Genetics

Joseph Rapoport – Hero of War and Science

Joseph Rapoport – Hero of War and Science

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Joseph Rapoport was a decorated combat officer and pioneering geneticist. After refusing to submit to the pseudoscientific teachings of Trofim Lysenko, he was expelled from the Communist Party and from his scientific work. Years later, he returned to research and was one of the founders of the field of genetics.
Dr. Iman Khatib-Masalha and Prof. Zvi Lapidot. Putting an end to sepsis. Photo: Weizmann Institute Spokesperson

Lactate isn't just a byproduct: Here's how it may worsen sepsis

Weizmann Institute of Science scientists discovered in mice that neutrophils secrete lactate during inflammation, and that the molecule helps them break through the blood-vessel barrier in the bone marrow and enter the bloodstream. Inhibiting lactate production or
Researchers have programmed human cells to perform logical operations and make decisions

Researchers have programmed human cells to perform logical operations and make decisions

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A genetic system developed by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem allows cells to process several signals simultaneously, choose a response based on the combination of signals, and even alert to an abnormal condition. In the future, the approach may be used to develop therapeutic cells.
Artificial intelligence translates protein sequences into natural language descriptions

Artificial intelligence translates protein sequences into natural language descriptions

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The BetaDescribe system, developed by researchers from the Technion and Tel Aviv University, takes a sequence of amino acids and produces a verbal description of the protein's function, chemical activity, and possible binding sites. The researchers hope the system will help choose
An illustration of epigenome editing: A CRISPR-guided system binds to a specific region of DNA and changes chemical marks that affect gene activity, without cutting the genetic sequence itself.

The Next Generation of CRISPR: Epigenome Editing Moves to Human Trials

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New systems use CRISPR's navigational capabilities to silence or activate genes without cutting DNA. First clinical trials in FSHD and hepatitis B are testing whether epigenetic modification can be targeted, safe
Diagram of the mechanism of activation of immune cells called raptoblasts by activin

Immune cells that explode and destroy their environment discovered in flatworms

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Researchers have observed cells that suddenly disappear under the microscope, leaving a zone of dead cells around them. Now it turns out that this is a timed immune mechanism: the cells explode in response to a distress signal and release a deadly mixture.
A four-legged robot learned to change its movement style to traverse a forest and jump over obstacles

The man who built genomes

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The illustration shows the **Enh13** control region alongside the **Sox9** gene as a sort of “battlefield” between the two sex development pathways. Factors that promote female development act to repress **Sox9** by binding to **Enh13**, while factors that promote male development activate it. It is the balance between these opposing forces that ultimately determines whether male or female development occurs. Credit: Neta Varsano.

Tiny change in DNA caused female mice to develop in a male pathway

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Researchers from Bar-Ilan University have shown that a single letter change in a non-protein-coding control region can activate the Sox9 gene and alter the course of sexual development in mice. The study highlights the importance of
Researchers in the lab simulate the evolution of the coronavirus to identify dangerous variants

A fast-moving pandemic: Researchers simulated an entire pandemic in the lab – and predicted how a dangerous variant might emerge

Scientists from the Weizmann Institute and Charles University in Prague have succeeded in simulating in the laboratory, within months, an evolutionary trajectory that resembles the development of the coronavirus throughout an entire pandemic. The research may help in the early identification of dangerous variants and in preparing for pandemics.

Immune system memory cells may help in long-term fight against ovarian cancer

A study from the Weizmann Institute of Science reveals that memory cells of the immune system do not only work against viruses and bacteria. In women with ovarian cancer, memory B cells were found that are able to reach the tumor and produce antibodies.

Stem cells in the gut sacrifice themselves to stop bacterial infection

A study by the Weizmann Institute and the Hebrew University reveals a new immune defense mechanism: stem cells infected with Salmonella accelerate their maturation, stop reproducing, and help save intestinal tissue.
Prostate cancer. Illustration: Weizmann Institute

A tumor without a back-up: New molecular marker may improve prostate cancer treatment

Protein structure. Illustration: depositphotos.com

This is how molecular machines form tangled proteins

Weizmann Institute of Science research reveals how AAA+ family machines use an energy-efficient mechanism to thread proteins through a tiny channel, providing inspiration for the development of artificial molecular machines
Craig Venter, one of the pioneers of the human genome. Illustration via CHATGPT, Venter's image: Wikimedia Commons

Craig Venter, pioneer of human genome sequencing and synthetic biology, dies at 79

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Venter was one of the most controversial and influential figures in modern genomics. He accelerated the race to sequence the human genome, pioneered shotgun sequencing, led research in marine genomics, and was one of the founders of the field of synthetic biology.

First genetic atlas of the human liver reveals eight areas of activity and vulnerability to fatty liver

Scientists from the Weizmann Institute, Sheba, and Mayo Clinic have mapped the healthy human liver for the first time at a resolution of 2 microns, discovering that the division of functions in it is more complex than in other mammals, explaining why certain areas are sensitive to
Biological glue. Illustration: Dr. Roy Tsezana

Contagious Science: Artificial Intelligence Has Developed an Extremely Strong Medical Glue That Also Works in an Aquatic Environment

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New research shows how a combination of natural protein pools and machine learning led to the development of a hydrogel with extraordinary adhesive properties, which may help in medicine and advanced materials in the future.

Not all cold traps at the moon's south pole preserved ice equally well

New scientific evidence suggests that ice has been accumulating on the moon for the past billion and a half years, revealing where it's best to look for it.
Courtesy of Prof. Ariel Monitz

Esophageal alarm protein

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Prof. Ariel Monitz's team from Tel Aviv University showed that in allergic esophagitis (EOE) the protein TSLP is active and that its neutralization in an experimental model reduces inflammatory cell infiltration, mucosal thickening, and fibrosis - a hint

Weizmann Institute research: Yeast chooses mates that increase the success of offspring

Mass mating event in the lab reveals how yeast cells choose mates and what predicts the success of offspring
In the graphic summary, from the bottom left corner and clockwise: muscle tissue containing mature cells and blood networks; adipose tissue containing blood vessel and lymph networks; printing of these scaffolds; and immediate feeding of the scaffold by the "host" tissue. Courtesy of Prof. Shulamit Levenberg's laboratory

A first-of-its-kind 3D implant developed at the Technion may dramatically improve treatment of tissue loss

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Researchers at the Technion have developed an engineered scaffold containing muscle and fat tissue, a hierarchical blood vessel network, and a lymphatic network, and experiments in rats demonstrated faster and more efficient attachment of the graft to the damaged organ.
Virus-sponge proteins that attack viruses. Illustration: Prof. Rotem Sorek's laboratory, Weizmann Institute

The miracle sponges of phages

A study published in Science shows how viruses attacking bacteria capture or cut immune alarm molecules, using new "sponge" proteins identified by a combination of AlphaFold, artificial intelligence, and experimental biology.
Image caption: A simulated cell in the early stages of division. On the left, the cytoplasm (blue cubes), mRNA degradation system molecules (pink), and sugar carriers (brown) are visible. On the right, the membrane (green) and ribosomes (yellow and red) have been added. Credit: Zane Thornburg

For the first time: Scientists have created a computer model of an entire living cell that grows and divides

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A team of researchers has succeeded in simulating the complete life cycle of a living cell for the first time – from DNA replication to cell division. The detailed model allows the behavior of thousands of molecules within the cell to be tracked.
Mitochondria in the cell: not only energy production, but also signals that direct gene expression

When mitochondrial DNA “directs” the immune system

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A four-legged robot learned to change its movement style to traverse a forest and jump over obstacles

Between flood and drought: The metric that can better explain what's happening to water in the era of climate change

HIV virus. Illustration: depositphotos.com

The microbiome as a hidden protector: Gut bacteria partially compensate for HIV damage to the intestinal mucosa

A new study conducted in Israel and Ethiopia, led by researchers from the Weizmann Institute and Hadassah, reveals that the microbiome partially compensates for the damage that HIV causes to immune system cells in the intestinal mucosa and may lead to treatment directions.
Increasing life expectancy. Illustration: depositphotos.com

Life expectancy is more hereditary than we thought: Study in Science suggests about 50% genetic influence

New mathematical model and analysis of twin databases from Sweden, the United States and the United Kingdom separate “external” mortality from aging – and double previous estimates
Neurons grown from stem cells in the lab form a connected network. In this study, researchers used CRISPR to turn off genes in stem cells, then monitored how successfully the cells developed into neurons. Scale bar: 100 micrometers.

CRISPR screening maps hundreds of genes essential for brain cell development and identifies new syndrome in children

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An international team of researchers, including those from the Hebrew University, identified 331 genes critical for neuronal differentiation, and pointed to PEDS1 as a cause of a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Satellite image of a winter storm in the American northwest. Source: CIRA

Pacific winter storm track moving north faster than forecast

Shifting storm tracks due to climate change is warming and drying out large areas of the American Northwest.
CRISPR. Illustration: depositphotos.com

CRISPR Breakthrough: Epigenetic Editing Without Cutting DNA Could Transform Treatment of Genetic Diseases

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Australian researchers have developed a third-generation CRISPR method that allows genes to be turned on and off without damaging DNA, offering a safer way to treat diseases such as sickle cell anemia.
DARE cells (their bodies are marked in green) and NARE cells (their bodies are not marked) in the epithelial tissue from which the fly wing develops. In red – the nuclei of the cells as they divide. The scientists discovered that NARE cells receive signals from neighboring DARE cells that tell them to divide

Resurrected tissues

The ticking of the biological clock in a human cell throughout the day. A fluorescent marker allows scientists to see "what time is it" at any point in time

New study reveals key role of sex hormones in our biological clock

The findings may shed new light on disruptions in the biological clock during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
the fruit of the appendix. By No machine-readable author provided. JuanseG~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=442411

Edit, domesticate, grow: CRISPR brings an unknown relative of the tomato to the field

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Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers have edited genes in Golden Berries to produce plants that are about 35% shorter and easier to plant and harvest, and plan to further improve traits such as fruit size and disease resistance.
Dr. Ohad Waneshk and the biochip. Photo: Weizmann Institute Spokesperson

The biochip that is already ready for the next pandemic

A new DNA chip from the Weizmann Institute of Science produces dozens of viral antigens on silicon in a single experiment and rapidly maps the immune “fingerprint” of subjects – a tool that could accelerate the development of tests, vaccines,
Mutations. Illustration: depositphotos.com

New 'danger' region discovered in DNA could change what we know about human disease

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A new study has uncovered an important, previously neglected, locus of mutations at the start points of human genes. These regions undergo mutations at a much higher frequency than expected, especially during the earliest stages of embryonic development,
Human cells that have undergone gene editing using a novel retron-based gene editing technology. The orange dots indicate successful gene edits. The green dots show a fluorescent protein tag on the surface of mitochondria. Credit: Yu-Cheon Chang / The University of Texas at Austin.

New retron-based DNA editing method to replace CRISPR offers hope for broad treatment of complex genetic diseases

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Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a gene editing technique that can replace damaged DNA segments in their entirety, simultaneously correct a variety of rare mutations, and achieve an efficiency of about 30% of target cells – with initial applications
The archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus – a hyperthermophilic unicellular organism whose name means “furious fireball.” Its preferred ambient temperature is about 100 degrees Celsius

How extreme heat-loving creatures redesign the ribosome to survive at over 80 degrees

The Technion team for the iGEM 2025 competition. Photo: Technion Spokesperson

Gold medal for the Technion team for the 2025 iGEM competition

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Human lung cancer tissue under the microscope. The helper macrophages (in red) are surrounded by enzymes (in yellow) that activate the stimulating part of the antibodies they develop. This targeted action prevents damage to healthy tissue.

Neutralize the defense, go on the offensive: Smart antibodies to fight cancer

Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified immunosuppressive macrophages in tumors and developed smart molecules called MiTEs that target the TREM2 receptor and locally activate IL-2 – with the aim of overcoming resistance to immunotherapy without causing side effects.
cultured meat. Illustration: depositphotos.com

Beef cells can become immortal without genetic engineering: A breakthrough towards cultured meat

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Hebrew University and Believer Meats team shows spontaneous cell renewal in bovine cultures without signs of malignancy, with telomerase and PGC1α activation; potential for stable cell lines and scale-up production
Created in BioRender. Lab, R. (2025) https://BioRender.com/flbu8cx

Research conducted at the Faculty of Biology at the Technion reveals a unique mechanism in the aging of the immune system

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In an article in the prestigious journal Nature Aging, researchers present a blueprint for improving the effectiveness of the immune system in old age.

Man accelerates, nature declines: Two studies shed new light on 170 years of intensifying human activity

If we quantify the extent of human movement on Earth, we find that we move 40 times more than all land animals combined; if we look at the timeline, we see that while the weight of farm animals has skyrocketed
The team observed the emergence of 3D embryo-like structures under a microscope in the lab. After about two weeks of development, they began to produce blood (shown here in red) — similar to the development process in human embryos. Credit: Jitesh Neupane, University of Cambridge

Human embryo model grown in lab conditions produces blood cells

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Cambridge researchers have created “hematoids,” self-organizing structures from stem cells that mimic early stages of development, including blood stem cells and beating heart cells.
Junk DNA. Illustration: depositphotos.com

“Junk DNA” offers surprising treatment directions for resistant blood cancer

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Researchers at King's College London have identified a promising strategy for treating some blood cancers by repurposing existing drugs, targeting a region of the human genome previously considered "junk DNA."
A brain that runs away from losses. Illustration: depositphotos.com

Brain runs away from loss: This is how the brain makes adventurous decisions to avoid losses

Weizmann Institute and Ichilov Institute study reveals, using electrodes deep in the brain, how loss avoidance mechanisms affect learning, memory, and anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders
The unagi from the episode of the series "Friends" is a freshwater eel that is considered a sought-after delicacy in Japan. Photo: Pixabay

Cultured Ongi Eel: A Japanese delicacy becomes a global experiment for a new marine protein

New research led by Ben-Gurion University and sponsored by Forsea Foods shows that cultured seaweed production could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help combat the climate crisis.
Synthetic bacteria. Illustration: depositphotos.com

Changing the Code of Life: Scientists Create a Microbe with a Limited Artificial Genome – Another Step on the Path to Artificial Creatures

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Researchers from Cambridge have developed Syn57 – an artificial E. coli bacterium that uses only 57 codons out of 64. The development could lead to the production of artificial proteins, new drugs and better control of industrial bacteria.
The developing brain of a two-week-old mouse pup under the microscope. The oxytocin system is highlighted in green and a light-sensitive protein is highlighted in red. The combination of colors causes the oxytocin cells that also successfully express the protein to be colored yellow. In blue - the cell nuclei

Spotlight on the developing brain: Separation in early childhood alters the oxytocin system

Weizmann Institute of Science scientists have developed a new optogenetic technology that allows them to study the activity of the oxytocin system deep in the young brain. Their findings show that this protein, known as the "love hormone," influences the coping of mouse pups.
Archaeologists attribute these simple urns, buried as burial gifts in the 8th and 9th centuries AD, to the ancient Slavs. Credit: Archaeological Museum Zadar

Ancient skeleton genome reveals: Slavic people originated in large-scale migration from Eastern Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire

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Comprehensive DNA research suggests that the Slavicization of Europe resulted from a large population movement after the fall of the Roman Empire, rather than from language assimilation by local elites
Five-day-old zebrafish embryos under a microscope: the normal embryo (top) and the transgenic embryo (bottom) carrying the gene with the disease-causing mutation. It can be seen that in the transgenic embryo the main lymphatic vessel is abnormally enlarged

From the clinic to the aquarium: New zebrafish-based drugs for a rare lymphatic disease

A unique collaboration between the Weizmann Institute of Science and Sheba Medical Center led to the discovery of two potential drugs for a life-threatening disease of the lymphatic system.
Finds from the Seima-Turbino culture. Source: “Ancient DNA reveals the prehistory of the Uralic and Yeniseian peoples”, Nature.

Ancient DNA reveals that the origins of Hungarian and Finnish are in Yakutia, Siberia, far from Western Europe

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A major study in Nature analyzes hundreds of ancient genomes and traces an east-west migration that shaped the Finnish, Estonian and Hungarian languages. The findings connect to the Saimaa-Turbino networks and the Yamania expansion, and also offer early clues to a Dana-Yenisei connection.
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