Research

We all know that DNA molecules express heredity through genetic information.  However, in the past few years, scientists have discovered that DNA can conduct electrical currents.  This makes it an interesting candidate for roles that nature did not intend for this molecule, such as smaller, faster and cheaper electric circuits in electronic devices, and to detect the early stages of diseases like cancer and COVID-19.

Global Survey of 4,000 Coronavirus Patients Supports Link Between COVID-19 and Loss of Smell and Taste

The researchers’ updated analysis: “preparations must be carried out for tightening the current restrictions. Given the current rate of infection, another outbreak will be significantly worse than the first.” They are not warning of a separate wave, but rather a resurgence of the second wave. 

The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation has generously provided the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) with 15 million NIS to fund coronavirus research.  The donation will fund 60 research teams at HU that are working to find a vaccine, produce faster and cheaper testing methods, and develop targeted treatments for those afflicted by COVID-19. 

Do you remember where you were when you first heard that two planes had crashed into New York’s Twin Towers? Or where you had your first kiss?  Our brains are wired to retain information that relates to the context in which highly significant events occurred.  This mechanism also underlies drug addiction and is the reason why hanging out in an environment or with people associated with memories of drug use often leads to relapse. 

Hebrew University Researchers Crack the Code

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Nowhere is this principle more true than in the world of social media.  There, people choose cab drivers, Airbnb rentals and even life partners based on photos. 

In online transactions like Airbnb, photos play an outsized role in a renter’s decision-making process:  Which host looks trustworthy?  Who do I think will provide me a nice rental--one that closely resembles the photos they posted? 

“The sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem, Ham and Japheth; Ham was the father of Canaan. These were the three sons of Noah, and from them came the people who were scattered over the whole earth.”—Genesis 9:18,19

New Delivery for Antibiotics Arms Medicine in the Fight against Antibiotic Resistance and COVID-19

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed an injectable antibiotic with a new mode of action, which could have a significant impact on the morbidity rate for pandemics such as COVID-19, Yissum, the technology transfer company of the Hebrew University announced today.

A joint Israeli-Italian nanosatellite has been launched into space – with a Hebrew University experiment on board!  

New Drug Targets Common Viruses and Could Treat Current and Future COVID-19 Variants, Influenza, Zika, West Nile, Hepatitis and Future Threats

ViroBlock, a startup company founded by Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) researchers, has developed a new drug platform for rapidly generating anti-viral drugs that target proteins common to all viruses.