On the other hand
Another week with more drama as Israel winds up to elections again on 17 September.
Politicians may be throwing around worthless promises but our innovators and researchers meanwhile help to promote real progress and good news.
ANOTHER MEDICAL INNOVATION
Two women who were told they’d never have full ankle movement again following accidents they each suffered are the first Israeli recipients of 3D-printed ankle bones that will allow them to move freely.
Thanks to 3D printing and medical technology, as well as leading doctors from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva (also known as the Rabin Medical Center), the two women, one of them a teen, underwent the country’s first (and second) talus replacement through 3D printing surgeries earlier this month.
Before this revolutionary technology, those who had severe ankle accidents could remain virtually immobilized for life.
NEW SUPERFOOD
Mankai, a high-protein form of the aquatic plant duckweed, could be the next superfood because it controls blood sugar levels after people eat carbohydrates, a team of researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) has revealed.
Following two weeks of monitoring with glucose sensors, participants who drank the duckweed shake showed a much better response in a variety of measurements including lower glucose peak levels; morning fasting glucose levels; later peak time; and faster glucose evacuation. The Mankai drinkers also reported feeling fuller.
Mankai duckweed is grown in Israel and in other countries in a closed environment and is highly sustainable – requiring a fraction of the amount of water to produce each gram of protein compared to soy, kale or spinach. It can be grown year-round hydroponically. The tasteless and odorless plant is easily integrated into recipes.
Duckweed is high in protein, polyphenols, dietary fibers, minerals (including iron and zinc), vitamin A, vitamin B complex and vitamin B12. The latter is rarely produced by plants.
THE MIRACLE OF JEWISH SURVIVAL
The miraculous survival of the Jewish People never fails to inspire especially when one lives in the restored Land of Israel and witnesses its revival and rebuilding on a daily basis.
Israel’s relatively vast and under populated Judean desert provides visitors with some unique experiences.
