About Us
Founded in 1944, the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science develops philanthropic support for the Weizmann Institute in Israel, and advances its mission of science for the future of humanity.
https://www.weizmann-usa.org/news-media/news-releases/surviving-on-an-empty-battery/
Aug 17, 2023... REHOVOT, ISRAEL—August 17, 2023—Every time we make a call, send a text message, or watch a video, some of the energy stored in the cell phone battery is depleted. Living cells also store energy in “currencies” they can cash in when needed to fuel life processes. The main energy currency used by all life on Earth is a molecule known as ATP. But even though charging cells with ATP molecules is of vital importance, discharging them could be equally crucial – and potentially lifesaving.
Sep 05, 2023... REHOVOT, ISRAEL—September 6, 2023—A research team headed by Prof. Jacob Hanna at the Weizmann Institute of Science has created complete models of human embryos from stem cells cultured in the lab – and managed to grow them outside the womb up to day 14. As reported today in Nature, these synthetic embryo models had all the structures and compartments characteristic of this stage, including the placenta, yolk sac, chorionic sac and other external tissues that ensure dynamic and adequate growth.
Nov 23, 2023... REHOVOT, ISRAEL—November 23, 2023—Organic debris slowly settles into the seabed, where it is consumed by microorganisms. Initially, some microbes use molecular oxygen to oxidize this organic matter, much like we do in the process of aerobic respiration. Once the oxygen runs out, most of the remaining organic matter is consumed by other microbes in an anaerobic respiration process called “microbial sulfate reduction.” In this process, the organic matter is oxidized by sulfate, the fifth most abundant ion in seawater. The sulfate is reduced to sulfide, a small molecule with the distinctive odor of rotten eggs. But in the presence of iron, sulfide is sequestered in a much more appealing (and less smelly) state: the iron-sulfide mineral pyrite, also known as “fool’s gold” because of its golden appearance and relatively low market value.
Dec 02, 2023... REHOVOT, ISRAEL—December 2, 2023— Enamel, the hardest and most mineral-rich substance in the human body, covers and protects our teeth. But in one of every 10 people – and one-third of children with celiac disease – this layer appears defective, failing to protect the teeth properly. As a result, teeth become more sensitive to heat, cold and sour food, and they may decay faster. In most cases, the cause of the faulty enamel production is unknown.
Jan 18, 2024... REHOVOT, ISRAEL—January 18, 2024—Winning a battle requires precise intelligence and unwavering resolve. But when it comes to the battle against cancer, the immune system’s soldiers – called T cells – quickly become exhausted, and intelligence-providing dendritic cells are scarce. This is one of the reasons why the great promise of immunotherapy – a new generation of treatments that harness the body’s own immune system to fight cancer – has not been fully realized.
Mar 25, 2024... How are environmental pollutants affecting our health? And what can we do about it? Watch what the Weizmann Institute of Science is doing to study the pollutants that lead to health problems, and learn how our scientists are working to maintain a healthy environment for a healthy population. The next 10 years are crucial. Our goal is to make them count.