·
Israeli
scientists have discovered a major link to the aging process.
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An Israeli
device dramatically improves post-CPR survival rates.
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An Israeli
NGO helps African farmers grow high-yielding crops.
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The EU is
funding development of Israeli satellites to monitor the climate.
·
An Israeli
startup is to irrigate 15 African countries including South Africa.
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Funding
has been approved for 15 joint US-Israeli hi-tech projects.
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Both CNN
and NYT recommend Israeli destinations to visit in 2019.
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A new
mineral has been discovered on Mount Carmel.
·
Click here
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·
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ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Removing damaged cells slows aging. Scientists at Israel’s Weizmann Institute have discovered that senescent
(damaged) cells promote inflammation, common in age-related diseases. Absence
of the LMNA gene (that kills senescent cells) causes premature aging. Treatment
to destroy these cells (e.g. boosting immunity), slows aging.
US approves focused ultrasound for Parkinson’s. (TY Atid-EDI) I’ve reported (several times) on the success of Israel’s Insightec in treating patients suffering
from Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and essential tremor. Insightec has just received
FDA approval for the life-changing Exablate Neuro treatment to be used on US PD
patients.
US approval for 3D heart imaging system.
I reported previously (Oct 2017) on Israel’s CathWorks and its FFRangio real-time AI 3D imaging of
the coronary tree to help surgeons perform heart catheterizations. The US FDA
has just given approval for the unique visualization system, which already has European
CE certification.
Keeping your sugar intake in check. I’ve
reported previously (see here) on Israel’s Sweetch and its app to help pre-diabetics maintain a
healthy lifestyle. This article describes how Sweetch is so personal, it can
even detect the weather and suggest indoor activities on cold wintry days. See
the Get.Up app on iOS or Android.
Lung function testing from home. (TY WIN) Asthma and COPD sufferers will pleased to hear that Israel’s NE Field
diagnostics has a simple pulmonary (lung function) test for use at home. Breathe
normally into the A-Spire device and a smartphone app checks the results,
saving vast numbers of unnecessary hospital visits.
An app to help communicate. When Ayelet
Avraham saw a deaf person having problems buying a cell phone, she and another
student at the Holon Institute of Technology developed DAS (Deaf Access
Solution). DAS uses Google’s Speech Recognizer to translate speech into text
and send it to the phone of the relevant nearby person.
Minimally invasive stitching combats obesity. A gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy are two radical procedures
to reduce stomach volume and curb obesity. But now Israel’s Nitinotes is developing
Endozip - a 30-minute gastrointestinal automated suturing system, inserted
through the mouth with minimal anesthesia.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/amid-rampant-obesity-israeli-startup-seeks-to-stitch-up-stomach-bulge/
Raising CPR survival rates. In a UK survey of 8,000 heart-attack resuscitations, only 2.8% of
patients were still alive 30 days later due to low blood flow to the arteries
and brain. The HemaShock device from Israel’s Oneg Hakarmel (developer of HemaClear - see
here) takes blood from the limbs
to maintain essential organs.
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Free dental care up to age 18. (TY Janglo) The Israeli Cabinet approved a proposal by Deputy Health Minister
Yaakov Litzman to extend the dental care reform until the age of 18. To date,
dental treatments have been given from age of 8 to age of 16. The decision
comes into force immediately.
Supporting Bedouin women in the Negev. The
Israeli Arab-Jewish non-profit organization AJEEC-NISPED works with the Arab-Bedouins
of Hura in the Negev. One of its projects is the Al Sanabel catering business. 20
Bedouin women prepare 8,000 school lunches, transforming these women into proud
family breadwinners.
A year of medical support for Palestinian Arabs. I reported previously (May 2017) on Project Rozana which raises funds to help Israeli hospitals
treat sick Palestinian Arab children. Here is Rozana’s latest report on its work
using Israeli excellence in healthcare, to benefit the Palestinian Arab community.
Arab Muslim candidate on Likud party list. Israel’s right-wing Likud party introduced Dima Tayeh as its first
Muslim Arab-Israeli candidate in the 9th April Knesset elections. It provides a
strong reminder that Israel is a diverse, inclusive, and democratic society. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sisNHs9m9sQ
Sodastream to open factory in Gaza. At Jerusalem’s
Globes Business Conference, Daniel Birnbaum, CEO of Israel’s Sodastream announced
plans to open a manufacturing facility in Gaza. “We want the people in Gaza to
have jobs, real jobs, because where there is prosperity there can be peace,” Birnbaum
said.
Food security for developing countries. Israeli NGO Fair Planet brings the best quality seeds to Africa’s poorest
farmers. It has helped 50,000 farmers in Ethiopia increase yields five-fold,
doubling their income and given food security to 250,000 Africans. It is now expanding
its project to Tanzania.
Training first responders in India and Sri Lanka. (TY UWI) The American Jewish Committee (AJC) and United Hatzalah have
teamed up to train first responders in mass casualty incidents and disaster
management at numerous locations in India and Sri Lanka.
Partners for the future. (TY UWI) This video was produced to accompany December’s Israel-Greece-Cyprus
summit in Beersheba. It highlights a seminar for innovators, the undersea gas pipeline,
a Tel Aviv forum for 200 business people, joint firefighting exercises and the
signing of an agreement on cybersecurity.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Israel aims to be a Quantum superpower. I
reported previously (see here) on Israeli research into Quantum computing. The Israeli government
is now investing NIS 100 million in a research fund focused on quantum
computing, which potentially can solve problems that current technology cannot.
Discovering co-existence in physics. Israeli and Danish scientists have managed to engineer
magnetic forces between two non-magnetic materials. It has great technological
potential for developing electronic devices that require magnetic and conductivity
to co-exist. An entire new scientific area called Spintronics has been opened.
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/on-campus/bar-ilan-discovery-paves-the-way-for-novel-electronic-devices/2018/12/19/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-018-0363-x
Europe funds Israeli micro-satellites. The European Research Council has granted 14 million Euros to Israel
to build 10 shoebox-sized satellites for analyzing small clouds and their role
in the climate. The mission is named CloudCT, inspired by medical CT (computed
tomography) used to map the interior of a patient.
Smarter images from space. I reported
previously (Feb 2017) that Ben Gurion University scientists were developing high
resolution cameras for space-based imaging. They have now advanced to Synthetic
Marginal Aperture with Revolving Telescopes (SMART) combining partial images
from multiple nanosatellites.
Images from the Sun. I reported previously
(25th Nov) about the image sensor of Israel’s TowerJazz onboard the NASA Parker
Solar Probe spacecraft. NASA has now received the first images of the corona taken
by the probe – the closest any spacecraft has orbited the Sun.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/nasa-captures-first-image-from-suns-atmosphere-with-help-of-israeli-technology/ http://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/News-Center/Show-Article.php?articleID=115
27 of the best Israeli products at CES. (TY Hazel) 22 Israeli companies are in the
Israeli pavilion at CES Las Vegas. But there
are many more Israeli products on display.
The Israel21c article describes 27 of them.
Use Eve to set up your new hardware. I reported previously (Jul 2017) on Israel’s TechSee which uses an Artificially Intelligent smartphone service called
“Eve” and your smartphone camera to help you resolve technology problems. TechSee
has just raised $16 million to expand business and move into sales. Great
video.
https://techcrunch.com/2018/12/11/techsee-nabs-16m-for-its-customer-support-solution-built-on-computer-vision-and-ar/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcPegwBDjM8
Saving lives on the road. I reported
previously (18th Nov) on Israel’s NoTraffic that allows cars with smart sensors to
optimize flow through traffic lights. This video shows that the system has a
much more important benefit – preventing accidents with other automobiles and
pedestrians.
Car and driver work as a team. Autonomous
Vehicles (AVs) can now handle 99% of the driving but when it comes to complex
situations a human must make the decision.
The AV platform from Israel’s Ottopia, uses a remote human teleoperator
to guide the vehicle in these cases, but the car’s safety features are still in
control.
Another Israeli anti-drone system. Israel’s
Convexum (Latin for drone) has developed a product that takes over drones flying
in urban areas lands them safely in a pre-determined area.
http://www.israelhayom.com/2018/12/23/israeli-anti-drone-technology-comes-to-forefront-as-gatwick-chaos-ends/ https://convexum.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxabjzXuehg
More on the flying car. I reported previously
(25th Nov) on Israel’s New Future Transportation (NFT) and its prototype electric
car with wings that aims to solve congestion, while being affordable at $50,000.
It will take-off and land vertically, is fully electric with a driving range of
100 miles and flying range of 300 miles.
Irrigating Africa. South
Africa’s AECI subsidiary Nulandis has signed an agreement with Israel’s
SupPlant to market SupPlant’s technology in South Africa and 14 other countries
in Africa. SupPlant’s sensor-based system autonomously waters crops, optimizes
water consumption and alerts farmers of the state of crops, soil, air etc.
Healthy shrimps to feed the world. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s ViAqua develops a particle-based method for orally
administering antiviral medication to combat deadly viruses in shrimp – a global
market worth some $18 billion. ViAqua has just received investment from
Singapore’s VisVires New Protein Master Fund.
Plants can hear. (TY Janette) Tel Aviv
University scientists have found that the evening primrose flower (oenothera
drummondii) can hear the approach of pollinating bees and hawk-moths and
produces extra and sweeter nectar in response. They also replicated the sounds
synthetically and produced the same response.
The next generation of AR. (TY Atid-EDI) I reported previously (Oct 2014) on Israel’s Fieldbit and its leading-edge augmented reality (AR) smart
glasses app. Fieldbit 5.0 has just been launched, with its advanced AR allowing
support engineers to guide end users through problem resolution without
expensive field visits.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Less early exits and fewer failures. Israeli high-tech “exits” declined by 33% in 2018 amid a maturing of the
local tech ecosystem, according to PwC’s Israel 2018 Exits report. Also, less Israeli
start-ups close each year; the IVC Research Center reported a steady decline
from 710 failures in 2014 to 352 failures in 2017.
Tel Aviv recycles London skyscraper. Due to recession, construction on London’s 288-meter Pinnacle Tower was
halted in 2008. Now the same design is to be used for the 350-meter high Spiral
Tower at the Azrieli Center in Tel Aviv. Scheduled to be completed by 2025, it
will be Israel’s second-tallest building.
Funds for 15 joint US-Israel
projects. The Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) foundation announced
it is investing $6 million into seven joint clean-energy projects between
Israeli and American companies and another $7.3 million into eight joint
innovation projects.
Uni launches student-run VC fund. Ben-Gurion University has launched Cactus Capital, a student-run VC (venture
capital) fund. It will serve as an academic-educational tool to encourage innovative
ideas in the high-tech, biotech and social fields. The $1 million fund will
invest in dozens of groups of students each year.
https://aabgu.org/bgu-launches-cactus-capital/# https://medium.com/cactus-capital/day-one-858634075edb
Smart transportation for Michigan. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Innovation Authority and Michigan’s PlanetM are to
co-finance testing future autonomous technologies in Michigan. Israeli
companies will receive support for conducting field tests and piloting of the
technologies developed by pilot sites in Michigan.
https://innovationisrael.org.il/en/opencall/israel-michigan-autonomous-technologies-collaboration-program-imatc-1st-call-proposal https://planetm.michiganbusiness.org/what-is-planet-m/about/
Israeli-inspired Via returns to its
roots. Via’s Israeli founders came up with
their start-up idea in an Israeli mini bus taxi van. They now operate their carpooling
service in 11 countries and are confident they can succeed on Israel’s roads. Passengers
request a ride and Via’s algorithms calculate the best route for each van.
Amazon buys Israeli disaster recovery
start-up. Amazon Web Services (AWS) has acquired
Israeli cloud computing start-up CloudEndure (see here) for around $200-$250 million. Amazon stated, “this acquisition expands our
ability to deliver innovative and flexible migration, backup, and disaster
recovery solutions."
Verint buys Israeli emergency response
start-up. I reported previously (see here) on Israel’s NowForce and its
life-saving mobile apps for emergency response. NowForce has just been acquired
by US business intelligence and cybersecurity company Verint Systems.
EU grant for Israeli cloud security. (TY Atid-EDI) The European Commission has awarded a 2.2 million Euro grant to Israel’s
Minereye “to provide EU companies with innovative and effective solutions to
ensure secure and compliant cloud adoption which is currently lacking in the
market today”.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
One of the most memorable travel destinations. Conde Nast Traveler included Israel as one of their nine most
memorable travel destinations. Beth Lusko - head of revenue for Condé Nast
Traveler - reminisced about watching her “children marvel at all the wonders
Israel has to offer, old and new, magical and humbling.”
https://www.algemeiner.com/2018/12/20/conde-nast-traveler-names-israel-one-of-its-most-incredible-travel-experiences/ https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-reinvention-of-jerusalem
The best places to visit. It is very rare to see anything nice about Israel in the New York
Times or on CNN. But the NYT has just named Eilat as its sixth top place to
visit in 2019. And CNN selected Jaffa as one of 19 “must-visit” places in
2019. https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/israel/192894-190110-eilat-named-nyt-s-sixth-top-place-to-visit-in-2019 http://nocamels.com/2019/01/cnn-travel-jaffa-19-places-2019/
Hidden gems of Haifa. (TY Janglo & Israel21c) The best-kept secrets in this beautiful northern Mediterranean
beach town are intriguing, full of cultural and are great fun. They include the
Israel Railway Museum, the Vortman Winery, Pnina BaCarmel Spa and Tel Shikmona.
Famous soprano marries in Israeli-designed dress. Soprano Laura Wright married Harry Rowland wearing a breath-taking
ivory lace dress by Israeli designer Alon Livne. Livne’s designs are favored by
Lady Gaga, Naomi Campbell, Kim Kardashian and Beyonce. Hello! magazine exclusively
covered the event.
A stillness above me. (TY Janglo) Koolulam and Eshkol Regional Council invited 3,500 people to sing
the tune of love in the Gaza borders and the south of Israel. Performing ״Me'alay Dmama" ("Stillness
above me") by Ahuva Ozeri and Shai Tsabari in three-part vocal harmony, their
music and flashlights lit up the night sky.
Supplying tickets for Manchester City.
Israeli-based ticket supplier SportsEvents365 has signed an agreement with (Arab-owned)
English Premier League soccer champions Manchester City to supply match tickets
for the next 2.5 seasons. SportsEvents365 operates in 50 countries.
THE JEWISH STATE
A
great year for the JNF. In 2018 the Jewish National Fund
acquired homes for 5,000 Israelis; provided services for 50,000 Israelis with
disabilities; gave agricultural training to 1,200 3rd world students; provided
medical treatment to 27,000+ Israelis; gave Israel education to 14,000 elementary
students in US schools.
Good
rain. Israel’s December
rainfall was double the average for the month and the wettest in the past 30
years. During the past week, the level of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) rose 15cm
in just 48 hours. The rain was also responsible for exposing two 1700-year-old Roman
statues in the ground at Beit She’an.
Tu Bishvat
(New Year for Trees) is coming. Tu Bishvat this year falls on the 20/21st January, but Israel is
celebrating all month. Ideas include picking fruit, winter walks in National
Parks, planting trees, the Anemone Festival Darom Adom, and visits to wineries.
Chabad
care for IDF in Hebron. The Chabad organization is well known for caring for Jews globally, but it
also works in Israel. Rabbi Cohen and the students of Hebron Chabad visit every
local IDF outpost, checkpoint and base before Shabbat and Jewish holidays to support
the soldiers emotionally, spiritually and materially.
Unique mineral found on Mount Carmel. The International Mineralogical Association
(IMA) has recognized and approved a new mineral found in one of stones of Israeli
gem miner Shefa Yamim. Named Carmeltazite, the mineral was found on Mount Carmel
in a Carmel Sapphire.
From
Sudan to Israel to Judaism. Michael Derek Tanju was saved by IDF soldiers when (age 14) he was shot
by Egyptian soldiers while crossing into Israel in 2008. A refugee from Sudan,
he fell in love with his host families and those who supported his conversion
to Judaism and becoming a citizen of the Startup Nation.
Cancer
victim gets soul time at the Kotel. (TY Chani) When a 10-year-old terminal cancer
sufferer requested to be taken to the Kotel (Western Wall), it was thought impossible.
The car had to take him right up to the wall; his immune system meant no crowds;
organizing police and medics. But NGO Ezer Mizion made it happen.
