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The Hebrew University of Jerusalem announced today (Monday) that Prof. Tamir Sheafer has been elected as its next president. The decision was approved by the University's Executive Committee and Board of Governors. Prof. Sheafer, who currently serves as the university’s rector, will assume the presidency in October 2025, succeeding Prof. Asher Cohen, who will complete two four-year terms in the role.

The Hebrew University paused its activities today for 58 minutes, calling for the release of the 58 hostages still trapped in hell in Gaza.

At gatherings held simultaneously across the university’s four campuses (Mount Scopus, Givat Ram, Ein Kerem, and Rehovot), each minute was dedicated to one of the hostages held by Hamas—for 600 days now.

Professor Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University, urged the Israeli government to do everything in its power to bring them all home now, stating:

A new study has uncovered how stress experienced by mothers during pregnancy leaves a molecular imprint on their babies—starting before birth. The research shows that prenatal stress alters the expression of tiny RNA molecules in newborn blood, particularly in female children, and affects key enzymes in the brain's stress-regulation system. These changes may help explain why some children are more vulnerable to developmental or psychiatric challenges. The study opens new possibilities for early diagnosis and interventions targeting stress-related health risks.

A promising new discovery from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals that cross-linked hyaluronic acid (XHA) significantly enhances the retention and concentration of topical antibiotics in the tear film of dogs. Compared to traditional formulations using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), the XHA-based eyedrops maintained higher drug levels for longer durations. This innovation not only suggests improved treatment outcomes for veterinary patients – it also carries meaningful implications for human medicine.

A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals that bacterial movement plays a central role in the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. The research team discovered that the rotation of flagella in Bacillus subtilis acts as a mechanical signal that activates key conjugation genes. This enables donor bacteria to form clusters with recipients and successfully transfer DNA in liquid environments. The findings suggest that bacteria can use motion to control when and where gene sharing occurs, offering new insight into the spread of resistance across species.

Cigarette smoke causes cancer primarily by damaging the DNA. A new study that mapped the DNA damages caused by smoking, reveals that the way our DNA is organized and chemically modified can influence how cigarette smoke damages it, how well the damage is repaired and how many mutations will form. Specifically, areas of DNA that are more open and active are more prone to damage but also better at repairing themselves, which helps to prevent mutations.

FOOJI – HUJI Center for Sustainable Food Systems in collaboration with GFI Israel, Tnuva, The Kitchen Hub, Aquacultech, Facultech, HUJI Innovate and Food Tech Nation held the first annual Brian Y. Davidson Food Systems Conference on Building Food Systems for Efficiency and Sustainability in a Changing World