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Researchers have uncovered how egg cells prepare for the creation of life. Their work reveals the secrets of the Balbiani body, a remarkable structure that organizes essential molecules to guide early embryonic development. Using zebrafish models and cutting-edge imaging, the team discovered how this structure transforms from liquid droplets into a stable core, laying the groundwork for life itself. This discovery sheds light on the extraordinary precision of nature’s reproductive process. 

Israeli and Palestinian engineers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem develop novel metamaterials for the cost-effective injection molding of whole cuts of meat. 

A study reveals that the structure of milk fat globules, rather than their chemical composition, plays a key role in their interactions with bacteria. Small globules promote the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bacillus subtilis, while larger ones trigger biofilm formation, a behavior linked to bacterial adaptation. These findings demonstrate milk’s natural protective mechanisms and highlight its potential to support gut health, offering significant implications for dairy science and nutrition.

A new study has uncovered a surprising link between Alzheimer’s disease and Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1). Researchers found HSV-1 proteins embedded in Alzheimer’s brains, revealing how the virus is inhibited by tau protein—a key player in the disease. These insights could pave the way for innovative treatments targeting viral activity and the brain’s immune response to slow or even stop Alzheimer’s progression.

A new study reveals that typically developing twins consistently take on the dominant role over their nontypically developing siblings, even after developmental gaps are resolved. By highlighting how parental perceptions shape these dynamics, the research offers fresh insights into the delicate balance of twin relationships and the importance of fostering equality to support both children’s growth. 

A new study reveals how repeated fasting enhances the liver’s ability to adapt through a cellular memory mechanism. The research shows that alternate-day fasting “sensitizes” key genes and liver enhancers, boosting ketogenesis during subsequent fasting bouts. This process, driven by the transcription factor PPARα, highlights how the body adjusts to recurring nutritional challenges. These findings provide fresh insights into the metabolic benefits of fasting and its potential applications in health and dietary science.

Researchers at the Hebrew University enhanced the Elixhauser Comorbidity Model, improving predictions for length of hospital stay, mortality, readmission, and escalated care. The study outperformed the standard Elixhauser model, offering a comprehensive view of patient complexity. These findings benefit healthcare decisions and patient outcomes, with broad implications for the field.

New research has revealed that fish embryos actively control their hatching timing through a neurohormone, Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH), which triggers the release of enzymes that dissolve the egg wall. This groundbreaking discovery uncovers a previously unknown neural mechanism that governs a critical life-stage transition, showing that embryos are not passive but instead actively make life-or-death decisions. The finding has significant evolutionary implications, offering new insights into neurobiology, survival strategies, and environmental adaptation in vertebrates.

Plus Teaching Posts, Stipends and Studies for Fleeing Ukrainian Academics and University Students

In a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) and HU Student Union hoisted the Ukrainian flag on its campus on Mt. Scopus.  The University and its students seek to send a message of support and encouragement to Ukraine, which is now suffering the second week of a brutal invasion by the Russian military.

Among 2,000 universities surveyed worldwide, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) ranked 90^th in the 2021 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)’s evaluation of higher education institutions.  This marks HU’s best showing since 2016.

(Jerusalem, July 14, 2021) — United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister for Food and Water Security Mariam Al-Muhairi met today with representatives of Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) to promote a research and innovation partnership based on FoodTech and Agtech. As part of her visit, Al-Muhairi met with HU’s Professor Mona Khoury-Kassabri, VP of Strategy and Diversity, Professor Benny Chefetz, Dean of The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, faculty researchers, and Moshe Nadler, CEO of Agricora.

(Jerusalem, June 21, 2021)—In recent years, the use of medical cannabis to treat sick kids is on the rise, although questions remain about the benefits and safety of such treatments. Now, a team of researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) has completed a first-ever meta-analysis of pediatric patients treated with medical cannabis to understand better the risks and benefits of cannabis use among young patients.

Jerusalem, June 8, 2021)— Much has been spoken of in recent years about the ‘brain drain’ taking place at Israeli institutions, but the most recent academic data from the global Shangai Ranking reveals that the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) has maintained its status and even improved in a number of departments.

Professor Hillel Furstenberg, a researcher in the Einstein Institute for Mathematics and professor emeritus at The Hebrew University, was awarded the 2020 Abel Prize – the Nobel Prize of Mathematics. The award recognized his incredible achievements and contributions in the field, and he is the first Israeli to win this prestigious prize.

The Abel Prize, often referred to as the Nobel of Mathematics, was established to recognize contributions that are of “extraordinary depth and influence”.
Today, the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters announced it will award the Abel Prize to Hillel Furstenberg at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Gregory Margulis at Yale University “for pioneering the use of methods from probability and dynamics in group theory, number theory and combinatorics”. 

Startups from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem raised $79 million in the first half of 2020, Yissum, the technology transfer company of the Hebrew University announced today.  Despite the continuing global uncertainty caused by the coronavirus and ongoing lockdowns around the world, 14 Yissum spinouts raised tens of millions of dollars in early stage funding rounds.  

Largest-Ever German-Israeli Academic Grant to Promote Research on Human Rights and Minority Protections in Age of Rising Nationalism and Authoritarianism

The Alfred Landecker Foundation has awarded the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) a $13 million USD grant to fund academic initiatives that focus on the causes and consequences of the Holocaust, promote studies on human rights, minority protection, the rule of law, and reparations for historical wrongs and injustices.

The Hebrew University has appointed Prof. Orly Sade as the new Dean of the School of Business Administration. Prof. Sade brings extensive experience and expertise to her new role, with a focus on analytical and experimental finance, financial market structure, fintech, and crowdfunding.

Prof. Haim Sompolinsky of the Hebrew University and Harvard University has been awarded the Brain Prize for 2024, the largest and most prestigious international prize in neuroscience.

How Changes in Foreign Policy Impact Citizens' Sense of Security in Israel

The Hebrew University is pleased to announce the appointment of Yuval Bronstein as the new chairman of the Board of Managers, succeeding Harel Beit On, founder and managing partner of the Viola Foundation, who has served in this role for the past seven years.

The Hebrew University, in conjunction with all research universities in Israel, announces the opening of the 2023-2024 academic year on December 31st, 2023. The decision to initiate the academic year reflects the University's steadfast dedication to the future of the State of Israel and its commitment to fostering education and research despite challenging circumstances.

The Hebrew University proudly announces its participation in the launch of the AI Alliance, a pioneering collaboration between global industry, academic, research, and government organizations. Set to take place on Tuesday, December 5, this initiative aims to revolutionize the landscape of AI innovation.

Today, the European Research Council (ERC) declared that six researchers from the Hebrew University secured grants at the Consolidator Grant level. These individual grants, ranging from one and a half to two million euros each, cumulatively amount to 11.5 million euros (47 million shekels). This achievement positions the Hebrew University at the forefront among Israeli research universities, boasting the highest number of winners in this category.

As an institution of higher education, the Hebrew University is committed, as a matter of principle, to promoting open dialogue and critical thinking and avoiding restrictions of freedom of speech. This approach applies to all community members.

[Jerusalem, Israel] — In response to the recent horrific attack by Hamas on Israel, occupational therapists, researchers, lecturers, and clinicians at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have come together to express their deep concern and disappointment at the silence of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) regarding the Hamas attack on Israel and tragic events that unfolded on October 7th, 2023.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem takes great pride in congratulating its distinguished professor, Adam Lefstein, on his appointment as a Fellow by the esteemed British Academy. Prof. Lefstein's exceptional contributions serve as a shining example of the excellence and diversity of humanities and social sciences research worldwide, emphasizing the significance of his work.

yesterday, at the 86th convention of the Board of Governors, the Hebrew University awarded 11 honorary doctorates in recognition of the recipients’ contribution to science, society, and the Hebrew University. The doctorates were presented in the presence of senior figures from the public and business sectors, leading researchers at the University, the president of the Hebrew University, Prof. Asher Cohen, and the rector of the Hebrew University, Prof. Tamir Sheffer.

Cyber researchers have uncovered a new malicious attack that sexual predators use to access webcams and record child pornography using a Zoom competitor, Whereby, to gain complete control of the child’s webcam.

we announced today that a ten year research effort studying the genetic contribution for the causation of Childhood Onset Schizophrenia (COS), has now come to an end. Conducted in collaboration between Eitanim of the JMHC and Ness Ziona psychiatric hospitals, Sheba medical center and researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Columbia University in the City of New York, the results were recently published in Schizophrenia Research.