The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot. (Doron Horowitz/Flash90)

Scientists at Israel’s Weizmann Institute have uncovered a molecule called Agrin, that appears to control the cardiac repair process; Israeli biotech Sol-Gel has announced positive interim results in its Phase II clinical trial for its “Twin” treatment for acne; Researchers at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center have discovered a connection between mild cognitive impairment and the response of that person’s eye pupil to red and blue light, and much more.

ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

A molecule that restores heart function

Scientists at Israel’s Weizmann Institute have uncovered a molecule called Agrin, that appears to control the cardiac repair process. It was discovered in the surrounding supportive tissue of the heart known as the extracellular matrix, or ECM. In lab tests, Agrin healed scar tissue in a month.

https://wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il/life-sciences/young-heart-restoring-cardiac-function-matrix-molecule

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v547/n7662/full/nature22978.html

http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-scientists-successfully-regenerate-damaged-hearts/

Good results in acne dual-treatment trials

Israeli biotech Sol-Gel has announced positive interim results in its Phase II clinical trial for its “Twin” treatment for acne. “Twin” combines two known acne treatments with a unique method of molecular wrapping that makes it easier to penetrate the skin.

http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-sol-gel-reports-positive-phase-ii-acne-trial-1001198353

Alzheimer’s disease can be seen in the eyes

Researchers at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center have discovered a connection between mild cognitive impairment and the response of that person’s eye pupil to red and blue light. More tests will check if loss of retina function is an early warning of Alzheimer’s disease.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-researchers-look-into-eyes-for-early-signs-of-alzheimers/

Eye-Control: life-changing technology

Latest video about Israel’s Eye-Control, a compact and affordable invention that gives a voice to locked-in patients who were unable to communicate, due to diseases such as ALS.  With Eye-Control individuals use their eyes to spell out words and statements, proving that the eyes really are the window into the soul.

£7 million for UK-Israel joint research

The Britain Israel Research Academic Exchange (BIRAX) has funded over £7 million in 15 bilateral research programs including stem cell treatments for multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease and therapies for Type 1 diabetes.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/uk-israel-science-program-has-invested-7m-in-5-years/

Surgery for Fijian children

More than 50 children will undergo free surgery and health screening in Suva, capital of Fiji, by an Israeli team of three doctors and a nurse. The team is part of Mashav, an arm of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, which assists more than 60 countries to alleviate hunger, disease and poverty.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-07/24/c_136467199.htm

Nordic walking and pain

I reported previously (15 Jan) on the unique study led by Israel’s Dr. Donald Silverberg that showed Nordic Pole Walking (NPW) can alleviate chronic low back, hip and/or knee pain.  In this video, Dr. Silverberg describes his study and its eye-opening (and back-straightening) results.

Israeli surgeons save girl on Birthright tour

Kimberly Winkler, from the Dominican Republic, suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm whilst on a Taglit-Birthright tour of Israel.  She was rushed to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem where surgeons performed three delicate operations to save her life.

http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=44087

For this week’s Good News from Israel, click HERE.