How Weizmann Institute scientists are advancing food security in an insecure era
Our rapidly changing climate makes it more imperative than ever to have reliable, affordable forms of energy. As head of the Institute's Alternative Energy Research Initiative, Prof. David Cahen is helping to make this happen – both through his own work and by issuing grants to Weizmann scientists pursuing alternative energy solutions.
Weizmann scientists are unlocking the secrets of plant metabolism, genetics, and development and are concentrating their biochemical, molecular, and genomics-oriented research to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in developing countries, and to improve human health all over the world.
December 11, 2012
New research by the Weizmann Institute's Dr. Ilan Koren and colleagues, including at NASA, indicates that the effects of human activity on the atmosphere are apparently leading to faster, heavier rain, which is more likely to be destructive.
By studying plant genetics, including how plants regulate the production of vitamins and how they behave under stress, Dr. Asaph Aharoni is taking on the challenge of global malnutrition.
Using techniques such as computer modeling and MRI, Prof. Brian Berkowitz studies how pollutants move in groundwater and seeks better ways to clean up and protect the planet's water.
Prof. Avihai Danon is investigating algae, an ancient, simple, yet incredibly diverse plant with enormous potential. Using genetic engineering, he hopes to unleash algae as a new source of bio-energy.
Prof. Igor Lubomirsky looks for ways to generate energy without self-destruction. He is especially interested in developing ways to store and transport wind and solar power.
The Weizmann Institute's Alternative Energy Research Initiative, led by Prof. David Cahen, aims to provide essential scientific groundwork and develop new power sources to address our energy problems.