Science in Israel

A ubiquitin molecule binds to its target. Illustration: depositphotos.com

The protein that is (sometimes) to blame for Alzheimer's disease

A distorted version of a protein that marks damaged proteins causes the formation of deposits in the brain similar to what occurs in Alzheimer's disease
Cranes stop at Agmon Hula before continuing their migration north. Illustration: depositphotos.com

How does the bird never lose its way?

Technological adaptation of brain activity recording for birds allows us, for the first time, to answer the eternal question: How do they know where to fly?
Empathy. Illustration: depositphotos.com

Empathic immunity

The ability to empathize with the suffering of others is an evolutionary mechanism that helps us protect ourselves.
Amyloid deposits (marked in red) and the peptides that prevent their development (marked in green) in mouse brain cells

Preventing amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's

Fighting the brain drain. Illustration: depositphotos.com

An opportunity that will never come again: This is how we can bring the best Israeli researchers home

How a comprehensive national program will attract research experts back and ensure Israel's future strength, just before scientists are kidnapped by other countries that are after them

From academia to the field: How an Israeli professor founded an international organization to save biodiversity

The This is My Earth project allows anyone to contribute to the acquisition of sensitive natural areas and their transformation into reserves through a scientific and collaborative approach.
Engineering model of the Genesis 2 lander. Courtesy of SPACEIL

Genesis 2 lunar spacecraft project frozen. SpaceIL will continue to operate as an educational non-profit organization

SpaceIL has closed all lander development activities for Operation Genesis 2 and will remain only with educational activities.
Thoughts about unhealthy food. Illustration: depositphotos.com

Does thinking negatively about high-calorie food really help us?

New research from the University of Haifa reveals that changing our interpretation of high-calorie food may reduce appetite, but at the same time cause general negative feelings – which raises questions about the safety of the method.
From a video of SpaceX's Falcon 9 launch, which also carried the 9 Tevel 2 satellites built by Israeli high school students. Photo: SpaceX

Tevel's goal is to give dozens of students a sense of competence and motivation to engage in the field of space.

This is what Uri Oron, the director of the Israeli Space Agency, said in an interview with the Hidan website: One of the agency's roles is to cultivate human capital, so that the students involved can in the future integrate into both academia and industry.
Satellites aboard the Falcon 9 launcher in Operation TRANSPORTER 13 courtesy of SpaceX

"So far, 20 high school student satellites have been launched into space – a phenomenon unique to Israel"

In most of the world, satellites are built by at least undergraduate students. This is according to Prof. Meir Ariel, head of the Space Engineering Center at the Faculty of Engineering at Tel Aviv University, who headed the Tevel 2 project, which was launched nine years ago.
Prof. Helmut Schwarz, Technical University of Berlin, winner of the 2025 Wolf Prize in Chemistry. Photo courtesy of the Wolf Prize Foundation

Wolf Prize in Chemistry for 2025 to German researcher for characterization of the gaseous state in electrolysis processes

The 2025 Wolf Prize in Chemistry is awarded to Professor Helmut Schwarz of the Technical University of Berlin for the quantitative characterization of active gas-phase intermediates to solve fundamental problems in catalysis.
Jeffrey Dangle, Brian Stacekevich and Jonathan Jones. Photos: Wolf Prize Foundation

Wolf Prize in Agriculture 2025: Recognizing groundbreaking discoveries in the plant immune system

The prize is awarded jointly to Professors Jeffrey Dangle, Jonathan Jones and Brian Stacekevich.
Prof. Pamela Bjorkman wins the 2025 Wolf Prize in Medicine. Photo: Wolf Prize Foundation

Wolf Prize in Medicine 2025: Recognition of Prof. Pamela Bjorkman for her pioneering contributions to the understanding of viral defense mechanisms

Prof. Pamela Bjorkman from the California Institute of Technology won the prestigious award for developing innovative antibody-focused approaches to combat viruses and establishing an infrastructure for advanced vaccine research.

Prof. Yunina Eldar – Israel Prize winner in the field of engineering

"Professor Eldar is an example and role model of a scientist who combines groundbreaking research with the ability to implement and have broad social impact in all sectors of society," the award committee wrote in its reasons.
The Solar Observatory in Isfaia. Credit: Idan Media, Government Press Office

The Solaris Solar Observatory was established in a druz village in israel

The observatory, located 550 meters above sea level, will be equipped with four telescopes adapted for observing the sun. In addition to its educational and scientific role, the observatory will also collaborate with industry to improve the protection of electronic equipment against
From the right: Moshe Medina, Director of the  Beresheet 2 Mission Program - SpaceIL, Maria Cerra Noto, Director of International Relations at the Italian Space Agency, Shaked Meir Ben-Shoshan, Director of International Relations at the Israeli Space Agency, Uri Oron, Director of the Israeli Space Agency, Prof. Teodoro Valente, Director of the Italian Space Agency, Shimon Sarid, Director of SpaceIL. Photo: Oz Shechter, GPO

A cooperation agreement was signed between Israel and Italy to advance the Beresheet space mission to the Moon.

The two countries will jointly manage the mission, each country will conduct advanced experiments on the lunar surface and its surroundings, advanced technologies will be developed, and resources will be dedicated to scientific education.
Anti-Israeli demonstration in Amsterdam, November 2023. . Illustration: depositphotos.com

Interim Report: 50% of the Academic Boycott of Israel is Conducted Covertly

Shmuel Ne'eman Institute researchers: Over 45% of reported boycott cases are carried out without an overt statement, and activity on campuses around the world has increased since the events of October 7, 2023 * The report is attached to this article
An equal opportunity program for accepting students from the Arab community at the Technion. Photo: Technion spokespeople

The experience of racism and discrimination on campuses in Israel: what do the students say?

A study published by the Shmuel Na'eman Institute at the Technion reveals the challenges and opportunities in a shared academic space and highlights the impact of the academic climate on campus on the learning experience and the promotion of universal values
The relationship between ADHD and suicidality in children. Illustration using DALEE

A new study reveals: an alarming link between hyperactivity and suicidal risk among children

A joint study by the University of Haifa and the Schneider Center for Pediatrics reveals that hyperactivity symptoms are associated with a significant increase in the risk of suicidal behaviors among children aged 7-12
A model of accretion on a disc-shaped galaxy. Color represents the temperature of the gas, and the black lines the flow lines of the gas, when it flows from the hot galactic surrounding medium (about a million degrees) to the galaxy where the gas is relatively cold (about 10,000 degrees). The right panel shows three streamlines in 170D, which highlight the swirling of the gas during the inflow. The top image is a Hubble Space Telescope image of a relatively nearby disk galaxy. Its diameter is about 21 thousand light years, and its distance from us is about XNUMX million light years.

on galactic dynamics

What can be learned from the shape of galaxies about the complex connections between different materials in the universe
The Tel Aviv University delegation to the iGEM competition for 2024. Photo: Tel Aviv University spokesperson

The Tel Aviv University student team won a gold medal in the IGEM competition

As part of an international competition in the field of synthetic biology, the student team carried out innovative research aimed at developing a treatment for cancer patients who until now were incurable, thus adding a new "dimension" to the world of cancer treatments
The dilemma of eating habits. Illustration: depositphotos.com

Harmful eating habits increase the risk of fatty liver disease - even among those with a healthy lifestyle

A new study in collaboration with the University of Haifa and the Tel Aviv Medical Center reveals: fast eating and emotional impulses significantly increase the risk of fatty liver, even when a healthy lifestyle is maintained
Facial expressions of cats. Illustration: depositphotos.com

The Facial Language of Cats: How Facial Expressions Affect Communication and Social Bonding

A new international study led by researchers from the Tech4Animals laboratory at the University of Haifa succeeded with the development of artificial intelligence to diagnose that cats quickly imitate the facial expressions of other cats, especially in positive situations." pattern recognition
The climate crisis and its impact on the Middle East. Illustration: depositphotos.com

The climate crisis and the depletion of precipitation in our region

"Lil Gallant 2". A demonstration in Haifa against the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Galant. Illustration: depositphotos.com

The Senate of Tel Aviv University warns against the return of the coup d'état

Following the discussions of the heads of the coalition factions (15/12/2024) in which Justice Minister Yariv Levin demanded that the change in the composition of the committee for the appointment of judges, and Israel's transformation into a dictatorship, be brought up, the universities are also hastening to oppose
Illustrative epigenetics: depositphotos.com

The Technion will award the Harvey Prize to three groundbreaking researchers in the field of cancer epigenetics

Prof. Peter Jones, Prof. Steven Bailin and Prof. Andrew Feinberg will receive the Harvey Award in the field of science and technology for their contribution to the diagnosis of diseases and the development of treatments based on the understanding of epigenetic mechanisms
The University of Haifa signed an agreement with Dr. Gideon Bikel, agronomist, entrepreneur and businessman, in which Dr. Bikel donated an area of ​​61 dunams in Moshav Neve Yarak for the purpose of establishing an innovative research farm for innovative agriculture. Photo: Haifa University Spokesperson

A research farm for innovative agriculture will be established at the University of Haifa

It will be a center for advanced research led by the university's Evolution Research Institute and will focus on the development of agricultural methods that integrate environmental sustainability, the improvement of innovative varieties and dealing with the challenges of the climate crisis
Decision making according to game theory. Illustration: depositphotos.com

The choice of the minority

Choices of individuals can faithfully represent the opinion of the majority - if delegation is used correctly: passing the vote to another person
Combining solar and wind energy in a sustainable rural system with an advanced water system. The illustration was prepared using DALEE and is not a scientific image

Integrating renewable energy into water supply systems: a revolution in energy savings and efficiency

The Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Illustration: depositphotos.com

Two researchers at the Hebrew University will receive grants of 2 million euros each from the ERC

In addition, two outstanding researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem were chosen to join the EMBO young researchers program
Cosmic scene with DNA, stars, solvents and atomic circles in oral flow.

The Dead Sea rift has no connection to the East Anatolian rift, so the earthquakes in Turkey did not affect Israel

A researcher at the University of Haifa: This is how the lack of impact of the earthquakes in Turkey on Israel is explained

The post A researcher at the University of Haifa: This is how the lack of impact of the earthquakes in Turkey on Israel is explained appeared

Cosmic scene with DNA, stars, solvents and atomic circles in oral flow.

Dr. Shamrit Meman was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Remote Sensing Committee at the International Federation for Astronautics

Dr. Meman, director of the Remote Sensing and Planetary Imaging Laboratory at Ben-Gurion University, is strengthening Israel's position in space exploration with a prestigious international position and a pioneering project to manage emergency situations using artificial intelligence.
loss Illustration: depositphotos.com

A new method for therapeutic intervention to prevent suicide in teenagers

Researchers have discovered biological and psychological characteristics that increase the risk of suicidal behavior among teenagers and have developed an application that helps with mental coping
Futuristic agriculture that uses artificial intelligence to save pesticides. The image was prepared using DALEE and is not a scientific image

harness the AI ​​to reduce the damage of chemical pesticides

Dr. Elad Segal, founder and CEO of DriftSense, a start-up company that developed an artificial intelligence-based solution for accurate prediction of spraying times and locations, with the aim of reducing losses to farmers and preventing environmental risks
vaccinations. Illustration: depositphotos.com

New options for vaccine development against hepatitis C virus

A study conducted at the Faculty of Medicine of Bar Ilan University in Safed discovered antibodies found in the bodies of people who have recovered from the virus. The research insights will lead to the development of innovative therapeutic approaches, also for other viral diseases
Human figures and the connection between time and humanity. Illustration: depositphotos.com

How technology affects humanity

Prof. Liran Razinski from the Program for Interpretation and Culture at Bar-Ilan University claims that the algorithmic view - the way in which computer systems analyze us - affects our self-perception and our behavior in the world. Worryingly,
European Union research grants. Illustration: depositphotos.com

Researchers from the Hebrew University, the Technion and Tel Aviv won ERC grants for young scientists (more on each research)

These grants, valued at approximately 1.5 million euros per researcher, are intended for young scientists with the potential for scientific breakthroughs in their field
Moon landing simulation. Photo: SpaceIL

Successful landing for Genesis 2 in a dedicated simulator developed in Israel

The simulator was developed with the assistance of the Israeli company Sim Dot Space, which was founded by engineers who were involved in the Genesis 1 mission
A diver from the Sea Research Institute of Haifa University dives in the Galapagos Reserve. Photo: Haifa University

Galapagos: Haifa University delegation investigates - Haifa University

Dr. Tal Lozato Canaan and her team from the School of Marine Sciences at the University of Haifa recently completed a fascinating research trip to the Galapagos Islands

The post Galapagos: Haifa University delegation investigates appeared first on <a

A park in Shanghai. Photo: Avi Blizovsky

Again this year, three Israeli universities star among the top 100 in the Shanghai Index

The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the Weizmann Institute and the Technion in Haifa are three Israeli institutions that entered the Shanghai Index 2024, the list of the XNUMX best academic institutions in the world
Engineering model of the Genesis 2 lander. Courtesy of SPACEIL

The Knesset Committee for Public Enterprises is discussing the rescue of the Genesis 2 project that was damaged by the war

Prof. Dan Bloomberg, chairman of the Israel Space Agency: "We faced a crisis of students in the STEM fields - which resulted from changes in Israeli society. A project like 'Bereshit' motivates students to become interested and end up studying engineering
The satellite Venus. Image courtesy of the Israel Space Agency

The Israeli-French satellite Venus will end its operation after seven years of success

The satellite, which is a joint effort of the Israeli and French space agencies, has proven its effectiveness in various scientific studies thanks to its high spatial resolution imaging capabilities, dedicated wavelengths, and frequent repeated photographs at specific sites
From right to left: Prof. Daniel Yekuthiali, Prof. Yoav Binyamini and Prof. Ruth Heller. Photo: Tel Aviv University spokesperson

Researchers from Tel Aviv University have won the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in Statistics

The King of Belgium's Baudouin Science Foundation awarded the prestigious Rousseau Prize in Statistics to Prof. Yoav Binyamini, Prof. Daniel Yekuthiali and Prof. Ruth Heller from the Department of Statistics and Performance Research at Tel Aviv University for