From AI in therapy to fish choosing their birthdays, Hebrew University’s 2024 breakthroughs are redefining science, technology, and health worldwide.

This year, we are highlighting 11 significant discoveries that showcase the remarkable impact our researchers are making on science, health, technology, and society. These selections represent just a snapshot of the incredible work happening at the university, reflecting our ongoing dedication to advancing innovation and addressing global challenges.

1. Tumor-on-a-Chip 

Pre-Cure, a technology inspired by Dr. Ofra Benny, is transforming cancer care with its innovative “Tumor-on-a-Chip” platform—next-generation 3D biochips designed to rapidly determine the most effective treatment and dosage for patients with solid tumors. Unlike traditional methods that often require patients to undergo weeks or months of chemotherapy before knowing whether a treatment is effective, this breakthrough technology provides answers within just days. By using a biopsy sample, Pre-Cure primarily targets patients with gastrointestinal, gynecological, and head and neck cancers. Its goal is to support oncologists in selecting the most effective treatment early on, significantly reducing the time spent on ineffective therapies and improving the chances of successful outcomes. Learn more by visiting Pre-Cure’s website: https://www.pre-cure.bio/

2. Marmosets Call Each Other by Name

Picture: Bhumi and Belle (mother and daughter) | Credit: David Omer Lab

A groundbreaking study from Hebrew University reveals that marmoset monkeys use unique vocalizations, known as “phee-calls,” to label and address specific individuals—a behavior previously seen only in humans, dolphins, and elephants. Published in Science, the research shows that marmosets not only recognize their own labels but respond more accurately when addressed by name.

Led by Dr. David Omer, the study also found that family groups develop shared vocal patterns, similar to human naming and dialects. This behavior likely helps marmosets maintain social bonds in dense rainforest habitats and provides new insights into the evolution of human language. Listen to sound recordings of marmoset monkeys in conversation here.

3. Error, Mitigated

Qedma’s founding team: Dr. Asif Sinay (left), Prof. Dorit Aharonov (middle), and Prof. Netanel Lindner (right).

Qedma, an innovative player in the quantum computing space and benefiting from the genius mind of Professor Dorit Aharonov, is making significant strides in error correction with its next-generation quantum error mitigation software. This cutting-edge technology, now available as an IBM Qiskit function, aims to enhance the reliability of quantum computations by addressing one of the biggest challenges in quantum computing: errors. Traditional quantum systems are highly sensitive to noise and inaccuracies, which can drastically affect results. Qedma’s software offers an advanced solution to reduce these errors, making quantum computations more accurate and practical for real-world applications. By improving error mitigation, Qedma is helping to unlock the full potential of quantum computers, paving the way for more robust and scalable quantum technologies across industries like cryptography, material science, and pharmaceuticals. Visit Qedma’s website here: www.qedma.com

4. Fish Pick Their Own Birthdays!

If you’ve ever lamented having a birthday in the middle of summer vacation when no one’s around to celebrate, you might envy… the fish! Fish embryos actively control the timing of their hatching through a neurohormone called Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH), according to groundbreaking research led by Dr. Matan Golan from Hebrew University and the Agricultural Research Organization – Volcani Institute. The study reveals that TRH triggers the release of enzymes that dissolve the egg wall, allowing embryos to hatch precisely when conditions are optimal.

This discovery challenges the view of embryos as passive and highlights their role in making life-or-death decisions, such as when to emerge into the outside world. The findings provide key evolutionary insights, showing how vertebrates adapt survival strategies to their environments and revealing a previously unknown neural circuit governing critical life-stage transitions. The research opens new doors to understanding neurobiology, environmental adaptation, and survival mechanisms in egg-laying species, offering implications for biology and evolutionary science.

5. Slowing Down Aging

Dr. Yosef (Yossi) Buganim

Ananda Labs, a pioneering Israeli company founded on the groundbreaking technology developed by Dr. Yosef (Yossi) Buganim, is revolutionizing the field of longevity and regenerative medicine. By harnessing advanced cellular reprogramming and cutting-edge science, Ananda Labs is tackling the root causes of biological aging rather than merely addressing its symptoms. Their innovative approach focuses on rejuvenating cells and tissues at a molecular level, offering the potential to reverse key signs of aging and restore cellular function.

This transformative technology holds the promise of extending healthy lifespan, shifting the paradigm from aging as an inevitable decline to a process that can be managed, delayed, and even reversed. With its focus on combating age-related conditions and enhancing longevity, Ananda Labs is poised to reshape the future of healthcare and regenerative therapies. To learn more about their visionary work, visit Ananda Labs’ website.

6. Elite Grave Uncovered in Pre-Mongol Mongolia

The grave contained the remains of an older woman, as well as a gold bracelet and a set of earrings (Credit: Tal Rogovsky)

A remarkable find in Dornod Province, Mongolia, has revealed an elite grave dating back to the pre-Mongol period, unearthed by Hebrew University’s Prof. Gideon Shelach-Lavi and an international team. The burial, found within the walls of a Kitan-era fortress, likely dates to the era following the collapse of the Kitan Empire (1125 CE) and preceding the rise of the Mongol Empire (1206 CE).

The grave contained the remains of an older woman buried in a yellow silk robe, a headdress, and golden earrings, highlighting her high social status. Researchers believe the burial location was chosen for its symbolic importance, as the fortress may have been a site of identity and power for local elites navigating a time of intense competition and change. “This grave offers a unique glimpse into how communities used connections to past empires to assert status and power,” said Prof. Shelach-Lavi. The discovery sheds light on the region’s transition from imperial fragmentation to the formation of the Mongol Empire, enriching our understanding of this critical period in world history.

7. Balancing AI and Empathy in Therapy

A new study from Hebrew University’s Psychology Department explores the evolving role of AI in mental health therapy, emphasizing the irreplaceable importance of human empathy. Led by Prof. Anat Perry, the research highlights the potential for a hybrid model where AI supports therapeutic processes without replacing the essential human connection required for emotional engagement and genuine care.

While AI can simulate empathic responses and assist in tasks like patient intake and routine evaluations, the study underscores that true empathy—emotional resonance and authentic concern—remains unique to human therapists. “True empathy involves emotional engagement and genuine care, which AI simply cannot replicate,” explains Prof. Perry.

The proposed model envisions AI enhancing therapy accessibility and efficiency while preserving the human touch in deeper emotional interactions. This balance aims to leverage technology without undermining the critical relational aspects of therapy.

The findings align with global trends in integrating AI into mental health, paving the way for further research on optimizing this delicate balance.

8. New Detection for Oral Cancer

A collaboration between Sheba Research Authority (Tel-HaShomer), ARC Innovation, and Salignostics is underway to develop an innovative early oral cancer diagnostic tool using saliva. This groundbreaking technology, created by Prof. Aaron Palmon, who also serves in the Office of the President of the Hebrew University, could revolutionize cancer detection by enabling non-invasive, cost-effective, and early diagnosis, potentially saving lives through earlier intervention. By using saliva as a diagnostic medium, this tool has the power to democratize healthcare, providing a simple and accessible solution to detect oral cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.

This technology has the potential to impact communities worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings where access to traditional diagnostic methods is limited. Countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where oral cancer rates are higher and healthcare infrastructure may be limited, stand to gain significantly from this innovative approach.

Salignostics, a leader in saliva-based diagnostic solutions, offers a portfolio that includes home pregnancy and COVID-19 tests, as well as a smart saliva collector for a range of IVD applications.

9. Air Pollution and Autism Risk

A recent study led by Prof. Haitham Amal and his team from Hebrew University has revealed a concerning connection between air pollution and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The research, which analyzed data from thousands of births, suggests that exposure to pollutants—especially during pregnancy—may elevate the likelihood of a child developing ASD. Key pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide are believed to interfere with brain development, potentially contributing to the onset of ASD.

While the findings are significant, the study does come with important limitations: the researchers caution that more studies are needed to fully understand the relationship and confirm causality. Nonetheless, the research underscores the need for greater attention to air quality as a public health issue, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Prof. Amal is a part of a consortium of the Scripps Institute at San Diego that received a large grant of $17M to investigate this link in the coming three years, which will overcome the above limitations. This discovery opens new avenues for further investigation and could lead to actionable insights aimed at reducing environmental risks and promoting healthier communities. In 2024, together with Yissum, Prof. Amal established NeuroNOS, a new pharmaceutical company focused on developing a drug to reduce nitric oxide in the brain for the treatment of ASD.

10. Revolutionizing Fertility Care

Everly Bio is transforming fertility treatment with its breakthrough molecular platform, designed to offer personalized, data-driven solutions for couples struggling with infertility. Developed in collaboration with Hebrew University’s Dr. Yael Heifetz, Tel Aviv University, and Hadassah Medical Center, and with a supported license by Yissum, this platform uses biosystem insights and computational biology to tailor fertility treatments, enhancing success rates and reducing the costs and emotional burden of IVF.

Everly Bio aims to make fertility care more accessible and effective, offering new hope for individuals and families worldwide. Learn more on their website: www.everly.bio/

11. How the Liver “Remembers” Fasting

Researchers at Hebrew University have discovered that the liver adapts to repeated fasting through a unique cellular memory mechanism. Led by Dr. Ido Goldstein, the study found that intermittent fasting enhances the liver’s ability to produce ketone bodies—key energy sources during fasting—by “priming” certain genes to respond more efficiently in future fasts.

This adaptation, driven by the transcription factor PPARα, may explain why intermittent fasting can help people feel more energetic and clear-headed during fasting periods. The findings provide valuable insights for developing dietary strategies to boost metabolic health, improve energy management, and combat conditions like obesity and diabetes.

We would like to thank Yissum, the Tech Transfer and Research Development Company of Hebrew University of Jerusalem, along with the University’s Division of Marketing and Communications, for their invaluable contributions to this article.

Join us in shaping the future! Discover over 50 English-taught degree programs at the Hebrew University that open doors to groundbreaking research, innovation, and Israel’s dynamic startup ecosystem. Be part of a global community driving change—visit our degree programs page to learn more or register for our upcoming Digital Open Days