On the other hand
Helping humanity to conquer diseases remains a priority for Israeli researchers.
The year-long war against terror is at the forefront of the news, but unheralded by the media is the ongoing war being waged to find cures for a multitude of diseases and conditions afflicting people all over the world.
Here are just a few of the latest advances pioneered in Israel.
Israel’s Alpha Tau Medical has treated its first patient with recurrent lung cancer using its innovative Alpha DaRT® alpha-radiation cancer therapy. The WHO reports 2.5 million new lung cancer cases annually and the most cancer-related deaths.
Israel’s Pi-Cardia has received US-FDA approval for its ShortCut heart valve decalcification device. ShortCut is used to remove calcium from heart valves, making them more flexible, prior to heart valve replacement procedures.
Israel’s Innoventric has developed Trillium – a device to fix a leak in the tricuspid valve, one of four valves that regulate blood flow through the heart. But instead of replacing the valve, the prosthetic device is inserted into a large vein in a 10-minute procedure under conscious sedation.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University and Shamir Medical Center in Beer Yaakov found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can significantly alleviate PTSD symptoms, particularly for patients unresponsive to traditional therapies or medications.
Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered a mutation of the TMEM16F protein secretes α-synuclein to enhance the spread of Parkinson’s pathology through nerve cells in the brain. Blocking or modulating TMEM16F activity may reduce α-synuclein and cure Parkinson’s disease.
The brain’s NMDA receptor (NMDAR) is known to be vital for learning and memory. Now Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered that it also maintains stable brain function during environment and physiological changes. The discovery may lead to new treatments for brain diseases.
THE UNIQUE ISRAELI SPIRIT
Beyond the media headlines about violence, strife and social disagreements there lies another story.
Usually unreported it is the spirit of Israeli society pulling together for a common cause.
This video reports on the revival and rebuilding of one of the first Kibbutzim to be devastated on 7 October 2023. An inspiring glimpse of what makes Israel unique.
REVOLUTIONARY DEVELOPMENTS
Everyone knows that there is a major problem with having young ultra orthodox men inducted into the IDF. It is a situation which causes very strong feelings on both sides.
However, since 7 October at least, there has been a subtle change in attitudes with increasing numbers of yeshiva students ready to enlist.
Watch how one young Hassidic man explains the tectonic shifts now taking place among an increasing number of his peers.
AN INVITATION
This week’s Torah portion of Chai Sarah connects us to Hebron. Learn about the undoubted Jewish claim to this Biblical city.
