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Anyone who has dealt with ants in the kitchen knows that ants are highly social creatures; it’s rare to see one alone. Humans are social creatures too, even if some of us enjoy solitude. Ants and humans are also the only creatures in nature that consistently cooperate while transporting large loads that greatly exceed their own dimensions. Prof. Ofer Feinerman and his team at the Weizmann Institute of Science used this shared trait to conduct a fascinating evolutionary competition that asks the question: Who will be better at maneuvering a large load through a maze? The surprising results, recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), shed new light on group decision making, as well as on the pros and cons of cooperation versus going it alone. |
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The pharmaceutical industry is constantly searching for new drugs, but can existing drugs be rendered more effective? More than half of the drugs we use are, in terms of their chemical properties, weakly basic. In a new study being published in eLife, researchers from the lab of Prof. Gideon Schreiber at the Weizmann Institute of Science showed that this property may reduce the drugs’ effectiveness: Their availability in the cell is decreased by their tendency to bind to large, charged molecules within the cell or to become trapped inside acidic organelles, such as the cellular recycling bin called the lysosome. The result is decreased activity, which leads to the use of larger doses that can aggravate side effects and cause unwanted interactions with other drugs.
The researchers then showed that this problem can be overcome by a chemical modification – addition of an acetyl group – that makes these drugs more available for activity in the cell. These findings highlight the importance of taking intra-cellular dynamics into account in the course of drug development. They may help improve the effectiveness of a wide range of drugs, making it possible to reduce their dosage, thereby decreasing side effects.
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Weizmann Institute of Science researchers have created an artificial multicellular system that behaves like programmable synthetic tissue. The researchers, led by Dr. Joshua Ricouvier from the lab of Prof. Roy Bar-Ziv of the Chemical and Biological Physics Department, created a two-dimensional structure composed of more than 1,000 artificial cells on a silicon chip. The scientists managed to cause these cells – interconnected by thin capillaries enabling diffusion of various substances – to exhibit collective behavior, much as do body tissue cells that communicate with one another. The new findings, being published in Nature Communications, represent a step forward in biological engineering and may lead in the future to the development of smart medical devices, biological sensors and even bio-computers. |
Hundreds of millions worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis, which is caused by degradation of the cartilage coating the joints that is believed to result from the breakdown of natural lubrication mechanisms. The lab of Prof. Jacob Klein in the Weizmann Institute of Science’s Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science Department has for many years studied lubrication processes in the joints. Central to these processes are fatty molecules, known as lipids, that reduce friction at the cartilage surface, yet joints contain over a hundred different lipids, and a crucial question is – why so many? Klein’s team set out to find out which lipids are essential for effective lubrication and in which combinations.
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This holiday season, we have partnered with the Weizmann Institute of Science to bring you the voices of eight inspiring researchers, who are some of the recipients of the European Research Council (ERC) grants |
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Scientists have discovered a way to remove toxic compounds from potatoes, making them safer to eat and easier to store. The breakthrough could cut food waste and enhance crop farming in space and other extreme environments |
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A breakthrough in the theory of climate change science has given scientists the most robust way yet to link observed climate change to both human-made and natural causes and to spot early warning signals for potential climate disasters |
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Photo by Shlomo Ben-Zvi
In the 1940s, as World War II raged, the scientists of the Daniel Sieff Research Institute—now the Weizmann Institute of Science—were called upon to support the Allied war effort. Their work expanded beyond the lab and into the production of critical supplies: anesthetics, pain relievers, and even synthetic substitutes for vital malaria medications. The lab buildings were converted into small-scale factories, exemplifying how scientific research could be swiftly applied to meet pressing, real-world challenges.
In 1959, Yeda was established—the first technology transfer company in Israel—to ensure that the fruits of scientific discovery could reach broader society. From freeze-concentrated citrus juice to pharmaceuticals, these innovations supported local industries and contributed to the Yishuv’s growing economy, all while maintaining the Institute’s dedication to cutting-edge research.
As we celebrate the Daniel Sieff Research Institute’s 90th anniversary, Yeda continues to connect scientific breakthroughs with industry, turning discoveries into innovations that benefit humanity. |
In December, the Sela Auditorium transformed into a musical haven during the Winter Concert performed by the Weizmann Orchestra.
Each week, members of the Orchestra step away from their labs, swapping formulas and calculations for musical scores. The group, made up of around 40 talented musicians from the Weizmann community, is entirely self-managed by its members.
The orchestra is now welcoming new members! If you have musical talent and are part of the Weizmann family, join us. Registration and details can be found on the orchestra's website. |
“In debating, we practice justifying or opposing any argument - even if it’s something we don’t personally agree with,” says Dror Brook, a computational biology PhD student and member of Weizmann’s Debate Club. Bringing together students from all backgrounds, the club offers participants a chance to sharpen their argumentation skills and challenge their perspectives.
Founded just five years ago, our club has already achieved a great deal. In 2024, we participated in the European Championship in Glasgow and hosted the Israeli English Open right here on campus. We’ve also celebrated wins in the National Juniors Championship and the Trinity Women’s Competition and continue to build our reputation both nationally and internationally.
But it’s not just about competitions. Being part of the club helps us build confidence, refine critical thinking, and improve public speaking - skills that are invaluable far beyond the debate stage. “For me, it’s about broadening how we think and understand the world,” Dror shares. “It pushes us to think critically and see things from angles we might not have considered before”.
Whether we’re debating ethics in AI, global politics, or even something as quirky as fairy tales, the Debate Club is where ideas come to life and perspectives evolve. |
When science meets community engagement, wonderful things can happen! This month, one hundred scientists, researchers and staff members from the Weizmann Institute community came together for a special mission - crafting wooden toys for children in Israel's Gaza border communities. Just like in a successful scientific experiment, the combination of imagination, creativity and teamwork led to heartwarming results: one hundred colorful trucks and tractors, lovingly handcrafted and soon to be delivered to kindergartens in the region.
The workshop was held in partnership with the Alon and Ella Association, who supports our various volunteer activities and helps us bridge science, community and giving throughout the year. |
In celebration of Christmas, our scientists and postdoctoral fellows, representing diverse religions and languages, explored the origins of Christianity in Jerusalem. We visited beautiful churches and learned about the unique Christmas traditions across different denominations. Surrounded by Jerusalem's holiday lights, we gained a deeper appreciation of the richness of Christian heritage and traditions. |
Are you an ambitious student with a passion for mathematics and computer science, physics, chemistry, or the life sciences? Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to unleash your scientific skills this summer: Work on research projects alongside world-leading scientists Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge labs Elevate your skills and knowledge through workshops and lectures Network with like-minded peers and build lifelong connections
Mark your calendar: Applications for the prestigious Kupcinet-Getz International Summer Program at the Weizmann Institute of Science – ranked among the top 10 research institutes worldwide – open on 15 January 2025! Explore the program, review submission requirements, and take the first step toward advancing your academic journey.
Application deadline: 19 February 2025. |
Science for All - Davidson Institute of Science Education |
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Pruning, reorganization, connectivity, and degeneration - how does our brain change throughout life, and how does this affect our functioning? |
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Scientists have long known that genetic material from mitochondria, the intracellular organelles responsible for energy production, can integrate into the DNA within the cell nucleus. A new study reveals that this phenomenon also occurs in the brain, but seems unrelated to neurodegenerative diseases |
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