Israeli startup CardiacSense has developed a smartwatch heart monitor which is almost as accurate as an ECG machine; University of Haifa researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that affects the growth hormone receptor gene; Israeli Government bonds will be even more highly desirable shortly, when included in the Citigroup World Government Bond Index (WGBI), and much more.
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Wrist-wearable heart monitor
Israeli startup CardiacSense has developed a smartwatch heart monitor which is almost as accurate as an ECG machine. Its revolutionary heart arrhythmia detection measures blood pressure using a PPG (photoplethysmogram). Then touch the wristband to get an ECG.
https://www.cardiacsense.com/
Gene mutation extends life by a decade
In a study of American male Jews over the age of 100, University of Haifa researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that affects the growth hormone receptor gene. Men with this mutation live on average 10 years longer than those without it. http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Health-and-Science/Change-in-gene-adds-a-decade-to-the-lives-of-men-only-497162
Azerbaijan deputy PM has heart surgery in Israel
Abid Sharifov, Azerbaijan’s deputy Prime Minister, was flown to Israel after his doctors determined his heart condition was life-threatening. Surgeons at Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center unblocked an artery and fitted Sharifov with a pacemaker and defibrillator.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/azerbaijans-deputy-pm-flown-to-israel-for-heart-treatment/
EU loan for flu vaccine trial
The European Investment Bank has granted a 20 million Euro loan to Israeli biotech BiondVax to fund the Phase III trials of its Universal Flu Vaccine.
http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-20m-eu-loan-to-fund-biondvax-phase-iii-trial-1001193180
Chief of Police donates bone marrow to save a life
Meir Pulver spends his days protecting Israel’s population. He is Chief Superintendent of Israel’s Police Force. Thanks to Israeli charity Ezer Mizion he donated bone marrow to save the life of Chana, and give her the chance to see her seven grandchildren grow up.
http://www.ezermizion.org/blog/watching-the-grandchildren-grow-up-together/
Longer-lasting treatment
I’ve reported previously (here) on the deutetrabenazine treatment for Huntington’s disease from Israel’s Teva. But the reason it is so effective is because Teva replaced some of the hydrogen atoms with the heavier isotope deuterium, so that more of it can resist stomach acids and reach the intestines.
https://qz.com/950643/austedo-for-huntingtons-disease-teva-pharmaceuticals-has-found-a-nifty-way-to-keep-drugs-in-your-body-for-longer/
US approval for spinal treatment software
I reported previously (July 31) on the Mazor X guidance systems for spinal surgery from Israel’s Mazor Its latest module X Align has just received US FDA approval, allowing surgeons to create a 3D alignment plan that simulates the impact of proposed surgery on the patient’s posture.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/mazor-gets-fda-nod-for-spinal-deformities-software/
Two kibbutzniks founded a NASDAQ biotech
Israelis Dror Ben-Asher and Ori Shilo founded the biotech RedHill BioPharma – named after the earth-red hill that the kibbutz overlooked. Now their company is successfully trialing treatments to cure Crohn’s disease, Helicobacter pylori, stomach cancer and much more.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/kibbutz-duo-turned-entrepreneurs-on-quest-to-whip-gut-bugs/
Soft suit exoskeleton for stroke patients
Israel’s ReWalk has unveiled its prototype for a soft suit exoskeleton, to enable many of the millions with lower limb disabilities to walk upright. Initially, the new “Restore” suits will be used to assist stroke survivors, followed by multiple sclerosis patients.
http://rewalk.com/rewalk-unveils-soft-suit-exoskeleton-for-stroke-patients/
Competition to diagnose cervical cancer
I reported previously about Israeli startup MobileODT (was MobileOCT) that uses smartphones to detect cervical cancer. Now Intel is offering a $50,000 prize to the best algorithm and Artificial Intelligence that can diagnose cancer from MobileODT’s smartphone images.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/intel-holds-competition-to-help-spot-cervical-cancer/
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