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:

1. Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
2. 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

 

 

A new study led by Dr. Meir Barneron from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals that genetically diverse groups make more accurate collective judgments compared to genetically homogeneous groups. This research, published in Personality and Individual Differences, provides new insights into the origins of the ‘wisdom of crowds’ phenomenon, emphasizing the role of genetic diversity in enhancing collective intelligence.

Past studies have suggested that combining individual judgments can improve accuracy, especially when individuals differ in background, education, and demography.

However, Dr. Barneron's research takes this a step further by proposing that genetic diversity itself contributes significantly to the accuracy of combined judgments.

The study involved 602 identical and fraternal twins, who participated by making numerical judgments in pairs. These pairs consisted either of co-twins (related pairs) or non-related individuals (unrelated pairs). The results revealed that judgments made by unrelated (i.e., heterogenous) pairs were more accurate than those made by related (i.e., homogeneous) pairs. Theoretically, however, this finding could emerge either from environmental or genetic factors.

In order to distinguish between environmental and genetic factors, the study compares the performance of related and unrelated pairs, separately among identical and fraternal twins. This comparison is relevant as genetic influences make identical twins more similar to one another compared to fraternal twins because the former share virtually 100 percent of their genetic variance, whereas fraternal twins share, on average, 50 percent of the genetic variance.

The findings revealed that the superior performance of unrelated versus related pairs was evident for the identical twins. This underscores the impact of genetic relatedness on collective judgment.

Dr. Barneron's research is the first empirical demonstration of the benefits of genetic diversity for collective judgments. The findings suggest that genetic diversity enhances the collective cognitive abilities of groups, providing a deeper understanding of how diverse crowds can achieve wiser outcomes. By uniquely highlighting the genetic aspect, this research adds a new dimension to the ‘wisdom of crowds’ phenomenon.

"These findings highlight the significant impact genetic diversity can have on collective decision-making, underscoring the importance of embracing diversity in all its forms to enhance our cognitive abilities and tackle complex challenges more effectively." - Dr. Meir Barneron, Hebrew University

Utilizing a sample of identical and fraternal twins, the study effectively isolates genetic diversity, allowing for a clear comparison between genetically homogeneous and heterogeneous groups, and providing robust evidence for the hypothesis. This empirical evidence supports the broader theory that diversity enhances decision-making, with significant implications for organizational management. It suggests that diverse teams may be better equipped to tackle complex problems and innovate effectively.

Moreover, the research contributes to our understanding of genetic diversity as a fundamental aspect of biodiversity, highlighting its crucial role in adaptation, resilience, and the long-term survival of populations in the face of environmental changes.

The research paper titled “Genetically-diverse crowds are wiser” is now available at Personality and Individual Differences and can be accessed at https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/personality-and-individual-differences

Researchers:

Meir Barneron^a, Ilan Yaniv^b, Lior Abramson^{b c}, Ariel Knafo-Noam^b

Institution:

1. Seymour Fox School of Education, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
2. Department of Psychology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
3. Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, United States

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

 

 

A new study by Prof. Eyal Klement and PhD Student Michal Morgenstern from the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine at the Hebrew University, in collaboration with Dr. Jaap Sok from the Business Economics Department at Wageningen University and Research, has unveiled key factors influencing vaccination intentions among Israeli dairy farmers. The research, crucial for optimizing voluntary vaccination programs, compared five diseases affecting dairy cattle: Botulism, Bovine Ephemeral Fever, Brucellosis, Lumpy Skin Disease, and Rabies.

Effective vaccination is vital for epidemic control, especially in voluntary vaccination contexts. Despite its importance, there is limited understanding of how veterinarian communication and disease-specific traits impact farmer vaccination intentions. This study fills that gap by analyzing responses from 340 Israeli dairy farmers through questionnaires grounded in the theory of planned behavior. Veterinarians overseeing these farms also provided insights into their opinions and perceived influence on vaccination decisions.

The findings revealed varying levels of farmer vaccination intention, with Botulism (a deadly bacterial induced intoxication) showing the highest and Bovine Ephemeral Fever (an arthropod-borne viral disease) the lowest. Social pressure significantly influenced farmers' vaccination decisions, with distinct patterns emerging across different diseases. Notably, veterinarian opinions had the highest influence only for Lumpy Skin Disease (an arthropod-borne viral pandemic), while other factors played critical roles for other diseases. Interestingly, there was no correlation between veterinarians' recommendations and farmers' perceptions of these recommendations.

Prof. Klement emphasized the need for tailored interventions to optimize voluntary vaccination programs. "The study highlights the multifaceted influences on farmers' vaccination intentions, particularly the prevailing impact of perceived social pressure," he said. "However, variations exist across diseases, and there is a notable disconnection between veterinarians' opinions and how they're perceived by farmers. This discrepancy suggests potential communication breakdowns."

Regulations, laws, and guidelines regarding livestock vaccinations vary by country and region, often combining mandatory and voluntary programs to safeguard animal health and food safety. For instance, the European Union and Israel have specific vaccination protocols, while organizations like RUMA in the UK provide non-binding guidelines. However, understanding the influences on farmers' decision-making processes beyond these rules—such as social pressures and veterinarian recommendations—is crucial. These factors significantly impact the effectiveness of voluntary vaccination programs, as farmers' choices are shaped by a complex interplay of social norms, trust in veterinarians, and perceived cost-benefit analyses. Recognizing these influences can lead to more tailored and effective vaccination strategies, enhancing overall livestock health and productivity. The study advocates for the pivotal role of veterinarians in guiding vaccination choices due to their medical expertise. It underscores the necessity of improving communication between veterinarians and farmers, with an emphasis on effective risk communication training.

The research paper titled “Would you bet on the vet? Influences on dairy farmers' vaccination choices, with a spotlight on the Veterinarian impact” is now available in Preventive Veterinary Medicine and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106262.

Researchers:

Michal Morgenstern¹, Jaap Sok², Eyal Klement¹

Institutions:

1. Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
2. Business Economics, Wageningen University and Research (WUR)

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

 

Microscopic Syringes and AI: Scientists Uncover New Bacterial Weapons

In a novel study, featured on the cover of August 2024 volume of Molecular Systems Biology journal, researchers have unveiled new secrets about a fascinating bacterial weapon system that acts like a microscopic syringe. Led by Dr. Asaf Levy from the Hebrew University and collaborators from the Hebrew University and from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaine, the team has made significant strides in understanding the extracellular contractile injection system (eCIS), a unique mechanism used by bacteria and archaea to inject toxins into other organisms.

Cracking the Bacterial Code with Artificial Intelligence

The eCIS is a 100-nanometer long weapon that evolved from viruses that previously attacked microbes (phages). During evolution these viruses lost their ability to infect microbes and turned into syringes that inject toxins into different organisms, such as insects. Previously, the Levy group identified eCIS as a weapon carried by more than 1,000 microbial species. Interestingly, these microbes rarely attack humans, and the eCIS role in Nature remains mostly unknown. (Geller et al. 2021). However, we know that it loads and injects protein toxins.

The specific proteins injected by eCIS and their functions have long remained a mystery. Before the study we knew about ~20 toxins that eCIS can load and inject. To solve this biological puzzle, the research team developed an innovative machine learning tool that combines genetic and biochemical data of different genes and proteins to accurately identify these elusive toxins. The project resulted in identification of over 2,000 potential toxin proteins.

"Our discovery not only sheds light on how microbes interact with their hosts and maybe with each other, but also demonstrates the power of machine learning in uncovering new gene functions," explains Dr. Levy. "This could open up new avenues for developing antimicrobial treatments or novel biotechnological tools."

New Toxins with Enzymatic Activities against Different Molecules

Using AI technology, the researchers analyzed 950 microbial genomes and identified an impressive 2,194 potential toxins. Among these, four new toxins (named EAT14-17) were experimentally validated by demonstrating that they can inhibit growth of bacteria or yeast cells. Remarkably, one of these toxins, EAT14, was found to inhibit cell signaling in human cells, showcasing its potential impact on human health. The group showed that the new toxins likely act as enzymes that damage the target cells by targeting proteins, DNA or a molecule that is critical to energy metabolism. Moreover, the group was able to decipher the protein sequence code that allow loading of toxins into the eCIS syringe. Recently, it was demonstrated that eCIS can be used as a programmable syringe that can be engineered for injection into various cell types, including brain cells (Krietz et al. 2023). The new findings from the current paper leverage this ability by providing thousands of toxins that are naturally injected by eCIS and the code that facilitates their loading into the eCIS syringe. The code can be transferred into other proteins of interest.

From Microscopic Battles to Medical Breakthroughs

The study's findings could have far-reaching applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. The newly identified toxins might be used to develop new antibiotics or pesticides, efficient enzyme for different industries, or to engineer microbes that can target specific pathogens. This research highlights the incredible potential of combining biology with artificial intelligence to solve complex problems that could ultimately benefit human health.

"We're essentially deciphering the weapons that bacteria evolved and keep evolving to compete over resources in Nature" adds Dr. Levy.  “Microbes are creative inventors and it is fulfilling to be part of a group that discovers these amazing and surprising inventions”.

The study was led by two talented students: Aleks Danov and Inbal Pollin from the department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, the Institute of Environmental Sciences, and was performed in collaboration with Prof. Tommy Kaplan (School of Computer Science and Engineering) and Dr. Philippos A Papathanos (Department of Entomology) from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in collaboration with Prof. Brenda A Wilson from University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.

The research paper titled “Identification of novel toxins associated with the extracellular contractile injection system using machine learning” is now available in Molecular Systems Biology and can be accessed at https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44320-024-00053-6

The cover of Molecular Systems Biology featuring eCIS injecting toxins that were predicted by AI. Artwork by Dr. Yitzhak Yadegari

Funding:

The study was funded by the Israeli Science Foundation, Israeli Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Volkswagen Foundation, and a joint seed grant between the two universities.

Researchers:

Aleks Danov¹, Inbal Pollin¹, Eric Moon², Mengfei Ho², Brenda A Wilson², Philippos A Papathanos³, Tommy Kaplan^4,5 and Asaf Levy¹

Institutions:

1. Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
2. Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois
3. Department of Entomology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
4. School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
5. Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, 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

A new study led by Prof. Shoham Choshen-Hillel and Mika Guzikevits from the Hebrew University, Dr. Alex Gileles-Hillel from Hebrew University- Hadassah Medical Center, Dr. Tom Gordon-Hecker from Ben-Gurion University, and an international team of researchers from Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical Center, the University of Missouri, and Marshall University has uncovered a concerning sex bias in pain management decisions at emergency rooms. The research, published in the journal PNAS, analyzed over 21,000 patient records across the United States and Israel and found that female patients are consistently less likely to receive pain medication prescriptions compared to male patients with similar complaints.

The study revealed that female patients are prescribed fewer pain relief medications than male patients, even after considering the levels of pain reported and other variables such as age, medical history, and the type of complaint. This suggests a systemic issue where women's pain may not be taken as seriously or treated as aggressively as men's pain.

By analyzing electronic health records from American and Israeli healthcare systems, the researchers present evidence that a female patient discharged from the emergency department is less likely to receive treatment for a pain complaint compared to a male patient. Specifically, datasets from emergency departments in the US and Israel, with a total sample size of 21,851 discharge notes, revealed that female patients are less likely to receive a prescription for any type of analgesic medication, both opioids and non-opioids, compared to male patients.

Female patients with pain complaints are less likely to receive analgesics for every pain score and at every age group and receive less analgesics from both male and female physicians. In addition, female patients stay an additional 30 minutes at the emergency department, and their pain score is 10% less likely to be recorded by triage nurses. In a controlled experiment involving 109 nurses, pain was rated as less intense if the patient was said to be female rather than male, suggesting that the bias is driven by gender stereotypes. According to the authors, the under-treatment of females’ pain bears immediate implications for the healthcare system and broad implications for society’s attitude toward female pain.

Interestingly, the study found that this disparity in prescribing pain medication exists regardless of whether the treating physician is male or female. Both male and female doctors are less likely to prescribe pain medication to women, indicating that the bias is pervasive and not limited to one sex of healthcare providers.

The research also highlighted that nurses are 10% less likely to record pain scores for female patients compared to male patients. This lack of documentation can contribute to underestimating the severity of women's pain and result in inadequate treatment. Additionally, the study found that female patients spend an average of 30 minutes longer in the emergency department than male patients. This delay could be due to a variety of factors, including potentially being taken less seriously when they report pain or symptoms.

In a controlled experiment, nurses judged female patients' pain as less intense than male patients' pain when presented with identical clinical scenarios. This suggests that there may be a subconscious bias in how healthcare professionals perceive and assess pain based on the patient's sex..

"Our research reveals a troubling bias in how women's pain is perceived and treated in emergency care settings," said Prof. Choshen-Hillel. "This under-treatment of female patients' pain could have serious implications for women's health outcomes, potentially leading to longer recovery times, complications, or chronic pain conditions."

Recommendations: The study argues that these findings reflect a systemic under-treatment of women's pain in medical settings. The researchers call for urgent policy interventions to address this bias and ensure equal pain treatment regardless of sex. They recommend training programs for healthcare professionals to recognize and counteract sex biases and suggest that pain management protocols should be revisited and standardized to ensure fair and adequate treatment for all patients.

This research highlights the critical need to address unconscious biases in healthcare to provide fair and effective treatment for all patients. The full study, "Sex Bias in Pain

Management Decisions," is published in PNAS and can be accessed at: 10.1073/pnas.2401331121

Illustration Credit: Avi Blyer

Discrimination Against Women in Pain Management in Emergency Rooms

Researchers

Mika Guzikevits^{MA 1,2*}, Tom Gordon- Hecker^{PhD 3*}, David Rekhtman^{MD 4}, Shaden Salameh^{MD 4}, Salomon Israel^{PhD 5}, Moses Shayo^{PhD 2,6}, David Gozal^{MD 7,8}, Anat Perry ^{PhD 5}, Alex Gileles-Hillel^{MD 9,10**}, Shoham Choshen-Hillel^{PhD 1,2**}

Affiliations:

¹Hebrew University Business School, Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Jerusalem, Israel.

²Federmann Center for the Study of Rationality, Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Jerusalem, Israel.

³Department of Business Administration, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; Be’er-Sheva, Israel.

⁴The Department of Emergency Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.

⁵Psychology department, Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Jerusalem, Israel.

⁶Economics department, Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Jerusalem, Israel.

⁷The University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA

⁸ Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA

⁹ Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah, Medical Center

¹⁰The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Jerusalem, Israel.

*Equal first authorship

**Co-senior authorship

Funding

Israel Science Foundation grant 2824/22 (AGH)

Israel Science Foundation grant 354/21 (AP, SCH)

Recanati Fund at the Hebrew University Business School at the Hebrew University (SCH)

Azrieli Fellowship of the Azrieli Foundation (AP)

National Institutes of Health grant AG061824 (DG)

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

 

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

 

 

The debate about the meaning of stereotypes is longstanding. Do they carry an inherent, hereditary factor, where, for example, boys and girls differ biologically, or is it the influence of social expectations? While the effects of heredity are relatively straightforward to measure, isolating and empirically measuring the impact of the environment is much more challenging. A new study led by Prof. Ruth Mayo at the Hebrew University, together with Dr. Yonat Zwebner, Dr. Moses Miller, Prof. Jacob Goldenberg of Reichman University's Arison School of Business, and Noa Grobgeld from the Hebrew University, has made a groundbreaking achievement by demonstrating the significant impact of social structuring. It was found that this influence is so powerful that it can even change a person's facial appearance.

The study has uncovered intriguing evidence that a person's name may influence their facial appearance as they age. This research, which combines human perception tests and advanced machine learning techniques, offers new insights into the complex interplay between social expectations and self-identity development.

Building on previous findings that adults' faces can be matched to their names at above-chance levels, Prof. Mayo's team sought to determine whether this face-name congruence is present from birth or develops over time.

Key findings include:

• Both adults and children could accurately match adult faces to their names above chance levels.
• Neither adults nor children could match children's faces to their names above chance levels.
• Machine learning algorithms found greater similarity between facial representations of adults sharing the same name compared to those with different names.
• This name-based facial similarity was not observed among children.
• Artificially aged images of children's faces did not exhibit the face-name matching effect seen in actual adult faces.

"These results suggest that the congruence between facial appearance and names is not innate, but rather develops as individuals mature," explains Prof. Mayo. "It appears that people may alter their appearance over time to conform to cultural expectations associated with their name."

This "self-fulfilling prophecy" highlights the profound impact that social factors have. The study suggests that even seemingly arbitrary social tags like names can shape our appearance in subtle yet measurable ways.

The research raises fascinating questions about identity formation and the long-term effects of social expectations on individual development.

Prof. Mayo emphasizes that further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this face-name matching effect and its broader implications. However, this study represents a significant step forward in understanding how social factors shape who we become.

 

The research paper titled “Can names shape facial appearance” is now available in PNAS and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2405334121.

Researchers:

Yonat Zwebner¹, Moses Miller², Noa Grobgeld³, Jacob Goldenberg^1,4, Ruth Mayo⁵

Institution:

1. Marketing Department, Arison School of Business, Reichman University
2. Data Science Department, Arison School of Business, Reichman University
3. Clinical Child and Educational Psychology, The Seymour Fox School of Education, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
4. Marketing Department, Columbia Business School, Columbia University
5. Department of Psychology, 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

 

 

A new study conducted by Prof. Meital Balmas Cohen from the Department of Communication and Journalism, alongside Nitzan Attias and Prof. Eran Halperin from the Department of Psychology at the Hebrew University, reveals that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's communal personality traits significantly increase empathy and pro-social behaviors towards Ukrainian citizens amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The research, which aimed to explore how national leaders can leverage their personality traits to influence public opinion and garner support beyond their borders, found that emphasizing Zelensky's communal traits such as warmth and morality led to increased empathy, willingness to help, and actual monetary donations for Ukrainians. The study was conducted through two experimental studies in Israel and the United States, providing robust evidence of the impact of personality traits on global perceptions and actions.

Since the onset of the Russian invasion in early 2022, President Zelensky has become a prominent figure on the world stage. His appeals to both world leaders and ordinary citizens have been pivotal in maintaining international support for Ukraine. Zelensky's frequent updates on social media and direct communications have aimed to elicit empathy and support from the global community.

"This study delves into the psychological mechanisms behind these efforts, revealing the power of communal traits in fostering empathy and pro-social behavior," said Prof. Meital Balmas Cohen. "Our findings have profound implications for understanding how national leaders can shape global public opinion and mobilize support. By highlighting communal traits, leaders can potentially overcome psychological barriers and foster a sense of connection and responsibility among international audiences."

This study underscores the critical role of personality in international relations, offering valuable insights for leaders seeking to galvanize global support for their nations. It also highlights the importance of media representation in shaping perceptions of foreign leaders. By focusing on communal traits, media outlets can enhance empathy and support for populations in conflict zones. These findings have significant implications for international diplomacy and humanitarian efforts, suggesting that strategic communication can be a powerful tool in mobilizing global assistance.

These findings offer a hopeful perspective on the power of empathy and the role of leadership in fostering global solidarity. The research underscores the potential for leaders to influence public opinion and drive positive action through the strategic emphasis of their personality traits.

The research paper titled “The Warm War: The Effect of Ukrainian President’s Communal Personality Traits on Empathy and Pro-Social Behavior towards the Ukrainians” is now available in Journal of Conflict Resolution and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1177/00220027241258379.

Researchers:

Meital Balmas¹, Nitzan Attias², and Eran Halperin²

Institutions:

1. Department of Communication and Journalism, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
2. Department of Psychology, 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

Foto credit: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP

 

 

A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has revealed that a balanced diet is essential for the optimal health and task performance of honeybees, a key species for pollination and ecosystem stability. The study, led by Prof. Sharoni Shafir from the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, investigates how honeybees balance their nutritional intake to maintain homeostasis and enhance fitness. The findings indicate that an unbalanced diet with a high omega-6:3 ratio (5:1) significantly affects the bees' ability to nurse larvae, delaying the onset of nursing, reducing the frequency of nursing visits, and altering the attention given to larvae of different ages.

To test these effects, one-day-old adult worker bees were fed either a balanced diet or an unbalanced diet for seven days. The bees were then released into a common-garden hive, tagged with barcodes, and continuously filmed for six days. The analysis revealed that those on the unbalanced diet exhibited delayed nursing behavior and reduced efficiency in caring for larvae, particularly in differentiating between three-day-old and four-day-old larvae.

"Balanced nutrition is fundamental for honeybee colonies, impacting not just individual health but also the overall efficiency and survival of the hive," said Prof. Shafir. "Our study underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced omega-6:3 ratio in the diet of honey bees to ensure they can perform their crucial roles within the colony effectively."

The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly in cultivated landscapes where the availability of nutritionally balanced pollen sources may be limited. The shift towards a greater omega-6:3 ratio in these areas could pose a significant threat to bee populations, affecting their health, cognitive abilities, and ability to sustain their colonies. "This study opens new avenues for further research linking fitness-related behaviors to nutritional balancing in honeybees," added Prof. Shafir. "It also highlights the need for conservation efforts to ensure diverse and nutritionally adequate pollen sources are available for these essential pollinators."

The research aligns with broader findings in other species, where nutritional imbalances are known to affect survival, reproductive success, and offspring health. It calls for increased awareness and measures to support the nutritional needs of honeybees, essential for maintaining their populations and the vital pollination services they provide.

The research paper titled “Unbalanced dietary omega-6:3 ratio affects onset of nursing and nurse–larvae interactions by honey bees, Apis mellifera” is now available in Animal Behaviour and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2024.05.007.

Researchers:

Danny Minahan, Maya Goren, Sharoni Shafir

Institution:

B. Triwaks Bee Research Center, Department of Entomology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The 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. 

Pictures:

Title: Worker Honey Bees with Barcodes Engaging in Nursing Behavior
Description: Under red light (used to film the bees without disturbing them), with one barcoded bee as detected by the image-analysis software and its personal identification number appears on the screen.
Credit: Danny Minahan

 

Title: Barcoded nurse bees patrolling the brood area.

Credit: Danny Minahan

 

 

 

A new study led by PhD student Kinneret Endevelt, under the supervision of Dr. Roni Porat from the Department of Political Science and Department of International Relations and Prof. Eran Halperin from the Department of Psychology at the Hebrew University, unveils a novel approach to bridging the achievement gap for minority students in higher education. The research emphasizes the critical need to address minority students’ lingering sense of belonging uncertainty and introduces a psychological intervention aimed at fostering inclusivity and success within the university environment.

The study introduces a targeted intervention to enhance minority students' sense of belonging by modifying the institutional learning space. Tested in two large-scale field experiments in Israel with over 20,000 Jewish and Palestinian students during the COVID-19 pandemic, the intervention involved displaying the lecturer's name in Hebrew, English, and Arabic on Zoom. Results showed a significant positive impact on Palestinian students, including increased belonging, engagement, participation, and improved academic performance. Average grades rose by 10 points in the first experiment and by 4 points in the second. The research underscores that small, strategic institutional changes can significantly benefit minority populations, highlighting the importance of promoting an inclusive learning environment.

“This study underscores the power of seemingly minor modifications in educational settings to make substantial impacts on minority students' academic experiences and outcomes,” said Dr. Porat. “By acknowledging and integrating minority students’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that promotes equity in education.”

Beyond the virtual classroom, this approach can be extended to physical spaces by incorporating minority languages and cultural elements into faculty offices, cafeteria menus, and student lounges. Such practices can reinforce the sense of belonging and inclusion for minority students, creating a more supportive and equitable educational environment.

The implications of this study are extensive. By adopting and consistently reinforcing inclusive practices, educational institutions can reduce disparities and promote social mobility. This intervention also offers insights applicable to other contexts, such as workplaces and public spaces, suggesting that subtle changes in everyday environments can foster a more equitable and welcoming society.

The study reveals that small, meticulously crafted changes to the institutional environment can significantly impact minority students' academic achievements and sense of belonging. By embracing these findings, educational institutions can take meaningful steps toward creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

The research paper titled “Zoom out: An intervention on the virtual learning environment improves minority students’ grades in two field experiments in Israel” is now available in PNAS and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2313496121.

Researchers:

Kinneret Endevelt¹, Eran Halperin¹, Roni Porat^2,3

Institution:

1. Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
2. The Department of Political Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
3. Department of International Relations, 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

 

A new study has unveiled findings regarding genetic interactions between plants and their associated bacteria. The study, led by Dr. Asaf Levy from the Institute of Environmental Science at Hebrew University, in partnership with Dr. Yulia Fridman , Dr. Hitaishi Khandal , Prof. Sigal Savaldi-Goldstein from Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, reveals a dynamic cross-kingdom horizontal gene transfer (HGT) that could revolutionize our understanding of plant and bacterial biology and agricultural practices.

Plants rely on a complex community of bacteria which are crucial for their health and development. The research team hypothesized and confirmed that the close and long-standing relationship between plants and their microbiota facilitates the rare phenomenon of horizontal gene transfer, where genes are transferred directly between different species.

In a new discovery, Dr. Levy and his team identified 75 unique genes that were transferred horizontally between Arabidopsis thaliana, a commonly studied model plant, and bacteria. Plants acquired 59 genes from bacteria and bacteria acquired at least 16 genes from plants during evolution. These genes primarily enhance carbohydrate metabolism and auxin biosynthesis, pivotal for plant growth regulation and immune responses. For example a certain group of bacteria, Streptomyces, acquired from plants a gene that allow them to break down chitin, a compound which is prevalent in insects and fungi. In addition, the study identified 111 genes that were transferred between bacteria and eukaryotes in general (not necessarily plants).

Moreover, the study validated these findings by demonstration that a bacterial gene from the Actinobacteria phylum, when expressed in Arabidopsis, corrected growth defects associated with the plant’s DET2 gene mutation. DET2 is essential for the synthesis of a type of plant hormone called Brassinosteroid. These are crucial for plant growth and development. A plant that lacks DET2 gene is a dwarf plant. However, by expressing the bacterial homologous DET2 gene inside plants, the researchers were able to get a plant in a normal size, demonstrating that the two genes have the same function.

"This study highlights the intricacies of plant-microbe interactions and we were surprised that genes were acquired by organisms that are located so remotely on the tree of life, such as bacteria and plants. A bacterial gene acquired by plant has to undergo some changes to be active inside plant cells. It will be interesting to study the mechanisms by which the genes are acquired and evolved. The study opens new avenues for biotechnological applications in agriculture," said Dr. Levy. "Understanding and harnessing these gene transfers could lead to innovative strategies to enhance crop resilience and productivity if we understand why and also how certain genes were transferred. It is also intriguing if bacteria exchange genes with other organisms such as animals, including humans".

With global agriculture facing increasing challenges from climate change and population growth, innovations that enhance crop resilience and productivity are urgently needed. According to projections, advancements in plant-microbe interactions could potentially increase global food production by significant margins, addressing the growing demand for food security. Currently, the agricultural sector spends billions annually combating plant diseases and environmental stresses.

The research paper titled “Widespread horizontal gene transfer between plants and bacteria” is now available in ISME Communications and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1093/ismeco/ycae073.

Researchers:

Shelly Haimlich¹, Yulia Fridman², Hitaishi Khandal², Sigal Savaldi-Goldstein², Asaf Levy¹

Institutions:

1) The Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Environmental Science, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

2) Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology

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

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:

1. Freie Universita¨ t Berlin, Evolutionary Biology
2. Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
3. Berlin Centre for Genomics in Biodiversity Research
4. University of St. Andrews, School of Medicine
5. 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.

 

 

A new study by researchers from the Psychology Department at the Hebrew University published in JMIR Ment Health have made significant strides in understanding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health therapy. Their research focuses on the delicate balance between AI-driven interactions and the irreplaceable human touch in therapeutic settings, addressing critical questions about when AI might effectively replace human therapists and when the human connection remains indispensable.

Led by Prof. Anat Perry, the team has carefully defined various aspects of empathy, comparing the empathic capabilities of humans and AI. In the current JMIR paper, the authors delve into how AI versus human capabilities align with the therapeutic needs, considering both the methodologies employed in therapeutic settings and the individual goals of patients. The study emphasizes the nuanced role of empathy in therapy, underscoring that while AI can simulate empathic interactions and sometimes even create the impression of understanding beyond human capabilities, it lacks the ability to genuinely connect on an emotional level, and crucially to genuinely care.

Prof. Perry highlights the core of their findings, stating, "While AI can provide responses that seem empathically correct, true empathy involves an emotional engagement, and signalling of genuine care, that AI simply does not have. Our study seeks to explore this boundary to better understand when AI can be beneficial in therapy and when it cannot."

The research proposes a novel hybrid therapeutic model where AI supports but does not replace human therapists. This model suggests that AI could effectively handle tasks such as initial patient intake and routine evaluations, and even assist in certain treatment modalities. However, it crucially maintains that human therapists should be involved in situations where deep empathy and compassion are required, ensuring that the therapy remains grounded in genuine human interaction.

This study aligns with emerging trends in the field of mental health therapy, where technology is increasingly integrated into traditional therapeutic practices. Existing models, such as those combining cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with AI-driven tools, have shown promise in enhancing accessibility and efficiency of therapy. For instance, AI applications can offer real-time feedback and personalized recommendations, complementing the therapist's role and enabling more effective treatment plans.

Though much of the research remains theoretical, it raises empirical questions that are vital for the future of mental health therapy. The team calls on both industry professionals developing AI applications for mental health and academic researchers to consider these insights and the importance of maintaining human elements in therapy.

These theoretical opinion papers serve as a crucial reminder of the need to carefully evaluate the use of AI in mental health therapies, balancing technological innovations with the essential human connections that form the backbone of effective therapeutic relationships.

This is Perry’s third paper on the topic, following an influential Correspondence piece in Nature Human Behaviour last year (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-023-01675-w), and a Correspondence on AI, empathy and ethics published with a team of interdisciplinary scholars last month in Nature Machine Intelligence (https://www.nature.com/articles/s42256-024-00841-7).

The research paper titled “Considering the Role of Human Empathy in AI-Driven Therapy” is now available in JMIR Ment Health and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.2196/56529.

Researchers:

Matan Rubin, Hadar Arnon, Jonathan D Huppert, Anat Perry

Institutions:

Psychology Department, 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. 

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. 

 

A recent research initiative led by Doctoral candidate Amal Khayat, Prof. Hagai Levine and Prof. Yael Bar-Zeev from the Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the Hebrew University-Hadassah, together with Prof. Carla Berg,  Prof. Lorien Abroms and Dr. Yan Wang from George Washington University has uncovered significant disparities in the portrayal of Philip Morris International’s (PMI) IQOS, a prominent heated tobacco product, among minority groups in Israel.

The research, published in Tobacco Control, found distinct differences in how Arab and Ultra-Orthodox media depict IQOS compared to the mainstream media. Arab media, in particular, tended to present IQOS more positively, and more likely to spread misinformation regarding its safety and social benefits, and frequently relying on PMI as a primary information source. Moreover, Arab media articles emphasized the accessibility of IQOS retail locations, mimicking advertisement.

PMI’s IQOS ranks as the top heated tobacco product globally and was introduced in Israel in 2016. Notably, advertising for all tobacco products, including IQOS, is prohibited in Israel except in print media. However, the study suggests that news media may serve as an alternative advertising channel, circumventing these advertising restrictions.

The favorable depictions of IQOS and PMI in media articles can significantly influence consumer perceptions and behaviors. While paid advertisements are known to target specific demographics, the impact of "earned" media such as news articles on these groups remains less clear.

Methodologically, the study analyzed media articles from January to October 2020 from Ifat media, utilizing abductive coding techniques. Statistical tests were employed to compare article characteristics across different subpopulations (Arab, Ultra-Orthodox Jews, and the general public). The analysis focused on understanding how IQOS and PMI were framed in the media to assess the tone and content of coverage.

The findings, based on 63 unique articles, revealed significant biases in media targeting of different subpopulations. Specifically, articles directed at Arabs and Ultra-Orthodox Jews portrayed IQOS more positively compared to those aimed at the general public—100% and 75% versus 52%, respectively. Arab media notably emphasized IQOS accessibility (81% versus 17% and 13%) and its social benefits (88% versus 8% and 17%) more prominently. Furthermore, 100% of articles in the Arab media reflected content from the tobacco company press release, compared to 35% in the general public media.

Prof. Levine, senior author: "The study underscores the critical need for rigorous media surveillance and regulatory measures, especially in media outlets targeting minority populations, to ensure fair and balanced reporting. The positive framing of IQOS in minority-targeted media highlights the potential influence of targeted marketing on public perceptions and tobacco product usage across diverse demographics. Minority populations in Israel, and likely in other countries, are not protected from the manipulative vicious marketing strategies of the tobacco industry, corrupting media outlets".

Amal Khayat, lead author: "We recommend enhanced media surveillance and regulation, particularly in minority-oriented media, to ensure accurate reporting on tobacco products. Understanding how different subpopulations, such as the Arab minority in Israel, perceive tobacco-related information can guide regulatory interventions to counteract potential misinformation and prevent disparities in tobacco-related behaviors. Our study also calls attention to the use of news media as an alternative marketing channel by tobacco companies in regions with advertising bans, advocating for measures to protect public health and mitigate the promotion of potentially harmful products."

The research paper titled “IQOS news media coverage in Israel: a comparison across three subpopulations” is now available in Tobacco Control and can be accessed at 10.1136/tc-2023-058422. 

Researchers:

Amal Khayat¹, Yael Bar-Zeev¹, Yechiel Kaufman¹, Carla J. Berg², Lorien C. Abroms², Zongshuan Duan³, Cassidy R. LoParco², Yan Wang², Yuxian Cui², Hagai Levine¹

Institutions:

1. Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Hadassah Medical Center
2. Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University
3. Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University

Funding

This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (RO1CA239178-01-A1; MPIs: CJB, HL)

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.