On the other hand
The new Middle East is still a mirage but Israel’s achievements in the fields of science, medicine and technology are certainly no dream…writes Michael Kuttner.
A ONE DRUG SOLUTION
Could one drug effectively treat incurable inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis as well as neurodegenerative maladies such as Alzheimer’s disease?
All these diseases are associated with pathological amyloid proteins that could be neutralised. It will take several million dollars to start clinical trials of IP-protected peptide — a synthetic protein snippet that significantly reverses the damaging effects of inflammatory diseases and Alzheimer’s disease in mouse models, and restores the learning capacity of Alzheimer’s mice.
Researchers believe that within two years we would know for certain if the academic product can translate into a therapeutic drug to combat inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
FROM ISRAEL TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA
It is well known that Israeli Holsteins are tops in milk production. “Each one averages over 40 liters per day, some as much as 60.” The US average is 30 liters per day, and in Britain 21 liters.
Until now, residents of Papua New Guinea didn’t have a dairy and could buy only imported dairy products.
Israeli technology ensures the cowsheds will be comfortable in the tropical climate of Papua. Even when it’s hot and humid the cows are kept cool. Each has enough space to rest, and the fencing provides active and passive ventilation when there is no wind.
Equipment for the milking parlor is supplied by an Israeli Company and Israeli agricultural technology is employed on the fields around the farm that grow grass and corn for silage. Israeli water technology is used in every step from collecting and treating river water to using it for irrigating the fields and watering the cows. The first lactation cycle for these cows is yielding 25 to 30 liters daily per cow. That amount will increase with the second lactation and in generations to come as the genetics are improved.
In their native New Zealand, these cows would be grazed and would therefore produce an average of 13 liters a day per head. Grazing has its pros and cons — the cows are free to roam and munch vegetation in nature, but on the other hand they’re exposed to the elements and don’t produce as much milk as do cows that are fed a precise diet inside a climate-controlled environment where each is monitored electronically for signs of distress.
Every cow has an electronic ID tag with sensors measuring her behavior, activity and output, all stored in a computer to help the farm manager detect any changes.
ISRAEL IS VEGAN FRIENDLY
The country is a leader in the switch to vegan eating: plant-based restaurants are thriving and easily accessible to the 1 million Israelis – out of a population of 8 million – who don’t eat meat.”
Approximately 5 percent of Israelis identify as vegan, the highest percentage of vegans per capita in the world. About 8% Israelis are vegetarian, avoiding meat but eating animal-derived products such as cheese and eggs.
Watch participants in the first Vegan Birthright tour of Israel enjoying their visit and how it changed their lives:
When most people think of Jerusalem they believe it is a city stuck in the past. Today the Capital is witnessing a building boom not experienced since the time of King Herod. In addition it is becoming a hub for technological innovation. This short video explains how this is happening and also gives you a glimpse at some of the stunning architectural sights in the city.
