production, causing behavior disruptions and health problems. The researchers recommend limiting the use of 'white' light, adjusting lampposts to reduce light pollution, and using energy-efficient lighting.
A new study found that stress experienced by young female rats can affect their future offspring, causing behavior impairments. However, providing an enriched environment can ameliorate some of the negative effects. The study also showed that offspring raised in enriched environments can offset inherited effects.
A new study from the University of Haifa found that walking around the ward during hospitalization significantly reduces the length of older patient's stay. The study, which surveyed 485 participants aged 70 and up, found that patients who walked around shortened their hospital stay by an average day and a half compared to those who di...
A new gene, Eibi1, has been discovered that plays a crucial role in the evolution of life on Earth. The gene contributes to the production of cutin, a component of plant cuticles that reduces water loss and prevents dehydration.
A study found that voting in elections increases cortisol levels, a hormone released under pressure, and affects decision-making. Voting was also emotionally arousing, with both positive and negative effects.
A new study has found that macrophages have a seven-cell uptake threshold, governing the healing process. The researchers also discovered substances informing cells on tissue repair rates and accelerating macrophage transition to immune organs.
A study published in The Arts in Psychotherapy found that women with anorexia or bulimia draw themselves with distinct characteristics, including a larger neck and emphasized mouth. Self-figure drawings can be used as a tool for assessing eating disorders and may help individuals open up to therapists about their struggles.
Research on fire salamander larvae reveals that accelerated development comes with a higher risk of mortality, highlighting the need for further study on human development and its relationship with environmental challenges. The study found that larvae that developed more quickly suffered greater rates of mortality.
A new study from the University of Haifa found that high levels of emotional intelligence empower positive attitudes and reduce negative behavior in private sector workplaces. However, this effect was not observed in the public sector, where organizational politics and stress may offset the benefits of emotional intelligence.
A series of studies published in Neuropsychology found that Arabic's visual complexity affects the right hemisphere's role in decoding text. Reading acquisition in Arabic is harder due to its unique script, requiring more practice and pedagogic effort.
Scientists at the University of Haifa have identified two chemicals released by mosquito predators that repel egg-laying mosquitoes, offering a potential environmentally friendly solution for reducing mosquito populations. The findings may lead to the development of a natural and inexpensive option for controlling mosquito breeding sites.
The University of Haifa's Sagy Center has received an IBM Open Collaborative Research grant to develop a 'crowd computing' application enhancing online databases with user participation. The project aims to harness human intelligence beyond computation, exploring social dynamics and motivations behind user contributions.
Researchers from University of Haifa found that North Atlantic Ocean temperature changes can lead to droughts in the Sahel region, and conversely, rising temperatures bring rain. The study analyzed climate parameters over the 20th century, identifying correlations between Atlantic waves and droughts in the region.
Researchers at the University of Haifa have developed an intervention to reduce self-stigma among people with serious mental illness. The study found that participants who completed the intervention exhibited reduced self-stigma and increased quality of life and self-esteem compared to a control group.
Researchers developed a technique that analyzes speech patterns to detect early signs of Parkinson's disease. Studies show the method can distinguish between individuals with PD and healthy speakers, even in early stages of the disease.
A new study found that just one pulse of artificial light at night damages circadian cell division, a key process affected in cancer. The research reveals changes in gene expression, including genes connected to cancer formation and anti-cancer defense.
A new study by Prof. Ofra Mayseless at the University of Haifa found a moderate correlation between psychological maturity and spiritual development in college students. The study suggests that each developmental domain contributes independently to attributes such as generosity and pro-social actions.
Research suggests that adult learners can easily recognize and identify words in a second language when spoken in the accent of their native speaker, not the 'original' accent. This challenges traditional teaching methods used in many adult schools.
Researchers will investigate protein expression in synapses to understand long-term and plastic memories, potentially revealing insights into post-traumatic syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. The €1.6 million grant will support international collaboration between Israeli and German institutions.
Dr. Larisch's research links Parkin and ARTS proteins to excess brain cell death in PD, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. This discovery may lead to better treatment of patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease.
A new study at the University of Haifa found that oxytocin hormone boosts positive feelings but also increases envy and gloating in individuals with a negative association, highlighting the narrow line between love and jealousy.
Research by Dr. Beverly Goodman exposed geological evidence of four tsunami events at Caesarea, including one from the Santorini volcano eruption in 1500 BC and others caused by underwater landslides. The findings suggest that local tsunamis could have reached 5 meters high and damaged coastal communities.
Researchers at the University of Haifa discovered that greater empathy for native speakers can lighten accents in a second language. The study also found a link between accent heaviness and sociopolitical position, particularly among Arabic speakers who hold differing sentiments towards the Hebrew-speaking majority group.
A unique case study found that first and second languages are represented in different places in the bilingual brain. Damage to one language was more severe than the other, with Hebrew skills impaired more significantly.
A new ethnographic study reveals that unspoken memories of Holocaust survivors find silent expression in everyday family interactions, shaping the lives of their children. Eighty percent of interviewees did not experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), contradicting previous assumptions.
A University of Haifa research team has been awarded a European Union grant to investigate the role of synaptic proteins in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. The project aims to create disease models using deliberate damage to protein function, with potential implications for understanding autism and schizophrenia.