GOOD NEWS FROM AMAZING ISRAEL FROM MICHAEL ORDMAN
www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com
Israeli innovations continue to flow at an amazing pace. This week’s newsletter includes medical cures for Alzheimer’s and Covid; a cancer mutation database and saliva-based testing kits. The EU awarded a top prize to a female Israeli innovator; Israelis developed innovative devices for the disabled; and Innovation: Africa showcased to 25 African UN Ambassadors. Technological innovations include a new process for extracting hydrogen from water; purifying polluted water using UV LED light; capturing atmospheric CO2 in balloons; and destroying coronavirus using millimeter radiation. In business, Mastercard has opened an Israeli innovation lab; Israeli smart trolleys are heading to the US; and an Israeli startup has launched more virtual shops…..Michael Ordman
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Breakthrough in Alzheimer’s research. Scientists at Israel’s Technion Institute have developed a method of removing copper ions that cause the toxic buildup of amyloid plaque in Alzheimer’s patients. Professor Galia Maayan and PhD student Anastasia Behar have patented the groundbreaking “chelation” (extraction) process.
https://nocamels.com/2021/11/israel-scientists-molecule-alzheimers-disease-technion/
Genetic database saves lives in 44 countries. Israel’s Genoox (see here previously) has developed Franklin – a repository of genetic biopsy information relating to cancer mutations. Doctors in more than 1700 healthcare organizations in over 44 countries use Franklin to personalize cancer treatments to the patient’s genetic makeup.
https://nocamels.com/2021/11/genoox-precision-medicine-analyzing-genetic-data/
Covid treatment reduced deaths by 70%. (TY Hazel) In its latest Phase 2 trial at three major Israeli hospitals, MesenCure from Israel’s Bonus BioGroup (see here previously) reduced Covid-19 deaths to 6.7% compared to 23.3% of the control group. It is now aiming for emergency use authorization in US, EU, and Israel.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/coronavirus/israeli-drug-for-severe-covid-reduces-death-by-70-percent-phase-2-trial-686879
Saliva-based test kits. Israel’s Salignostics has developed Salistick, the world’s first and only saliva-based rapid pregnancy test kit. It detects the pregnancy hormone β-hCG and delivers a test result in 10 minutes. Another of Salignostics kits, SaliCov, detects Covid-19 from saliva in just 15 minutes.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3922310,00.html https://www.salignostics.com/salistick/
https://nocamels.com/2021/11/salignostics-world-first-saliva-based-pregnancy/ https://www.salignostics.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WinGNhtSBnw
The memory can aid healing. Researchers at Israel’s Technion (a team of Jews and Arabs) have discovered that the brain can induce a psychosomatic response not only to cause illness, but also to heal it. Inflammation in mice activated specific neurons which later could be manipulated to re-create or control the inflammation.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S009286742101223X?dgcid=coauthor
UK extends partnership for research into aging. The Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange (BIRAX) partnership has launched a new £1.6 million grant program to fund joint research between Israeli and UK scientists in the field of ageing. (see here for 2018 initiative)
https://english.tau.ac.il/news/healthy-aging-research https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/316469
Stay on your feet. Comprehensive article describing the innovative device from Israel’s Votis (see here previously) that can identify peripheral artery disease (PAD) in its very early stages.
https://www.israel21c.org/finding-diabetic-foot-disease-before-symptoms-show-up/
$75 million initiative to tackle diabetes. Bar-Ilan University is creating a program to transform diabetes care. The Social Precision-medicine Health Equity Research Endeavour (SPHERE). is supported by a $20 million grant from the Russell Berrie Foundation and will identify genetic mutations that cause diabetes.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/316803
Fixing hearts of children from the Congo. (TY I24 News) Israeli charity Save a Child’s Heart (SACH – see here previously) is bringing its first group of Congolese children to the Jewish state for life-saving heart surgery at the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDTcl8UqLZo
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-israeli-ngo-brings-african-children-to-jewish-state-for-heart-surgery/
Saving a life while wearing pajamas. United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Noemie was asleep after finishing a late shift in the pediatric ward of Sheba Hospital. She was suddenly alerted to go to the aid of a 92-year-old unconscious woman but had no time to get dressed. She saved her patient, performing CPR in her pajamas!
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/316902
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Solutions for the disadvantaged. Israeli-founded Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM – see here previously) has just held its latest virtual TOM Global Innovation Challenge to provide tailored solutions to people with disabilities, the elderly or poor. The winner was a 3D-printed hand support, enabling 5-year-old Shani to draw, play and eat.
https://www.israel21c.org/makers-design-helpful-devices-for-people-with-disabilities/
EU prize for female innovator. Israel’s Dr. Daphne Haim-Langford is one of the three winners of the 2021 EU Prize for Women Innovators, awarded to founders of successful innovative companies. Dr Haim-Langford (previously of Israel’s Eximore) is CEO of Israel’s Tarsier (targeting autoimmune inflammatory eye diseases)
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-pharmaceutical-executive-wins-2021-eu-prize-for-women-innovators/
Flight school’s first female squadron leader. For the first time, a woman was appointed as a squadron leader in the Israel Air Force’s flight school. Major ‘Yud’ will command the IDF school’s combat navigators’ squadron and train the next generation of navigators. (see here for previous female IAF leaders)
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-air-force-flight-school-gets-first-female-squadron-leader/
She Space. The International Astronautical Federation has awarded Ben Gurion University an excellence award for its educational project entitled “She Space”. The project encourages girls to be involved in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) studies.
https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/pages/news/shespace_award.aspx
Israelis set up a US bank with a charitable ethos. Spiral is an Israel-founded socially-responsible “neobank” (on-line bank) for US customers. Up to $250,000 of each customer’s savings are protected by FDIC Insurance. Its app facilitates easy donations to any charity with a 501c3 designation, which Spiral matches up to $150.
https://www.israel21c.org/a-bank-with-a-charitable-ethos-and-no-building/ https://www.spiral.us/
Arabs and Jews blend in Abu Ghosh. Chen Kupperman is founder of the non-profit Blend.ar (short for Blend Arabic) a unique Arabic language school in Abu Ghosh. Studies consist of formal classes, informal practice in small groups with Arab tutors, and involvement in the daily lives of the residents of the Israeli-Arab town.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/immersive-arabic-program-invites-israelis-to-blend-into-life-in-abu-ghosh/
Surfside firefighters visit Israel. 15 firefighters from Florida, Ohio and Virginia who had worked with the Israelis at the Surfside Miami disaster, came to Israel for five days. They participated in a rescue training drill with the IDF Home Front Command and conducted a joint review of the Surfside rescue operation.
https://www.israel21c.org/surfside-firefighters-visit-israel-to-train-with-rescue-specialists-who-aided-them/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-surfside-tragedy-us-team-visits-israel-to-develop-joint-rescue-doctrine/
Sustainable energy in refugee camps. Israel’s HomeBiogas (see here previously) has won a UN contract to supply refugee camps in several African counties with systems to convert organic waste into cooking gas and fertilizer. HomeBiogas will soon distribute around a dozen systems in Africa, increasing over time.
https://www.israel21c.org/homebiogas-wins-un-deal-to-convert-waste-in-refugee-camps/
Eilat birding center wins UN recognition. The UN Conference of the Parties (COP15) on biological diversity chose the International Birding & Research Center in Eilat as one of the 19 (out of 258) most outstanding projects presented. Millions of birds migrate across Eilat – the only land-bridge connecting Eurasia and Africa.
https://www.israel21c.org/in-eilat-everyone-bands-together-for-the-safety-of-birds/
Israeli UN event with 25 African ambassadors. (TY WIN) Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan together with Innovation: Africa founder Sivan Ya’ari held a program to showcase Israel’s technology and boost ties between the Jewish state and Africa. It was attended by 25 ambassadors from Africa.
https://www.jns.org/erdan-holds-event-at-un-to-bolster-relations-between-israel-and-africa/
UK and Israel sign 10-year agreement. The UK and Israel signed a new memorandum of understanding to work more closely over the next decade on cyber, technology, trade, defense, and security. A new UK-Israel Bilateral Roadmap “will elevate the UK-Israel relationship to a strategic partnership” for the next 10 years.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-israel-strategic-partnership-memorandum-of-understanding-2021
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Pre-IDF cybersecurity program for women. Israel’s Cyber Defense Directorate and IDF’s C4I have launched a 15-week pre-enlistment program for women that focuses on cybersecurity training that they can use during their IDF service and benefit from later when they enter the job force. Some 80 women are currently enrolled.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/pre-idf-program-seeking-young-women-to-train-in-cybersecurity-skills/
Hydrogen from water. scientists at Israel’s Technion Institute have developed another innovative process to efficiently produce hydrogen from water (see here previously). It is the fastest system of its kind reported so far that operates with available metal (copper) catalysts.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/2021/09/hydrogen-water-electrolysis-clean-fuel/
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.1c03225
Clean water for everyone. Israel’s Alumor has developed a water-purification technology based on ultraviolet LED light. Miriam’s Well (named from the Bible) is solar-powered and can purify any type of surface water. It produces water at a low price, uses very little energy and can purify a liter of water every 10 minutes.
https://nocamels.com/2021/11/alumor-miriam-well-israel-water-tech/ https://alumor.tech/
Water from the air in your car. (TY Hazel) US carmaker Ford is partnering with Israel’s Watergen (see here previously) to deliver a built-in drinking water generator in their adventure and recreational vehicles. Customers of the new Ford Ranger can install the Watergen Mobile Box, to produce up to 25 liters of drinking water a day.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/ford-taps-israeli-water-from-air-firm-watergen-for-in-vehicle-drinking-water/
https://www.jns.org/ford-israeli-fresh-water-technology-mobile-systems-to-be-installed-on-vehicles/
Capturing CO2 by balloon. (TY UWI & WIN) Israel’s High Hopes Labs is creating a fleet of balloons that can each capture a ton of CO2 from the atmosphere. Ten miles high, carbon dioxide freezes and becomes easier to remove. The wind blows it into a CO2 filter inside a pressurized storage vessel carried by the balloon.
https://www.israel21c.org/fleets-of-balloons-could-clean-co2-from-air/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkCqGBrkyIk
Disinfecting coronavirus in seconds. Scientists at Israel’s Ariel University have shown that millimeter waves can be used as an effective tool to kill over 99% of viruses (including coronavirus) on different surfaces in just two seconds. This is much faster and safer than using UV radiation.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/coronavirus/special-radiation-can-kill-covid-19-and-polio-virus-israeli-study-shows-686981 https://www.ariel.ac.il/wp/rnd/en/remote-inactivation-of-the-corona-virus/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34456659/
Better than Iron Dome. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has unveiled a new state-of-the-art defense system that uses electromagnetic beams to down targets. The “Scorpius” system is efficient in eliminating both ground and aerial threats by disrupting systems, such as radar, electronic sensors, navigation, and data communications.
https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/ryu00pk5py
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ziGG89M2ak
Drone partnership to zap mosquitos. Israeli malaria-fighting startup ZzappMalaria (see here previously) has partnered Israeli autonomous drone solutions platform Airobotics (see here previously). Their $300,000 pilot project will locate stagnant water across sub-Saharan Africa where mosquitos are likely to congregate.
https://nocamels.com/2021/12/zzapp-malaria-airobotics-drones-africa/
Another pilotless helicopter. Israel’s Steadicopter has unveiled a new unmanned helicopter (see here for others). The Black Eagle 50 Electric is marketed as the first electrically powered unmanned helicopter with a maximum takeoff weight of 50kg. It makes it ideally suitable for search and rescue and heavy cargos.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-defense-company-steadicopter-unveils-new-unmanned-helicopter/
Meet Gary the robot. Israel’s Unlimited Robotics (see here previously) has unveiled Gary – named from the initials of the 3 children of CEO Guy Altagar – Gali, Rani and Yaeli. Gary is a robot that does household chores such as picking up toys or socks, watering plants and stripping bedsheets. He’ll be on the market next year.
https://www.israel21c.org/meet-gary-the-robot-who-can-tidy-your-house-and-do-the-laundry/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Still A+. Fitch Ratings reaffirmed Israel’s A+ rating with a stable outlook. It said the improvement in Israel’s finances in 2021 has been “driven by the strong economic rebound, the gradual withdrawal of pandemic support measures, and particularly buoyant fiscal revenue from high-tech sectors.” It also praised Israel’s new budget.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/fitch-reaffirms-israels-a-rating-citing-state-budget-approval/
Morocco buys Israeli anti-drone defense systems. (TY Hazel) Morocco has purchased Israel’s Skylock Dome anti-drone defense system to “preserve the country’s national and strategic stability”. Morocco acquired five systems, in a deal signed at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi.
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2021/11/345650/morocco-purchases-israels-skylock-dome-system
https://www.skylock1.com/
Mastercard opens Israeli innovation lab. (TY Hazel) Financial services giant Mastercard and Italy’s Enel X officially opened their “FinSec Innovation Lab” in Beersheba. It will work with Israeli cybersecurity startups, focusing on digital identity and authentication, platform security, fraud prevention and countering ransomware.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/mastercard-opens-fintech-cybersecurity-innovation-lab-in-beersheba/
Smart trolleys heading for the US. Israel’s A2Z Smart Technologies (see here previously) is launching a pilot program for its Cust2mate smart shopping carts with Evergreen Kosher Market in New York and New Jersey. A2Z also launched a pilot with Morton Williams supermarkets in October.
https://www.morningstar.com/news/accesswire/676317msn/a2z-smart-technologies-launches-second-us-pilot-with-evergreen-kosher-market
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/a2z-smart-technologies-launches-first-115000792.html
Virtual shops are eco-friendly. Israel’s ByondXR (see here previously) is marketing itself as a sustainable alternative to physical stores. It generates no waste, no pollution from customers’ cars, no cleaning. Its pop-up stores now include Armani, L’Oréal, and Proctor & Gamble. It is active in 20 countries, using eight languages.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/spotlight/israeli-startup-launches-shopping-into-the-metaverse/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLfg94jyUQA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwp7sJ4NX-o
Significant exits: Since the beginning of the year, some 86 Israeli tech companies have been bought at a total acquisition value of $9.5 million. This is in addition to the $40 billion invested in Israeli startups, 28 Unicorns and 20 more going public on Wall Street. Latest is Intel’s acquisition of Screenovate for $150 million.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3921974,00.html
https://www.timesofisrael.com/acquisitions-of-israeli-companies-reach-9-5b-value-so-far-in-2021/
Takeovers by Israeli startups: Israel’s Minute Media has acquired Israel’s Wazimo Media for at least $60 million;
Investment in Israeli startups: (November investments under $30 million)
Lumigo raised $29 million; Swimm raised $27.6 million; Bit raised $25 million; Frontegg raised $25 million; Anyword raised $21 million; AI21 Labs raised $20 million; Cymbio raised $20 million; Darrow raised $20 million; N-Drip raised $20 million; Xtend raised $20 million; Velocity raised $17 million; Vensica raised $16 million; Anchor raised $15 million; Vesttoo raised $15 million; Blink Technologies raised $14 million; GigaSpaces raised $13.5 million; Imagindairy raised $13 million; Whatslly raised $11 million; Autotalks raised $10 million; Geneyx Genomex raised $10 million; Neema raised $10 million; Agora raised $9 million; Shield-IoT raised $7.4 million; NeuraLight raised $5.5 million; Oxeye raised $5.3 million; LeO raised $5 million; Zenity raised $5 million; Blings.io raised $4 million; Staircase AI raised $4 million; Sedric raised $3.5 million; Nokku raised $3 million; Svix raised $2.6 million; Spectralics raised $2 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Bedouin ceramics culture. Israeli Arab Zenab Grabia creates ceramics embellished with traditional Bedouin embroidery motifs. Her gallery is a popular stop for tourist groups in Israel, and she also exhibits abroad.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-bedouin-embroidering-her-heritage-onto-plates/
On Center Stage. Future events and activities at Israel’s only dedicated English-speaking theatre in Ra’anana include Sorcerers’ Night (Dec 20), FUN Innovation (22 Dec), Whistle (23 Dec), SongTalk (29 Dec), Cabaret Reflections (30 Dec) and New Year’s Eve. https://www.centerstageisrael.com/
Almost bending credulity. Two thousand twisted pieces of cutlery adorn a 1976 Cadillac parked in the new Uri Geller Museum in Jaffa. Bending spoons was Uri Geller’s trademark. But exhibits also include unique gifts and memorabilia from celebrities, e.g., Houdini’s handcuffs, Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves and much more.
https://www.israel21c.org/uri-geller-museum-a-spoonful-of-celebrity-fun-in-jaffa/
Black Eyed Peas rocks Jerusalem. The Black Eyed Peas performed at Jerusalem’s Pais Arena on the 29th November, the first major international show in Israel since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Group mastermind will.i.am is a longtime friend of Israel and an investor in Israeli technology.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/black-eyed-peas-rock-jerusalem-arena-with-lots-of-love-for-the-mishpocha/
Miss Universe beautifies Jerusalem. At Jerusalem’s King David Hotel, 40 of the Miss Universe pageant contestants heard Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion say “The Talmud teaches us that God gave 10 measures of beauty to the world, and Jerusalem got nine of them. Well today, we have been blessed with the final one”.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/miss-universe-contestants-visit-jerusalems-king-david-hotel-687435
Seeing the invisible. The Botanical Gardens in Jerusalem is currently featuring an Augmented Reality (AR) art exhibit. “Seeing the Invisible,” features 13 virtual works by established and emerging international artists. Visitors use a dedicated AR app, which superimposes images, text, and sounds onto green spaces in the garden.
https://nocamels.com/2021/11/jerusalem-botanical-gardens-augmented-reality-exhibit/
THE JEWISH STATE
Letting kids just be kids. Jeremy’s Circle is the first organization in Israel focusing on children and teenagers whose parents or siblings have cancer. It has created a “community of fun” with events (such as for Hanukkah) to entertain the children and allow them “just to be kids”.
https://www.israel21c.org/letting-the-kids-of-cancer-patients-just-be-kids/
Permits for Gaza’s Christians. Only 1,000 Christians remain in Gaza – mostly Greek Orthodox. Israel has granted them 500 permits to visit family members and Christian sites in Israel and Judea & Samaria during the holiday season. Israel is also increasing access to Jerusalem for Christians in Judea & Samaria.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkrqds300k
Blessing Israel in song. (TY WIN & ILTV) Religious Jews in Israel can receive the priestly blessing Birkat Cohanim every day. Award-winning Christian and Jewish musicians from the US, Africa and Israel wanted to show solidarity with Israel and they united to produce a beautiful musical rendition of the blessing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NflJg6PY3OU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIE1qIk96Ec
Four Mazeltovs for three generations. Ludmilla (85) and Boris (88) made Aliyah from Russia with their daughter and granddaughter in the 1990s. After studying Judaism at Giyur K’Halacha, all three women decided to convert on the same day, followed by Boris and Ludmila remarrying under a chuppah (wedding canopy).
https://jewishbusinessnews.com/2021/11/08/three-generations-convert-to-judaism-together-on-the-same-day/
The Battle of Lachish. Archeologists have uncovered more verification of the account by the Biblical Prophet Isaiah of the battle of Lachish (see here previously) where the Assyrian army under Sennacherib defeated the Judean forces some 2700 years ago. They found the quarry used by the Assyrians to build their siege ramp.
https://worldisraelnews.com/israeli-study-confirms-battle-recorded-by-prophet-isaiah/
Sticks and stones will not break us. An archeological discovery announced on the first day of Chanukah was a lead slingshot stone found at Tel Zif in Judea. It was inscribed in Greek with the name of Diodotus Tryphon, who reigned over the Seleucid Empire between 142 and 138 BC and fought against the Hasmoneans.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/sling-stone-from-hasmonean-period-found-in-southern-hebron-hills/
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