On the other hand…writes Michael Kuttner

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Not a week goes by when Israel does not contribute to the betterment of humanity. Here are some of the latest examples.

A WORLD FIRST – LAB. GROWN BONE TISSUE

 Medical history was made at Emek Medical Center in Afula this week when semi-liquid live human bone tissue grown in a lab from a 40-year-old patient’s own fat cells was transplanted into the patient’s arm by injection.

The technology which has been developed allows bone to be developed in the laboratory based on the patient’s biological tissue thus avoiding the possibility of rejection. This latest clinical trial will hopefully lead to revolutionary advances in the future for repairing bone damage.

ZAPPING CANCER WITH CANNABIS

 A new Israel study holds out hope that cannabis can be used to kill cancer cells. The mechanism is similar to chemotherapy. One of the defining characteristics of cancer cells is their inability to ‘die’ like normal cells. The natural process of self-destruction, termed apoptosis, is not occurring; as a result, the cancer cells spread and invade other parts of the body. What cannabis has the potential to do, according to those involved in this research is bringing back the ability of the cancer to commit suicide.

Already, cannabis is being used to reduce the side effects of other cancer treatments; studies have found that it eliminates the vomiting and nausea caused by chemotherapy. While observing this, scientists began to realize that cannabis was actively reducing or stopping the spread of cancer cells themselves.

Research is ongoing and hopefully will lead to major advances.

SEEING IS BELIEVING

 Israeli researchers have developed wearable device which will revolutionise the lives of the blind and visually impaired.

Scientists have developed a finger-sized, battery-powered device called MyEye that attaches to the side of a user’s glasses. Using optical character reading technology and artificial vision software, MyEye reads printed text from newspapers, restaurant menus, books, product labels, money notes, and mobile text to its user. The user only has to point to a piece of text to activate the device. MyEye immediately takes a picture and reads out the information.

 An Israeli bandage has been developed which can stop bleeding in 40 seconds or less. It is effective even when an artery or the stomach is wounded. Another advantage is that the bandage does not need to be removed because it begins to dissolve once the blood flow is controlled.

The bandage is very effective for massive bleeding and at points where it’s very difficult to stop bleeding, like the neck or internally.

Police forces worldwide have expressed interest in Woundclot bandages. Representatives from the New York and the Chicago police departments are due to visit Israel to learn about the innovative product.