Archaeologists have uncovered a rare Tetrarchic boundary stone at the site of Abel Beth Maacah in northern Israel. Originally marking land borders under Roman Emperor Diocletian’s tax reforms, the stone provides insight into ancient land ownership, local settlement patterns, and imperial administrative practices. The discovery also introduces two previously unknown place names, expanding our understanding of the region’s historical geography and socio-economic landscape.

A new study has revolutionized the understanding of ancient medicine by combining modern science with hands-on historical reenactments. The research team recreated 2nd-century CE dissections described by Galen, uncovering new insights into Greco-Roman medical practices and resolving centuries-old mysteries hidden in ancient texts. 

Researchers have uncovered how egg cells prepare for the creation of life. Their work reveals the secrets of the Balbiani body, a remarkable structure that organizes essential molecules to guide early embryonic development. Using zebrafish models and cutting-edge imaging, the team discovered how this structure transforms from liquid droplets into a stable core, laying the groundwork for life itself. This discovery sheds light on the extraordinary precision of nature’s reproductive process. 

The 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, who was laid to rest today, played a pivotal role in achieving the historic peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. In 2019, President Carter gave a rare interview to Prof. Vered Vinitzky-Seroussi, then head of the Truman Institute at Hebrew University, and journalist Tali Lipkin-Shahak, where he reflected on his memories and vision for peace in the Middle East.

A study published in PLOS ONE investigates how early hominins in Ethiopia, between 1.6- 1.0 million years ago, selected rocks for toolmaking, revealing their cognitive and adaptive capabilities. The study examined the engineering properties of raw materials at the Melka Wakena site using advanced imaging and robotic experiments. The findings demonstrate that early humans made informed decisions based on factors like durability and efficiency, providing new insights into the technological behaviors of early Pleistocene toolmakers. 

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is proud to announce the relaunch of its newly renovated Learning Center for the Blind, a pioneering initiative dedicated to supporting blind and visually impaired students. Established in 1996, the center has been a cornerstone of empowerment for students with visual impairments, ensuring equal access to education, integration into society, and successful entry into the workforce.  

Researchers have uncovered how egg cells prepare for the creation of life. Their work reveals the secrets of the Balbiani body, a remarkable structure that organizes essential molecules to guide early embryonic development. Using zebrafish models and cutting-edge imaging, the team discovered how this structure transforms from liquid droplets into a stable core, laying the groundwork for life itself. This discovery sheds light on the extraordinary precision of nature’s reproductive process. 

This January 7-9, 2025, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is hosting an international conference celebrating 100 years since the establishment of its Institute of Jewish Studies. The conference, titled “Jewish Studies Between the Past and the Future,” will bring together leading scholars, policymakers, and public figures to reflect on a century of achievements and envision the future of Jewish Studies.

Israeli and Palestinian engineers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem develop novel metamaterials for the cost-effective injection molding of whole cuts of meat. 

Hebrew University proudly congratulates Evyatar Cohen and Tamir Herzberg on their remarkable achievement of winning the prestigious Figgie Award for Excellence in Design at the Boston Festival of Indie Games!

A study reveals that the structure of milk fat globules, rather than their chemical composition, plays a key role in their interactions with bacteria. Small globules promote the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bacillus subtilis, while larger ones trigger biofilm formation, a behavior linked to bacterial adaptation. These findings demonstrate milk’s natural protective mechanisms and highlight its potential to support gut health, offering significant implications for dairy science and nutrition.

A new study has uncovered a surprising link between Alzheimer’s disease and Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1). Researchers found HSV-1 proteins embedded in Alzheimer’s brains, revealing how the virus is inhibited by tau protein—a key player in the disease. These insights could pave the way for innovative treatments targeting viral activity and the brain’s immune response to slow or even stop Alzheimer’s progression.