Tikkun Olam: How Israel is helping to heal the world

• Published date: 30 September 2021
• Author: JODIE COHEN
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The past two years have certainly demonstrated the uncertainty of our futures, and how little we are really in control.

The third of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals – the 17 biggest challenges facing our world today – focuses on good health and wellbeing. The global aim is to "ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, at all ages."

Health systems under pressure

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With health workers already in short supply in many regions of the world, health systems have been stretched to their limits by the pandemic. In addition, we still face the continued pressures from many other ailments and diseases.

Cancer, for instance, is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. And it is estimated that there are approximately 44 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia.

So what is Israel doing to help?

In the field of healthcare, Israel is taking significant action to find the drugs and preventative treatments, to help us live as long lives as possible.

Let's just take a look at Tel Aviv University (TAU) as one example. Over the past few months alone, they have made numerous announcements about breakthroughs in their scientific research.

Using oxygen to beat Alzheimer's

One team of investigators has succeeded in restoring brain trauma by hyperbaric oxygen therapy (or HBOT). A characteristic of Alzheimer's disease is the build-up of plaque on the brain. However, in a peer-reviewed study, the researchers conclude that by using oxygen therapy in animal trials, they have been able to reduce the plaque present.

They say that this is the first time in the scientific world that nondrug therapy has been proven effective in preventing the core biological processes responsible for the development of Alzheimer's disease. This provides incredible hope, not just for treating, but also potentially for preventing Alzheimer's.

The deadliest form of brain cancer

Another team has been researching glioblastoma, which is the most common form of malignant brain tumor – it accounts for 47.7% of all cases. It's also the most aggressive and deadliest type of brain cancer. This team developed the first 3D-bioprinting of an "active and viable" brain tumor.

As opposed to 2D models, this scientific breakthrough means that scientists can see the complete...