Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Health Rounds: Flu drug with compound found in chocolate tops Tamiflu in early study

Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Aug 7

A new drug combo featuring Theobromine (yes, from chocolate!) has outperformed Tamiflu in fighting flu—including drug-resistant strains. Developed by Prof. Isaiah Arkin, the treatment could change how we fight viral infections.

Read more: www.reuters.com/business/hea...

An experimental flu-fighting drug combination that includes a compound found in chocolate is more effective than the current most commonly used influenza treatment, researchers reported in PNAS.

www.reuters.com

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Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jul 31

A new study by PhD student Dmitrii Usenko & Dr. David Helman shows how 3D models from simple videos can accurately estimate leaf area in tomato plants—bringing powerful plant monitoring to any farm, anywhere.

Read here: phys.org/news/2025-07...

3D video method accurately estimates tomato leaf area without costly sensors

A team from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed a low-cost, non-invasive method to estimate total leaf area in dwarf tomato plants using 3D reconstruction from standard video footage. The...

Israeli researchers find way to boost cancer-fighting | The Jerusalem Post

Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jul 29

What powers a stronger immune response to cancer? A new study by PhD student Omri Yosef & Prof. Michael Berger shows that blocking a single protein, Ant2, can rewire T cells’ energy systems—boosting their ability to hunt down and destroy tumors.

Read here: www.jpost.com/health-and-w...

This strategy is part of a growing trend in immunotherapy that focuses not just on guiding immune responses, but on upgrading the cells themselves — enhancing their efficiency from within.

www.jpost.com

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Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jul 28

Wildlife crime is a major threat to biodiversity. #HUJI's Dr. Gila Kahila Bar-Gal has developed advanced DNA forensics to help crack tough cases—from poisoned vultures to poached gazelles—and bring environmental criminals to justice.

Read here: tinyurl.com/ykkbe2xy

New Genetic Forensics Method Helps Solve Complex Wildlife Crime Cases

The work demonstrates how combining advanced genetic tools with local databases can assist conservation authorities in solving even the most complex environmental crimes involving multiple species, bo...

tinyurl.com

Emotional Pain Brain Circuit Drives Cocaine Relapse - Neuroscience News

Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jul 27

Why do so many people relapse after quitting cocaine? A new study by #HUJI's Liran Levi & Prof. Yonatan M. Kupchik reveals a hyperactive “anti-reward” brain circuit that drives emotional pain during withdrawal—and may hold the key to better addiction treatments.

Read here: shrtlink.ai/eEU1

A new study reveals that a brain circuit driving negative emotions during cocaine withdrawal plays a key role in relapse.

neurosciencenews.com

Reposted by Hebrew University

Yaniv Elkouby @yanivelkouby.bsky.social · Jul 24

Two Elkouby lab students received the Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social Faculty of Medicine Prizes for Outstanding MSc Thesis today.

Congratulations Amal Shawahny and Adam Ahmad for this well deserved recognition, we are super proud of you!
🎉🐟

Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jul 21

ELSC invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in neuroscience.
We're looking for exceptional early-career scientists to lead innovative, interdisciplinary, and impactful research.
Apply Now:
ttp.huji.ac.il
elsc.huji.ac.il/opportunitie...

People Prefer Human Empathy, Even When AI Says the Same Thing - Neuroscience News

Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jul 2

Even when AI gets it exactly right, people still prefer empathy they believe came from a human.
A new study led by #HUJI Prof. @anatperry.bsky.social, in collaboration with @harvard.edu and @utaustin.bsky.social, shows the human touch still matters.

Read more: neurosciencenews.com/ai-human-emp...

A new study shows that people rate empathic responses as more supportive and emotionally satisfying when they believe they come from a human—even if the same response is AI-generated.

neurosciencenews.com

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Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jul 1

A new study by Roy Sadeh, Dr. Ittai Herrmann & Prof. Zvi Peleg from @HujiAgri, in collaboration with @VolcaniInst, uses drone-based thermal & hyperspectral imaging to identify genetic markers for drought-tolerant wheat.
Read more: phys.org/news/2025-05...

Drones and genetics team up for drought-smart wheat

A new study led by researchers at the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at Hebrew University and the Volcani Institute changes the way scientists uncover the secrets of wheat resilience. By...

Prof. Tamir Sheafer Elected President of the Hebrew University

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Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jun 30

Link to the full statement on our website:
en.huji.ac.il/news/prof-ta...

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem announced today (Monday) that Prof. Tamir Sheafer has been elected as its next president. The decision was approved by the University's Executive Committee and Board...

en.huji.ac.il

Prof. Tamir Sheafer Elected President of the Hebrew University

Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jun 30

Continuing... “Having worked with him extensively in his role as rector, I am confident that he will bring a creative vision and excellent managerial skills to his new role, and will be a worthy successor to our outgoing leader, Asher Cohen.”

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem announced today (Monday) that Prof. Tamir Sheafer has been elected as its next president. The decision was approved by the University's Executive Committee and Board...

en.huji.ac.il

Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jun 30

Dan Schlessinger, Chair of the Board of Governors:
“I am delighted that Professor Sheafer will be taking on the role of president. His long-term commitment to the University is unsurpassed.”

Confronting the myths of Hitler and the Holocaust - opinion

Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jun 30

Big news from Hebrew University!
Congratulations to Prof. Tamir Sheafer on his appointment as our next President, beginning October 2025.

He will succeed Prof. Asher Cohen, who led the university for the past 8 years.

Photo Credit: Vered Farkarsh

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Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jan 27

🕯 This Int. Holocaust Memorial Day, we reflect on the power of storytelling to confront myths of Hitler and the Holocaust. Dr. Yael Ben-Moshe explores Joachim A. Lang’s innovative merging of Holocaust films and depictions of Nazi Germany in her op-ed.

For the full article: jpost.com/opinion/arti...

Joachim A. Lang’s groundbreaking approach merges two cinematic genres –Holocaust films and depictions of Nazi Germany – previously kept separate.

jpost.com

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Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jan 27

Congratulations to Prof. Elad Gross from the Department of Chemistry, Prof. Dani Ben-Zvi from the Faculty of Medicine, and Prof. Ami Citri from the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences on winning the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) grants of the European Union.

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Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jan 26

👶A study by Prof. Ariel Knafo-Noam & Dr. Yonat Rum from #HUJI, Dr. Hila Segal & Adi Barkan (Academic College of Tel-Aviv–Jaffa) uncovers how developmental gaps influence dominance roles in twins—highlighting parental perceptions' impact.

For the full article: jpost.com/health-and-w...

How can you raise twins when one is more robust than the other?

Despite the joys, the stress of diapering, feeding, bathing, paying for their expenses, coping with lack of sleep, and even playing with more than one baby at a time can be overwhelming.

jpost.com

Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jan 26

🧬 Life begins with precision! New study led by #HUJI Prof. Yaniv Elkouby sheds light on how the Balbiani body organizes key molecules for embryonic development. Using zebrafish models, they’ve unlocked secrets with implications for health & science.

For the full article: phys.org/news/2025-01...

The Balbiani body: Cracking the secret of embryonic beginnings

Researchers have uncovered how egg cells prepare for the creation of life. Their work reveals the secrets of the Balbiani body (Bb), a remarkable structure that organizes essential molecules to guide ...

Scientist Reveals How Stress Triggers Depression Through Inflammation

Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jan 26

What’s the link between stress, brain inflammation, and depression? 🧠 Prof. Raz Yirmiya shares groundbreaking insights in a Genomic Press interview, pointing to personalized therapies as the future of depression treatment.

Learn more: scitechdaily.com/scientist-re...

In a groundbreaking Genomic Press Interview, Professor Raz Yirmiya discusses his innovative research at the intersection of inflammation and depression. Revealing new connections between stress and br...

scitechdaily.com

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Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jan 26

Who’s spotting UFOs?🛸 New research by Dr. Ohad Raveh (Hebrew U) and Dr. Nathan Goldstein (Bar Ilan Uni) finds that UFO sightings are more common in wealthy areas—and rise during economic downturns.

Learn more: www.israel21c.org/why-do-rich-...

Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jan 26

Can we slow down Alzheimer’s? 🧠 New research led by Prof. Ehud Cohen and Huadong Zhu from #HUJI reveals how suppressing TGF-β signaling boosts the body’s natural defenses against toxic proteins. A step closer to therapies for healthy aging.

Learn more: medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01...

Unlocking proteostasis: A new frontier in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's

Scientists have uncovered a powerful ally in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases: a nucleolar complex that plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular health through protein homeostasis (pro...

medicalxpress.com

Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jan 26

👏 Huge congratulations to Hebrew University students Evyatar Cohen & Tamir Herzberg for taking home the Figgie Award for Excellence in Design! Their game Breaking News has wowed players and judges alike with its unique concept & alt.ctrl creativity. 🎮

Photo Credit: Karina Bialo

Photo Credit: Karina Bialo
In the photo: Left to right: Evyatar Cohen, Tamir Herzberg, Danil Bialo

Framework tracks 'learning curve' of AI to decode complex genomic data

Hebrew University @hebrewuniversity.bsky.social · Jan 26

Introducing Annotatability: A new AI-powered framework by #HUJI researchers, led by Jonathan Karin, Reshef Mintz, Dr.
Barak Raveh & Dr. Mor Nitzan, to tackle ambiguities in genomic data and improve single-cell analysis

For the full article: phys.org/news/2025-01...

Researchers have introduced Annotatability—a powerful new framework to address a major challenge in biological research by examining how artificial neural networks learn to label genomic data. Genomic...