Weizmann scientists lead the team that observed - and measured - the earliest supernova explosion ever, an estimated three hours after it began. Tight coordination between multiple observatories and institutions enabled these unprecedented measurements, which were then analyzed by a global team.
March 2017
Looking back at the very earliest oceans, Dr. Itay Halevy found that they started off acidic and gradually became alkaline. His work sheds light on how levels of ocean acidity in the past were controlled by carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, an important process for understanding the effects of climate change, as today the oceans are again becoming acidic.
March 2017
Splitting water molecules to produce hydrogen for fuel holds promise for alternative energy. However, current methods of water splitting also form hydrogen peroxide, which adversely affects the process. Now, Prof. Ron Naaman and an international team have found a way to control the spin of electrons, resulting in hydrogen-peroxide-free water splitting.
February 2017
Our livers perform a host of vital functions, including clearing our bodies of toxins and producing most of the carrier proteins in our blood. Weizmann researchers have now shown that the liver’s amazing multitasking capacity is due at least in part to a clever division of labor among its cells. In fact, they say, “We’ve found that liver cells can be divided into at least nine different types, each specializing in its own tasks.”
February 2017
The lab of Prof. Alon Chen has found that, besides our classic stress response – an acute reaction that gradually abates when the threat passes – we appear to have a separate mechanism that deals only with chronic stress. The team found a new mechanism that apparently regulates the stress response. These findings may lead to better diagnosis of and treatment for anxiety and depression.
February 2017
How were the Earth's solid deposits of iron ore created? While researching possible conditions on Mars, Dr. Itay Halevy discovered “green rust“ - rare today, but apparently common billions of years ago. While this would have been just one of several means of iron deposition, green rust seems to have delivered a large proportion of iron to our early ocean.
January 2017
Malaria is still a global scourge, killing mostly children in tropical regions. Developing an inexpensive vaccine that can stay stable without refrigeration has so far eluded scientists. Now, Dr. Sarel Fleishman's lab has reprogrammed proteins in such a way that they could lead to a new and effective vaccine.
January 26, 2017
How do white blood cells - the immune cells that race to the sites of infection and inflammation - actually get to their targets? The research of Prof. Ronen Alon has revealed that the white blood cells actually force their way through the blood vessel walls to reach the infection, creating large holes. This understanding could aid in cancer research.
For the first time, viruses have been found to communicate with one another, leaving short “posts” for kin and descendants. The messages help the viruses reading them to decide how to proceed with the process of infection.
©2019 American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science
