Recent News

Lightning’s electromagnetic fields may have protective properties

Lightning was the main electromagnetic presence in the Earth’s atmosphere long before the invention of electricity. There are some 2,000 thunderstorms active at any given time, so humans and other organisms have been bathed in extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields for billions of years. These electromagnetic fields — the result of global lightning activity… Read More

Microplastics and plastic additives discovered in ascidians all along Israel’s coastline

A new Tel Aviv University study finds that microplastics — tiny pieces of plastic ingested by aquatic life — are present in solitary ascidians all along the Israeli coastline. Ascidians are sac-like marine invertebrate filter feeders. The research also confirmed the presence of plastic additives, i.e. “plasticizers,” in ascidians. Plasticizers are substances added to plastics… Read More

Sustainable “plastics” are on the horizon

A new Tel Aviv University study describes a process to make bioplastic polymers that don’t require land or fresh water — resources that are scarce in much of the world. The polymer is derived from microorganisms that feed on seaweed. It is biodegradable, produces zero toxic waste and recycles into organic waste. The invention was… Read More

The tactics behind “taking to the streets”

Public protests are a vital, common tool for expressing grievances and creating communities. The political and social aspects of protests have been extensively studied, but little attention has been paid to the physical spaces in which they take place. The Design of Protest, a new book by Prof. Tali Hatuka of Tel Aviv University, addresses… Read More

Astronomers discover giant relic of disrupted “tadpole” galaxy

A team of astronomers from Israel, the United States and Russia have identified a disrupted galaxy resembling a giant tadpole, complete with an elliptical head and a long, straight tail, about 300 million light years away from Earth. The galaxy is 1 million light-years long from end to end, 10 times longer than the Milky… Read More

TAU and Northwestern University launch joint nanoscience program

A new collaborative venture between Northwestern University and Tel Aviv University brings together researchers and students in the field of nanotechnology through joint research and development projects, student exchange programs and research grants. Under the new partnership, two researchers from each university will receive post-doctoral fellowships supporting two years of research at the partner institution…. Read More