Author: Hilary

When Marine Animals Become ‘Plastic Distributors’

Written by Hilary on 9 February 2025. 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.

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).

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”.

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 9 February 2025. 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 9 February 2025. Posted in Newsroom.

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 5 February 2025. 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 3 February 2025. 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 22 January 2025. 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 20 January 2025. Posted in Newsroom.

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!

Triple TAU Honor: Professor Michal Feldman Wins Third ERC Grant

Written by Hilary on 16 January 2025. Posted in Newsroom.

Professor Michal Feldman, a leading expert in Algorithmic Game Theory from the Blavatnik School of Computer Science at Tel Aviv University, has achieved a remarkable milestone: she has been awarded the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) grant for the third time. Recognized for her groundbreaking achievements, she was also named LaIsha magazine’s “Woman of the Week”, celebrating her exceptional contributions to science and academia.

Third Time’s a Charm

Winning an ERC grant three times is an extraordinary achievement, reflecting Professor Feldman’s exceptional contributions to research at the crossroads of economics and computer science.

The European Research Council (ERC), one of the most competitive and prestigious funding bodies globally, recognizes visionary researchers who push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.

This €2 million grant will support Professor Feldman’s latest project, which explores the theoretical foundations of “Algorithmic Contract Theory.” This emerging field bridges economics, game theory, and computer science to develop algorithms that incentivize cooperation while balancing economic and computational efficiency. Her work addresses critical challenges and opportunities in digital platforms, including e-commerce, online advertising, carpooling, and freelancing.

Prof. Michal Feldman. TAU Excellence.

Exploring the Frontiers of Algorithmic Contract Theory
Professor Feldman’s third ERC grant will fund her latest project, which explores the theoretical foundations of “Algorithmic Contract Theory”. This emerging field bridges economics, game theory, and computer science, focusing on developing algorithms that incentivize cooperation while balancing economic and computational efficiency. Her research tackles real-world challenges in digital platforms, including e-commerce, online advertising, carpooling, and freelancing.

A Global Leader in Research
A globally renowned researcher, Professor Feldman is the President of ACM SIGecom, a member of both the Israeli and Global Young Academies, and a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Bruno Award and the ACM SIGecom Mid-Career Award.

Professor Feldman underscores the vital role of academic freedom in driving scientific excellence, which serves as a cornerstone of Israel’s economic, cultural, and security resilience. Her triple ERC grant achievement cements her status as a pioneer in her field and a shining example of academic and scientific excellence.

Why Is There No Cave Art in Israel’s Ancient Caves?

Written by Hilary on 6 January 2025. Posted in Newsroom.

Research suggests: extinct animals explain Israel’s lack of cave art.

For over a century, archaeologists have puzzled over the absence of cave art in the Levant in general, and specifically in Israel. Clearly, the reason is not a lack of caves, knowledge, or artistic skill. Now, a team of archaeologists from Tel Aviv University proposes an original explanation: prehistoric humans in the Levant did not create cave paintings because many large animals, the subjects of cave art in Western Europe, were already extinct here – so there was no need to try to depict them for shamanic rituals held deep within caves.

The study was published in an editorial article of the Journal of the Israel Prehistoric Society, authored by a team of researchers from Tel Aviv University’s Jacob M. Alkow Department of Archaeology & Ancient Near Eastern Cultures: Prof. Ran Barkai, Dr. Ilan Dagoni, Dr. Miki Ben-Dor, and Dr. Yafit Kedar.

Prof. Ran Barkai.

The enigma of missing cave art in Israel

“This is a century-old mystery in Israeli archaeological research”, says Prof. Barkai. “The first prehistoric cave excavation in Israel took place in 1925, but frustratingly, not a single cave painting has been found since. In other parts of the world, such as Spain and France, hundreds of spectacular cave paintings have been discovered. Here, nothing. Israel certainly has caves, and many were inhabited by humans during the same period when cave paintings were created in Western Europe – 35,000 to 30,000 years ago. Moreover, according to all material evidence, the people in both regions belonged to the same culture – the Aurignacian culture. Their tools were similar, and their artistic objects, beads and pendants, for example, were also similar. There is no doubt that humans here had the cognitive ability to paint and were no less capable than their European contemporaries”. The mystery around the absence of cave paintings in the Levant grew in recent years, as numerous studies showed that Aurignacian humans in the Levant and Europe were not only biologically and culturally similar, but also maintained contact with each other.

“These were Homo sapiens, modern humans, who probably left Africa 60,000 to 70,000 years ago”, says Prof. Barkai.

Prof. Barkai continues: “They passed through the Levant around 60,000 years ago and arrived in Europe approximately 45,000 years ago. However, new archaeological evidence shows that some returned to Israel, meaning that the migration wasn’t one-way. It seems that humans here and there kept in touch, migrating back and forth – and yet there are cave paintings in Europe and none here. To solve this mystery, we must first answer another big and much-debated question: Why did humans in Europe paint on cave walls in the first place? We support the hypothesis that cave paintings were created as part of shamanic rituals involving altered states of consciousness, intended to convey messages to entities beyond the cave walls, in underworlds regarded as the source of abundance – asking for solutions to the extinction of large animals on which humans depended for survival”.

Reconstruction of elephant hunting using spears.

What inspired cave art?

According to the researchers, soon after modern humans first came to Europe, large animals such as woolly mammoths and woolly rhinoceroses began to disappear. These were large, fat-rich animals that prehistoric humans in Europe and elsewhere relied on as their primary food source. Watching these populations diminish, worried prehistoric Europeans ventured deep into caves and painted large animals on their walls. The practice of cave painting came to an end more or less when Europe’s large animals became completely extinct.

“It’s important to understand that cave paintings are found in many cases deep within caves – in places that are difficult and even dangerous to access. We also know from indigenous societies living today that the depths of caves are perceived as gateways to the underworld – a realm of abundance and the source of all things. Therefore, it is customary to appeal to entities from the other side in times of trouble, such as illness or inner conflict. We argue that humans in Europe went deep into caves and painted the vanishing large animals to ask these entities to bring them back, emphasizing their own dependence on large game for their survival. In Israel, we do not find such paintings because when Homo sapiens arrived the large animals were already extinct – eradicated by earlier types of humans. Here, with elephants and rhinoceroses all gone, Homo sapiens were forced to hunt smaller, faster animals. The people who migrated to Europe, on the other hand, found large game once again – woolly mammoths and woolly rhinoceroses. The newly arrived humans felt they had entered paradise, and the animals’ subsequent dwindling, in front of their very eyes, plunged them into a crisis that resulted in cave paintings. Prehistoric humans in Israel experienced no such crisis, only continuity, which is why we don’t see cave paintings here. Their anxieties were different than those of their European counterparts, and so were their rituals. This hypothesis supports our broader thesis that prehistoric humans were aware of their role in the extinction of their food sources”.

Can Foreign DNA Outsmart Bacterial Defenses?

Written by Hilary on 31 December 2024. Posted in Newsroom.

A step toward combating resistance and manipulating bacteria

A new study by Tel Aviv University reveals how bacterial defense mechanisms can be neutralized, enabling the efficient transfer of genetic material between bacteria. The researchers believe this discovery could pave the way for developing tools to address the antibiotic resistance crisis and promote more effective genetic manipulation methods for medical, industrial, and environmental purposes. The study was led by PhD student Bruria Samuel from the lab of Prof. David Burstein at the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research at Tel Aviv University’s Wise Faculty of Life Sciences. Other contributors to the research include Dr. Karin Mittelman, Shirly Croitoru, and Maya Ben-Haim from Prof. Burstein’s lab. The findings were published in the prestigious journal Nature.

The researchers explain that genetic diversity is essential for the survival and adaptation of different species in response to environmental changes. For humans and many other organisms, sexual reproduction is the primary driver of the genetic diversity required for survival. However, bacteria and other microorganisms lack such a reproduction mechanism. Nevertheless, as demonstrated by the alarming speed at which antibiotic resistance spreads among bacterial populations, bacteria have alternative mechanisms to maintain the genetic diversity necessary for survival, including the direct DNA transfer between bacteria.

DNA transfer between bacteria plays a crucial role in their survival. Yet, a key aspect of this process has remained underexplored: how is the exchange of genetic material so prevalent despite bacteria having a wide range of defense mechanisms designed to destroy any foreign genetic material entering their cells? The new research focuses on “conjugation”, one of the main mechanisms for transferring DNA from one bacterium to another. During conjugation, one bacterial cell connects directly to another through a tiny tube that allows the transfer of genetic material fragments known as plasmids. Prof. Burstein explains: “Plasmids are small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules classified as ‘mobile genetic elements.’ Like viruses, plasmids move from one cell to another, but unlike viruses, they do not need to kill the host bacterium to complete the transfer”.

Plasmids That Outsmart Bacterial Defenses

As part of the natural exchange, plasmids often give recipient bacteria genetic advantages. For example, many antibiotic-resistance genes spread through plasmid transfer between bacteria. However, bacteria also have numerous defense mechanisms aimed at eliminating any foreign DNA entering their cells. “Conjugation is a well-known process that scientists also use in the lab to transfer genes between bacteria. It’s also known that bacteria possess mechanisms to destroy foreign DNA, including plasmid DNA, and some of these mechanisms are even used for various research purposes. However, until now, no one has fully explored how plasmids overcome these defense mechanisms”, says Prof. Burstein. Samuel explains that she began the research by conducting a computational analysis of 33,000 plasmids and identifying genes associated with ‘anti-defense’ systems that help plasmids bypass bacterial defense mechanisms. What was even more interesting was the location of these genes. As mentioned, plasmids are double-stranded circular DNA segments. To pass through the thin tube that connects the bacteria, one of those circular strands is cut at a certain point by a protein, which then binds to the cleaved strand and initiates its transfer to the recipient cell. “The genes for the anti-defense systems that I identified were found to be concentrated near that cutting point, and organized in such a manner that they would be the first genes to enter the new cell. This strategic positioning allows the genes to be activated immediately upon transfer, giving the plasmid the advantage needed to neutralize the recipient bacteria’s defense systems”.

Left to right: Prof. David Burstein & PhD student Bruria Samuel.

Prof. Burstein recounts how, when Samuel first showed him her results, he found it hard to believe that such a phenomenon had not been identified before. “Bruria conducted an extensive literature review and found that no one had previously made this connection,” he says. Since the discovery was made by analyzing existing databases with computational tools, the next step was to demonstrate in the lab that this phenomenon indeed occurs during plasmid transfer between bacteria. Samuel explains, “To do this, we used plasmids that confer antibiotic resistance and introduced them into bacteria equipped with CRISPR, the well-known bacterial defense system that can target and destroy DNA, including that of plasmids. This method allowed us to easily test the conditions under which the plasmid could overcome the defense system — if it succeeds in overcoming the CRISPR system, the recipient bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. If it fails, the bacteria die”. Using this method, Samuel demonstrated that if the anti-defense genes are positioned near the DNA entry point, the plasmid successfully overcomes the CRISPR system. However, if these genes are located elsewhere on the plasmid, the CRISPR system destroys the plasmid, and the bacteria die upon exposure to antibiotics.

How Can Gene Transfers Be Improved?

Prof. Burstein notes that understanding the positioning of anti-defense systems on plasmids could enable the identification of new anti-defense genes, a subject currently under highly active research. “Moreover, our study can contribute to designing more efficient plasmids for genetic manipulation of bacteria in industrial processes. While plasmids are already widely used for these purposes, the efficiency of plasmid-based genetic transfer in lab conditions is significantly lower than that of natural plasmids,” he says. “Another potential application could involve designing effective plasmids for genetic manipulation of natural bacterial populations. This could help block antibiotic resistance genes in hospital bacterial populations, teach bacteria in soil and water to break down pollutants or fix carbon dioxide, and even manipulate gut bacteria to improve human health”.

Ramot, Tel Aviv University’s technology transfer company, regards this discovery as a significant biotechnological breakthrough with broad applications. Dr. Ronen Kreizman, CEO of Ramot, states: “First, I want to congratulate Prof. David Burstein and his lab team on this fascinating scientific discovery. The new research opens revolutionary possibilities in areas such as developing drugs against resistant bacteria, synthetic biology, agritech and foodtech. The ability to control and fine-tune genetic material transfer between bacteria could become a powerful tool for addressing environmental, agricultural, and medical challenges. We are currently working on commercializing this technology to realize its full potential”.

Author: Hilary

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