Science/Technology

Uncovering the Secret Communication of Monkeys: They Have Names!

27 August, 2024

New study from Hebrew University reveals that marmoset monkeys use specific calls, known as "phee-calls," to name each other, a behavior previously known to exist only in humans, dolphins, and elephants. This discovery highlights the complexity of social communication in marmosets and suggests that their ability to vocally label each other may provide valuable insights into the evolution of human language.

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from Hebrew University have found that marmoset monkeys use specific vocal calls, called "phee-calls," to identify and communicate with each other. This ability to vocally label others has only been seen in humans, dolphins, and elephants until now.

Naming of others is a highly advanced cognitive ability observed in social animals and, until recently, was known to exist only in humans, dolphins, and elephants. Interestingly, our closest evolutionary relatives, nonhuman primates, appeared to lack this ability altogether.

In a new study published today in Science, a team of researchers from the Hebrew University, led by Dr. David Omer from the Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), made a groundbreaking discovery: for the first time, they found that marmoset monkeys use specific calls, called "phee-calls", to name each other.

To uncover this, the researchers, led by graduate student Guy Oren, recorded natural conversations between pairs of marmosets, as well as interactions between monkeys and a computer system. They found that these monkeys use their “phee-calls” to address specific individuals. Even more interestingly, the marmosets could discern when a call was directed at them and responded more accurately when it was.

“This discovery highlight the complexity of social communication among marmosets,” explains Omer. “These calls are not just used for self-localization, as previously thought— marmosets use these specific calls to label and address specific individuals”.

The study also revealed that family members within a marmoset group use similar vocal labels to address different individuals and employ similar sound features to code different names, resembling the use if names and dialects in humans. This learning appears to occur even among adult marmosets who are not related by blood, suggesting that they learn both vocal labels and dialect from other members of their family group.

The researchers believe that this vocal labeling may have evolved to help marmosets stay connected in their dense rainforest habitat,

where visibility is often limited. By using these calls, they can maintain their social bonds and keep the group cohesive.

“Marmosets live in small monogamous family groups and take care of their young together, much like humans do,” says Omer. “These similarities suggest that they faced comparable evolutionary social challenges to our early pre-linguistic ancestors, which might have led them to develop similar communicating methods.”

This research provide new insights into how social communication and human language might have evolved. The ability of marmosets to label each other with specific calls suggests they have developed complex brain mechanisms, potentially analogous to those that eventually gave rise to language in humans.

The study opens up exciting avenues for further research into how our own communication abilities may have evolved and what we can learn from these social nonhuman primates.

The research paper titled “Vocal Labeling of Others by Nonhuman Primates” is now available in Science and can be accessed at DOI: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp3757

Title: Barak | Credit: David Omer Lab

Title: Baby Bareket | Credit: David Omer Lab

Funding:

European Research Council (ERC—SYG—OxytocINspace) Grant Agreement: No. 101071777, OxytocINspace

Israel Science Foundation (ISF 915/22)

Researchers:

Guy Oren¹, Avner Shapira¹, Reuben Lifshitz¹, Ehud Vinepinsky¹, Roni Cohen¹, Tomer Fried², Guy P. Hadad², David Omer¹

Institutions:

Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brains Sciences (ELSC), Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 23,000 students from 90 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has registered over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 81^st according to the Shanghai Ranking. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en

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Boosting Online Safety Through Behavioral Nudges : Delay, Remind, and Secure

27 August, 2024

New study reveals that giving internet users the choice to delay important security tasks, yet nudging them to commit to it later, makes them much more likely to complete these tasks. The study found that these nudges help people follow through without decreasing the rate at which they start the tasks right away. This offers a practical way to improve online security

In the face of rising cybersecurity threats, many internet users continue to neglect essential security actions, such as installing updates or changing compromised passwords. A new study led by Prof. Eyal Pe'er from the Federmann School of Public Policy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals that offering users the option to delay these tasks, combined with commitment nudges and reminders, significantly increases the likelihood of users eventually completing these important actions.

The research, conducted through a series of online experiments funded by a NSF-BSF grant to Prof. Peer and Dr. Serge Egeleman (U.C. Berkely), focused on understanding how these “nudges” could affect users’ willingness to change a compromised password. The findings are promising: when given the option to delay the task, a considerable number of participants chose to change their password later, resulting in a higher overall compliance rate without considerably reducing the number of users who opted to change their password immediately.

The study found that participants who made a promise to change their password later or requested a reminder were much more likely to follow through on their commitment. The effect was further enhanced when participants were reminded of their previous commitment, leading to a net positive impact on cybersecurity behavior.

"Security tasks often interrupt users at inconvenient times, leading to procrastination or outright neglect," explained Prof. Pe'er. "Our research shows that by allowing users to delay these and commit to completing them later, we can significantly increase the rate at which users complete critical security actions. This approach offers a practical behavioral solution to a common problem in online security."

The implications of this study are far-reaching, offering a simple yet effective strategy to improve cybersecurity compliance among internet users. By incorporating delay options and commitment nudges into security protocols, online platforms and services can better protect their users from potential security threats.

The research paper titled ““Protect Me Tomorrow”: Commitment Nudges to Remedy Compromised Passwords” is now available at ACM Journals and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1145/3689038.

Researchers: Eyal Pe'er¹, Alisa Frik², Conor Gilsenan³, Serge Egelman^2,3

Institution:

The Federmann School of Public Policy, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
International Computer Science Institute, Berkeley, USA
University of California, Berkeley, USA

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 23,000 students from 90 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has registered over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 81st according to the Shanghai Ranking. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en

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Breakthrough in Cost-Effective Production of Cultivated Meat

21 August, 2024

A groundbreaking study demonstrates the first cost-effective method for producing cultivated meat. The study shows that continuous manufacturing addresses the key challenges of scalability and cost, potentially making cultivated meat accessible to everyday consumers and contributing to a more sustainable and ethical food system.

In an extraordinary stride for cellular agriculture, Professor Yaakov Nahmias, founder of Believer Meats, and a multidisciplinary team at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the cultivated meat industry unveiled a pioneering continuous manufacturing process for cultivated meat. This innovation tackles the industry's critical challenges of scalability and cost-effectiveness.

The study, "Continuous Manufacturing of Cultivated Meat: Empirical Economic Analysis," published in Nature Food, demonstrates the use of tangential flow filtration (TFF) for the continuous manufacturing of cultivated meat. The new bioreactor assembly permits biomass expansion to 130 billion cells per liter, achieving yields of 43% weight per volume. The process was carried out continuously over 20 days, enabling daily biomass harvests. Additionally, the research introduces an animal component-free culture medium, priced at just $0.63 per liter, which supports the long-term, high-density culture of chicken cells. In other words, this continuous manufacturing method could significantly reduce the cost and complexity of cultivated meat production, potentially bringing it closer to everyday consumers.

"We were inspired by how Ford’s automated assembly line revolutionized the car industry 110 years ago,” stated Prof. Nahmias. "Our findings show that continuous manufacturing enables cultivated meat production at a fraction of current costs, without resorting to genetic modification or mega-factories. This technology brings us closer to making cultivated meat a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional animal farming."

Bruce Friedrich, President of The Good Food Institute, expressed his support, stating, “GFI applauds the spirit of openness that continues to characterize cultivated meat researchers like Dr. Koby Nahmias and his colleagues, who understand that showing the scientific potential of cultivated meat will benefit all scientists working in the field.”

This research represents a significant advance in the economic feasibility of cultivated meat, addressing previous concerns about high costs and low yields. Utilizing this empirical data, the team conducted a techno-economic analysis of a hypothetical 50,000-liter production facility. The analysis indicates that the cost of production of cultivated chicken could theoretically be reduced to $6.20 per pound, aligning with the price of organic chicken.

Dr. Elliot Swartz, Principal Scientist at Cultivated Meat, The Good Food Institute emphasized the significance of the study’s findings, stating “This important study provides numerous data points that demonstrate the economic feasibility of cultivated meat. The study confirms early theoretical calculations that serum-free media can be produced at costs well below $1/L without forfeiting productivity, which is a key factor for cultivated meat achieving cost-competitiveness.” Dr. Swartz added that “Empirical data is the bedrock for any cost model of scaled cultivated meat production, and this study is the first to provide real-world empirical evidence for key factors that influence the cost of production, such as media cost, metabolic efficiency, and achievable yields in a scalable bioprocess design.”

While the authors acknowledged that various other factors would affect the final market price of cultivated meat, this research underscores the potential of continuous manufacturing to significantly lower production costs, making cultivated meat more accessible to consumers and competitive with conventional meat products.

This study not only highlights the promise of cellular agriculture in meeting the global demand for animal products but also aligns with broader environmental and ethical objectives by reducing reliance on traditional livestock farming.

The research represents the first demonstration of cost-efficient manufacturing of cultivated meat and the first empirical economic analysis based on solid data. It is a collaborative effort involving engineers, biologists, and chemists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and ADM-funded Believer Meats, which is currently building the world's first large-scale industrial production facility for cultivated chicken.

As global demand for animal protein is expected to double by 2050, cellular agriculture offers a solution to meet this demand, especially as resource-intensive livestock production reaches its peak capacity. Despite recent FDA approvals for cultivated meat production, large-scale production of cultivated meat has yet to become a reality. Previous techno-economic analyses suggested economic challenges, ranging from factory to raw materials costs, casting doubt about the viability of cultivated meat production.

This work presents groundbreaking solutions, including novel filter stack perfusion that reduced factory costs, an animal component-free medium that reduced raw material costs, and continuous manufacturing that increased factory capacity, projecting an annual production of 2.14 million kg of cultivated chicken at cost parity with USDA organic chicken even for a small 50,000-liter facility.

This technological advancement could have a profound impact on animal welfare, food safety, and food security, addressing the needs of a global population increasingly affected by climate change. The study is expected to generate significant interest across multiple disciplines and resonate in popular media due to its implications for the future of humanity.

The research paper titled “Continuous Manufacturing of Cultivated Meat: Empirical Economic Analysis” is available in Nature Food and can be accessed at https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-024-01022-w

https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-024-01022-w

Researchers:

Laura Pasitka¹, Guy Wissotsky², Muneef Ayyash^1,2, Nir Yarza², Gal Rosoff², Revital Kaminker2, Yaakov Nahmias^1,2,3

Institutions:

1) Grass Center for Bioengineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

2) Believer Meats; Rehovot

3) Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 23,000 students from 90 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has registered over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 86th according to the Shanghai Ranking. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en

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Ticks’ Secret Allies: Bacteria's Hidden Hand in Tick Survival

12 August, 2024

A New Mechanism for Animal Food Caching Behavior Discovered

8 August, 2024

New research at Hebrew University proposes a novel, non-memory-based mechanism for how animals cache and retrieve food. Instead of relying on memory, the researchers suggest that animals use a neural mechanism similar to hash functions in computing, which allows for efficient storage and retrieval of cache locations. This is important because it challenges long-held beliefs about animal cognition and offers a more efficient explanation for how animals can manage thousands of food caches without overtaxing their memory systems. The proposed mechanism could have far-reaching implications for our understanding of animal behavior, brain function, and even the development of new artificial intelligence systems. By providing a simpler and more scalable model for information processing in the brain, this research opens up new avenues for exploring cognitive processes in both animals and humans.

Researchers Dr. Oren Forkosh and Sharon Mordechay from the Department of Cognition and Brain Sciences and The Department of Animal Sciences at Hebrew University have proposed a new theory about how animals store and retrieve cached food. Their study, published in Scientific Report, challenges traditional views on animal caching behavior by suggesting a non-memory-based mechanism.

Revolutionizing Understanding of Caching Behavior

Contrary to the long-held belief that scatter-hoarding animals rely on memory to retrieve cached food items, Forkosh and Mordechay propose a static mechanism similar to hash functions used in computing. Hash functions in computing are algorithms that convert input data of any size into a fixed-size string of characters, which typically represents the data in a unique and efficient manner.

Key Findings

Hippocampal Spatial Cells: The researchers' mathematical model aligns with the activity of hippocampal spatial cells, which respond to an animal's positional attention. The remapping ensures that these cells activate consistently across subsequent visits to the same area but differ between areas.

Persistent Hash Functions: This remapping, combined with unique cognitive maps, generates persistent hash functions that can aid both food caching and retrieval.

Neural Network Architecture: The study presents a simple neural network architecture capable of producing a probabilistic hash unique to each animal, providing a virtually boundless capacity for encoding structured data.

Innovative Neural Framework

The proposed framework involves a biologically plausible realization of hashing through a neural network. The input layer encodes key environmental landmarks, while the output layer designates food cache locations. Both layers are arranged in a two-dimensional grid, with each cell corresponding to a specific location. The cache site is determined by the activity level of the output neurons, known as the cache score.

Implications and Future Research

This innovative approach offers a new perspective on animal behavior and cognitive processes, suggesting that animals may use non-memory-based mechanisms for complex tasks such as caching. The findings could have broader implications for understanding brain functions and developing artificial intelligence systems.

The research paper titled “A non-memory-based functional neural framework for animal caching behavior” is now available in Scientific Report and can be accessed at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-68003-8#Sec2

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68003-8

Illustration

Title: “Caching Bird”

Description: A minimalist and geometric illustration featuring a bird, possibly a woodpecker or jay, carefully tucking away a small acorn or berry into the ground.

Credit: AI-generated image using DALL-E

Researchers:

Dr. Oren Forkosh^1,2 and Sharon Mordechay²

Institutions:

Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Department of Animal Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 23,000 students from 90 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has registered over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 86th according to the Shanghai Ranking. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/e

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Scientists Discover Unexpected Behavior in Dimers of CO₂ Molecules After Ionization

29 July, 2024

A team of international scientists has unveiled a surprising discovery in molecular physics, revealing unexpected symmetry-breaking dynamics in ionized carbon dioxide dimers. Published in Nature Communications, the study provides new insights into the structural changes that occur when these molecular clusters are exposed to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation.

An international team of scientists, led by Profs. Daniel Strasser and Roi Baer from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has made an important discovery in molecular physics, revealing unexpected symmetry-breaking dynamics in ionized carbon dioxide dimers. Published in Nature Communications, this study uncovers new insights into the structural changes that occur when these molecular clusters are exposed to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation. The collaborative effort has demonstrated that ionized CO₂ dimers undergo asymmetric structural rearrangements, leading to the formation of CO₃ moieties. The discovery has significant implications for atmospheric and astrochemistry, offering a deeper understanding of molecular behavior under extreme conditions.

Key Findings: Symmetry-Breaking Dynamics and Structural Rearrangement

In environments such as cold outer space and atmospheric settings, carbon dioxide molecules often form symmetrically shaped pairs. According to quantum mechanics, the wave function of these pairs should preserve symmetry even after ionization. However, researchers from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel), the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics (Germany), and the FLASH free electron laser facility at DESY (Germany) have observed a phenomenon called symmetry-breaking.

Two well-established quantum chemistry models were used to predict the behavior of the ionized dimers. The first model suggested that the molecules would move in unison, maintaining their symmetrical shape. In contrast, the second model predicted that ionization would break the symmetry, causing one of the molecules to slowly rotate around its axis and point toward its partner within approximately 150 femtoseconds. Through the use of ultrafast EUV pulses produced by the FLASH free electron laser, the researchers confirmed the second model, showing that the ionized dimers indeed undergo asymmetric structural rearrangement.

This symmetry-breaking leads to the formation of CO₃ moieties, which could play a crucial role in the chemical evolution of more complex species in cold outer space environments.

Quantum Mechanics and the Symmetry-Breaking Phenomenon

A key question arising from this study is how symmetry-breaking occurs despite quantum mechanics forbidding it. The researchers explain that, similar to Schrödinger's famous cat, the pair of carbon dioxide molecules exists in a superposition of two symmetry-breaking states. The system preserves symmetry until the quantum wave function collapses upon measurement, resulting in one of the CO₂ molecules rotating relative to the other.

Broader Implications and Future Research

Prof. Daniel Strasser, the study's lead author, highlighted the significance of the findings: "Our research demonstrates the power of combining cutting-edge experimental techniques with advanced theoretical modeling to uncover unexpected molecular behavior. These insights into the dynamics of ionized carbon dioxide dimers could open new avenues for carbon dioxide chemistry and contribute to our understanding of planetary and atmospheric processes."

Prof. Roi Baer, who led the theoretical modeling, commented: “By directly comparing theory with experimental measurements, we improve our ability to simulate and predict the outcome of chemical reactions that occur in remote environments and are not possible to experimentally test in a laboratory.

The study's results have significant implications for atmospheric chemistry, astrochemistry, and provides new insights about the atmospheric carbon dioxide cycle. The discovery of asymmetric structural rearrangements, formation of a CO₃ moiety, and time-resolved dynamics provides a deeper understanding of molecular processes in extreme conditions.

This research was made possible through international collaboration and the use of state-of-the-art facilities, including the FLASH2 free electron laser at DESY in Hamburg, Germany. The team's innovative approach paves the way for further investigations into the behavior of molecular clusters under extreme conditions, with potential applications ranging from atmospheric science to novel chemical synthesis methods.

The research paper titled “Symmetry-breaking dynamics of a photoionized carbon dioxide dimer” is now available in Nature Communications and can be accessed at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50759-2.

Researchers:

Ester Livshits^1,2, Dror M. Bittner¹, Florian Trost³, Severin Meister³, Hannes Lindenblatt³, Rolf Treusch⁴, Krishnendu Gope^1,5, Thomas Pfeifer³, Roi Baer^1,2, Robert Moshammer³ & Daniel Strasser¹

Institutions:

1. Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

2. Fritz Haber Research Center for Molecular Dynamics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

3. Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Heidelberg, Germany

4. Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Hamburg

5. IISER-Thiruvananthapuram, Vithura, Kerala, 695551, India

Credit: Authors

Clip: Movie shows simulated CO2 dimer dynamics that are initiated by photoionization. The kinetic energy release (KER) in the Coulomb explosion of the dimer by a time-delayed pulse allowed to experimentally probe the dynamics.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tueG1PIEbsP8GQm6BYtQLSo9iWRkr51z/view?usp=drive_link

Figure: Title: Time-resolved Coulomb explosion results

Description: Comparing the experimental measurement (top) and the theoretical simulation (bottom)

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 23,000 students from 90 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has registered over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 86th according to the Shanghai Ranking. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/e

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Fighting Antibiotic Resistance with Peptide Cocktails

22 July, 2024

Antibiotics are crucial in modern medicine, but their widespread use has led to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a serious public health threat. A new study highlights the potential of random antimicrobial peptide mixtures to significantly reduce the risk of resistance evolution compared to single peptides. These findings support the development of new antimicrobial strategies, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to outpace bacterial resistance and safeguard public health.

Antibiotics are essential tools in modern medicine, regularly used to treat bacterial infections and prevent infections during surgery. However, the widespread use of antibiotics has led to many bacteria developing resistance, posing a significant threat to public health. A recent study published in PLOS Biology, led by Prof. Zvi Hayouka from the Institute of Biochemistry Food science and Nutrition at the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Prof. Jens Rolff from the Freie Universität Berlin, along with postdoctoral fellow Dr. Bernardo Antunes, who was affiliated with both Hebrew University and Freie Universität Berlin, highlights the urgent need for new strategies to control bacterial infections due to the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Proper antibiotic use, quick diagnostics, and careful development of new antimicrobial agents, ideally less likely to select for resistance than current antibiotics, are crucial.

Antibiotic resistance is emerging as a pressing global health challenge. While individuals themselves do not become resistant to antibiotics, the bacteria causing infections can develop this resistance, leading to more difficult-to-treat illnesses. Recent data from the World Health Organization highlights the severity of this issue, with some countries reporting resistance rates as high as 42% for certain common bacterial strains. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 2 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur annually, underscoring the urgency of addressing this crisis.

The study explored whether newly developed random antimicrobial peptide mixtures can significantly reduce the risk of resistance evolution compared to single sequence antimicrobial peptides. The research team used the ESKAPE pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a model gram-negative bacterium, known for its challenging infections due to inherent resistance to many drug classes and its ability to form biofilms.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa was experimentally evolved in the presence of antimicrobial peptides or random antimicrobial peptide mixtures to assess resistance evolution and cross-resistance between treatments. The study also examined the fitness costs of resistance on bacterial growth and used whole-genome sequencing to identify mutations responsible for resistance. Additionally, changes in the pharmacodynamics of the evolved bacterial strains were analyzed.

The findings suggest that random antimicrobial peptide mixtures pose a much lower risk of resistance evolution compared to single antimicrobial peptides and mostly prevent cross-resistance to other treatments while maintaining or improving drug sensitivity. Prof. Zvi Hayouka emphasized the significance of their work, stating, "The growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria demands innovative solutions. Our research on random antimicrobial peptide mixtures presents a promising approach to outpace bacterial resistance, offering a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics and safeguarding public health."

This research suggests that Pseudomonas aeruginosa can detect these antimicrobial agents but cannot develop effective resistance within 4 weeks in vitro. Additionally, these antimicrobial peptide cocktails are affordable to synthesize and have proven to be non-toxic and non-hemolytic in a mouse model with strong efficacy profiles in several mouse model of human pathogenic bacterial infection model.

The findings advocate for the use of random antimicrobial peptide cocktails over single peptides, as resistance developed in vitro against single peptides. Despite some antibiotics, like Teixobactin, initially being deemed "resistance-proof," this was later disproven, necessitating caution even with the promising results for the random peptide mixture . Further research should explore the interaction of these random peptide mixtures with the host immune system. Employing peptides that synergize with the host response could diminish dosage requirements and side effects. This approach could be a cost-effective method to reduce bacterial loads and prevent resistance.

“It will still be quite some time before we are ready for practical applications,” says Prof. Jens Rolff. “Still, our current work demonstrates the potential that these combinations have when it comes to reducing antimicrobial resistance.”

Alongside their active research, Prof. Zvi Hayouka has co-founded a company, in partnership with Hebrew University's technology transfer company, Yissum, dedicated to addressing antibiotic resistance through innovative solutions Pepticore (https://tarominnovative.com/projects/pepticore/). The company aims to develop and commercialize new antimicrobial agents less likely to select for resistance. Their approach includes using different combinations of antibiotics and exploring mixtures made up of millions of molecules to inhibit resistance. This initiative is crucial, as antibiotic-resistant pathogens are estimated to cause approximately 5 million deaths annually. Despite advances in diagnostics and prudent antibiotic prescribing, developing new drugs remains essential to combat increasingly resistant bacteria.

The research paper titled “The evolution of antimicrobial peptide resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is severely constrained by random peptide mixtures” is now available in PLOS Biology and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002692.

Researchers:

Bernardo Antunes^1,2, Caroline Zanchi¹, Paul R. Johnston^1,3,4, Bar Maron², Christopher Witzany⁵, Roland R. Regoes⁵, Zvi Hayouka², Jens Rolff^1,3

Institution:

Freie Universita¨ t Berlin, Evolutionary Biology
Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Berlin Centre for Genomics in Biodiversity Research
University of St. Andrews, School of Medicine
Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich

Funding

Freie Universität Berlin and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Joint Berlin-Jerusalem Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel's premier academic and research institution. Serving over 23,000 students from 80 countries, the University produces nearly 40% of Israel’s civilian scientific research and has received over 11,000 patents. Faculty and alumni of the Hebrew University have won eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal. For more information about the Hebrew University, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en.

About Yissum

Yissum is the technology transfer company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Founded in 1964, Yissum serves as a bridge between cutting-edge academic research and a global community of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry. Yissum’s mission is to benefit society by converting extraordinary innovations and transformational technologies into commercial solutions that address our most urgent global challenges. The company has registered more than 11,680 patents globally, licensed over 1,160 technologies, and has spun out over 260 companies. Yissum’s business partners span the globe. For further information please visit www.yissum.co.il.

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New Study Shows How Organic Molecules Impact Gold Nanoparticles

17 July, 2024

A new study shows how organic molecules greatly influence the redox potential of gold nanoparticles, with differences up to 71 mV. Using experiments and computer simulations, the study highlights the important role of capping agents in controlling the nanoparticles' electrochemical properties and also identifies how kinetic effects impact these interactions. These findings have practical uses in areas like nanoparticle dispersion, monitoring ligand exchange, and advancements in fields such as catalysis, electronics, and drug delivery, showing the potential for customizing nanoparticle behavior for specific applications.

A recent study led by Prof. Daniel Mandler with Prof. Roi Baer and Dr. Hadassah Elgavi Sinai and a team at Hebrew University, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, reveals how organic molecules affect the behavior of tiny gold particles absorbed on surfaces. Their research deepens our understanding of how these nanoparticles absorbed on surfaces interact with their surroundings, offering important insights for various uses. The research was conducted jointly by PhD student Din Zelikovich, who carried out very careful experiments and MSc student Pavel Savchenko, who conducted the theoretical calculations.

The study found that different molecules, like 2- and 4-mercaptobenzoic acid, can cause gold nanoparticles to have significantly different electrical properties, with differences up to 71 Mv (millivolts). This highlights how crucial these molecules are in determining how nanoparticles behave.

Using advanced computer simulations and experiments, the collaboration between the experimental and theoretical teams showed that some molecules stick to gold surfaces in predictable ways, matching what they saw experimentally. However, they also found that the kinetics, namely, the rate the nanoparticles are oxidized adds more complexity to how they interact.

For instance, they discovered that gold nanoparticles stabilized by 4-mercaptobenzoic acid reacted twice as quickly as those with citrate. This finding, backed by scientific theories, shows just how much the right molecule can change how these nanoparticles act.

Prof. Daniel Mandler emphasized the significance of the research, stating, "Our study demonstrates the profound impact that capping agents have on the redox properties of nanoparticles. This understanding allows us to fine-tune nanoparticle behavior for specific applications, potentially leading to significant impact in fields ranging from catalysis to drug delivery."

As the scientific community continues to explore the intricate world of nanoparticles, this research contributes valuable knowledge to the field of nanoparticle chemistry. By shedding light on the complex interactions between nanoparticles and their capping agents, this study opens new avenues for designing and optimizing nanoparticles for a wide range of applications, promising exciting developments in nanotechnology in the years to come.

The research paper titled “The Effect of the Capping Agents of Nanoparticles on Their Redox Potential” is now available in the Journal of the American Chemical Society and can be accessed at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.4c02524#

Researchers:

Pavel Savchenko¹, Din Zelikovich², Hadassah Elgavi Sinai¹, Roi Baer¹, Daniel Mandler²

Institutions:

Fritz Haber Research Center for Molecular Dynamics and Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Illustration

Title: Understanding how nanoparticles interact with organic molecules

Credit: Din Zelikovich (PhD student), Pavel Savchenko (MSc student) and Hadassah Elgavi Sinai (Senior Researcher).

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel's premier academic and research institution. Serving over 23,000 students from 80 countries, the University produces nearly 40% of Israel’s civilian scientific research and has received over 11,000 patents. Faculty and alumni of the Hebrew University have won eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal. For more information about the Hebrew University, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en.

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Predicting Bitterness in Foods Using Mass Spectrometry

14 July, 2024

BitterMasS, a novel tool utilizing mass spectrometry, promises a revolutionary leap in predicting bitterness in compounds. Developed through interdisciplinary collaboration, it offers enhanced precision and efficiency compared to traditional methods, with wide-ranging applications in food science, pharmaceuticals, and beyond. BitterMasS not only accelerates taste perception research but also holds potential for transforming food processing, health discoveries, and safety monitoring, marking a significant advancement in taste prediction and compound screening technologies.

Introducing BitterMasS, a pioneering tool developed by a team led by Phd student Evgenii Ziaikin and Prof. Masha Niv from Hebrew University and Dr. Edisson Tello and Prof. Devin Peterson from Ohio State University. BitterMasS harnesses the power of mass spectrometry to predict bitterness in compounds without requiring prior knowledge of their chemical structures. This advancement marks a significant departure from traditional methods that relied on structural data, which only covers a small fraction of the metabolome.

Bitterness, a fundamental taste modality potentially related to toxic substances, has long intrigued scientists and food experts alike. Today, an innovating study promises to revolutionize how bitterness is understood and managed in foods and beverages.

Using a dataset of over 5,400 experimental mass spectra of bitter and non-bitter compounds, BitterMasS achieved remarkable precision and recall rates in internal tests. For external validation, the tool demonstrated robust performance, accurately identifying bitter compounds without structural information. These findings underscore BitterMasS potential to streamline compound screening processes in food science, pharmaceuticals, and beyond.

"BitterMasS represents a critical shift in taste prediction," said Prof. Masha Niv, lead researcher. "By leveraging mass spectrometry data, we can now predict bitterness directly and efficiently, opening doors to new discoveries in health-promoting compounds and enhanced food processing techniques."

Researchers envision BitterMasS as a versatile tool capable of monitoring bitterness changes over time, providing critical insights into food quality and safety. This innovative approach also offers practical applications in drug development and metabolomics.

In summary, BitterMasS stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation in advancing our understanding of taste. Its implications extend far beyond the lab, potentially reshaping how we perceive and utilize bitter compounds in various industries.

The research paper titled “BitterMasS: Predicting Bitterness from Mass Spectra” is now available in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and can be accessed at https://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001226287400001

DOI 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09767

Researchers:

Evgenii Ziaikin¹, Eddison Tellow², Devin G. Peterson², Masha Y. Niv¹

Institutions:

1. Hebrew University Jerusalem, Institute of Biochemistry Food & Nutrition, Robert H Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment

2. Ohio State University, College of Food Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel's premier academic and research institution. Serving over 23,000 students from 80 countries, the University produces nearly 40% of Israel’s civilian scientific research and has received over 11,000 patents. Faculty and alumni of the Hebrew University have won eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal. For more information about the Hebrew University, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en.

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