News & Press Releases

In Sync: The Biological Underpinnings of Romantic Attraction and Bonding

19 June, 2024

A new study reveals that physiological synchrony, the alignment of physiological responses between individuals, significantly enhances perceived romantic attraction. Findings show that some individuals are Super Synchronizers- naturally, synchronize well in social and nonsocial contexts, and that super synchronizer are perceived as more romantically appealing. This paves the way for further research into how physiological and behavioral synchrony can broadly shape human relationships.

A new study led by Dr. Shir Atzil and her team from the Department of Psychology at the Hebrew University unveils intriguing insights into the mechanisms of romantic bonding, focusing particularly on physiological synchrony—the alignment of physiological responses between individuals—and its impact on perceived romantic attraction.

Physiological synchrony refers to the alignment of physiological responses between individuals. This can include parameters like heart rate, respiration, and skin conductance. When two people are physiologically in sync, their bodily functions align in a way that is measurable and often occurs naturally during interactions.

The research integrated both experimental and observational methods to investigate how physiological synchrony influences romantic appeal. An online experiment involving 144 participants demonstrated that inducing synchrony between actors significantly boosted their attractiveness ratings. Further investigations in a lab-based speed-dating scenario with 48 participants identified individuals with a naturally high propensity to synchronize in both social and nonsocial contexts, termed 'Super Synchronizers'. These individuals were consistently rated as more romantically appealing, underscoring the potential of physiological alignment to significantly enhance perceived attractiveness.

Dr. Atzil explains, "Our findings suggest that the ability to synchronize with others might not just be a social skill but could stem from more fundamental sensorimotor abilities that require an individual to adapt themselves to dynamic inputs. This adaptability, whether in response to social cues or rhythmic patterns, is perceived as attractive, potentially because of the beneficial physiological consequences a synchronous partner can have."

The study proposes that synchronized physiological states can improve regulation across various bodily systems, making these interactions more fulfilling. Additionally, effective synchrony may indicate cognitive and evolutionary advantages, suggesting a deeper biological importance of this trait.

Despite these promising insights, Dr. Atzil notes the limitations of the research. "The cross-sectional design of our study limits our ability to draw definitive conclusions about the long-term stability of synchrony as a trait and its causal relationship with romantic attraction," she remarks. Future research will delve into these dynamics more deeply, especially considering the implications of synchrony in sustained romantic relationships and across different sexual orientations.

This study not only advances our understanding of romantic attraction but also paves the way for further exploration into how physiological and behavioral synchrony can shape human relationships in broader contexts.

The research paper titled “Social and nonsocial synchrony are interrelated and romantically attractive” is now available in Communications Psychology and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1038/s44271-024-00109-1.

Researchers:

Matan. Cohen, Maayan. Abargil, Merav. Ahissar, Shir Atzil

Institution:

Department of Psychology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

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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Proteins Revolutionize Organ Preservation

17 June, 2024

A new study has revealed that specialized proteins can dramatically delay ice crystal evolvement, even in extreme cold down to minus 80 degrees Celsius. This breakthrough could revolutionize freezing methods, offering new possibilities for the long-term preservation of tissues and organs. Such advancements might pave the way for organ transplants that were once considered impossible, transforming medical practices and saving countless lives.

Cryogenic damage has long presented a significant barrier to effective organ preservation, posing challenges to advancements in transplantation and medical treatments. The formation of ice crystals during freezing can compromise cellular structures, leading to irreversible damage and organ failure. However, a new study led by Prof. Ido Braslavsky, Dr. Vera Sirotinskaya, and Dr. Liat Bahari from the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the Hebrew University, in collaboration with Dr. Victor Yashunsky from Ben Gurion University of the Negev and Dr. Maya Bar Dolev from the Technion, has unveiled a promising solution.

Cryogenic damage significantly impacts the potential success of organ preservation, affecting thousands of people worldwide who are in need of organ transplants. Each year, millions of individuals are diagnosed with conditions that could be treated with organ transplants, yet the shortage of viable, preserved organs leaves many on long waiting lists. The inability to effectively preserve organs for extended periods means that a substantial number of organs are discarded due to damage from ice crystal formation and other cryogenic effects. This not only limits the number of transplants that can be performed but also exacerbates the shortage, ultimately impacting the health and survival of countless patients who depend on these life-saving procedures.

Building on the foundation of previous research into ice-binding proteins (IBPs), this groundbreaking study demonstrates how the strategic use of antifreeze proteins (AFPs) can mitigate cryogenic damage and revolutionize organ freezing techniques. Through the strategic deployment of different types of antifreeze proteins, such as AFPIII from fish and TmAFP from larvae of flour beetles, the research team successfully delayed crystallization and influence devitrification even at temperatures below -80 degrees Celsius.

Utilizing a state-of-the-art microscope stage capable of precise temperature control and rapid cooling at a rate of 100 degrees Celsius per second, the study compared samples containing antifreeze proteins with those without. These samples were not frozen to an astonishing -180 degrees Celsius but when thawed gradually some were frozen while other did not. The samples were analysed under a microscope.

"The findings of our research mark a significant step forward in organ preservation technology," explained Dr. Maya Bar Dolev. "By inhibiting crystallization and crystal growth, antifreeze proteins hold immense promise for extending the viability of frozen organs and enabling previously impossible transplants."

Prof. Ido Braslavsky further emphasized the potential impact of this breakthrough: "This advancement opens doors to a new era in tissue preservation and organ transplantation. With further development, we envision longer preservation periods, enhanced quality during transport, and innovative transplant procedures, including complex organ combinations like heart-lung transplants and uterine tissue transplants."

The implications of this research are profound, offering hope for improved organ availability, extended preservation windows, and ultimately, saving countless lives. As the field of tissue preservation embraces the potential of antifreeze proteins, the future of organ transplantation shines brighter than ever before.

The research paper titled “Extended Temperature Range of the Ice-Binding Protein Activity” is now available in Langmuir and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03710.

Researchers:

Vera Sirotinskaya¹, Maya Bar Dolev^1,2, Victor Yashunsky^1,3, Liat Bahari¹, and Ido Braslavsky¹

Institutions:

1) Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science, and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

2) Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion

3) The Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, Ben Gurion University

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New Journal Launched in Empirical Legal Studies

4 June, 2024

Introducing the Journal of Law and Empirical Analysis: A new peer-reviewed publication dedicated to the growing field of empirical legal studies. This interdisciplinary journal features 10 articles in its inaugural issue, offering valuable insights into the intersection of law and society.

Hebrew University Awards 2024 Doctorates and Bublick Honors

4 June, 2024

New 3D-Printed Microscale Photonic Lantern Open Opportunities for Spatial Mode Multiplexing

4 June, 2024

Unveiling Type 1 Diabetes - Secrets of Aging Beta Cells and their Ability to Secrete Insulin

4 June, 2024

A new study reveals that aging human pancreatic beta cells display features of senescence while maintaining elevated levels of genes crucial for their function. Despite their aging status, these cells therefore exhibit an ability to release insulin in response to glucose, aiding in blood sugar regulation. Additionally, these aged cells show increased activity of genes that can stimulate the immune system. This sheds light on the potential role of aging beta cells in immune regulation and their relevance to autoimmune reactions in type 1 diabetes.

A new study led by Dr. Milan Patra along with Professors Ittai Ben-Porath and Yuval Dor from the Faculty of Medicine of the Hebrew University has revealed that senescent human pancreatic beta cells, which play a crucial role in insulin production, exhibit enhanced functional maturation through chromatin reorganization. Additionally, the study finds that these cells show increased activity of the interferon pathway which stimulates the immune system. This finding may offer a potential new avenue for tackling type I diabetes.

Background: The Diabetes Challenge

Diabetes, characterized by insulin deficiency or resistance, hinges on dysfunctional pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for secreting insulin to remove glucose from the blood. Enhancing or preserving the function of these cells is pivotal for developing diabetes treatments. Globally, an estimated 463 million adults, or roughly 1 in 11, grapple with this condition, a figure expected to balloon due to aging populations, urbanization, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles. Projections indicate that by 2045, over 700 million could be afflicted, posing daunting challenges to healthcare, economies, and public health efforts. Urgent action is imperative to stem this tide, necessitating effective prevention strategies, better access to care, and innovative treatments.

Key Findings: Functionality and Immune Response

The study, published in Nucleic Acids Research, demonstrates that a significant portion of adult human pancreatic beta cells activate a gene called p16, which indicates that they are in an aging-like state, termed cellular senescence. Interestingly, these senescent cells, rather than showing signs of dysfunctionality, show elevated levels of genes that are important for their function. Thus, these cells appear to possess a higher level of functionality and maturity compared to their non-senescent neighbors. This is surprising, as previously identified senescent cells in other tissues are generally thought to be dysfunctional and have harmful effects.

By analyzing the gene organization of senescent beta cells, the researchers discovered that they change the packaging of the genes – the chromatin, generating a reprogrammed organization that allows activation of functionality. Because of this, it appears that the aging beta cells have the ability to release insulin in response to glucose in even larger amounts, which helps regulate blood sugar levels effectively.

This study also found that senescent beta cells have elevated levels of genes that communicate with the immune system. This response, termed the “interferon response” normally acts to indicate a viral infection to immune cells, recruiting their attack. However, the senescence beta cells activate this pathway in the absence of such infection: it is molecular changes in the cells themselves simulate this response. The potential consequence is increased stimulation of immune cells to attack beta cells, the fundamental process that drives type I diabetes. This means that aging beta cells might help regulate immune responses and could be important for understanding autoimmune reactions in type 1 diabetes. Potentially, blocking this response, or the process of senescence, could be used to prevent the progression of type I diabetes in its early stages.

Implications for Diabetes Treatment

The discovery that aging pancreatic beta cells can retain high functionality and respond to immune signals challenges the traditional view that senescent cells are purely detrimental. This new understanding opens the door to potential therapies aimed at preserving or enhancing the insulin-secreting function of beta cells in diabetic patients.

"These findings are pivotal because they suggest that senescent beta cells are not a liability, but may act, in a pre-designed manner, to improve insulin production as we age, countering other detrimental effects," said Professor Ittai Ben Porath. “Furthermore, if it will be further established that senescence of beta cells is a prominent feature of the early stages of type I diabetes, targeting of these cells through drug treatment could represent a novel approach for preventing autoimmune attack of beta cells."

Future Research Directions

Future research plans include delving deeper into the mechanisms driving the increased activity of functional-maturation programs in aging beta cells, influenced by chromatin dynamics. A comprehensive understanding of these processes holds promise for the development of targeted therapies aimed at enhancing beta-cell functionality and lifespan, thereby improving the quality of life for individuals grappling with diabetes. Understanding how the process of senescence affects the interaction of immune cells with beta cells, and whether this is indeed associated with diabetes, may open the door for new treatment approaches.

The research paper titled “Senescence of human pancreatic beta cells enhances functional maturation through chromatin reorganization and promotes interferon responsiveness” is now available in Nucleic Acids Research and can be accessed at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38682582/

DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae313

Researchers:

Milan Patra¹, Agnes Klochendler¹, Reba Condiotti¹, Binyamin Kaffe², Sharona Elgavish³, Zeina Drawshy¹, Dana Avrahami¹, Masashi Narita⁴, Matan Hofree^{5 6}, Yotam Drier⁵, Eran Meshorer², Yuval Dor¹, Ittai Ben-Porath¹

Institutions:

1. Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

2. Department of Genetics, the Institute of Life Sciences and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

3. Info-CORE, Bioinformatics Unit of the I-CORE at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

4. Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge

5. The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

6. School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Pictures

Title: Adult pancreatic islets marking senescent beta cells

Description: Beta cells (marked in green) in the pancreas are organized in structures termed islets. In most adults, it was found that a subset become senescent and display the marker p16, shown here in red. The image shows a typical islet in an adult pancreas. Scale bar = 50 μm.

Credit: Nucleic Acids Research

Title: Senescent beta cells show high levels of proteins that display antigens to the immune system.

Description: Pancreatic islets from adult human subject stained for Insulin (INS) marking beta cells, for p16, and for HLA-I – the system by which cells display antigens to attract immune attack. Blue (DAPI) marks DNA. Arrows indicate p16high cells. Scale bar = 10 μm.

Credit: Nucleic Acids Research

Funding

Stichting Onderzoek Nederland (Y. Dor and I.B.-P.); Israel Science Foundation Legacy Heritage Program [1245/16 to I.B.-P.]; British Council BIRAX Program [65BX18MNIB to M.N. and I.B.-P.];Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund [3-SRA-2024-1479-S-B to Y. Dor and I.B.-P.]; Cooperation Program in Cancer Research of the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) and Israel's Ministry of Science, Technology and Space (MOST) [0004062 to I.B.-P.]; Human Islet Research Network [HIRN, U01 DK135001] and NIDDK [R01 DK133442 to Y. Dor]; Human Islet Research Network [HIRN, U01 DK134995 to D.A.]; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute Core Grant [C9545/A29580 to M.N.]; I.B.-P. holds the Woll Sisters and Brothers Chair in Cardiovascular Diseases; Y. Dor holds the Walter and Greta Stiel Chair and Research Grant in Heart studies. Funding for open access charge: Woll Sisters and Brothers Chair in Cardiovascular Diseases.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 25,000 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 and a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 86^th 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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Muscle Disorder Caused by Key Protein Mutations Uncovered in New Study

4 June, 2024

A recent study has found that the SMCHD1 protein plays a key role in controlling how genes are processed, which affects the progression of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD). This discovery about SMCHD1's function in gene regulation is important because it opens new possibilities for developing targeted therapeutic strategies to combat the disease. By understanding more about how SMCHD1 works, scientists can explore new ways to fight the disease.

A recent study by MD-PhD student Eden Engal under the guidance of Dr. Yotam Drier and Prof. Maayan Salton from the Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University has highlighted the crucial role of the SMCHD1 protein in the regulation of alternative splicing, shedding light on the disease development of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD). This complex disorder, which leads to the progressive weakening and loss of muscle function, is driven by genetic factors. The team's findings enhance our understanding of the genetic mechanisms that underlie this debilitating condition.

FSHD is one of the most common forms of muscular dystrophy, affecting approximately 1 in 20,000 people worldwide. It is caused by genetic mutations that lead to the inappropriate activation of the DUX4 gene in muscle cells and this activation disrupts normal muscle function and causes muscle cells to deteriorate over time. The severity of the disease can vary widely, with some individuals experiencing mild symptoms while others may lose significant muscle function and mobility. There is currently no cure for FSHD.

As DNA is transcribed into RNA, parts of the genes are removed from the RNA in a process known as splicing. Which parts are removed is regulated by multiple proteins and can lead to production of different proteins from the same DNA, a phenomenon therefore termed alternative splicing. The new study found that in addition to SMCHD1 known role in regulating chromosome structure, it is also strongly affecting alternative splicing. Mutations in the SMCHD1 gene were already known to lead to DUX4 expression and FSHD, but it was not clear how.

A detailed analysis of RNA sequencing data from muscle biopsies of FSHD patients and cells genetically modified to lack SMCHD1 revealed extensive splicing errors in numerous genes due to the absence of SMCHD1. A comprehensive screening of splicing factors identified the involvement of the splicing factor RBM5 in these anomalies, and further experiments confirmed that SMCHD1 is required for recruiting RBM5 to its target RNA sites. Amongst the genes whose splicing was disrupted, the researchers identified the DNMT3B gene. They have then demonstrated that the changes in DNMT3B splicing lead to reduced DNA methylation at specific sites near DUX4 which in turn cause harmful overexpression of the DUX4 gene, significantly contributing to FSHD development.

"Our findings underscore a vital link between SMCHD1 and the regulation of splicing mechanisms that, when disrupted, activate pathological processes in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy," stated Eden Engal. "This understanding opens new avenues for potential therapeutic strategies that target these splicing errors, offering hope for mitigating the disease's progression."

This research emphasizes the significant role of SMCHD1 in gene splicing regulation and its impact on the genetic foundations of FSHD, pointing to promising directions for therapeutic intervention.

The research paper titled “DNMT3B splicing dysregulation mediated by SMCHD1 loss contributes to DUX4 overexpression and FSHD pathogenesis” is now available in Science Advances and can be accessed at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38809976/.

Researchers:

Eden Engal^1,2,3, Aveksha Sharma², Uria Aviel^1,4, Nadeen Taqatqa², Sarah Juster4,5, Shiri Jaffe-Herman2, Mercedes Bentata^1,2, Ophir Geminder^2,3, Adi Gershon², Reyut Lewis¹, Gillian Kay², Merav Hecht¹, Silvina Epsztejn-Litman⁴, Marc Gotkine^6,5, Vincent Mouly⁷, Rachel Eiges^4,5, Maayan Salton², Yotam Drier¹

Institutions:

The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Department of Military Medicine and "Tzameret", Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Shaare Zedek Medical Center
Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Department of Neurology, Hadassah Medical Center
UPMC University Paris 06, Inserm UMRS974, CNRS FRE3617, Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne University

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Hebrew University Holds 2024 Trustees Meeting in Ofakim to Support Israel’s South

2 June, 2024

Study Reveals Complex Dynamics of Jewish Settler and Arab Violence in Israel

30 May, 2024

A study spanning 2009-2022, sheds light on the issue of Jewish settler violence in Israel. A direct correlation between the escalation of serious Arab violence and Jewish violence was found, as was a negative relationship between state actions against Arab violence, suggesting a self-defense response. At the same time, formal responses against Jewish violence tend to be associated with increases rather than decreases. The results underscore the importance of consistent and balanced law enforcement approaches.

Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: A New Predictive Tool. Breakthrough in Cancer Prediction with Nano Informatics and AI

29 May, 2024

A recent study has introduced a novel method combining nano informatics and machine learning to precisely predict cancer cell behaviors, enabling the identification of cell subpopulations with distinct characteristics like drug sensitivity and metastatic potential. This research could transform cancer diagnosis and treatment, enhancing personalized medicine by facilitating rapid and accurate testing of cancer cell behaviors from patient biopsies and potentially leading to the development of new clinical tests to monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness.

In an important advance in the fight against cancer, a research team from The Hebrew University has developed a new method to predict the behavior of cancer cells with high accuracy. This innovative approach, combining nano informatics and machine learning, could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of cancer by allowing for the rapid identification of cancer cell subpopulations with varying biological behaviors.

In a novel study led by doctoral student Yoel Goldstein and Prof. Ofra Benny from the School of Pharmacy in the Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with Prof. Tommy Kaplan, Head of the Department of Computational Biology at the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Hebrew University, The Hebrew University, an innovative method was developed to predict cancer cell behavior using nano informatics and machine learning. This discovery may lead to a significant breakthrough in cancer diagnosis and treatment, enabling the identification of cancer cell subpopulations with different characteristics through simple and quick tests.

The initial phase of the study involved exposing cancer cells to particles of various sizes, each identified by a unique color. Subsequently, the precise amount of particles consumed by each cell was quantified. Machine learning algorithms then analyzed these uptake patterns to predict critical cell behaviors, such as drug sensitivity and metastatic potential.

"Our method is novel in its ability to distinguish between cancer cells that appear identical but behave differently at a biological level," Yoel Goldstein elaborated and explained "This precision is achieved through algorithmic analysis of how micro and nanoparticles are absorbed by cells. Being capable to collect and analyze new types of data brings up new possibilities for the field, with the potential to revolutionize clinical treatment and diagnosis through the development of new tools."

The research has paved the way for new types of clinical tests that could significantly impact patient care. "This discovery allows us to potentially use cells from patient biopsies to quickly predict disease progression or chemotherapy resistance," stated Prof. Benny. "It could also lead to the development of innovative blood tests that assess the efficacy of targeted immunotherapy treatments as example."

Current tools for predicting and detecting cancer often lack accuracy and efficiency. Traditional methods like imaging scans and tissue biopsies can be invasive, costly, and time-consuming, leading to delays in treatment and potential misdiagnoses. These approaches may not capture the dynamic nature of cancer progression and can result in limited insights into the disease's behavior at a cellular level. Consequently, patients may experience delays in diagnosis, suboptimal treatment outcomes, and increased psychological distress. This highlights the urgent need for more effective and non-invasive diagnostic tools, like the recent breakthrough achieved by researchers at The Hebrew University, which represent a significant advancement in personalized medicine, providing hope for more effective and customized treatment strategies for cancer patients.

The research paper titled “Particle uptake in cancer cells can predict malignancy and drug resistance using machine learning” is now available in Science Advances and can be accessed at
10.1126/sciadv.adj4370.

Researchers:

Yoel Goldstein¹, Ora T. Cohen¹, Ori Wald², Danny Bavli³, Tommy Kaplan^4,5, Ofra Benny¹

Institutions:

Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University
School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Picture

Illustration. Credit: Made by Ofra Benny by OpenAI software DALL-E

Title: Yoel Goldstein and Ofra Benny in the Lab. Credit: Yoram Aschheim

Disclaimer: In these challenging times of war and crisis, Hebrew University of Jerusalem is resolute in its dedication to advancing research and education. We stand in full support of the brave individuals on the frontlines, safeguarding our nation and the well-being of all Israelis, and extend our deepest gratitude and unwavering solidarity to our community and fellow citizens. Together, we shall prevail against the challenges that confront us, and our shared commitment to the well-being of all Israelis and the pursuit of knowledge remains resolute.

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