Tag Archive for Tel Aviv University

| October 11, 2013
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Israeli scientists say proto-men recycled, half a million years ago

Tel Aviv University archaeologist says evidence shows that not only humans, but Neanderthals & Homo erectus, used broken flint & bone tools to create new utensils.

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If you thought recycling was just a modern phenomenon championed by environmentalists— think again. There is mounting evidence that hundreds of thousands of years ago, our prehistoric ancestors recycled objects they used in their daily lives, say researchers gathered at an international conference in Israel.

A stone age recycling site cave next to Zichron Yaakov.

A Stone Age recycling site cave next to Zichron Yaakov. – Photo by AP

“For the first time we are revealing the extent of this phenomenon, both in terms of the amount of recycling that went on and the different methods used,” said Ran Barkai, an archaeologist and one of the organizers of the four-day gathering at Tel Aviv University that ended Thursday. Continue Reading »

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| August 16, 2013
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Rare, Preserved 8th Century BCE Fortifications Found at Ashdod Harbor

An amazing find by the Institute of Archaeology at Tel Aviv University  uncovered a system of fortifications during this summer’s excavation.

By Kochava Rozenbaum

 

Rare and unique discoveries were found this summer at the Tel Aviv University Institute of Archaeology excavation site in Tel Ashdod-Yam – located in the harbor city of Ashdod.

The institute uncovered a system of fortifications which date back to the 8th century BCE, the remains of buildings, as well as coins and weights from the Hellenistic period.

The excavations were the first of the season and were led by Dr. Alexander Fantalkin. He discovered the remains of a kind of anchorage, a massive wall made up of mud bricks which form embankments. Continue Reading »

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| June 20, 2013
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Tel Aviv University May Have Found New Parkinson’s Treatment

Two Professors at the Department of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology believe the artificial sweetener “mannitol” may prevent the collection of toxins in the brain, and thus, lead to a new treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

By Hana Julian, MSW, LCSW-R

 

The artificial sweetener “mannitol” may prevent the collection of toxins in the brain, and could ultimately lead to a new treatment for Parkinson’s disease, according to new research at Tel Aviv University.

Professors Ehud Gazit and Daniel Segal, both at the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology and the Sagol School of Neuroscience, published their findings together with colleague Dr. Ronit Shaltiel Karyo and PhD Candidate Moran Frenkel-Pinter, in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Continue Reading »

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| January 25, 2013
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TAU Medical Researchers Develop New Treatment for Stroke

Medical researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a new treatment for stroke & other brain damage that can help even months after the event.

By Hana Levi Julian, MSW, LCSW-R

 

A doctor at Tel Aviv University has come up with a new treatment for stroke and other issues that can restore significant neurological function even years after the initial event.

Dr. Shai Efrati, a member of TAU’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine, theorized that high levels of oxygen could reinvigorate dormant neurons in brain tissue chronically damaged by stroke, traumatic brain injury and metabolic disorder.

The conditions are major causes of brain damage and permanent disabilities such as motor dysfunction, psychological problems, memory loss, outright dementia and more. Continue Reading »

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| November 4, 2012
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Israel’s Top 10 ways algae boost medicine, energy & science.

 

Israel’s scientists find novel approaches to tap into the potential of this slimy plantlike organism for nutrition, fuel, & innovative medical therapies.

 

Algae come in different shapes, sizes and colors — from unicellular micro-algae to macro forms, and from red to yellow to blue to green. The plantlike organisms bloom in ponds, rivers, lakes and neglected swimming pools; the biblical prophet Jonah complained about algae enveloping his head his when he was dumped out of the boat at sea.

Israeli innovation is turning algae into a range of vital new products. Photo by www.shutterstock.com

Israeli innovation is turning algae into a range of vital new products. – Photo by www.shutterstock.com

 

But while algae can be a pest to prophets and pool cleaners, thanks to Israeli innovation algae are forming the basis of next-generation biofuels, medical therapies and sustainable vegan-based vitamins. Continue Reading »

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| November 4, 2012
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War-Game Scenario: The first 48 hours after an Iran strike

Israel’s INSS war-game simulates ‘regional conflict scenario’ of a unilateral Israeli strike without U.S. participation.

 

The Institute for National Security Studies held a war game recently in which players representing regional actors simulated the first 48 hours after an IDF strike on the Islamic Republic.

IAF F-15s refueling midflight [file]

IAF F-15s refueling midflight – Photo: Baz Ratner/Reuters

The simulation was based on the scenario of a unilateral Israeli strike without US participation, after midnight on November 9.The Tel Aviv University-based institute began the game with the following “announcement”: “Al Jazeera reported that Israeli planes attacked nuclear sites in Iran in three assault waves.

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Category: Israel News | Tags: ,
| October 29, 2012
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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 »

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| August 12, 2012
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Israeli Cocktail Straw Can Detect Date Rape Drugs

Israeli scientists developed a small affordable sensor-straw for use in mixed drinks

By Stephanie Butnick

 

Israeli scientists Fernando Patolski and Michael Ioffe, both professors at Tel Aviv University, have developed a sensor that, when submerged in either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink, can detect the presence of two common date rape drugs.

So far tests on the unfinished product—which the developers say will be a small, inexpensive device resembling a stirrer that lights up discretely or sends a message to a cell phone if the drugs are present—have been 100 percent accurate.

Photo from facebook

According to reports, the device simply needs to be placed into a drink:

The sensor works by picking up a bit of alcohol and mixing it with a patent chemical formula, which was also developed by Patolsky and Ioffe.

Continue Reading »
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| June 21, 2012
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Israeli scientists produce plastic just as strong as steel.

Israeli scientists are developing a super-strength polypropylene, a plastic that the world will most widely use to replace steel and other materials used in pipes and machinery.

by Sarah Weiss

 


Moshe Kol, a professor of chemistry at Tel Aviv University or TAU, which is behind the project, said this could have a lasting impact on many industries including automobile manufacturing, in which plastic parts can replace the metal parts of cars.

Israeli made new plastic pipe as strong as steel.

Israeli made new plastic pipe as strong as steel.

Durable plastics consume less energy during the production process. And there are additional benefits. If parts of polypropylene replaced traditional steel parts in cars, cars in general would be lighter and consume less fuel, for example, Kol was quoted in the news media. Continue Reading »

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| May 31, 2012
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Israeli Scientists Build Better Chemotherapy System

Israeli scientists have figured out a more efficient, “healthier” way to target cancer cells with chemotherapy.

 

Israeli scientists have figured out a more efficient, “healthier” way to target cancer cells with chemotherapy.

Professor Daniel Wreschner at Tel Aviv University’s Department of Cell Research and Immunology is developing antibodies that bind solely to the cancer cells.

The proteins produced by the immune system to fight infection target the cancer cells by binding to a protein  called MUC1. The antibodies can be used as an efficient means of delivering medication by depositing a parcel of toxins directly into the center of the diseased cells, Wreschner found. Continue Reading »

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