Archive for October 29, 2012

Tel Aviv University Spearheads New Brain Project

The CONNECT project from TAU includes MRI’s from 120 healthy brains

 

In a groundbreaking research experiment that could pay tremendous dividends down the road, the neurology department of Tel Aviv University (TAU) has used an MRI to scan the healthy brains of 120 Israelis and Europeans aged between 25 and 35.

TAU hopes to develop the world’s first atlas of the human brain

The purpose of using the Magnetic Resonance Instrument (MRI) on the subjects is reportedly to compile enough information to comprise the world’s first “atlas” of the makeup of the brain’s white matter.

Spearheaded by TAU’s Professor Yaniv Assaf, the new initiative, known as the CONNECT project, could be an important step in recognizing neurological and psychiatric diseases early enough so that treatment could help those victimized. Continue Reading »

First cardboard bicycles, Now Cardboard wheelchair to be ‘Made in Israel’

 

‘Blue & White’ technology with a green outlook will cheaply give mobility to thousands of people with disabilities

 

 

Israeli entrepreneur Nimrod Elmish is positive that the idea for a wheelchair made out of cardboard has crossed many people’s minds. But it took an Israeli team to make it a reality.

Wheelchair

wheelchair

“Welcome to the startup nation,” says Elmish, an expert in leading early-stage startups to maturity. “We have seen you can build agriculture in the middle of the desert. We recognize a major problem in the world and we find the best solutions. We can always find a solution – you just need persistence and patience.” Continue Reading »

U.K. Report: Intel found on slain Hamas official led to Sudan strike

The U.K.’s Sunday Times reports military intel reports that Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, assassinated in Dubai, was in possession of an agreement between Sudan & Iran from ’08 that allowed Iran to manufacture weapons in Sudan.

By Yoav Limor and Israel Hayom Staff

 

The Sunday Times reported that eight Israeli warplanes participated in the attack on the Yarmouk military complex near the Sudanese capital Khartoum. According to the report, planning for the operation began as a result of documents found on the body of Hamas official Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, whose assassination in Dubai in 2010 prompted worldwide speculation that it was a Mossad operation.

Continue Reading »

1st flight of last Ethiopian Aliya set to arrive

1st flight of Operation Dove’s Wings, should bring remaining 240 Ethiopian ‘New Immigrants’ to Israel by March 2014.

By JTA

 

A charter flight of some 240 Ethiopian Jews is set to arrive in Israel Monday afternoon, the beginning of the final stages of aliya from Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Jews [illustrative] - Photo: Ruth Eglash

Ethiopian Jews [illustrative] – Photo: Ruth Eglash

Monday’s scheduled flight marks the beginning of Operation Dove’s Wings, an Israeli government initiative to bring the remainder of the Falash Mura — Ethiopians whose ancestors converted from Judaism to Christianity — to Israel by March 2014.

The Ethiopians are waiting in a refugee camp in the Gondar province before coming to Israel.

Continue Reading »

U.S. Military Chief in Israel to discuss with Barak joint missile defense drill

This will be the largest-ever joint Israeli-U.S. drill, which simulates missiles raining down on Israel from Iran, Syria, Lebanon & Gaza.

By DPA

 

U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Martin Dempsey was in Israel on Monday to discuss a joint missile defense drill that began a week ago.

martin dempsey

Martin Dempsey – Photo by AP

An honor guard was to receive the US general at Israel’s defense headquarters in central Tel Aviv shortly after noon, an Israeli military statement said.

Israeli Chief of Staff Benny Gantz was scheduled to host the welcoming ceremony.

Dempsey met Defense Minister Ehud Barak in Tel Aviv late Sunday. Continue Reading »

Rocket Barrage from Gaza Batters Israel

Terrorists from Gaza fired a barrage of 16 rockets at southern Israel during the night.
No physical injuries or damages.

By Elad Benari

 

Gaza-based terrorists fired a barrage of 16 rockets at southern Israel on Sunday night.

The rockets exploded in open areas in the Eshkol Regional Council, miraculously causing no physical injuries or property damage.

Following the attacks, residents of the communities located near Gaza were asked on Monday morning to remain within 15 seconds from a protected space. However, it is expected that schools in the region will remain open.

Rocket attacks on southern Israel are ongoing, but an escalation in attacks was recorded this week. Continue Reading »

Palestinian officials report: Abbas advancing his bid for UN recognition

Despite continued pressure from both  Israel & the US, Mahmoud Abbas is expected to ask the UN General Assembly to approve request for “nonmember state” status this November.

Palestinian officials say Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is moving forward with his plan to seek upgraded observer status at the United Nations next month, despite American and Israeli threats of financial or diplomatic retaliation.

Abbas at the UN General Assembly

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters. – Photo by AP

One official said Abbas is expected to ask the UN General Assembly to approve a Palestinian request for “nonmember state” status on November 15 or November 29. Continue Reading »

U.S. Navy tests innovative Israeli robotic boats

Ahead of possible strike on Iran, the US reportedly mulls purchasing Rafael’s remote-controlled robotic boats after successful test off Maryland coast

By Udi Etzion

 

Israeli unmanned robotic boats may be used by the US Military in a potential naval confrontation with Iran, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Sunday.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/384963_395824407154654_1799959036_n.jpg

Israeli navy drill – Photo: Israel Navy facebook page

Recent reports revealed that the Iranian military had recently purchased numerous small vessels and manned each of them with Revolutionary Guard officers. The vessels are meant to either block or attack any American aircraft carrier making its way to the Strait of Hormuz. Continue Reading »

Obama LIED to American Public: Admin Ignored 3 Pleas for Help from Besieged Consulate

US media contends it has proof of a White House cover-up that Obama officials ignored 3 separate pleas for help during the attack on the consulate in Benghazi.

By Chana Ya’ar

 

American media says it has proof of a coverup that Obama administration officials ignored 3 pleas for help during the Al Qaeda terror attack on the US consulate in Benghazi that killed American Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and three U.S. diplomats — the first such murder in 33 years.

Sept 11 attack on US consulate in Benghazi

Sept 11 attack on US consulate in Benghazi – Reuters

On Friday, Fox News broadcast a report revealing that CIA operatives defending the consulate in Libya had called three times for emergency assistance during the attack. Continue Reading »

Ankara to return UAV’s purchased from Israel

Turkey says there are technical problems with the UAV’s & it will sue for damages after Israel failed to repair them.
Israel Aerospace Industries says it doesn’t know of any problems with the drones.

By Israel Hayom Staff

 

Turkey announced on Saturday that it would return three unmanned aerial vehicles it had purchased from Israel, and that it would seek payment for damages for what it says was Israel’s breach of the sale agreement, according to a report in the Turkish media.

Israeli-made drones to be returned by Turkey – Photo: Reuters

According to Turkish news agency NTV, as quoted by Army Radio, Turkish officials said technical defects had been discovered in the Heron model drones, and that the Israeli government had refused on several occasions to repair them in accordance with their official agreement.

Continue Reading »

Israelis Take Solar Technology Overseas

With $10m Arava Power president, Yosef Abramowitz launches global solar firm.

Abramowitz named”Person of the Year” at energy conference.

 

With the George Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun” playing in the background, Arava Power Company President Yosef Abramowitz received the “Person of the Year” award at the 2012 Israel Energy and Business Convention on Sunday – where he simultaneously announced the establishment of a global solar firm with a $10 million fundraising deal.

Solar panels installed on rooftops in Spain by ET - Photo: Courtesy

Solar panels installed on rooftops in Spain by ET – Photo: Courtesy

Abramowitz and his staff were the pioneers behind Israel’s first medium-sized solar field, the 4.95-megawatt Ketura Sun launched at Kibbutz Ketura in June 2011.

Continue Reading »

Hezbollah Prepares for a Broader War Than It May Want

Israel has warned Lebanon that if war with Hezbollah breaks out again, it will hold the Lebanese gov’t responsible & will destroy gov’t targets.

By Ronen Bergman

 

Hezbollah’s launching of a pilotless spy plane, which was shot down by Israel’s air force in the southern part of the country in early October, has been seen as more evidence that the Lebanese militia is preparing for war.

Hezbollah War

Hezbollah War – Illustration by: Clay Hickson

Israelis assume that the drone was gathering visual intelligence to help Hezbollah in its goal of bombarding distant targets with long-range surface-to-surface missiles.

No doubt it was collecting information in case of another confrontation with Israel, but whether the terrorist group is seeking a full-blown war is a more complicated question that may depend less on what Hezbollah wants than on the heat it is getting from its patrons.

Continue Reading »

FDA approves Israel’s Teva leukemia drug

Soon to be available for prescribing, Synribo has gained FDA approval for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in adults.

By Globes’ correspondent

 

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE: TEVA; TASE: TEVA) has obtained US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Synribo for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in adults. The will drug will soon be available for prescribing.

The World’s Generic Pharmaceuticals Leader – Photo: Teva web page

Synribo is an injectable drug for the treatment of chronic phase or accelerated phase of chronic myeloid leukemia in adults who have resistance and/or intolerance to two or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Continue Reading »

Israel’s Cabinet to Push for Negav Fortification Plan

Escalation in south prompts gov’t to move up vote on PM Netanyahu’s defense plan despite no approval of State budget

By Yoav Zitun

 

The government is set to vote on the southern communities’ fortification plan despite the fact that the 2013 State budget has yet to be approved, Ynet leaned Sunday.

Qassam rocket – Photo: Eliad Levy

The plan, promoted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will see to the defense of 1,700 homes and institutions located 4.5-7 kilometers from Gaza Strip. It is estimated at NIS 270 million ($69.7 million).

Israel’s southern communities suffered heavy rocket fire last week, as over 75 projectiles were fired at the area on Wednesday alone. Continue Reading »

Former Birthright tour organizer now a provider for interfaith groups

Joel Rosenfeld, founder of educational tour company Roots of Faith, provides a challenging experience to trip participants.

 

A rabbi, a bishop and an imam walk into a synagogue. It sounds like the setup for a joke, but it happened at Bavat Ayin Congregation in Rosh Ha’ayin last Friday evening when a group of 30 Jews, Christians and Muslims from New Jersey came to town.

Left to right: Bishop Beckwith, Imam Shareef, and Rabbi Gewirtz in Jerusalem last week – Photo: E. James Smith

Standing on the stage, the visiting rabbi led the Kabbalat Shabbat service, the imam recited a few verses from the Koran in Arabic, and the bishop gave a sermon about egoism and the story of Noah, the week’s Torah portion. Continue Reading »