BGU Research Featured in Ben-Gurion Airport Exhibit
BGU Research Featured in Ben-Gurion Airport Exhibit
March 9, 2016
Medical Research, Natural Sciences
Three photographs that depict significant discoveries made at BGU are featured in a new year-long exhibit at Ben-Gurion International Airport. The exhibit, “Israeli Discoveries and Developments that Influenced the World,” was launched by Israel’s Science, Technology and Space Ministry.
Two of the photos were taken by BGU photographer Dani Machlis. One illustrates the research of Prof. Smadar Cohen, who invented the award-winning injectable algae-based “scaffold” that repairs heart muscle damage. Prof. Cohen is the founder and director of BGU’s Center for Regenerative Medicine, Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Research.
Another photo portrays the algae-production technology developed by Prof. Shoshana Arad of BGU’s Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering. This large-scale production technology harvests valuable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components from red marine microalgae for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Finally, a photo of a woman wearing a necklace of cherry tomatoes is representative of the work of Prof. Emeritus Yossi Mizrahi of the Department of Life Sciences. He was an instrumental member of a team of scientists who developed the long-lasting, sweet, now ubiquitous fruit of the vine that is also rich in lycopene and in vitamins A and C. This photograph was taken by Roei Greenberg.
Some 60 innovations highlighted in the exhibit were chosen by a selection committee comprised of representatives from the Israel Young Academy and the Office of the Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Science. In addition to their artistic merit, the photos were selected for representing the discoveries’ pioneering qualities and influence on millions of lives.
“We are showing the vast contributions of Israeli science and technology to the world and all humanity,” says Israel Science, Technology and Space Minister Ofir Akunis.
“The entire world admires, and is amazed by, our achievements. Therefore, it is fitting that they be shown at the gateway into and out of Israel.”