In a year overshadowed by national and regional conflicts, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem stands out with exceptional research contributions. Amid the enduring spirit of Israeli academia and technology, our researchers consistently achieve groundbreaking discoveries that bring hope and progress. In this article, we proudly showcase seven standout findings, emphasizing the positive impact of our researchers’ dedication to advancing knowledge.

1: World's First Saliva-Based Pregnancy Test 

Hebrew University's delegation visits the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. From left to right: Prof. Oron Shagrir, Prof. Michal Goldberg, Naomi Shalom, Prof. Saul Burdman, and Prof. Shlomo Magdassi from Hebrew University; Limor Bettler, Israel Consulate in Bangalore and Chief Research Scientist Lakshmi J., the Indian Institute of Science.  

A recent study from Hebrew University has achieved a significant advancement in integrating single-photon sources onto tiny chips at room temperature, representing an important step forward in quantum photonics with potential for applications such as quantum computing and cryptography. This achievement signifies a milestone in the development of practical quantum photonic devices, heralding a promising future where quantum technologies, encompassing computing, communication, and sensing, can be fully realized.

A new study by the Hebrew University has unveiled a significant advancement in chaos theory, introducing a flux-based statistical theory that predicts chaotic outcomes in non-hierarchical three-body systems. This breakthrough holds practical implications for fields such as celestial mechanics, astrophysics, and molecular dynamics, offering a more efficient and precise approach to analyzing complex systems and enabling deeper exploration and understanding of chaotic phenomena.

A new study at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem unveils critical insights into bacterial fruit blotch, a severe disease affecting melon and watermelon crops. The research focuses on the role of the effector AopW1, shedding light on its significance in host adaptation and providing new perspectives on the HopW1 family of bacterial effectors.

In a recent survey conducted by the Negev Fields Council in collaboration with the Hebrew University, crucial insights have emerged regarding the priorities of the Sdot Hanegev community. The findings shed light on the mental well-being of children and youth as the foremost concern, alongside a collective call for enhanced security measures.

Researchers from the National Natural History Collections at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology at the University of Haifa documented the first-ever observation of phoresy of pseudoscorpions on a scorpion host. This unique behavior sheds light on the intricate relationships of myrmecophile arachnids, particularly between the pseudoscorpion genus Nannowithius and the scorpion species Birulatus israelensis.

Researchers from Hebrew University have unveiled the intricate connection between light conditions, Blue-Light (BL) to Red-Light (RL) ratio, and leaf hydraulic conductance (K_leaf) in different canopy areas. The study shows that light not only directly impacts photosynthesis but also indirectly affects water demands and hydraulic conductance. These findings offer insights into plant adaptive strategies, potentially improving agricultural practices, especially in water management for better crop productivity.

The academic year began today, even as the State of Israel is still at war, a war that was started by the massacre carried out on October 7 by the murderous forces of Hamas.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is fully committed to doing everything possible to enable every one of our reservists to successfully complete this academic year and their degree.

In 2023,  22 cases of gender-based murders of women were perpetrated in Israel by  men. The ethnic breakdown showcased a significant divide, with 50% of victims being Jewish and 41% hailing from the Arab sector, encompassing Druze, Bedouin, and Muslim women. In 86% of the instances, the victims shared a prior relationship with the perpetrators, who were nearly all (95%) from their own ethnic communities. 59% of known killers were either spouses or family members of the victims.