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Author: Hilary

Is the Spread of Deadly Pathogens Threatening Coral Reefs Worldwide?

Written by Hilary on . Posted in Newsroom.

From Eilat to the Indian Ocean, a relentless pathogen is ravaging marine ecosystems

An international team of researchers, led by scientists from Tel Aviv University, has discovered that the pathogen responsible for the mass deaths of sea urchins along the Red Sea coast is the same one responsible for mass mortality events among sea urchins off the coast of Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. This finding raises fears that the pathogen – a waterborne ciliate – could spread further, to the Pacific Ocean. The researchers warn that this is a highly aggressive global pandemic, and are now spearheading an international effort to track the disease and preserve sea urchins, which play a crucial role in the health of coral reefs.

The study, led by Dr. Omri Bronstein from the School of Zoology at Tel Aviv University’s Wise Faculty of Life Sciences and the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, was published in the prestigious journal Ecology.

The Research Team. Photo credit: Tel Aviv University.

“This is a first-rate ecological disaster”, explains Dr. Bronstein.

She continues: “Sea urchins are vital to the health of coral reefs. They act as the ‘gardeners’ of the reef by feeding on algae, preventing it from overgrowing and suffocating the coral, which competes with algae for sunlight. In 1983, a mysterious disease wiped out most of the Diadema sea urchins in the Caribbean. Unchecked, the algae there proliferated, blocking sunlight from the coral, and the region shifted from a coral reef ecosystem to an algae-dominated one. Even 40 years later, the sea urchin population — and consequently the reef — has not recovered”.

In 2022, the disease reemerged in the Caribbean, targeting the surviving sea urchin populations and individuals. This time, armed with advanced scientific and technological tools to collect and interpret the forensic evidence, researchers at Cornell University successfully identified the pathogen as a ciliate Scuticociliate parasite. A year later, in early 2023, Dr. Bronstein was the first to identify mass mortality events among long-spined sea urchins, a close relative of the Caribbean Sea urchins, in the Red Sea.

Sea urchin mortalities on Reunion Island. Photo credit: Jean-Pascal Quod.

“Until recently, this was one of the most common sea urchins in Eilat’s coral reefs — the familiar black urchins with long spines,” says Dr. Bronstein. “Today, this species no longer exists in significant numbers in the Red Sea. The event was extremely violent: within less than 48 hours, a healthy population of sea urchins turned into crumbling skeletons. In some locations in Eilat and the Sinai, mortality rates reached 100 percent. In follow-up research, we demonstrated that the Caribbean pathogen was the same one affecting populations in the Red Sea”.

Genetic Proof Links Global Sea Urchin Deaths to One Pathogen

Now, using genetic tools, Dr. Bronstein and his international colleagues have shown that the same ciliate parasite is responsible for similar mortality events off the coast of Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. “This is the first genetic confirmation that the same pathogen is present in all these locations,” he says. “Now it’s a global event, a pandemic. The Caribbean, Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean are critical regions for the world’s coral reefs, and mortality rates for sea urchins in these areas are very high — over 90 percent. As of now, we have no evidence of this pathogen in Pacific Ocean sea urchins, but this is something we are actively investigating. Although we’ve developed genetic tools for the specific identification of the pathogen, it’s difficult to monitor such rapid extinction events in the vast underwater environment. We are terrestrial creatures, and some reefs are located in deep or remote areas. If we miss the mortality event by even a couple of days, we might find no trace of the extinct population”.

 Four healthy sea urchin species on Reunion Island. Photo credit: Jean-Pascal Quod.

To track the progression of the pandemic, Dr. Bronstein has established an international network of collaborators. He provides them with alerts about the likelihood of mortality events in their regions and sends them the necessary equipment to sample and preserve affected sea urchins for comparison with samples from other locations. These kits are then sent back to the laboratory at Tel Aviv University.

“For populations that are already infected, we really have no tools to help them,” says Dr. Bronstein with regret. “There is no Pfizer or Moderna for sea urchins — not because we don’t want one, but because we simply can’t treat them underwater. Our focus must be on two entirely different tracks. The first is prevention. To prevent further spread of the pandemic, we need to understand why it erupted here and now. We’ve developed two hypotheses for this. The first is the transportation hypothesis — that the pathogen from the Caribbean was transported by humans to new and distant regions after being carried in the ballast water of ships, infecting sea urchins in the Red Sea before spreading to the Western Indian Ocean.

The sea urchin Diadema setosum before (left) and after (right) mortality. The white skeleton is exposed following tissue disintegration and loss of spines. Photo credit: Tel Aviv University.

How climate change might be spreading marine diseases worldwide

Incidentally, if this hypothesis is correct, we would expect to see mortality events in West Africa as well — as many cargo ships from the Caribbean stop there on their way to the Mediterranean and then through the Suez Canal to the Red Sea. Indeed, just in the past few weeks, we’ve discovered widespread mortality events in West Africa, as we predicted, and we’ve managed to obtain a limited number of samples collected during these events, which we are currently analyzing in the lab. If ships are indeed the source of the spread, then we could think of mitigation strategies. It’s not simple, and ships will never be completely sterile, but there are measures we can take. The second possibility is even more concerning: that the pathogen has always been present, and climatic changes have triggered its virulence and outbreak. That’s a challenge of an entirely different magnitude, one that we, as marine biologists, have very limited means to address”.

In parallel with global efforts, Dr. Bronstein has recently established a breeding nucleus for the affected sea urchins at the Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem, in collaboration with the Biblical Zoo and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. This breeding population will serve as a reserve to restore affected populations and advance research into infection mechanisms and possible treatments.

“The pathogen is transmitted through water, so even sea urchins raised for research purposes in aquariums at the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences and the Underwater Observatory in Eilat became infected and died. That is why we established a breeding nucleus with the Israel Aquarium, whose aquariums are completely disconnected from seawater. We genetically test the urchins transferred to the nucleus to ensure they are not carriers of the disease and that they genetically belong to the Red Sea population, enabling us to rehabilitate the population in the future. At the same time, we are using them to develop sensitive genetic tools for early disease detection from seawater samples — essentially creating ‘underwater COVID tests’ for sea urchins”.

 

First of Its Kind: mRNA Drugs Delivered Straight to the Gut

Written by Hilary on . Posted in Newsroom.

Potential new therapy for Crohn’s, colitis, and other inflammatory diseases.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have achieved a breakthrough in drug delivery: they have successfully transported lipid nanoparticles encapsulating messenger RNA (mRNA) to the immune system of the small and large intestines — bypassing the liver upon systemic administration. By simply altering the composition of the nanoparticles, the researchers demonstrated that mRNA-based drugs can be directed straight to target cells, avoiding the liver.

The groundbreaking Tel Aviv University study was led by post-doctoral fellow Dr. Riccardo Rampado together with Vice President for R&D Prof. Dan Peer, a pioneer in the development of mRNA therapeutics and Director of the Laboratory of Precision Nano-Medicine at the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research. The study was published on the cover of the prestigious journal Advanced Science.

Prof. Dan Peer.

Targeting Drugs More Precisely with Lipid Nanoparticles

“Everything injected into the bloodstream eventually ends up in the liver — that’s just how our anatomy works”, explains Prof. Peer. “This poses two challenges. First, drugs intended to target specific cells in particular organs may be toxic to the liver. Second, we don’t want drugs to get ‘stuck’ in the liver. Ideally, the drug would reach the target organ first, and any remnants would then break down in the liver. We discovered that altering the proportions of lipids comprising the nanoparticles determines their destination in the bloodstream. This is a general phenomenon, meaning it works regardless of the specific lipids, which makes this a significant breakthrough”.

To demonstrate the concept, Prof. Peer and his team encoded the anti-inflammatory protein interleukin-10 into mRNA, encapsulated it in lipid nanoparticles with a composition different from those typically used (such as in mRNA COVID-19 vaccines), and successfully delivered it to the intestines of animal models with Crohn’s disease and colitis via intravenous injection.

“Not only were we able to deliver an mRNA-based anti-inflammatory drug directly to the inflamed intestine and improve all markers of colitis and Crohn’s disease, but we also transformed the immune cells in the intestine into factories for producing the anti-inflammatory interleukin-10”, Prof. Peer explains. “But this is just a proof of concept study. By tweaking the nanoparticle composition, we could deliver other RNA-based drugs to different organs. There’s a saying in American English: ‘It’s all in the formulation’. That’s exactly what this is about”.

Higher Phospholipids, Faster Delivery

In general, lipid-based drugs are encased in synthetic lipid nanoparticles, which mimic biological membranes. One of these lipids is phospholipid named phosphatidylcholine, a component found in all biological membranes. In vaccines like the COVID-19 vaccine, the mRNA is encapsulated in lipid particles containing about 10% of this phospholipid. Prof. Peer and his team increased the phospholipid ratio to 30% and demonstrated that this adjustment caused the particles to float through the bloodstream like oil on water.

“That’s the whole trick”, Prof. Peer concludes. “We adjusted the lipid composition and found that at 30% phospholipid, the drug is directed straight to the intestine. Of course, this wasn’t a blind trial-and-error approach. We understand the mechanism, at least partially, and recognize that this ratio more closely resembles a natural biological membrane, which intestinal cells are better suited to absorb. Now, we are exploring further adjustments to target the pancreas and other organs that can only be reached by fine-tuning the lipid nanoparticle composition. This direct delivery method for mRNA drugs opens up broad possibilities for developing new and more precise therapies than ever before”.

Open Day at TAU: Choose the Unconventional, Combine Your Passions

Written by Hilary on . Posted in Newsroom.

Thousands came to discover how they can combine their areas of interest in their studies.

The winter weather, which decided to visit us in Tel Aviv for only a few hours, added to the festive atmosphere of the Open Day held on February 6th at our campus. Thousands of prospective students gathered to learn about admission requirements and the registration process, and to meet with academic and administrative staff as well as current students from the fields they are interested in. They found themselves congregating in the faculty buildings across campus and in the registration and counseling halls, where they were greeted with workshops, lectures, and panels—everything they needed to begin their academic journey.

Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and discover information about the diverse study program combinations offered by Tel Aviv University.

“The university offers over 200 study programs, and is part of a movement to create innovative interdisciplinary programs”, says Sharon Ariel, the university’s marketing director.

She continues: “We encourage our students to choose unconventional combinations, believing they will find ways to integrate their different areas of interest throughout their professional and personal lives. For example, students can study Biology alongside Philosophy, combine Computer Science with Music, or deepen their understanding of Law and Film Studies. This approach allows each student to find their unique path and fully realize their academic and personal potential”.

This year, Tel Aviv University also introduced special conditions for reservists who were called up for extended periods, as well as for evacuees from war zones, offering a unique undergraduate admission track to help them succeed. Visitors to the Open Day participated in immersive tours through the faculty buildings and study departments, offering a taste of various fields of study and a glimpse into the different labs. The first 200 registrants at the event received a special surprise—a pair of Saucony running shoes as a gift.

Open Day at TAU. Photo credit: LENS Productions.

Among the most popular sessions were those introducing Tel Aviv University’s innovative teaching methods, including virtual reality experiences and workshops on choosing a field of study from the Career Counseling Center at the Dean of Students’ Office. In addition, prospective students learned about the opportunity to spend a whole semester at leading universities abroad through the student exchange program, and participated in a workshop at the Campus Entrepreneurship Center, where they learned how to start advancing their startup dreams during their degree.

We were delighted to host everyone at our beautiful campus, and we hope that together with us, the prospective students will begin their journey toward the discoveries, innovations, and theories waiting to be uncovered.

Couldn’t make it to Open Day and Interested in TAU’s International Track? All the information about admission pathways and what needs to be done to start studying at Tel Aviv University is available on the TAU International website >

When Marine Animals Become ‘Plastic Distributors’

Written by Hilary on . Posted in Newsroom.

Marine animals eat and release microplastics, harming the environment.

A new Tel Aviv University study has uncovered alarming findings about the spread of microplastic particles in the marine food web. In recent years, numerous studies have examined the dangers of aquatic animals and more specifically, filter-feeding organisms, ingesting non-degradable microplastic particles. In the current study, the research team sought to understand how the biological filtration by filter-feeding organisms affects the microplastics in their environment. The findings indicate that the particles are excreted in the feces of marine animals, causing them to be unidentifiable as plastic to the aquatic environment, but potentially as other organic matter suitable for consumption.

Additionally, the presence of microplastic within feces affects the feces dispersal which causes accumulation of feces and plastic particles. This may increase carbon and nitrogen levels on the seafloor and lead to algal blooms, which have a critical impact on the balance of the marine food web.

The research was conducted by PhD student Eden Harel of the School of Zoology in the Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof. Noa Shenkar of the School of Zoologyand the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, and Prof. Ines Zucker of the School of Mechanical Engineering and the Porter School of Environment and Earth Sciences, all at Tel Aviv University. The study was published in the journal Chemosphere.

פרופ' נועה שנקר וחברים ימיים

 Prof. Shenkar during a research dive (Photo credit: Dr. Tom Shlesinger).

Prof. Shenkar explains: “About a decade ago, when awareness of the plastic pollution problem in the marine environment began to grow, many researchers focused on identifying the location and scale of microplastic particles. Recently, the research focus has shifted to the effects and damage caused by microplastics. However, many experiments in this field are conducted using clean, purchased plastic, whereas in the sea, plastic particles are exposed to a wide range of influences and pollutants. We aimed to examine whether and how plastic changes after passing through the digestive system of a marine organism and how this process affects the presence of plastic and its availability to other organisms”.

How Marine Organisms Process Microplastics

The researchers created an experimental system in the lab simulating seawater containing ascidians — marine animals that feed by efficiently and indiscriminately filtering tiny particles from the water. They exposed the ascidians to two types of plastic particles: conventional polystyrene (PS), which is widely used, and polylactic acid (PLA), marketed as a biodegradable, environmentally friendly bioplastic. They then examined the impact of the ascidians’ filtration process on the concentration and distribution of plastic particles in the water at four intervals: at the time of exposure, after two hours (when the ascidians had filtered all available water and ingested the microplastic particles), after 24 hours, and after 48 hours (following digestion and the excretion of feces into the water).

איצטלנים במעבדה (צילום: עדן הראל)

The laboratory at Tel Aviv University where the experiment was conducted (Photo credit: Eden Harel).

The findings showed that approximately 90% of the polystyrene particles were removed from the water after two hours of filtration, but all the particles returned to the water after 48 hours, following passage through the digestive system. In contrast, the concentration of PLA particles in the water significantly decreased and remained low for 48 hours, larger PLA particles likely broke down during digestion and returned to the water as smaller undetectable nano-sized particles.

In the second phase of the study, the researchers examined what had happened to the microplastic particles that were filtered, digested, and excreted back into the water column. To do so, they isolated microplastic particles from the ascidians’ feces and analyzed them using Raman spectroscopy, an advanced device that identifies the chemical composition of materials by scattering a laser beam.

Eden Harel explains: “We found that the sensitive spectroscopy device could not identify the material as plastic at all and instead identified the particle as another type of organic material. Our findings revealed that microplastic particles are excreted from the ascidian’s digestive system coated with a fecal layer, and it is likely that the marine environment also identifies these particles as this organic material. Since many marine animals feed on feces, they may well ingest plastic that has changed its properties, identifying it as food. In this way, they are also exposed to microplastics and spread them further within the marine food web. The fecal coating may serve as a substrate for bacterial colonization and increase the adhesion and accumulation of pollutants such as heavy metals and residual organic substances (like antibiotics) on the plastic particles”.

Prof. Zucker adds: “This phenomenon also affects bioplastics marketed as ‘biodegradable’: unless conditions are met for their complete breakdown, they remain as particle pollution that changes properties during passage through the digestive system. The many transformations plastic particles undergo in the environment — from weathering to digestive processes, as investigated in this study — turn them into carriers of pollutants and diseases within the food web”.

עדן הראל דוגמת בים (צילום: עדן הראל)

 The researchers analyzing the secretions of marine animals (Photo credit: Eden Harel).

What’s the Impact of Microplastics on Marine Life?

In the third phase of the study, the researchers examined the reverse effect: how microplastic particles affect feces, an organic material that plays a vital role in marine ecology. Eden Harel explains: “We found that plastic changes important physical properties of feces. Normal feces sink very slowly through the water column, serving as food for many organisms along the way. In contrast, feces containing microplastic particles sink rapidly to the seafloor. This removes an important nutrient source from the water column. Additionally, the faster sinking rate decreased the dispersion of the feces causing accumulation of feces and plastic particles near where the animals are settled. This accumulation can increase carbon and nitrogen levels on the seafloor and trigger algal blooms, representing another critical impact of microplastics on the balance of the marine food web”.

The researchers conclude: “In this study, we uncovered significant aspects of the influence of filter-feeding animals on the characteristics of microplastic particles in their environment and within the marine food web. The most alarming conclusion is that the microplastic problem is far more complex than initially thought. Plastic pollution in the marine environment has many unexpected dimensions, and its complexities continue to grow. Sometimes, neither we nor the environment can even recognize it as plastic. As time goes on, plastic continues to harm more and more marine ecosystems. We must develop new technologies to mitigate this dangerous phenomenon”.

Innovative Technology from Tel Aviv University researchers can double IVF Success Rates

Written by Hilary on . Posted in Newsroom.

New tech enhances sperm selection, boosting IVF success.

A new technology developed at Tel Aviv University and implemented at Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon has demonstrated a significant increase in the success rates of fertilization, pregnancy, and the birth of a healthy baby through in vitro fertilization (IVF). According to the findings collected thus far, the technology has increased IVF success rates from 34% to 65% — resulting in 20 pregnancies out of 31 embryo transfers compared to only 14 pregnancies out of 41 embryo transfers in the control group. Among the notable cases was a couple who, after enduring 15 unsuccessful IVF cycles over several years, conceived for the first time using this technology and finally became parents. The research team highlights that this method enables laboratories to select high-quality sperm cells (as defined by the World Health Organization) for fertilization, dramatically improving the likelihood of pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby.

The groundbreaking technology was developed in the lab of Prof. Natan T. Shaked, Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fleischman Faculty of Engineering at Tel Aviv University, and is being implemented through QART Medical, a startup company established with the support of the university’s investment fund, its technology transfer company, Ramot, as well as external investors. The method has been published in leading journals, including PNAS, Advanced Science, and Fertility and Sterility. In addition to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, the technology has recently been implemented in clinical research at Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba, Assuta Medical Center in Ramat HaHayal, HaEmek Medical Center in Afula, and Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya. It is also used at two leading international medical institutions: UCSF Medical Center in California and the University of Tokyo Hospital in Japan. To date, dozens of couples have enrolled in clinical trials.

Fertility Challenges: Declining Sperm Counts and IVF Solutions

Dr. Bozhena Saar-Ryss, Director of the IVF Unit and the Sperm Bank at Barzilai Medical Center, explains: “Fertility issues are becoming increasingly critical: one in six couples faces fertility problems, with male-related issues accounting for half of the cases. Additionally, in certain countries like Japan, Korea, and Spain, dramatic declines in birth rates are leading to population shrinkage. The causes for this are diverse and include societal trends like career prioritization and delayed marriages, as well as health issues potentially caused by environmental pollutants. Over the past few decades, sperm counts in young, healthy men have dropped by approximately 50%. One of the major challenges in IVF is selecting a sperm cell with high-quality structure and motility to inject into the egg, which enables the development of a healthy embryo”. The clinical study at Brazilai Medical Center was led by the embryologist Dr. Yulia Michailov, the Director of the IVF unit and the sperm lab at Brazilai.

Prof. Natan T. Shaked, Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Tel Aviv University, explains the technology: “Biological cells are transparent, making it necessary to use chemical dyes to examine their internal structure for research or fertility diagnostic purposes. These dyes enable the analysis and measurement of the cell’s internal structure under conventional microscopes. However, when it comes to IVF, using dyes on sperm cells is prohibited, as the dye may penetrate the embryo’s DNA and cause damage. Currently, because embryologists rely on subjective assessments of sperm cells based on their external appearance and motility, about 90% of sperm cells that appear suitable to embryologists fail to meet the internal morphological criteria recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Live birth rates in IVF are only 15–25%, and many couples undergo over five treatment cycles before achieving pregnancy”.

Prof. Natan T. Shaked

Is 3D Imaging the Future of Sperm Selection for IVF?

Prof. Shaked adds: “Our technology provides embryologists with a new and essential tool to identify sperm cells that meet the WHO criteria for IVF labs. This new method provides three-dimensional imaging and visualization of the internal structure of biological cells without chemical staining, as it is based on the light-conducting properties of the cell contents, known as the refractive index. This method allows embryologists to analyze the internal structure and contents of live sperm cells and even measure new parameters like mass and volume. Embryologists can therefore select sperm cells that meet the WHO’s structural criteria, achieving results comparable to chemical staining for live cells in the first time. This significantly increases the chances of successful fertilization, pregnancy, and the birth of a healthy baby, as demonstrated by the clinical trial results”.

Dr. Ronen Kreizman, CEO of Ramot: “Ramot congratulates Prof. Shaked and his team, as well as QART Medical, on their remarkable achievements. Successes like this are a testament to the immense potential of inventions originating from Tel Aviv University. Ramot takes great pride in playing an active role in establishing innovative companies like QART Medical, which implement the groundbreaking technologies developed at Tel Aviv University. We believe that the model of creating companies around research technologies makes a significant contribution both to the economy and to humanity”.

Currently, Prof. Shaked’s team is developing a new method to detect DNA fragmentation in sperm cells, which will be integrated into the new technology. Prof. Shaked: “Our goal is to provide embryologists with a technology that enables individual sperm selection based on three essential criteria: motility, internal structure, and unfragmented DNA. This will allow embryologists to select the best sperm cell for fertilization and dramatically improve success rates in this vital procedure.

 

Tel Aviv Conference: Where is Israel Headed?

Written by Hilary on . Posted in Newsroom.

Save the Date – May 7, 2025 | Smolarz Auditorium, Tel Aviv University

Following a year of profound challenges, the Tel Aviv Conference returns on May 7, 2025, at the Smolarz Auditorium, Tel Aviv University, inviting the public to take part in a critical conversation about Israel’s future. Last year, hundreds of policymakers, researchers, and leaders gathered to discuss the nation’s most pressing issues. This year, the discussion continues—more urgent and essential than ever.

The conference will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and researchers to explore Israel’s key challenges through three main plenary sessions:

  • Political security – Strategic planning in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
  • Socio-economic – Restoring the economy and fostering long-term growth.
  • Law and democracy – Strengthening governance and the rule of law.

In addition, roundtable discussions will cover four essential areas: security and society, public systems and social services, environment and technology, and law, policy, and international relations.

A Compass for the Future

Israel has faced a year of extraordinary trials. The strategic reality in the Middle East has shifted dramatically, and the country has demonstrated resilience in the face of Hamas’ brutal attack. While the war continues—the longest in Israel’s history—ninety-eight kidnapped individuals remain in captivity, and the road to national recovery is still ahead.

Now, the challenge is to transform military achievements into lasting strategic progress. This means rehabilitating the wounded, enabling displaced citizens to return home, revitalizing the economy, and charting a course for sustainable growth across all sectors.

A Gathering of Leaders and Experts

Last year’s Tel Aviv Conference: The Future of Israel brought together hundreds of participants, including top government officials, academics, media professionals, and cultural figures. Speakers included Israel’s Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai, State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman, German Ambassador Steffen Seibert, and former Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Discussions tackled national security, economic resilience, governance, and the ongoing effort to bring back hostages, with deeply moving testimonies from affected families.

This year, the conference will continue to expand and deepen public discourse while making cutting-edge research accessible. With Tel Aviv University’s signature multidisciplinary approach, the event will foster an open, inclusive dialogue across Israeli society.

The “Tel Aviv Conference: Where is Israel Headed?” is more than a discussion—it’s a call to action. Join us at Smolarz Auditorium to think, debate, and shape the future together.

Diamonds, Gold and the New Alchemy of Materials

Written by Hilary on . Posted in Newsroom.

How can a simple shift create something more valuable than gold?

Can copper be turned into gold? For centuries, alchemists pursued this dream, unaware that such a transformation requires a nuclear reaction. In contrast, graphite—the material found in pencil tips—and diamond are both composed entirely of carbon atoms; the key difference lies in how these atoms are arranged. Converting graphite into diamond requires extreme temperatures and pressures to break and reform chemical bonds, making the process impractical.

A more feasible transformation, according to Prof. Moshe Ben Shalom, head of the Quantum Layered Matter Group at Tel Aviv University, involves reconfiguring the atomic layers of graphite by shifting them against relatively weak van der Waals forces. This study, led by Prof. Ben Shalom and PhD students Maayan Vizner Stern and Simon Salleh Atri, all from the School of Physics & Astronomy at Tel Aviv University, was recently published in the prestigious journal Nature Review Physics.

The research team

While this method won’t create diamonds, if the switching process is fast and efficient enough, it could serve as a tiny electronic memory unit. In this case, the value of these newly engineered “polytype” materials could surpass that of both diamonds and gold.

Like LEGO, But Atomic

PhD student Maayan Vizner Stern explains: “Like graphite, nature produces many other materials with weakly bonded layers. Each layer behaves like a LEGO brick—breaking a single brick is difficult, but separating and reconnecting two bricks is relatively simple. Similarly, in layered materials, the layers prefer specific stacking positions where atoms align perfectly with those in the neighboring layer. Sliding between these positions happens in tiny, discrete jumps—just an atomic distance at a time”.

PhD student Simon Salleh Atri describes their research: “We are developing new methods to slide the layers into different arrangements and study the resulting materials. By applying an electric field or mechanical pressure, we can shift the layers into various stable configurations. Since these layers remain in their final position even after the external force is removed, they can store information—functioning as a tiny memory unit”.

A New World of Materials Emerges, Layer by Layer

Their team has also explored how different numbers of layers influence material properties. For example, three layers of a material with two types of atoms can create six distinct stable materials, each with unique internal polarizations. With five layers, this number increases to 45 different possible structures. By switching between these configurations, researchers can control electrical, magnetic, and optical properties. Even graphite, composed solely of carbon, can rearrange into six different crystalline forms, each with distinct electrical conductivities, infrared responses, magnetizations, and superconducting properties.

The main challenge is maintaining the material’s stability while ensuring controlled structural transitions. Their recent perspective paper summarizes ongoing studies and proposes new methods to refine this “Slidetronics” switching mechanism, paving the way for innovative applications in electronics, computing, and beyond.

With continued research, these sliding materials could revolutionize technology, offering faster, more efficient memory storage and unprecedented control over material properties. The ability to manipulate atomic layers with precision is opening doors to a new era in material science—one where the most valuable discoveries may not come from creating gold, but from unlocking the hidden potential of everyday elements.

From Hostage Situations to Flea Markets: How to Negotiate Anything

Written by Hilary on . Posted in Newsroom.

Prof. Hilla Dotan breaks down what it takes to negotiate like a pro

Negotiation is a skill that touches every part of our lives, from deciding who drives the kids to school or what to pay for a product, to high-stakes deals like selling a startup or resolving court disputes. A poignant example today is Israel’s national negotiation for the return of hostages from Gaza. At its heart, negotiation is about communication to resolve conflicts and find solutions. Whether in everyday decisions or major crises, effective preparation, planning, and evaluation are key to success. Prof. Hilla Dotan Dykstein, a senior faculty member at the Coller School of Management at Tel Aviv University, specializing in business and international negotiations, shares practical tools to help us become sharper, more strategic negotiators.

1. Dr. Dotan, how would you define a successful negotiation?

Many believe that obtaining one’s desired outcome is an indication of a successful negotiation. From my perspective, this is not necessarily an indication of success. First, it could be that the outcome we set was wrong, and second many more factors should be considered when we evaluate a negotiation. One, is indeed that we reached the correct outcome, Second, we should evaluate the process that we led toward that outcome. For example, if two negotiators reach the same deal—one in a year, the other in a month—the latter’s approach is clearly more efficient.  Thus, the process we lead, the resources spent, time, cost, risk and most importantly, the relationships that we build along the process with the other negotiator as well as the reputation that we build or enhance, are critical factors to take into account in evaluating a negotiation and it’s success.

Moreover, the success of a negotiation should be evaluated over the long run, not today as there are consequences for what we close not only in the short run but over time. We can see the consequences of the Gilad Shalit deal in the current hostage negotiation. Success in negotiation goes beyond just achieving the desired outcome, it is balancing achieving your goal while maintaining efficiency and considering lasting impacts.

2. When is the right time to make your first offer in a negotiation? Does making the first offer provide an advantage?

The question of whether to be the first to provide an offer in a negotiation- or whether to anchor the negotiation- is an often debated question. Some suggest making the first offer, while others advise against it. My perspective is that it depends.  It depends on the context, the type of negotiation, the parties involved and more. However, my key takeaway is that anchoring is not a game. When you make your first offer, consider mostly what you would like to signal to the other side. Your offer even if it’s simply a price, can send various messages, and people may interpret it differently.

For example, in a job interview, if you propose a salary of 15K (when the industry range is 20-25K), you may signal that you don’t know the market or are undervaluing yourself. Alternatively, asking for 30K signals a higher expectation, which could lead to different perceptions and interpretations about your candidacy and even your alternatives.

In general,  if you make a specific offer, be prepared to justify it. For instance, if you ask for 30K, you should have a valid reason for that request, such as another offer from a competitor. Having a strong alternative (BATNA) provides leverage, as it also gives you the option to walk away if needed.

My personal tendency is to hear the other side’s offer first. Mostly because this allows me to gather more information about the other side, read their signal before responding with a counter-offer.

3.What are the most common mistakes people make in negotiations?

The biggest negotiation mistake is lack of proper preparation. People often make assumptions instead of asking questions. They often let ego or overcommitment cloud their judgment, and overlook long-term consequences of their decisions and agreements. Many forget that reputation matters even in one time interactions and fail to consider the impact of their actions in the long run. Sometimes the best choice is to avoid the negotiation or delegate it to someone more suited.  Awareness of your own abilities and pitfalls is critical for preparing and planning an effective negotiation process including who is best to conduct it.

4. How do you handle a situation where the other side refuses to compromise?

When the other side refuses to compromise, it often relates to their power in the negotiation. My advice is to always analyze the source of power in a negotiation. However, remember that power is relative. Sometimes, we focus so much on our weaknesses that we overlook the fact that the other side might be just as constrained making us more powerful than we actually anticipated

A key way to strengthen your position is by having a strong BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement). A solid alternative gives you the ability to walk away if necessary, which reduces dependence on the other party’s willingness to compromise.

If the other side seems unwilling to compromise, it might be because they truly can’t. In such cases, introducing new issues to the negotiation—things that matter to them but are less significant to you—can help break the deadlock. For example, an employer might not be able to meet your salary expectations but could offer to fund your MBA or MA studies, which typically come from a separate budget. Similarly, offering benefits like vacation days, stock options, or a signing bonus could help move the negotiation forward. In general, when you feel you have reached a “dead-end” regarding one issue, adding additional issues that may be important to the other side and hold less weight for you (and vice versa) is the way to deal with the difficult issues.

5. What tools or methods would you recommend for successful negotiation?

Negotiate ethically
Never resort to lying, threatening, or using unethical tactics. Preparation is key, and with it, there’s no need for extreme measures. Your reputation follows you everywhere—sometimes it’s better to lose a small battle today to protect your long-term relationships. reputation and integrity.

Build Trust and Relationships

Every negotiation is an opportunity to build trust and partnerships. You never know when you will meet again. I don’t believe in one-time interactions or the short-term. We live in a global world and everyone knows everyone. You never know when you will meet again.

6. If you had to give one tip about negotiations, what would it be?

The most important tip about negotiations is: PREPARATION and AWARENESS. 

One of the key lessons I’ve learned from years of conducting and guiding complex negotiations and especially from over 18 years of teaching, is that preparation is crucial, but it’s equally important to know how to prepare and how to evaluate a negotiation afterward. 

Even skilled negotiators may struggle in unfamiliar contexts or with different parties. It’s important to know your strengths and weaknesses—whether you perform better with strangers, colleagues, or specific groups, cultures and types of negotiations. Preparation and awareness of your abilities in different contexts is key. Moreover, after the negotiation, review whether your goals were met, the process was efficient, whether you reached the correct outcomes and whether your reputation was enhanced.

Prof. Hilla Dotan Dykstein is a senior faculty member at the Coller School of Managementt at Tel Aviv University, specializing in business and international negotiations. An internationally recognized speaker and advisor, she also heads a private consulting firm where she advises governments, global executives, and intelligence officials on complex negotiations.

Prof. Hilla Dotan.

What would you say to someone who wants to improve their negotiation skills?

I recommend joining my course Managing Negotiations or other courses and workshops, which are highly practical and provide valuable tools that can enhance both your professional and personal life.

Should Platforms Control Your Data?

Written by Hilary on . Posted in Newsroom.

Game theory shows data sharing benefits.

Researchers from Tel Aviv University used mathematical tools from game theory to show that in certain situations, allowing platforms to retain decision-making power over the collection and commercialization of their users’ data can enhance overall welfare. The study was conducted by Prof. Yaron Yehezkel from the Coller School of Management at Tel Aviv University, in collaboration with Prof. Sarit Markovich from Northwestern University in Illinois. The surprising findings were published in the Journal of Economics & Management Strategy.

 

Prof. Yaron Yehezkel. Photo credit: Israel Hadari, Tel Aviv University.

Prof. Sarit Markovich. Photo credit: Evanston Photographic Studios.

“Our research examined platforms that collect and commercialize user data”, explains Prof. Yehezkel. “For instance, when we search for information on Google, the platform can collect data about us. Similarly, when we listen to music on Spotify, Spotify can gather information about our habits. Platforms can choose to trade this data—for instance, selling it to advertisers who then use it to display targeted ads based on our activity on Google or Spotify. In this study, we asked: Who should have the right to impose the collection and sale of this data on users? Who benefits, who loses, and under what circumstances?”.

Data Privacy: American vs. European Models

Broadly, there are two approaches to this issue. The American model grants platforms full discretion over data collection and usage. When a user signs up for a platform, they agree to its terms, effectively relinquishing control over the data collected about them. Platforms are free to use the data as they see fit, and users who disagree can simply stop using the platform. The European model, in contrast, is embodied by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Under GDPR, users, not platforms, retain control over their data. Users can decide how their data is used while still being able to access the platform. This is why European users encounter consent pop-ups when browsing platforms like Google, allowing them to approve or deny various uses of their data. In Israel, the American model is the prevailing approach.

“The question we explored is which approach is better—giving users control over their data or leaving control with the platform”, says Prof. Yehezkel.

He continues: “Our study was mathematical and theoretical, rather than quantitative and empirical. We used game theory to model the behavior of users and platforms through mathematical utility functions that reflect societal benefit and company profit, aiming to identify the market’s equilibrium point”.

In their research, Prof. Yehezkel and Prof. Markovich were the first to demonstrate that data has not only economic value but also social value. “A platform that uses data it collects from me can provide better services to other users,” explains Prof. Yehezkel. For instance, Waze can sell user data to advertisers, but it also uses this data to guide other drivers to less congested routes. Similarly, Spotify can recommend music based on listening habits, age, and other preferences. Data can, therefore, have social value, benefitting society as a whole.

According to the researchers, the key question is identifying scenarios where data provides social value versus cases where its value is purely economic. “Data has a negative side when sold to third parties that infringe on our privacy, but it also has a positive side when used to improve platforms for the benefit of all users”, says Prof. Yehezkel. “Imagine a scenario where I use Waze to find the quickest route to Tel Aviv University but restrict the app from collecting information about my trip. The platform’s efficiency would drop, leading to longer traffic jams for everyone. Our model shows that in cases of low social value, the European approach has a clear advantage. However, in cases of high social value, particularly with less sensitive data, the American all-or-nothing approach offers significant benefits”.

The Global Music Stage Starts at Tel Aviv University

Written by Hilary on . Posted in Newsroom.

From Steinways to the sea: the TAU’s Buchmann-Mehta School of Music is the perfect place for musicians to thrive

What do you get when you combine world-class faculty of the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music, excellent rehearsal and concert facilities featuring beautiful Steinway pianos, and full-tuition scholarships for international students? For Illia Ovcharenko, a talented pianist from Ukraine, this harmony did not just bring education–it created a home where the notes of classical music danced to the pulsing rhythm of Tel Aviv, preparing him for success on the global stage.

Ovcharenko’s career as a performing pianist was kickstarted with a Bachelor’s of Music degree from the International Music program offered at Tel Aviv University. The program was established in 2008 to attract outstanding musicians from all over the world. 

“The School of Music offers multiple scholarships for international students, which make life so much easier–we can focus on music instead of worrying about finances,” says Ovcharenko, who joined the program in 2018 to study in the Piano Department.

Illia Ovcharenko (Photo courtesy of Vere Music Fund)

He first heard about this opportunity when Dmitry Yablonsky, conductor and cellist, came from Tel Aviv to Kyiv to hold auditions at the Central Music School where Ovcharenko was studying at the time:

“I always dreamt of studying with TAU’s Professor Arie Vardi. He’s truly one of the best professors in the world in our field.”

Ovcharenko also greatly appreciates how multicultural and open TAU is: “The international program at Tel Aviv University is full of diversity, and everyone feels welcome and does not feel alone.”

Music Paradise at TAU

Ovcharenko has been playing the piano since the age of six. “I really cannot imagine my life without music—without performing on stage. I haven’t considered any other path since I was 12,” he says. 

Being a musician requires a lot of focus and dedication. Having the right guidance and supporting environment means a lot during a musician’s formative years. Ovcharenko found all of this, and so much more at TAU’s School of Music:

“It was such a warm and welcoming environment, I wanted to stay there all day.”

“I’d come, sit on the couch, talk to everyone passing by, practice a little, then rest for two hours,” he reminisces. Having the opportunity to relax after rehearsing is invaluable for music students, who can unwind by the sea under palm trees on one of Tel Aviv’s many beaches.

Ovcharenko on stage (Photo courtesy of Monique de St. Croix)

Ovcharenko looks back fondly on all the staff and professors who were friendly and supportive: 

“Whether it’s advice, permissions, or just a warm hello, they were always there for us.” 

“For instance, Professor Asaf Zohar, the head of the piano department, was always approachable. You could talk to him about music or life, and it was always a pleasure,” says Ovcharenko.

What also sets TAU apart are the recording and performance facilities, like Claremont Hall and Targ Hall, which students can use freely. And not every school in the world can boast Steinway Model D pianos, the Stradivarius of pianos, unrivalled in tone and craftsmanship.

Classical Music Reflects Life Itself

“Classical music doesn’t die; it’s always there for those who seek it and it will always stay relevant. Even today, concert halls are full and music continues to inspire,” says Ovcharenko. He adds that music pieces such as Beethoven’s symphonies are eternal:

“These pieces are profound statements about life, death, and the human condition. It’s an incredible skill to convey such depth without words.”

For Ovcharenko, music is a reflection of the composer’s life and emotions: “Knowing what a composer was experiencing—whether they were at the peak of life or nearing death—is deeply moving,” he shares. 

Illia Ovcharenko performing at the Hilton Head Competition. Photo courtesy of Hilton Head Competition

His favorite music period at the moment is Romanticism, with composers like Schumann and Schubert at the top of his list. However, he notes that for professional musicians, preferences often change, mirroring the events and emotions that shape their lives.

“Playing a new piece of music is like discovering an unfamiliar route in a city,” says Ovcharenko. “At first, you need Google Maps. But after walking it a few times, you just know the way. It’s the same with music. At first, you need the score, but then you start to memorize the journey. You recognize landmarks in the music, like harmonies or key changes, and they guide you.”

A Pianist’s Journey

Currently, Ovcharenko performs almost every week, and sometimes even daily, travelling across North America and Europe. Israel is also present on his concert itinerary–he performed with Haifa Symphony in March 2024 and is set to return in June 2025 to play Rachmaninov’s First Piano Concerto with the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra, a tour he is very much looking forward to.

In the future, he would like to follow in Prof Vardi’s footsteps and combine a performance career with teaching: “I’ve started giving masterclasses and found it very fulfilling.” The message he shares with the participants of his masterclasses resonates far beyond the music world:

“Confidence is so incredibly important for us musicians. Once we believe in ourselves, everything’s possible.”

 

If you are ready to take the music stage with confidence, Tel Aviv University’s Buchmann-Mehta School of Music is the perfect place to turn your dreams into reality.

Apply now and sign up for auditions!

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