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Diana Bletter

Diana Bletter

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

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In breakthrough, Israeli scientists develop ‘all-in-one’ DNA test for leishmaniasis infection

In breakthrough, Israeli scientists develop ‘all-in-one’ DNA test for leishmaniasis infection

Analyzing nearly 2,000 live specimens, researchers used a novel lab technique to rapidly identify the sand fly, detect parasites and pinpoint the...

tuesday 50

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Medical Holy Grail: Israeli researchers isolate elusive cells that may slow down aging

Medical Holy Grail: Israeli researchers isolate elusive cells that may slow down aging

In peer-reviewed study, Prof. Alon Monsonego’s lab finds that ‘T helper’ blood cells, abundant in ‘super-centenarians’...

tuesday 70

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

On World AIDS Day, Health Ministry reports 22% decrease of new HIV cases in 2024

On World AIDS Day, Health Ministry reports 22% decrease of new HIV cases in 2024

Israel recorded 317 diagnoses last year, though the head of the Israel AIDS Task Force says carriers of the virus often avoid testing for it due to...

01.12.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Surgeons save soldier wounded in Syria who has a bullet lodged in his heart

Surgeons save soldier wounded in Syria who has a bullet lodged in his heart

Rambam hospital in Haifa says two soldiers who arrived in critical condition are now stable; doctors describe ‘complex’ operation that...

30.11.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Suspect in shooting of US National Guard members facing first-degree murder charge

Suspect in shooting of US National Guard members facing first-degree murder charge

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who served in CIA-backed Afghan Army unit, also accused of assault with intent to kill; governor says 2nd victim remains in...

28.11.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Skinny on weight loss: Israeli researchers warn dieting in middle age may harm the brain

Skinny on weight loss: Israeli researchers warn dieting in middle age may harm the brain

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researchers say middle aged mice who lost weight were prone to inflammation linked to neurodegenerative diseases...

28.11.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Health Ministry said to flag error in genetic test kit detecting rare mutation, reread results

Health Ministry said to flag error in genetic test kit detecting rare mutation, reread results

Haaretz report concerns MECR mutation, part of Israel’s expanded screening panel; can lead to problems with movement, speech, vision; rare disease...

28.11.2025 80

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

‘We live in fear’: Northerners tense on 1st anniversary of ceasefire with Hezbollah

‘We live in fear’: Northerners tense on 1st anniversary of ceasefire with Hezbollah

After the IDF assassinated the Lebanese terror group’s military chief Haytham Ali Tabatabai this week, inhabitants of border community Avivim...

27.11.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Unvaccinated baby dies of measles in Jerusalem, 11th fatality in outbreak

Unvaccinated baby dies of measles in Jerusalem, 11th fatality in outbreak

Also, 10-year-old girl without underlying health conditions dies of flu; Health Ministry says virus has passed epidemic threshold

25.11.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Amid measles outbreak, study finds skepticism of routine vaccines shot up during COVID

Amid measles outbreak, study finds skepticism of routine vaccines shot up during COVID

Bar-Ilan researcher finds that 6.6% of parents who vaccinated an older child before the pandemic chose not to vaccinate a younger child; ‘enough...

25.11.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Scientists create ‘immune-activating’ molecule to help the body fight cancer

Scientists create ‘immune-activating’ molecule to help the body fight cancer

Using AI and big data, Weizmann Institute researchers build MiTEs, or natural killer/T-cell Enhancers, to combat cancers, 5 months after Iranian...

20.11.2025 70

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Come war, peace or pandemic, African doctors train in Israel to save lives back home

Come war, peace or pandemic, African doctors train in Israel to save lives back home

Some 165 medical professionals have received fellowships through Save a Child’s Heart; the nonprofit has helped over 8,000 kids from around the...

19.11.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

In world first, Israeli scientists use RNA-based gene therapy to stop ALS deterioration

In world first, Israeli scientists use RNA-based gene therapy to stop ALS deterioration

By adding a microRNA molecule to ALS models, Tel Aviv University, Ben-Gurion University and Weizmann Institute researchers say the damaged nerve cells...

17.11.2025 100

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

New study finds bacteria in brain tumors play ‘surprising’ role in cancer growth

New study finds bacteria in brain tumors play ‘surprising’ role in cancer growth

Weizmann Institute, Hebrew University and Houston’s Baylor College of Medicine scientists say that patients with more bacteria in their brain...

14.11.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Soroka hospital gala honors NY plastic surgeon for pro bono work during Israel-Hamas war

Soroka hospital gala honors NY plastic surgeon for pro bono work during Israel-Hamas war

The Gaza-adjacent medical center, which has treated thousands since Oct. 7, will recognize Dr. Ira Savetsky on Monday as it seeks an additional $50...

14.11.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

‘A vast demand’ for posthumous sperm retrieval creates new life – and new questions

Since the start of the war, postmortem sperm retrieval was performed on 250 soldiers and security personnel and on 21 civilians. There’s no...

12.11.2025 90

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Health Ministry warns public that two people infected with measles used public transport

Patients moved between Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, Petah Tikva, Tel Aviv and Herzliya; officials urge those who may have crossed their paths to check if...

04.11.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Soroka to receive over $300 million to rebuild after Iran missile strike in June

Sum includes $100 million contribution from Israeli-Canadian businessman Sylvan Adams, in largest donation ever to southern Israel’s premier...

03.11.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Along the Syria and Lebanon borders, skeptical residents embrace peace, while it lasts

Although focused on rebuilding, both evacuated residents and those who stayed during the war won’t let up their vigilance, as terror groups...

29.10.2025 70

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Pulling mussels for a gel, Technion team creates bio-glue to seal internal wounds

Imitating the way mollusks use natural adhesives to stick to rocks, researchers develop biodegradable, anti-bacterial hydrogel they say can close up...

27.10.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Type 2 diabetes patients more likely to develop schizophrenia, Israeli researchers find

In first study of its kind, scientists in Haifa and New York use health organization data to show that adult-onset diabetes sufferers have a 50%...

26.10.2025 70

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Aston Villa warns fans against showing political messages during Maccabi match

Premier League club says any violations of UEFA guidelines will result in stadium ban as it gears up to play to half-empty stands due to ban on...

21.10.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Blood test 95% accurate in spotting suicide risk in bipolar patients, says Israeli scientist

University of Haifa researcher says her team’s AI model spots biomarkers in white blood cells; test could help monitor patients with bipolar...

21.10.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

‘Our strength is in our unity’: Freed hostage Avinatan Or embraced by crowds as he heads home from hospital

Or tells crowd in West Bank settlement he hopes nation can remain united, says people have been ‘flooding’ him and other hostages with...

21.10.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Israelis’ life expectancy rises to 83.8, making it 4th among OECD countries

Report shows dramatic rise in life expectancy of both men and women from 2022 to 2023, despite Israel investing only 7.6% of its GDP in health

20.10.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Miriam Miedzinski-Ballin, trailblazer who made mental health part of first aid, dies at 38

The Houston-born mother of five founded United Hatzalah’s Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit, is remembered for her ‘immense merit’...

19.10.2025 200

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Ex-hostages David and Ariel Cunio, Gali and Ziv Berman, and Yosef-Haim Ohana leave hospital

‘Boo,’ Cunio brothers shout as they jump onscreen in video announcing release; streets of Yavne filled with people welcoming David Cunio,...

19.10.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

‘Time to return to life’: Three freed hostages released from hospital after 4 days

Hundreds line up to greet Omri Miran, who is discharged along with Matan Zangauker and Matan Angrest; body of slain hostage Bipin Joshi said set for...

17.10.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Handcuffed, caged, thrown in a pit: Hostages’ families describe two years of hell

Families of freed captives share harrowing details of their time in Gaza, from starvation to psychological torture; ‘The road for recovery is...

16.10.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

After almost a year of calm, war-scarred Metula is rebuilding. But will tourists come?

Only 40% of the northern border town’s displaced residents have returned since November’s ceasefire with Hezbollah, and with restaurants...

12.10.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

In first, circumventing law, judge okays ALS patient’s right to die; he donates his organs

Mechanically ventilated oxygen for Michael Podolsky, 44, was reduced at Sheba Medical Center last week; became the first ALS patient under end-of-life...

30.09.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Statistics show 50% of reservists’ spouses experience marital troubles

First state report on families of reservists finds 63% of spouses see a negative change in their children’s mental state if parents serve more...

28.09.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Eyes don’t lie: Groundbreaking study tracks eye movements to measure memory

Tel Aviv University and Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center’s non-verbal memory-testing protocol allows assessment in infants, brain injury...

28.09.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Three Jerusalem children die of measles this week as outbreak continues

All five fatalities from disease in recent months are under 2.5 years old; they are the first measles deaths in Israel since 2018-2019 outbreak

25.09.2025 80

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Israeli researchers report breakthrough gene therapy for hearing and balance disorders

Scientists from Tel Aviv University and Boston Children’s Hospital use a optimized virus to deliver a corrected gene into the patient’s cells,...

24.09.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

In war-ravaged northern Israel, farmers replant apple trees hoping for sweeter years ahead

With some 99,000 acres of farmland in the north destroyed during the Hezbollah conflict, growers face a bittersweet return as they judge whether to...

22.09.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

In Beersheba, missile-battered Soroka hospital still seeking cash to rebuild and fortify

The Negev’s main medical center is continuing to operate at limited capacity, with fundraising on hold and the government yet to fully commit to...

15.09.2025 80

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Smartwatches detected early signs of PTSD in those indirectly exposed to Oct. 7 attack

Tel Aviv University-led team’s study finds that technology tracks changes that foreshadow PTSD, and can help relieve strained mental health...

10.09.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Israeli plasma filter promises cutting-edge solution to life-threatening bleeds

ClearPlasma device gets rid of anti-clotting proteins in blood that can endanger trauma victims or surgery patients, researcher says, marking rare...

10.09.2025 80

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Israeli researcher joins EU cell therapy initiative for blood cancers and tumors

Bar-Ilan University scientist part of €8 million consortium to ensure accuracy in CAR-T cell therapy, an immunotherapy using CRISPR-Cas9, in...

02.09.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Using novel method to compare subgroups, Israeli researchers unlock bacteria’s secrets

Hebrew University scientists say their ‘Microcolony-seq’ tool could lead to more precise targeting of antibiotics and vaccines and become...

26.08.2025 8

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Israeli doctors perform 1st ever emergency mitral valve repair on heart transplant patient

33 years after Simon Fischler, 47, had a heart transplant, Rabin Medical Center team conducts procedure, attempted only twice before, but never on a...

25.08.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Iran publicly hangs man accused of murder, in second execution in days

Judiciary says man was put to death at scene of triple murder he committed last year in the city of Kordkuy, as Tehran continues wave of capital...

21.08.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

In world 1st bid to cure paralysis, Israeli team gears up to implant innovative spinal cord

With Health Ministry okay, Tel Aviv University prof will perform surgery that will mark the first time pieces of spine are engineered from human cells...

21.08.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

5 ex-hostage lookout troops finish rehab, as captives’ relatives march to Gaza border

Hospital says female soldiers will now undergo long-term monitoring, community-based treatment; Adi Alexander thanks US-Palestinian mediator for...

21.08.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

Team led by Israeli and American scientists discovers silicon and sulfur at supernova core

Weizmann Institute of Science and Northwestern University researchers say analysis of inner depths of star SN2021yfj confirms the theory that stars...

21.08.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

After 2 deaths, infectious disease doctor urges community leaders to back measles vaccines

Measles outbreak kills 2 unvaccinated children, with 526 confirmed cases from the Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh areas; 19 children still hospitalized,...

17.08.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

In a Galilee war room, Startup Nation’s Druze mobilize to help their Syrian brethren in Sweida

With reports of 1,800 Syrian Druze killed by government-led forces amid acts of rape and cruelty, Israel’s Druze have created a volunteer team...

16.08.2025 70

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

As food-allergy disease EoE rises, Israeli team says blocking a protein can shut it down

Tel Aviv U scientists find that neutralizing TSLP protein halts progression of eosinophilic esophagitis, which affects 1 in 2,500; they want to raise...

14.08.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter

‘Systematic torture and terror’: Health Ministry releases report on 12 freed hostages

Report given to Red Cross says 12 hostages who were freed from Hamas captivity in early 2025 suffered psychological humiliation, medical neglect and...

12.08.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Diana Bletter