A new study led by Dr. Hilla Chen from the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine at Hebrew University, recently published in Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, offers new hope for the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs. The research highlights the potential benefits of paricalcitol, a second-generation vitamin D analog, in addressing renal secondary hyperparathyroidism (RHPT) and proteinuria—two critical complications of CKD.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem proudly extends its heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Yinon Ben-Neriah of the Faculty of Medicine on being awarded the prestigious Israel Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to cancer research.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Hebrew University alumni Assaf Rappaport, Ami Lotbek, and Yinon Costica on achieving the largest exit in Israel’s history with the acquisition of WIZ by Google!

Rappaport, Lotbek, and Costica are all proud graduates of the Hebrew University, with Lotbek also holding a master’s degree from the School of Engineering and Computer Science. We take immense pride in your achievement.

New research reveals that heavy precipitation sourced from the Atlantic ocean, are the primary drivers of present-day lake filling in the northwestern Sahara. The study finds that only the most intense and prolonged precipitation events trigger lake-filling episodes, challenging long-standing assumptions about past climate conditions in the region. These findings suggest that projections of enhanced rainfall intensity and frequency in the Sahara could potentially reshape water availability in the desert.

In a significant initiative to tackle pressing agricultural, nutritional, and environmental challenges, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has partnered with Clemson University in South Carolina, USA, and Sapir College. This collaboration aims to harness the unique strengths of each institution to drive innovation and sustainability in agriculture.

New study introduces Aloe vera as a natural, sustainable scaffold for cultured meat production. By repurposing Aloe vera, researchers cultivated fat-like lipid chunks that could enhance the taste and texture of alternative proteins. Combined with a single-use bioreactor, this approach offers a scalable, cost-effective solution for cultured meat production using a sustainable agricultural byproduct.

Researchers have successfully used gene-editing technology to enhance the nutritional value of lettuce. The study demonstrates a significant increase in β-carotene (provitamin A), zeaxanthin, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) without compromising plant growth or yield. This breakthrough highlights the potential of gene editing to combat micronutrient deficiencies and improve the dietary quality of widely consumed crops.

Prof. Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University, and the Presidents of Research Universities in Israel, along with higher education leaders, urge Prime Minister Netanyahu:

"All hostages still held in Gaza must be returned without delay."

In a letter to the Prime Minister, the presidents of Israel’s higher education institutions called on the government—and its leader—not to stop now. They urged full commitment to advancing the second phase of the agreement, the phase that will bring home all remaining hostages, both living and deceased.

Scientists at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have unlocked the secret behind petunia’s captivating scent—tracing it back to a single gene, PhDEF. This gene not only shapes the flower’s petals but also triggers the production of alluring fragrances that attract pollinators. The discovery could revolutionize the fragrance industry and horticulture, offering new ways to enhance floral scents without altering a flower’s natural beauty.