Israel at 60 Medical

Jews have always had a high respect for life.
Of course, their Torah is the purest expression of this.

Torah:
“...thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.” Lev. 19:18.

Mishnah:
“Man was first created as a single individual in order to teach the lesson that, whoever destroys even one life, the Torah considers it as if he had destroyed the whole world; and (conversely) whoever saves one life, it is as if he had saved the whole human race.”

Maimonides (Rambam) more than eight centuries ago in the private prayer he composed:
“Endow me with strength of heart and mind so that both may be ready to serve the rich and the poor, the good and the wicked, friend and enemy, and that I may never see in the patient anything else but a fellow human being in pain.”

Rabbi Adin Even-Yisrael (Steinsaltz):
“Each particular spark, each individual soul, is unique and special, in terms of its essence, its capacity, and what is demanded of it. No two souls coincide in their actions, their functions, and their paths. No one can take the place of another, and even the greatest of the great cannot fill the special role, the particular place, of another that may be the smallest of the small. From this notion, incidentally, derives Judaism’s profound respect for human life. The life of a person is something that has no possible substitute or exchange; nothing and no one can take its place.”

2008

—“New shoe” helps kids with cerebral palsy walk.
—Sialo Technology brings a new world of high-tech solutions to the world of dentistry, from a device that can blast salivary duct stones to a tiny endoscope for root canal treatments.
—Scientists, from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered that sweat ducts in our skin are structured as an array of minute antennas that can act as remote sensors giving out invaluable information on our emotional and physiological state.
—Orthogon develops device that heals bone fractures and lengthens limbs with minimal discomfort.
—Mazor Surgical Technologies develops C-InSight, turning 2-Dimension into 3-D for orthopedic surgeons.
—LycoRed provides a natural sunscreen made from lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene and tocopherols (Vitamin E). It prevents sunburn and wrinkles.
—University of Haifa scientists demonstrate that molecules extracted from wild reishi fungus slow growth of prostate cancer.
—CellDetect distinguishes between normal and malignant cells. If cells stain green they are normal, if red they are cancerous.
—SenseUrine puts a leaky bladder back on track.
—Researchers discover too much night light interferes with production of a hormone melatonin, raising the risk of breast cancer.
—LifeMel Honey made by bees fed on special therapeutic nectar, reduces anemia and builds the immune system of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
—EarlySense ES-16 system monitors patient’s heart and respiratory condition without hooking them up to a machine.

2007

—Nutrinia brings the magic of mother’s milk to baby formula with bioactive insulin protein.
—Autistic children get a ‘Biohug’ from biofeedback jacket that delivers mildly pulsating pressure to the body to calm an autistic child.
—The Israeli brain vitamin Lipogen PS (Phosphatidylserine), an Israeli-produced natural food supplement, improves brain functions in children and adults. Also, it delays symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s. FDA approved in the US.
—Target-In develops ‘guided missiles’ that recognize and kill inflamed cells from tumors and other diseases by making the cells commit suicide.
—Alzheimer’s Treatment through the nose. A harmless bacterial virus when carried to the brain through the nose locks onto the extracellular plaques associated with Alzheimer’s and dissolves them.
—C-Boot develops lightweight compression leggings to rehabilitate peripheral vascular disorders, including deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, venous ulcers, and lymphoedema.
—Technion develops auditory feedback system for patients with MS or Parkinson’s disease to improve their walking.
—Chemical in the cannabis (hashish) plant helps the immune system alleviate a skin disease called allergic contact dermatitis.
—‘Fearless’ clinic offers treatment for phobias by integrating virtual reality (VR) and claims a 90% success rate.
—HealOr develops fast-acting therapy to treat open wounds like diabetic, venous and pressure ulcers. Wounds heal rapidly.
—Technion and Clalit Health Service discover Vitamin E could reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke in type II diabetics.
—Cell therapy helps PAD (blocked arteries) sufferers walk again.
—Immunovative Therapies develops drug that provokes the human immune system to find and destroy cancer cells wherever they reside in the body.
—Novocure develops Novo-TTF, a treatment using electrical fields to interfere with the cell division of brain cancer cells, causing them to stop proliferating and die off.
—The CardioSen’C, a portable electrocardiograph machine developed by SHL, transmits highly detailed data on heart activity to physicians by mobile phone.
—Weizmann Institute finds enzyme to prevent brain damage.
—Judea and Samaria College in Ariel and Technion develop a tiny ‘submarine’ robot to ‘crawl’ through tubes the width of human veins, even going against the blood flow at the speed in which it passes through blood vessels.
—A Technion scientific team creates beating heart tissue from human embryonic stem cells with blood vessels in the tissue, which enables its acceptance by the heart muscle.
—Mazor Surgical Technologies develops mini-robot to carry out targeted keyhole neurosurgery where an error of two millimeters can cause paralysis or even be fatal.
—Audiodent invents hearing aid planted in a tooth that has greater clarity than conventional aids.
—Israeli scientists discover that cultivated chickpeas contain brainpower-improving amino acids.
—Modules for Novel Diagnostics (MND) develops diagnostic kits for viral pandemics that can be used in minutes at any public location without the need for laboratory intervention.
—IOPtima designs new laser technology for glaucoma surgery.
—DeepBreeze Medical Devices Ltd. markets Vibration Response Imaging (VRIxp), a pulmonary imaging device to help diagnose, assess and treat respiratory conditions.
—DermiPsor develops an ointment based on Vitamins D and B for Psoriasis sufferers to get relief.
—PRIDE (Prevent Intravenous Drug Errors) ensures that transfusions be administered to a patient only after five predefined conditions are met preventing costly intravenous errors.
—Epilert designs a warning system for epileptic seizures.
—SteadyMed’s PatchPump, a disposable, miniature patch-like drug delivery pump, fits discreetly under clothes. Patients can stick on the ready-to-use pump for a dose of medicine they need at regular intervals.
—Tagra Biotechnologies develops a micro encapsulation system that delivers active materials straight to the skin.
—Saliwell promotes Intellidrug, a device that delivers medication through teeth. Inserted into a tooth’s cavity, it releases specific doses of medicine at certain intervals into the bloodstream through the cheek lining with accurate dosages.
—The second Alzheimers gene SORL-1 discovered for late-onset disease of Alzheimers patients.
—Tel Aviv University researcher Michael Ovadia, from a biblical lead, develops a cinnamon anti-viral extract that rapidly destroys bird flu, human flu, herpes, HIV-I, etc. Also, it boosts the immune system against viruses.
—Virtual Ports develops EndoGrab, a device that retracts internal organs and anchors them to the abdominal wall during laparoscopic procedures, making surgery less painful.
—Volcani Agricultural Research Institute develops the Lyc-O-Mato, a cherry tomato raisin high in natural antioxidants.
—Widening 3-hour window of treatment for stroke victims. Israeli research discovers that minocycline will significantly reduce brain damage and physical impairment of a stroke victim if taken within the first 24 hours.

2006

—Sheba Rehabilitation Hospital uses virtual-reality systems for disability rehabilitation.
—Neuropath System technology based on a miniature electrode implanted on the roof of the mouth within 24 hours following a stroke stimulates increased blood flow to the brain.
—‘Walking on balls’ therapy alleviates arthritic knee joint pain.
—MediTouch develops the HandTutor, an exercise device that rehabilitates stroke patients that have impaired hand functions, and children with disorders that impact hand functionality.
—NESS activates paralyzed foot with an electronic pulse from wireless microprocessor attached underneath the knee.
—Nufar Natural Products creates Glucodan tea that can reduce blood sugar levels of diabetics by reducing sugar and breaking down carbohydrates and fats.
—Deep Breeze Medical develops non-invasive pulmonary imaging technology to diagnose and to treat respiratory conditions.
—Optimata’s Virtual Cancer Patient Engine (VCP) enables doctors to correctly predict how individual breast cancer patients will respond to chemotherapy treatment in 70 percent of cases.
—Research team at Hebrew U finds that anti-depressent drugs fight chronic osteoporosis and strengthen weak bones to prevent bone fractures.
—Medigus develops a non-invasive endoscopic device with a miniaturized video camera that staples the stomach lining around the esophagus, preventing acid reflux without surgery.
—Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and State University of New York, at Stony Brook, discover the molecular trigger for psoriasis.
—Veterix develops an innovative electronic capsule that sits in the stomach of a cow, sheep, or goat, and transmits information on the health of the herd to the farmer via email or cellphone. —The e-capsule alerts if animals are distressed, sick, injured or lost.
—Optimata designs ‘virtual patient engine,’ a safe, virtual, inexpensive and quick way to test how a new drug will work.
—Hebrew University discovers that patients who eat the equivalent of one grapefruit a day have lower cholesterol levels.
New Israeli research shows that a glass of pomegranate juice each day reduces the risk of atherosclerosis which accounts for 80% of all deaths among diabetic patients.
—The Hebrew School of Pharmacy develops Valrocemide, a new drug that effectively treats epilepsy.
—Medex Test, a painless, non-invasive device, uses electrodes to examine and display which body systems are not functioning properly, and whether it is temporary or a pathological disorder.
—New Israeli low-carb potato is grown by a collective of 13 kibbutzim in the Western Negev desert.
—Israeli researchers find a second code in DNA in addition to the genetic code.
—Transpharma creates a skin patch that delivers treatment through the skin, instead of delivering medication via injection.
—Flexicath’s develops an IV catheter, FirmGrip, that can be left in place for up to 20 days, eliminating the need for frequent catheter replacement.
—Elderberry extract’s solution to world bird flu threat. It kills the bird flu virus.
—SMARTube detects HIV at earliest stage.

2005

—Vein Engry Indicator by Vascular Technologies gets the needle in the first time, every time.
—The Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT), offers hope to millions who suffer from age-related macular degeneration. FDA approval is imminent.
—Elgressy develops new electrolyte water-treatment system that takes the fear out of Legionnaires Disease.
—OrthoMechanics designs the Spatial Hip Screw to prevent a situation in which the screw rotates or breaks out of the bone.
—PerioChip is the first biodegradable delivery system for reducing pocket depth in adult periodontitis.
—Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics develops process using the patient’s bone marrow stem cells to treat Parkinson’s Disease.
—Biomove 3000 aids stroke recovery with tiny signals to initiate an electrical stimulation impulse to the muscles within the confines of the patient’s home.
—TheraVitae’s VesCell treatment repairs damaged or inactive heart tissue using adult stem cells from the patient’s own blood.
—Intec Pharma’s Accordion Pill unfolds inside the stomach like an accordion, enabling slow release of medication.
—Israeli researchers develop world’s first antibiotic that kills anthrax and its deadly toxins.
—Israel grows red algae for its disease-fighting compounds, dietary supplements, and cosmetic protection against UV radiation.
—Scientists Egers Farms near Haifa, develop olive oil-derived products aimed at enabling people to live healthier lives.
—Therapeutic Riding Center in Israel offers riding therapy.

2004

—The pomelit fruit hybrid lowers cholesterol and increases antioxidant activity.
—Israeli company SLP develops SleepStrip for apnea and BiteStrip for bruxism.
—Vitamin E helps hearing loss recovery.
—NESS-H200 electrically stimulates muscles to provide regular exercise to inactive hands, preventing long-term disability.
—Technion finds way to neutralize a sesame seed protein that causes allergies and possibly eliminate other common allergens.
—Given Imaging’s PillCam ESO video camera capsule makes it easier to diagnose and provide treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and cancer of the esophagus.
—Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology design hand held device that administers medication painlessly through microscopic pores in the skin.
—Optimata develops the Virtual Patient Engine which accurately predicts how patients will respond to a drug compound.

2003

—Ex-press shunt provides alternative for glaucoma patients.
—Inserting a five millimeter titanium chip helps reposition the spine, eliminating need for spinal surgery and alleviating chronic back pain.
—Ester Neurosciences develops effective drug treatment for Myasthenia Gravis (MG), a chronic and debilitating disease.
—Israeli microbiologists develop the first passive vaccine against the mosquito-borne West Nile virus.