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Weizmann Institute of Science


A measure of smell

Weizmann Institute of Science researchers create framework to map smells based on molecular structure, enabling prediction of scent similarity. The system, developed by neurobiologists, computer scientists, and a master perfumer, can digitize and reproduce smells on command.

The magnetic history of ice

Researchers propose a new method to read magnetic pole reversals by analyzing ice cores, which could be applied to other bodies in the solar system. The team created artificial snowfall with magnetic dust and froze it into hard ice, detecting a small but detectible magnetic moment that matched the applied fields.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJun 28, 2020

Which came first?

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science and Hebrew University of Jerusalem reconstructed ancient protein sequences that may resemble those of early life forms. They discovered a way these primitive proteins could have progressed to form living cells, with positively-charged amino acids playing a crucial role.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2020

The self-synthesizing ribosome

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have successfully self-synthesized and assembled a ribosome subunit on a surface chip. The discovery opens up new possibilities for designing and testing complex molecular structures, including potential applications in vaccine development and drug production.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 21, 2020

Predicting immunotherapy success

Weizmann Institute researchers found that overexpression of specific immunoproteasome subunits in melanoma is tied to anti-cancer immune activity. The study's findings suggest that these biomarkers may improve patient matching to current immunotherapy treatments, leading to better outcomes.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2020

Decoy molecule neutralizes a range of viruses

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a decoy molecule called Arenacept that can neutralize a range of viruses, including arenaviruses. The molecule is based on a rodent receptor and has been shown to be highly effective in binding strongly to viruses and recruiting the immune system to mount an attack.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 12, 2020

Ebola antibodies at work

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science and Germany's University of Cologne have identified two antibodies produced by vaccinated individuals that provide long-term immunity against Ebola. These antibodies, which target specific sites on the viral glycoprotein, demonstrate effective protection against the virus.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 10, 2019

Gut microbes may affect the course of ALS

A study published in Nature suggests that certain strains of gut microbes, particularly Akkermansia muciniphila, may slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in mice. The researchers found that supplementing ALS-prone mice with this strain significantly improved their survival and reduced disease symptoms.

Can an antifreeze protein also promote ice formation?

Antifreeze proteins, typically preventing ice formation, have also been found to promote its growth at extremely low temperatures. This study, published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, provides insight into the basic processes of ice formation and suggests potential implications for understanding climate.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 14, 2019

Gut immune cells play by their own rules

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science discovered that gut immune cells operate under harsh conditions and use a more socialistic principle to select B cells with varying levels of antibody affinity. This unique process may lead to the development of more effective oral vaccines.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 4, 2019

All too human

Researchers found that more efficient neural codes in humans and monkeys resulted in reduced robustness, potentially contributing to disorders like ADHD, anxiety, and depression. The study supports the 'washing machine' theory of brain evolution, suggesting a trade-off between efficiency and error resistance.

The immune system's fountain of youth

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science found that clearing senescent cells, which contribute to inflammation and aging, improves health outcomes in mice. The study, led by Prof. Valery Krizhanovsky and Dr. Yossi Ovadya, offers hope for potential anti-aging therapies.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 31, 2018

Profiling a killer in warm blood

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have created a new method to sequence individual cells from patient blood or bone marrow, capturing specific gene programs active in each cell. This allows for more precise diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma by identifying unique genetic blueprints for each patient.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 6, 2018

An inside look at probiotics

Researchers found that probiotics' effects on humans and microbiomes vary greatly from person to person. Personalized treatment was shown to have significant benefits in addressing adverse side effects of antibiotics. The study's results suggest a tailored approach to probiotic use, potentially leading to improved health outcomes.

Light exchange

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have successfully demonstrated a logic gate that enables the exchange of information between photons and atoms, a breakthrough necessary for scaling up quantum computers. This achievement paves the way for the development of more powerful quantum computing systems.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 3, 2018

Food waste: The biggest loss could be what you choose to put in your mouth

A new study suggests that adopting plant-based diets could increase global food production by 50-200 times, making it a game-changer for addressing hunger and food waste. By replacing animal-based foods with edible crops, researchers estimate that 350 million more people could be fed with the same land resources.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2018

Mapping the social landscape

Scientists discovered a sub-population of neurons in bats' brains that encode the specific location of other bats nearby. These 'social place cells' support the idea that our brains create a cognitive map not just of our location, but also one that includes social mapping.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateJan 14, 2018

Making larvae count

Researchers used genetic barcoding to identify and quantify fish larvae in a coral reef ecosystem, revealing species distribution and dispersal patterns. The study solved several mysteries, including the invasion of a puffer fish into the Mediterranean, and provided new insights into the ecology of the reefs.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 18, 2017