COVID-19 Research Highlights 15 Updates from the Moross Integrated Cancer Center 24 Q&A with International Board Chair Cathy Beck 34 למדע ויצמן מכון ויצמן למדע 13 46 NEW SCIENTISTS UPDATE ON THE FLAGSHIPS MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

WEIZMANN MAGAZINE A publication of the Department of Resource WEIZMANN WEIZMANN Development

Healing what ails the Earth The new nerve center for neuroscience EDITORIAL STAFF Prof. Roee Ozeri, Vice President for Resource Development Tamar Levine, Director, Department of Resource 6 15 Development SCIENCE BRIEFS COVER STORY Tamar Morad, Head, Donor Communications Maria Yakhnin, Visual and Digital Production

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF TABLE Yarden Jaron, Visual and Digital Production

EDITOR Tamar Morad The vaccines are here, and research abounds COPYEDITOR Sharon Reinheimer 20 SCIENCE FEATURES From the President WRITING STAFF Sandy Cash Jennifer Racz Dear Friends, Dinah Elashvili Anne Sperling The one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic has passed Tali Galsky Edward Truitt and here in Israel, where the rate of vaccination is the highest in the world, we are starting to see the light at the end of the With thanks to the Department tunnel. Our thoughts are with our many friends around the of Communications world; this is a network which keeps the Institute strong and The anthropocene is upon us Rx for the ocean thriving. DONOR RECOGNITION Coronavirus-related research on campus is bounding Daphna Freeman ahead, and we expect a range of insights from this virus to play Irit Oz a starring role in fending off future pandemics and broaden- 28 34 Ayelet Rais SPOTLIGHT ON Q&A SCIENCE BRIEFS ing our understanding of the immune system. 2 Discoveries and other news While we were required to pull back on the number of scientists and staff on campus in the last year, it is remark- ILLUSTRATION WEIZMANN WORLD able that unlike many other institutions, Weizmann has Davide Bonazzi 30 Keeping apart, staying together continued to advance its research across all fields. If anything, the pandemic has underscored the importance of science NEW SCIENTISTS GRAPHIC DESIGN for the health of everyone on the planet—and the imperative Alexey Kletsel, Netgo Ltd. Barbara and 10 When hosts become hostages to keep it going strong. Roberto Kaminitz This requires partnerships with world-leading insti- STUDENTS tutions—which you’ll read about here—and partnerships PHOTOGRAPHY AND RENDERINGS 42 A future in plain sight with philanthropists who deeply value science and all that it Bank of Israel Yael Ilan can do for mankind. On that note, I want to call your atten- 40 ART AND SCIENCE Itai Belson, Ohad Herches Liora Kogan tion to a new section in Weizmann Magazine, ‘Updates on the ALUMNI 49 Michael Druks / Zoom Out of the Weizmann Institute Weizmann Institute Flagships,’ which offers sneak previews of the incredible Photo Lab Photo Archives IN MEMORIAM research in our major initiatives. Matt Greenslade Shutterstock 50 Prof. Nir Friedman With all best wishes for a pleasant and healthy spring, Axel Griesch Rami Shlush Q&A with Sincerely, SPRING 2021 SPRING 2021 • • International Lighting up the world Board Chair מכון ויצמן למדע 19 № № 19 of computation Cathy Beck Prof. Alon Chen President, Weizmann Institute of Science Visit us: TOC2 weizmann.ac.il/WeizmannCompass 1 MAGAZINE First stone laid for Vaccination station srael’s COVID-19 vaccina- WEIZMANN André Deloro Building tion campaign has been rolled I out successfully across the Institute, and awards the annual André country, with a higher percentage eizmann management and representatives Deloro Prize to an outstanding scientist of citizens receiving the vaccina- of the Adelis Foundation came together during the International Board. tion than in any country in the world. on March 11 for a moving cornerstone-laying Prof. Dan Yakir of the Department Most Israeli have received their W of Earth and Planetary Sciences, two-shot series through one of the ceremony for the André Deloro Building for Advanced chaired the scientific steering country’s four HMOs. Nevertheless,

SCIENCE BRIEFS SCIENCE committee that helped oversee the the Weizmann Institute did its and Intelligent Materials, the planned state-of-the-art specifications and overall design of the share to make sure vaccines were Deloro building. available to its entire community, national HMOs. In late February, yet had a chance to be inoculated with facility that will house the Tom and Mary Beck Center At the ceremony, Weizmann which also includes international the Institute set up a temporary the first dose; another station was set for Advanced and Intelligent Materials. President Prof. Alon Chen presented scientists and students who don’t vaccination station on campus for all up three weeks later, in mid-March, necessarily belong to any of the faculty, students, and staff who hadn’t for second doses. // In attendance were Rebecca Boukhris, Director of the Adelis Foundation, and her husband Sidney Boukhris, also a member of the board of the founda- tion, which was established to realize the vision of the late André Deloro. Deloro, who died in 2012, was born in Cairo and was educated in France. Weizmann and ETH Zürich sign He was a world-class engineer who designed ports, industrial parks, hotels, and large infrastructure cooperation agreement projects throughout the Middle East. He cared deeply about Israel and visionary gift from René and of the European Committee; and Zohar for the ongoing support he has established his foundation with a focus Susanne Braginsky has enabled Menshes, Executive Vice President generously provided to the on advancing social, educational, and A the launch of a formal partner- of the European Committee. Weizmann Institute, but especially scientific causes in Israel. The Adelis ship between the Weizmann Institute Scientists at the ETH and today, for this seminal gift which Foundation has given generously of Science and ETH Zürich, the Swiss at Weizmann have a long tradi- bridges the gap between Zürich to a range of areas at the Weizmann Rendering of the future Deloro Building on campus Federal Institute of Technology, with tion of collaboration, but the recent and Rehovot,” said Mr. Drake. “We funds to be earmarked to joint research gift from René and Susanne Braginksy highly appreciate the ETH as Rebecca and Sidney Boukhris projects between scientists at the two formalizes the relationship and creates a great partner for researching with a scroll of appreciation and, institutions. An online ceremony opportunity for more immediate and together in basic science. May we separately signed a sealed scroll marking the signing of a Memorandum robust joint scientific investigations. continue to flourish and support dedicating the building and of Understanding took place “A very special thanks to our fundamental science for the benefit embedded it in a cornerstone of the on March 1. longtime friend René Braginsky of humanity.” // new facility. In attendance were Mr. Braginsky, “The André Deloro Building who is also a Life Member brings together investigators from of the Weizmann International chemistry and physics and gives them Board; Weizmann President the space and advanced equipment Prof. Alon Chen; ETH President they need to pursue their curiosity,” Joël Mesot; ETH Vice President said Prof. Chen. “That is the Weizmann Prof. Detlef Günther; Bob Drake, vision, shared by Mr. Deloro, who Chairman of the European Committee encouraged curiosity-driven research for the Weizmann Institute and was committed to giving the best of Science and Vice Chairman of the

SPRING 2021 people the best possible tools needed International Board of Weizmann; Eric • for world-class research.” // Stupp, Chairman of the Swiss Society of Friends of the Weizmann Institute מכון ויצמן למדע of Science and a member of the 19 № L to R: Rebecca Boukhris, Prof. Alon Chen, Sidney Boukhris Executive Board of Weizmann and René Braginsky

2 3 MAGAZINE Women in science: making inroads

WEIZMANN in academia and industry rom its launch in 2007, the Israel National Many of these women are attaining replaced by Prof. Idit Shachar, leadership roles in their fields, evincing a member of the Department Postdoctoral Award Program for Advancing the impact of the program on industry of Immunology. Her newly in Israel. titled role is Head of the B riefs Women in Science at the Weizmann Institute F To highlight this success, the Office for the Advancement set out to increase the number of female scientists Advancing Women in Science Program of Women in Science and Gender cience

S launched an online lecture series Equality. in academia in Israel. And it has indeed been highly this year featuring outstanding “Despite the numerous successful, with about 65 percent of its former par- female researchers who have gone challenges we faced over the past on to become prominent players few years, the program continues ticipants—women scientists who have done postdoc in industry. In December, Dr. Michal to make important strides Rosen-Zvi, Director of Healthcare in advancing the careers fellowships abroad—going on to attain faculty-track Informatics at IBM Research of women scientists. I am sure positions in Israeli academia. But there’s another in Haifa and a visiting professor at the that this will continue and grow Hebrew University of Jerusalem, further when Idit Shachar takes unintended success story among the remaining discussed the transformation of health- my place,” said Prof. Addadi. 35 percent: the program alumni who have gone care technologies through artificial “I accepted this appointment intelligence, specifically as relates since I believe that the time is on to careers in Israeli high tech and biotech. to breast cancer research. ripe for the Weizmann Institute— January’s speaker was along with our desire to be Dr. Moran Grossman, who completed excellent in science—to become both her MSc and PhD at the a light house for social issues Weizmann Institute. She also worked as faced in academia in Israel, and a senior scientist at MabTrix, a startup gender equality is one of them,” company whose research originated Prof. Shachar added. in the lab of Prof. Irit Sagi, from the Institute’s Department of Biological International Regulation. Dr. Grossman now works Women’s Day as a non-clinical safety project leader at Teva Pharmaceuticals, and delivered Weizmann’s Office a lecture on the use of animals for the Advancement of Women in drug development. in Science and Gender Equality Dr. Ervin Tal-Gutelmacher, who took part in a nationwide event L’Oréal-UNESCO award to was among the inaugural cadre of the on International Women’s Day Women Science postdoc program, on March 8, which brought spoke in March on the use of hydrogen together women leaders from Prof. Shafi Goldwasser and fuel cells for transitioning across all Israeli universities. to clean energy. She is CEO of HydroLite, The event focused on the status eizmann Institute computer science expert Prof. Shafi Goldwasser owned by Elbit Systems, which focuses of women in Israeli academia, has been named North America laureate of the prestigious 23rd on the development of high efficiency including challenges and meth- W L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards. power-to-hydrogen and hydrogen-to- ods to advance their standing, Prof. Goldwasser is a member of the Department of Computer Sciences and power devices. among a range of other topics Applied Mathematics at Weizmann and is Director of the Simons Institute pertinent to women in academia. for the Theory of Computing at the University of California at Berkeley. She is Welcoming new leadership The presenters from Weizmann also RSA Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT. included Prof. Nirit Dudovich, The winners were announced in February, on International Day In January, Prof. Lia Addadi stepped Prof. Michal Sharon, and for Women and Girls in Science. Prof. Goldwasser was one of five women

SPRING 2021 down from her role as President’s Dr. Neta Regev-Rudzki. // researchers in the fields of astrophysics, mathematics, chemistry and • Advisor for Advancing Women informatics to receive the prize. She was recognized for her pioneering and in Science, where she oversaw the fundamental work in computer science and cryptography; her research is מכון ויצמן למדע prestigious postdoc program, after essential for secure communication over the Internet as well as for shared 19 № Prof. Idit Shachar several years at the helm. She was computation on private data. // 4 5 MAGAZINE The anthropocene is upon us Reducing stress, one cell at a time he key to overcoming chronic Institute President Prof. Alon Chen The study was published in Sciences Human-made materials now outweigh the Earth’s entire stress and its many negative of the Department of Neurobiology, and Advances in January. WEIZMANN T physiological consequences may the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Prof. Chen’s group found biomass — for the first time in our planet’s history lie in tweaking the activity of a novel developed the first-ever catalogue that this small set of adrenal cells has subgroup of adrenal cells—located of all major cell types in all tissues an outsized impact on the body’s ability he mass of all human-produced markedly from the 1950s on, when “Our study provides a sort of ‘big in the adrenal gland, above our kidneys, involved in the brain’s stress response to react and adapt to stress. Chronic materials—concrete, steel, asphalt, concrete and other building materials picture’ snapshot of the planet in 2020… which are responsible for producing axis. That is, he catalogued how the stress appears to induce these cells and more—has grown to equal became widely available. Following a crucial understanding of our major a range of hormones. This discovery stress response transduces biologically to grow bigger and more active, with B riefs T the Earth’s biomass (the mass of all World War II, spacious single-family role in shaping the face of the Earth was made by a Weizmann-Max Planck throughout the brain and body. a range of negative consequences. life on the planet)—and the trend is homes, roads, and multi-story office in the current age of the Anthropocene,” research team, which thoroughly The axis starts with the hypothalamus, The group posits that regulating cience

S only accelerating. A new study at the says Prof. Milo. “Our message to both mapped the brain’s stress response moves to the pituitary gland, and the activity of these cells could be Weizmann Institute of Science found the policy makers and the general axis at an unprecedented level onwards to the adrenal glands. As the important in the treatment of neuro- that the total mass of human-made public is that we cannot dismiss our of resolution. stress message moved from one tissue psychiatric and metabolic disorders. material, known as the anthropomass, impact [as humans] even though we are Using advanced single-cell to the next, the gene expression in the The discovery could also provide is at its tipping point. In fact, people tiny compared to the huge Earth. We, as RNA sequencing, postdoctoral cells and the tissues themselves under- a wealth of information on the mecha- are building new structures, roads, humans, share a collective responsibil- fellow Dr. Juan Pablo Lopez in the went greater changes. The changes were nisms of the stress axis—opening the vehicles, and products at a rate ity to take care of the planet.” joint neurobiology lab of Weizmann most pronounced in the adrenal glands. door to even more insights. // that is doubling every 20 years, leading The study also compares the to a “concrete jungle” that is predicted dynamics of human-made materials to reach more than twice the mass in our world to the way that natural of living things by 2040: over two materials flow through the planet’s liv- teratonnes, or two million million. ing and geologic cycles. “By contrasting The study, published earlier this month human-made mass and biomass over in Nature by Emily Elhacham and Liad the last century, we bring into focus Ben Uri in the group of Prof. Ron Milo Prof. Ron Milo an additional dimension of the growing Artificial ‘wombs’ incubate stem cell breakthrough of the Department of Plant and impact of human activity on our planet. Environmental Sciences, shows buildings sprang up around the We’re going beyond comparing apples he miracle of life in all its diversity mouse embryos are removed from the that at the outset of the 20th century, US, Europe, and other parts of the and oranges, to comparing apples and is bound up in the first stages mother at day five of development, and anthropomass equaled just around 3% world—and the frenzy of construc- cellphones,” says Elhacham. T of embryonic development, transferred to a specially designed of the total biomass. In just over a cen- tion has been ongoing for more For more information, see in which a tiny ball of replicating incubator where they float in liquid tury, this number grew to 100%, despite than six decades. Anthropomass.org, the website built stem cells begins to form specific that approximates the nourishing envi- the fact that the number of humans These human-induced shifts have by the Milo team to complement tissues like the nervous system, heart, ronment of the biological uterus. Using quadrupled in this time frame. Today, had a huge impact on the carbon cycle the study. // stomach, and limbs. In mammals, this method, Prof. Hanna and his team for each person on the globe, a quantity and human health, and have caused this has always taken place within the have grown fetuses that survive until of anthropomass greater than their scientists to propose that a new Earth biological uterus. Now, for the first time, day 11, by which time the embryo has body weight is produced every week era is upon us: the Anthropocene, the early-stage mouse embryos of around grown tenfold, and has blood, a beating The breakthrough, on average. period during which human activity as described by 250 cells, placed in an artificial “womb” heart, and a fully developed brain. A mouse embryo growing outside the This upswing in the produc- has become the dominant influence Prof. Ron Milo designed by Weizmann Institute “We have grown hundreds of mice womb, from the Hanna lab tion of human-made products is seen on the biosphere. scientists, have successfully been in this way, and I’m still captivated grown into mouse fetuses with fully every time I see it,” Prof. Hanna says. an unprecedented tool for studying formed organs. This breakthrough, “Not only does this give researchers genes that drive normal mamma- achieved in the laboratory of Prof. Jacob lian development, it may also provide Hanna of the Department of Molecular insight into birth and developmental Genetics, was recently reported defects, or problems related to embryo in Nature. implantation. This could contribute The new system addresses to new strategies for improved a significant problem in developmental medical treatments.” The New York biology: the fact that, because of the Times reported on the breakthrough difficulty of imaging or transplanting in March. // inside the uterus, much of what we

SPRING 2021 know about embryonic development

• Ilana and Pascal Mantoux with is derived from non-mammals like Prof. Jacob Hanna (center), raising frogs or fish, or is inferred from static a toast to a decade since their naming Read the New York Times

מכון ויצמן למדע of the Hanna lab, and Yael Goren- article on the discovery 19 № images of mouse embryos. In the new Wegman, Executive Director of the Israel approach, developed over seven years, Friends, at right.

6 7 MAGAZINE For everything there is Wolf Prize, Dan David Prize

WEIZMANN a season — hormones too to Weizmann scientists Weizmann study identifies seasonal surges in human hormones he prestigious Wolf Prize in chemistry has been awarded to Profs. Leslie Leiserowitz and hen bears hunker down whether other hormones might also of hormone-secreting glands, the B riefs Meir Lahav. Both are emeritus members of the to hibernate, they’re taking fluctuate seasonally, they turned expansion and shrinking follows T their snoozing orders from to Prof. Amos Tanay of the Department a cyclical pattern that tends to surge Department of Materials and Interfaces, who together cience W S hormones—secreted chemical signals of Computer Science and Applied during the summer months. whose composition and intensity vary Mathematics. Prof. Tanay is the In their PNAS paper, the scientists previously won the Israel Prize and the EMET Prize. according to the seasons. While this creator of computational methods that, offered a bio-mechanistic explana- seasonal flux in hormone activity in a number of previous studies based tion for the seasonal pattern: cyclical The duo are being recognized Department of Immunology was has long been recognized in animals, on Clalit data, resulted in significant growth and shrinking of glands gener- for elucidating the chemical mech- awarded the Dan David Prize of Tel no parallel dynamic has ever been medical insights. ates a “feedback circuit” with a natural anisms behind the self-assembly Aviv University for his pioneering documented and measured in humans. frequency of about a year. Taking place of chiral structures—structures work on CAR T-cell therapy, which Until now. Peaks and troughs gradually over weeks and months, this containing molecules that are involves engineering the cells of the A new study led by Alon Bar and process triggers change that differen- mirror images of each other. Enabling patient’s immune system so that they Avichai Tendler, research students Tracking 11 different hormones, the sci- tially affects the two hormone types, scientists to understand these critical recognize cancer and attack it in the lab of Prof. Uri Alon of the entists noticed that different hormones and causes peaks to occur in different natural processes, their discoveries when re-injected into the patient’s Department of Molecular Cell Biology, peaked at different times of year. For seasons. These results indicate that, have paved the way for additional body. He worked with another reveals that human hormone example, testosterone and estra- like our friends in the animal kingdom, breakthroughs in chirality and helped 2021 Dan David Prize laureate, production also follows a seasonal diol — the former prevalent in men, humans are programmed by their provide the building blocks for future Prof. Steven Rosenberg, in establish- pattern. Published in the prestigious the latter in women — were found hormones to follow seasonal patterns drug development. ing the groundwork for the clinical Proceedings of the National Academy to be “mirror images” of one another; in matters of reproduction, metabolism, Born in Johannesburg, South application of CAR-T technology. of Sciences (PNAS), the study was testosterone in men surged in January growth, and stress adaptation. // Africa in 1934, Prof. Leiserowitz earned Dr. Anthony Fauci, director based on original mathematical and again, a bit lower, in August. his PhD in solid-state chemistry of the National Institute methods that allowed the team to tease Estradiol in women surged and dipped at the Weizmann Institute in 1965. of Allergy and Infectious Diseases hormone activity data from electronic according to the same seasonal pattern. Prof. Lahav was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, at the U.S. National Institutes medical records covering 46 mil- The team also noted that, in a second and received his PhD from the Institute of Health, was also awarded lion person-years, and which include category of hormones, produced in the in the same field, in 1967. the prize for his work on behalf millions of hormone blood tests. These pituitary gland and known to trigger Emeritus Prof. Zelig Eshhar of public health during the records — maintained by Clalit, Israel’s the cyclical expansion and shrinkage from the Weizmann Institute’s COVID-19 pandemic. // Prof. Zelig Eshhar largest health maintenance organi- zation — allow researchers to conduct large-scale biomedical studies while preserving the subjects’ anonymity. Prof. Leslie Leiserowitz (left) and Prof. Meir Lahav The team from the Alon lab first noticed a surprising seasonal pattern in a single hormone — cortisol, which plays a role in stress response. To see SPRING 2021 • מכון ויצמן למדע 19 №

8 9 droplets to become part of the enemy

MAGAZINE camp? Dr. Laufman found the missing link in the chain: namely, the viral proteins were able to repurpose the cell’s When hosts become lipolysis pathway to split apart the lipids, WEIZMANN breaking them away from the lipid drop- lets and allowing them to be recruited by the enemy. By specifically inhibiting this pathway, she discovered that lipid hostages droplets were not able to release their lipids, which effectively denied the Dr. Orly Laufman is revealing just how replication compartments the materials they need to fully form, and deprived the virus a place to replicate. NEW SCIENTISTSNEW healthy cells are engulfed by viruses Dr. Laufman then set out by Dinah Elashvili to identify which viral proteins were responsible for recruiting the lipid only did they play a crucial role in the droplets to the replication compart- n underlying similarity between SARS-CoV-2 (the viral replication process, but blocking ments in the first place. By examining virus that causes COVID-19), dengue, Zika, Ebola, certain viral proteins and pathways each of the 15 enteroviral proteins, one stopped these droplets from being at a time, she noticed that only three and many other deadly viruses is that they are hijacked by the virus. That meant were found on the surface of lipid A that these droplets could be an Achilles droplets. Believing that these proteins all considered RNA viruses—and they pose a major heel of the viral infection process. not only drew the lipid droplets threat to public health and a significant economic to the replication compartments, A violent hijacking but acted as a bridge between the burden on our society. These viruses, which have two, Dr. Laufman administered RNA (ribonucleic acid) as their genetic material, infect Not only can enteroviruses take control a drug that inhibited one of the three of the host cell by altering the architec- viral proteins. millions of humans worldwide each year and continue ture of the existing organelles, they are The results were telling: The viral to baffle the scientific and medical world. capable of another incredible phenome- protein was no longer able to tether the non: creating tiny compartments where replication compartments to the lipid the virus replicates copies of its genome droplets, which in turn, prevented the Dr. Orly Laufman, who joins the range of functions. When an entero- to produce virus progeny. In order lipids from being transferred to the faculty of the Weizmann Institute’s virus invades a cell, its handful to build these replication compart- replication compartments. Department of Molecular Genetics of proteins take control of different key ments, a virus must instruct the host Through these two methods— after a postdoctoral fellowship organelles (the different parts of a cell) cell to provide a large amount of lipids, inhibiting either the lipolysis pathway at the University of California, and repurpose them into a makeshift out of which these compartments are or one of the three viral proteins found San Francisco, is using one group virus factory. Dr. Laufman is focusing made. But until recently, the sources on the lipid droplets—Dr. Laufman was of RNA viruses, called enteroviruses, on one organelle at a time and system- of these lipids and how they work able to successfully “highjack the as a model system to decipher the rep- atically analyzing how enteroviruses remained a mystery. hijacker,” and divest the enterovirus lication mechanisms of RNA viruses interact with each one. Dr. Laufman discovered of the tools it needed to proliferate. in human cells. “I am collecting the individual that organelles within the host cell, At the Weizmann Institute, where Enteroviruses are a large group pieces of the ‘virus puzzle’ so I can con- called lipid droplets, supplied the Dr. Laufman also earned her PhD, she of RNA viruses that have a surprisingly struct a complete picture of the entero- elusive lipids used to build these plans to use a combination of methods simple construction. Made up of only virus replication process,” she says. “By compartments. By comparing the dis- to explore in even greater depth how two basic components—genetic building such a comprehensive map persal of the lipid droplets in healthy enteroviral proteins affect other parts material (RNA) and a protein casing— of viral mechanics, I believe that we cells versus infected cells, she noticed of the cell, such as the nucleus, the enteroviruses are able to quickly and will be able to develop better antiviral a stark difference. In healthy cells, the mitochondria, and other organelles. efficiently highjack a healthy host cell, therapeutics and vaccines that will be lipid droplets were scattered around “Because these viruses affect much like a small pirate ship comman- relevant not only for enteroviruses but the cell, whereas in infected cells, they so many aspects of the host cell,” deering a large vessel. also for other families of RNA viruses clustered near the forming replica- Dr. Laufman says, “collecting all So how can something so small that share similar mechanisms tion compartments. the pieces, one by one, will allow us

SPRING 2021 and unassuming take over the of replication.” This discovery seemed to indicate to understand all the ways a virus • machinery of a human cell? While working as a postdoctoral that these droplets were the lipid attacks, and give us the best chance The answer lies within the fellow, Dr. Laufman focused source for replication compartments. of building therapeutic tools מכון ויצמן למדע enterovirus’s armory of 15 proteins and on a specific organelle—the cell’s lipid If that were the case, however, how did to combat it in the most efficient way 19 № their singular ability to carry out a wide droplets—and discovered that, not these lipids break away from the lipid possible.” // 10 11 MAGAZINE

WEIZMANN Healing what ails

S cientists the Earth ew N Meet Dr. David Zeevi by Sandy Cash

natural environment: bio-engineered r. David Zeevi was still a graduate student microbes that can degrade plastic waste, when, under the direction of his PhD advisor wherever it appears, into harmless D at the Weizmann Institute, Prof. Eran Segal, he compounds. co-created the computational framework that became Taking a page Day Two, a precision medicine company that offers from pharma personalized nutrition, diagnostic, and therapeutic Identifying the function of specific microbial genes is a tall order. This solutions using artificial intelligence and machine is partly because, lacking signals they would normally get from their learning. surroundings, in the lab, some 90% of microbial species will not grow. In the Day Two approach, based and Environmental Sciences after To address this challenge, Dr. Zeevi on research by Prof. Segal and completing a research fellowship plans to examine microbes in their Prof. Eran Elinav, analysis of microbial at New York’s Rockefeller University, natural environment, and to speed populations living in the gut—known where he developed computational up discovery, he is taking a page from as the microbiome—is used methods for studying microbial ecology the pharmaceutical industry. Using to predict how individuals will respond in marine environments. original AI software, he plans to create to different foods, making it possible “One of the greatest challenges “knowledge maps” predicting which to create “prescription” diet directives humanity faces in the coming decades microbial gene fragments are most that promote better health. is learning how to clean up after likely to contribute to the degrada- Now, as a newly recruited Weizmann ourselves. I want to find a way to use tion of plastic. This approach—based faculty member, Dr. Zeevi still has microbes — which have a special on natural language processing and his mind on microbes. But instead talent for metabolizing com- machine learning—is expected to give of focusing on human health, he has pounds — to clean up human-generated him a computational jump start on the a different goal: to improve the health waste, particularly plastics.” microbe-design process. of the planet. Like his earlier, A former Israeli Air Force pilot, “Countless global processes rely microbiome-related work, Dr. Zeevi’s Dr. Zeevi met his partner, Bareket, on the workings of microbes, making current research involves a Big when they were both undergraduates them excellent indicators of environ- Data approach. Using original com- at Tel Aviv University, where he also mental health, as well as important putational tools to analyze multiple got his first taste of the excitement targets for intervention,” says Dr. Zeevi. microbial species, he hopes to identify of science. “Mathematics and cell He is joining the Department of Plant conserved genomic regions that are biology dazzled me,” he says. “I fell

SPRING 2021 shared by microbes living in landfills, in love with discovering how the world • Listen to a podcast and in areas of the ocean where plastic works. Hopefully, the discoveries with Dr. David Zeevi on his research on personal waste is seen in concentrated levels. I reach in my new lab at Weizmann מכון ויצמן למדע nutrition and the gut Ultimately, he hopes to design novel will do some good for the world 19 № microbiome. “drugs” for the treatment of our ailing as well.” // 12 13 MAGAZINE The vaccines are here, WEIZMANN and research abounds An update on Weizmann coronavirus studies

COVER STORY by Anne Sperling

e say with caution, the magic has started,” (IIBR), and Kaplan Medical Center. Speakers addressed the molecular Prof. Eran Segal announced via Twitter in early biology of the virus, treatments February. He was referring to the remarkable for COVID-19, and the yin and yang W of the pandemic. rate of vaccination throughout Israel, as well as the Here’s an update on some parallel drop in cases of COVID-19, hospitalizations, important coronavirus-related projects and critically ill patients. Prof. Segal’s analyses—which at the Weizmann Institute. continue to be cited in the international and Israeli Molecular moonshot

media—underscore a sense of cautious optimism It has been a year since the COVID across the country. Meanwhile, the hunt for scientific ‘Moonshot’ consortium, led by Weizmann’s Dr. Nir London, Oxford understanding of the virus continues, and research University’s Prof. Frank von Delft, the at the Weizmann Institute abounds. UK’s Diamond Light Source synchro- tron facility, and others launched At the start of the crisis, scientists In an effort to share scientific insights an ambitious initiative to develop at Weizmann launched more on the disease between Israeli a novel anti-viral drug against than 60 projects exploring the virus institutions, the Weizmann Institute COVID-19. from a range of perspectives. Supported recently hosted a full-day webinar The speed of their progress by a worldwide community of friends for scientists on ongoing research has been remarkable. The scientists through donations raised for the entitled, “COVID-19: The epidemic have managed to gather support, Response Fund, researchers are that rattles the world.” The event, orga- expertise, guidance, and resources making meaningful contributions nized by Prof. Gideon Schreiber and from colleagues around the world, to elucidate the biology, chemistry, and Prof. Ron Diskin, was made possible and to advance a series of novel physics of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus with the support of the Weizmann molecules from conception to evidence that causes COVID-19. Coronavirus Response Fund and of anti-viral activity. They have Prof. Avi Levy, who is coordi- Israel Society for Biochemistry and done so by building an alternative nating the Weizmann Institute’s Molecular Biology, and also featured drug-discovery template, working with coronavirus research efforts, notes, speakers from the Hebrew University full transparency, and avoiding the “The vaccines are here, and are reducing of Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv University, the encumbrances of intellectual property infection rates among vaccinated Israel Institute for Biological Research and red tape. individuals. But, the coronavirus can mutate, and there are many similar infectious diseases out there to be dealt with. The research done by our “The vaccines are here, and they will reduce scientists has extended our knowledge infection rates. But the coronavirus can mutate, and SPRING 2021 of COVID-19 and of other viruses. • This research is critical to develop there are many similar infectious diseases out there the next generation of antiviral drugs to be dealt with.” — Prof. Avi Levy מכון ויצמן למדע and vaccines, and to preempting any 19 № future pandemics.”

14 15 researchers at IIBR to understand the stability and efficiency of the sequences

MAGAZINE coronavirus’s ‘hijacker’s handbook’ that do. and develop therapeutic tools. The Ulitsky group initially Using a suite of ribosome-profiling designed and synthetized a library techniques to address this of approximately 6,000 regions

WEIZMANN problem, the researchers generated of untranslated genetic sequences a high-resolution map of coding (the sequences can vary from virus regions in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. to virus), and then studied their This map enabled the researchers functions. The scientists are focused to quantify the expression of key zones in particular on how certain such

tory Prof. Eran Segal Dr. Nir London along the viral genome that regulate regions affect the production of a pro- S viral protein translation. The research- tein (Nsp1) that enhances the virus’s

over The scientists’ current lead ers further clarified the hijacking virulence, in collaboration with found 26 HLA class-I peptides and C molecules potently inhibit an essential process: it isn’t that the virus forces the Dr. Stern-Ginossar’s lab. After address- 36 HLA class-II peptides, which are SARS-CoV-2 protein: a protease, without host cell to translate its instructions ing certain technical challenges estimated to be found in 99 percent which the virus cannot replicate. (viral mRNA) more efficiently that accompanied infecting cells of people worldwide. Among the Moreover, through collaboration with than the host’s own instructions. with the initial library of variants, identified peptides, two HLA-I peptides the IIBR and several labs across the Rather, it produces more instructions. the researchers are now generating commonly appeared on cell surfaces, world, the team showed the molecules Viral translation dominates host an alternative and more true-to-life while two others were derived from rare are not only effective in a test tube, but translation because of the high protocol. In the coming months, they coronavirus proteins—that is, these Dr. Rony Dahan also in assays against the live virus. levels of viral mRNA — like drowning expect to obtain a detailed map of how particular coronavirus peptides were These promising results an office in bureaucratic paperwork, specific sequences of these regions marked for ‘the recycling bin’ in very prompted the next stage in the so that there’s no time for actual affect the stability of the produc- common and detectable ways. Seven project, an evaluation of the safety and business. tion of Nsp1, and of the viral genome peptides were previously shown to elicit The immune response: it’s personal potency of these potential drugs in live This study, published in Nature in general. an immune response, and two others he Israel Ministry of Health initiated the administration of the animals. Following extensive prelim- in January, provides a highly valuable were novel discoveries. These results inary experiments, the first efficacy resource for research into the develop- may aid the development of the next Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA-based vaccine via its network of health The landscape maintenance organizations in December 2020. The effort experiment in mice was scheduled ment of effective drugs and vaccines. of elimination generation of coronavirus vaccines. T to begin in March. to vaccinate the country’s citizens and residents has been highly successful to date, and a world model for implementing a country-wide In the meanwhile, additional drug chutzpah The body’s surveillance system Like , some Gearing up the vaccination campaign. optimization work continues, with things don’t translate for identifying and fighting infections ‘chain terminators’ the aim of nominating a preclinical is composed of two main factors. Dr. Rony Dahan and his lab group, which focuses on the design of candidate drug in the next few months. Not all parts of viral The first are the human leukocyte Prof. Rotem Sorek likes to borrow antibodies to treat autoimmunity and cancer, recognized this national Such a candidate would be put through mRNA can be translated into pro- antigen (HLA) molecules—proteins solutions from the world of bacteria, a battery of tests and experiments tein—but that doesn’t mean they don’t on the surface of cells that bring many of which have a long history effort as a great opportunity to study how the immune response to make sure it meets the regulatory cri- play a role in protein production. Like peptides from inside the infected cell of combatting viruses and play among vaccinated persons develops and differs according to individual teria to advance to clinical studies. a back-up singer or a film extra, these to the cell surface—much like people beneficial roles in the human body. characteristics. The researchers recruited more than 130 volunteers— unsung regions affect the molecular putting their recyclable plastic bottles Using precision CR ISPR-Cas genomic all of them eager to help. Participants include Weizmann alumni and Mapping a environment in which the genetic in a bin outside their door. Out in the engineering tools, he and his lab scientists, as well as young healthcare workers, enabling the Dahan hijacker’s methods stars—the translated regions—produce open, the peptide fragments are easily group discovered a family of enzymes team to establish a wide cohort of varied ages and medical conditions. their proteins. Prof. Igor Ulitsky and destroyed by the immune system’s within bacteria that produce previously The eldest volunteer is a fit 92-year-old woman, and the youngest is Dr. Noam Stern-Ginossar studies how his group are working to characterize second main factor, T cells—in this unknown antiviral molecules. These a 24-year-old male medical intern. viruses invade healthy cells and take exactly how, in the coronavirus, the analogy, the recycling collectors new small molecules, produced by over the cells’ systems to survive and genetic sequences that do not get emptying just those bins. bacteria to fight viruses that infect While the lab is still in the process of gathering data, preliminary reproduce. Viruses hijack the cell’s translated into proteins affect the But how does the immune system them, act as ‘chain terminators’ for the results confirmed existing understandings of the range of immunity: genetic translation system—and know which peptides to look for and viral replication machinery—causing only 38 percent of the cohort had antibodies in their blood two weeks in particular, the ribosomes—in order destroy—which are the recycling a chemical reaction that halts the after receiving the first vaccine dose. However, following the second to produce their own enzymes and pro- bins and which are the garbage virus’s ability to replicate its genetic vaccine, 98 percent exhibited a robust anti-viral antibody response. teins. In her regular research agenda, bins? In order to know which of them sequence (or ‘chain’). The Sorek group The remaining two percent had known underlying medical conditions she uses a novel approach known as are derived from the virus—via vaccine, showed that these small molecules that tend to interfere with normal immune cell responses. ‘ribosome profiling’ to create a map for example—Prof. Yardena Samuels are modified nucleotide derivatives of where translational events occur is using a method in which she (genetic component parts) that molec- The results are as yet unpublished, and Dr. Dahan and his group are in the viral genome—thereby mapping isolates and analyzes the complete set ularly ingratiate their way into the currently finalizing their data collection before advancing with more

SPRING 2021 the full repertoire of proteins that the of peptides bound to the HLA mole- virus and gum up the works. The study in-depth analysis of the structure of these newly formed antibodies. • virus compels its host to produce. cules inside the infected cells—the appeared in Nature in January. The group aims to determine whether any major variations in the She and her group teamed up HLA peptidome. Given that most of the currently antibodies are associated with particular distinguishing characteristics מכון ויצמן למדע with Weizmann’s de Botton Institute In an analysis of SARS-CoV-2- used antiviral drugs in the clinic func- among the volunteers—as well as in comparison to individuals who have 19 № for Protein Profiling as well as Dr. Noam Stern-Ginossar infected cells, the Samuels lab tion via the chain-termination mech- recovered from or succumbed to COVID-19. // 16 17 anism, Prof. Sorek and colleagues However, RT-PCR is associated with individuals, and between patients MAGAZINE hypothesize that the new small relatively high rates of borderline, false likely to develop severe complica- Educating the immune system molecules they discovered could serve negative, and false positive results, and tions and those whose disease is as efficient antiviral drugs, including is limited in its ability to detect the clinically mild. against COVID-19. Yeda Research increasing number of mutated viruses Profs. Elinav and Amit

WEIZMANN and Development has licensed these rapidly spreading worldwide. The labs are currently conducting novel small molecules to an external of Prof. Eran Elinav and Prof. Ido Amit a validation trial of the pipeline’s company to test whether they have are continuing their collaborative testing accuracy in borderline cases antiviral activities against COVID-19. efforts to develop and test a massively in the Hadassah-Hebrew University These discoveries unveil a potential parallel, next-generation sequencing Medical Center—cases in which tory repository of natural antiviral technique that can characterize RT-PCR led to incorrect or ambiguous S compounds produced by bacterial borderline cases, SARS-CoV-2 muta- results. They are also calibrating their

over immune systems. tions, co-occurring viral, bacterial, and severity-prediction matrix to enable C fungal infections, and human host patient stratification at diagnosis. Resolving response patterns—all of these with far Collectively, the researchers hope borderline diagnoses greater precision than RT-PCR. to establish a reliable system In a series of large-scale that complements RT-PCR techniques When it comes to diagnosing experiments conducted in the past by accurately resolving borderline COVID-19 in large populations, year, involving over 1,500 participants, cases, identifying known and real-time polymerase chain reac- the scientists and their teams have newly mutated viruses, and using tion (RT-PCR) is the workhorse of choice. continuously tweaked the system so host data to stratify patients most PCR is a method for making millions that it keeps getting more sensitive in need of close observation and of copies of a DNA sample so that it and therefore more reliable. They also aggressive treatments from those can be studied in detail; doing this identified viral variants and unique who can be managed more in ‘real-time’ means analyzing the host signatures that may differentiate conservatively. // Prof. Igor Ulitsky results while the copies are being made. between infected and non-infected n January, the Latin American Committee for the There are three main types of vaccines against COVID-19. Weizmann Institute of Science hosted a webinar The first, traditional-type vaccine uses a deactivated I entitled ‘Inoculation Nation,’ featuring Prof. Igor Ulitsky (attenuated) version of SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine from the Department of Biological Regulation and introduces DNA in an envelope that enters the host Prof. Gabi Barbash, a former Director-General of Israel’s cell’s nucleus. The DNA is then transcribed by the cell’s Weizmann alumna invents rapid coronavirus test Ministry of Health and Director of Weizmann’s Bench- machinery and translated to generate Spike protein. to-Bedside Program. Prof. Ulitsky discussed the new An alternative to the traditional vaccine involves rof. Naama Geva-Zatorsky (pictured here), a former SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and how they work, comparing using a different viral vector—that is, instead of using Revson Fellow of the Israel National Postdoctoral and contrasting the versions available (or soon to be) deactivated SARS-CoV-2, this vaccine uses another Award Program for Advancing Women in Science, in terms of mechanism of action, technology, and storage. P attenuated virus to deliver the DNA—one that is capable has invented a ‘spit test’ for SARS-CoV-2. A former PhD Prof. Barbash discussed the vaccines in terms of safety, of infecting cells, but which is not known to cause administration, and community. student in the lab of Prof. Uri Alon in the Department a severe disease in humans. Both types of virus-based of Molecular Cell Biology, Dr. Geva-Zatorsky is Vaccines are essentially an educational tool for the vaccines are relatively stable and easy to manufacture. now a professor at the Technion. She says her new immune system, introducing immune cells to versions of This second class of vaccines skips the DNA, and instead method is a simplified version of the standard PCR the viral proteins responsible for spreading infection, so introduces mRNA transcripts for Spike protein into the diagnostic test, and offers routine screening that can that the immune system comes to recognize them should body. This vaccine is more direct in design—like sending it ever encounter them in real life—like creating a registry a telegram instead of a letter in a sealed envelope. help break infection chains among students living of offenders. The viral mRNA is introduced into the cell in a nano- in the dormitories. sized lipid package that doesn’t need to bother with the In the case of COVID-19, the main offender is an antigen nucleus; it’s ready to be translated into protein as soon as Technion staff and students alike are being asked (a substance that instigates the immune system it arrives, which is good, but it’s less stable than DNA and to screen themselves weekly using her new NaorCov19 to produce antibodies) known as Spike. To do be effective, requires special ultra-cold storage conditions. test. To take the test, the person spits in a tube, scans the COVID-19 vaccines must convince healthy cells to not only tube’s barcode (so that they can track the results), and produce their own usual proteins, but also the binding The third group skips the DNA and the RNA too. This type region of the Spike protein—and then display it on the of vaccine introduces the Spike protein directly to the places it in a refrigerator at a collection station. The test

SPRING 2021 cell surface, much like displaying a ‘Wanted’ poster. An body. Although conceptually simple, in practice this type

• takes less than an hour to analyze in the lab. The Geva- educated immune system produces antibodies that bind of vaccine is much more challenging to render effective, Zatorsky lab adds a specially developed enzyme that PCR tests, but it is simple, easy to use, and cheap, and and disable Spike, and mark infected cells for destruction. because our immune systems don’t just need to ‘see’ the מכון ויצמן למדע turns samples red if they are negative, and yellow if they therefore a good adjunct method for places that require This can be achieved by delivering DNA, RNA, or the protein, they need to learn about it in a particular context 19 № positive. The streamlined test is not as accurate as regular routine testing, such as schools with dormitories. // protein itself to the cell via vaccine. in order to generate antibodies. // 18 19 MAGAZINE WEIZMANN

SCIENCE FEATURES SCIENCE Rx for the ocean

The largest bodies of water need our urgent attention These findings may contribute to humankind’s ability to rehabilitate by Sandy Cash endangered ocean ecosystems, and protect the planet we all call home.” ake a breath. Now take another breath. Every understand them. A range of research The projects described below, projects on the oceans and, in partic- and many others, have positioned second breath you take comes from the ocean. ular, the Mediterranean Sea, are now the Weizmann Institute of Science as Covering 72 percent of the Earth and supplying underway at the Weizmann Institute. a leading center of basic and applied T These projects, carried out in the environmental research. half its oxygen, the ocean is our planet’s life support labs of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, the Department A microplastic choke hold system—regulating climate, and providing food of Plant and Environmental Science, for an infinite variety of species, including our own. and elsewhere on campus, are creating Far from land, the ocean and the air a more integrated understanding of the just above its surface looks pristine. And here’s something you might not think about: biological and geological processes However, work by three Weizmann that drive the complex chemical Institute scientists—Prof. Assaf Vardi, The Tara research vessel on which Weizmann research has been conducted The ocean is home to the Earth’s largest moun- “cross-talk” between the sea and Prof. Koren, and Prof. Yinon Rudich— tain ranges and its deepest canyons, and at the same the sky. has demonstrated that looks that serves as a floating laboratory and—eventually, when transferred “Weizmann Institute teams can be deceiving. for oceanography and climate experts into the atmosphere—can even harm time is the world’s most diverse habitat, sheltering the have developed powerful techniques The scientists have been analyz- from all over the world. Packed in dry human health. plants and animals that make up 80 percent of life for studying the ocean’s ancient ing samples collected during succes- ice and sent back to the Weizmann history, and are contributing sive voyages of the Tara Expedition, Institute, these samples have The life and death of on Earth. up-to-the-minute analyses of how an environmental research vessel created the basis for in-depth study algal blooms marine ecosystems are responding of aerosols—specs of matter that, Humans are deeply dependent on the to understand. And humankind has yet to the twin challenges of climate in Weizmann labs, were revealed Single-cell marine algae may be ocean, but you might not think so based to mount a serious response to climate change and human-generated to contain high levels of micro- small, but altogether, they have a huge on human behavior. Unlike the 12 per- change—the documented rise pollution,” says Prof. Ilan Koren, head plastics, fragmentary remains ecological impact. Prof. Vardi is cent of our planet’s total land mass in global temperatures that is causing of the de Botton Center for Marine of human-generated plastic pollution. an expert on algal blooms—colonies that is legally set aside for preservation, the ocean to get warmer and more Science, whose own research focuses These surprising findings, recently of algae that can stretch for thousands less than 2 percent of the ocean is sim- acidic. That’s despite increasingly dire on ocean-atmosphere interactions published in Nature Communications of miles over the ocean surface ilarly protected. Fishing has sent the projections that the rising water levels, as well as cloud and rain physics. “By Earth and Environment, demonstrate in layers up to 50 meters in depth, and

SPRING 2021 majority of the ocean’s large predators increased storm activity, and flooding gathering fundamental data using how near-ocean emissions facilitate can even be seen from space. These • into extinction. Pollution, which has we are experiencing will only get worse a range of approaches based in biology, the transport of microplastics blooms are responsible for half of all already destroyed 20 percent of our in the coming years. chemistry, physics, and materials from the shoreline to the deep the photosynthesis on Earth, and also מכון ויצמן למדע coral reefs, is damaging niche ecosys- If we want to preserve our precious science, our scientists are clarifying ocean, where they affect marine play an important role in the planet’s 19 № tems in ways we are only beginning water ecosystems, we must first what’s going on beneath the waves. Prof. Ilan Koren ecosystems, disrupt food chains,

20 21 to a scientifically based understanding for understanding specific features serious dry spell. She is currently of macromolecular recognition mecha-

MAGAZINE of global climate dynamics, as well as of weather systems. Her ultimate goal is expanding her research to study the nisms that control their crystallization. these aerosols’ impact on terrestrial to better identify the factors and mech- circulation of seawater and groundwa- His work is clarifying the mechanisms and marine ecosystems. anisms that determine the location, ter in aquifers beneath the coastline, of mineral deposition that drive the cre- intensity, and frequency of extreme including the Mediterranean. ation of calcium carbonate structures

WEIZMANN The ocean’s timeline climate events such as intense in marine organisms, and at the same droughts, floods, heavy precipitation, Mineral mechanisms time, is helping to characterize the role To understand modern-day climate and dangerous storm systems. This these organisms play in the overall change, we need to compare these in turn may lead to the development With rising levels of greenhouse balance of marine ecosystems. dynamics to shifts in climate of early-warning measures that would gas emissions from human activity, that occurred over the course of our improve our ability to prevent sea water absorbs more CO2 from the Prof. Assaf Vardi Bacteria-algae eatures planet’s history. Prof. Aldo Shemesh weather-related disasters. atmosphere. This lowers pH, causing F ‘buddy system’ carbon, oxygen, phosphate, nitrogen, is clarifying the picture, using oxygen a higher acid content in the ocean. One and sulfur cycles. isotopes from sediments to reconstruct Not your grandmother’s of the results of this ocean acidifica- Marine bacteria have been affecting cience S Infections by viruses can spread continental paleoclimate. He studies Dead Sea tion is reduction in the concentra- the growth, development, and death quickly among the algae, causing the variations in such phenomena as tion of calcium carbonate in marine of algae throughout the history of our death of these massive blooms in a mat- surface water temperatures and rates The time it takes to traverse exposed ecosystems. planet. This is the research focus ter of days. Prof. Vardi investigates the of ice melting which, over time, land to reach the water’s edge molecular basis of such infections, impact concentrations of atmospheric provides poignant evidence of the as well as the effect bloom demise carbon dioxide. “retreat” of Israel’s Dead Sea from its has on carbon transfer—a critical Prof. Shemesh is now developing previous wide expanse to its present, “By gathering fundamental data... our scientists are factor in the maintenance of a sta- two new approaches. First, he is much-diminished dimensions. Dr. Yael ble climate. analyzing oxygen isotopes left behind Kiro is looking into the history of how clarifying what’s going on beneath the waves. These in the mineral skeletons of a family this happened. findings may contribute to humankind’s ability The role of aerosols of marine protozoa called radiolaria. He to rehabilitate endangered ocean ecosystems, and is also examining the chemical content Liquid and solid particles called aero- of Mediterranean reefs constructed protect the planet we all call home.” sols that hover over the surface of the out of marine mollusk shells. Such — Prof. Ilan Koren ocean are among the most significant shells can be used to reconstruct past factors in climate research, but their sea surface temperature, productivity,

chemical properties and physical CO2 levels, and continental runoff. dynamics are poorly understood. Together, these approaches provide Dr. Assaf Gal studies how of Dr. Einat Segev. Geologists study Aerosols affect climate both an enriched timeline of the chemical living organisms use minerals such as algae because the chemistry of algae’s directly, by scattering and absorbing changes that have occurred in the calcium carbonate to build structures debris, deposited over millions sunlight, and indirectly, by their effects ocean, and will help to put present and ranging from the delicate shapes of years, reflects the temperature of the on clouds and incoming solar radiation. projected climate trends into historical of single-celled marine algae to the ocean at the time that the algae were Using a combination of state-of-the-art context. Dr. Assaf Gal bones of elephants. His work focuses still alive. This makes algae a “paleo chemistry and microbiology tools, on two groups of mineralizing marine proxy” for climate scientists; they use Prof. Rudich is working to understand Extreme weather—the A geochemist who uses chemical algae called coccolithophores and the algal remains as a tool for estimat- the role of oceanic aerosols, as part wave of the future? clues to read the environmental record diatoms, which live near the ocean’s ing ancient conditions, and comparing of the overall profile of emissions preserved in groundwater, sediments, surface, and produce their energy them to current trends. In her that contribute to air pollution, drive Rising global temperatures are causing and rocks, Dr. Kiro has examined through photosynthesis. Dr. Gal discov- postdoctoral research, Dr. Segev global climate change, and affect greater evaporation of water from the 1,500 feet of core samples from the ered a previously overlooked organelle identified a symbiotic relationship human health. His discoveries about ocean, a dynamic that drives the for- bottom of the Dead Sea. An interna- where calcium is stored in intracellular between marine bacteria and algae atmospheric aerosols contribute mation of stronger and more frequent tional study she co-led based on this reservoirs, and also identified a number that causes algae to “record” the wrong storms. Dr. Shira Raveh-Rubin studies data showed evidence of two “mega” temperature. the causes and dynamics of extreme droughts: one that began approximately After creating a research weather. Her research focuses on the 120,000 years ago when average model that accurately reflects highly destructive cyclonic storms global temperatures rose about four algae-bacteria interactions, Dr. Segev is that often leave a trail of devastation, degrees Fahrenheit, and another about now studying how algal debris can be and which transport moisture and 10,000 years ago following the last deciphered to reveal long-ago changes pollutants across long distances. ice age. in ocean temperature. Research based Working in collaboration with With current water levels in the on Dr. Segev’s model may contribute

SPRING 2021 international teams, and using Dead Sea dropping roughly one meter to our understanding of both histor- • huge global meteorological datasets per year since the 1950s, and rainfall ical climate trends, and the impact that contain observations collected over down about 10 percent on average, of climate change on microbial life מכון ויצמן למדע // .recent history, Dr. Raveh-Rubin hopes Dr. Kiro’s research suggests that the at sea 19 № Dr. Yael Kiro to develop new diagnostic tools region could be headed for another Dr. Einat Segev

22 23 bacteria lurking within tumor By shedding light on how the One of the problems in uncovering

MAGAZINE cells of the human pancreas. These balance of bacterial populations in can- neo-antigens in cancers like melanoma, bacteria were shown to “digest” and cerous tumors influences the dynamics however, is that they are presented by inactivate chemotherapy drugs, of tumor ecology, this research may a protein complex called HLA–a com- thereby blocking the drugs’ anti-cancer “reframe” the protocols used to diagnose plex that can come in thousands

WEIZMANN effects. Now, based on a study of over and treat human cancers, something of versions, even without the addi- 1,000 tumor samples of different that may eventually lead to more tion of cancerous mutations. Indeed, human cancers, Dr. Straussman has hopeful cancer prognoses. the algorithms often used to search shown that unique populations of bac- the cancer-cell genome for possible teria reside within each tumor type. Finding the red flags neo-antigens have predicted hundreds This research, performed of candidates. This makes it extremely

eatures together with Dr. Noam Shental from Prof. Yardena Samuels, also challenging for pharmaceutical F the Department of Mathematics from the Department of Molecular companies to use neo-antigen targeting and Computer Science at the Open Cell Biology, discovered a gene that is as the basis of a “one-size-fits-all” cience

S University of Israel and published mutated in 32 percent of colorectal immunotherapy drug. in the journal Science last year, cancer patients as well as many other Now, Prof. Samuels and her suggests that characterizing human cancers. She uses DNA sequenc- colleagues have devised a new way interactions between cancer cells ing to identify groups of genetic to identify neo-antigens of mela- and their resident bacteria may mutations involved in melanoma, and noma cells, together with the specific lead to new strategies for improving to differentiate these from “passen- T cells “primed” to respond to them. personalized cancer treatment. In the gers”—genetic abnormalities that play The group’s strategies were so robust future, it may also become possible no role in tumorigenesis. that their neo-antigen-specific T cells to manipulate intra-tumor bacterial In a recent achievement, killed 90 percent of the target mela- populations in order to make treatment Prof. Samuels reported on a new noma cells both in laboratory plates more effective. method that may make it possible and in mice. “Most baceria you find in tumors to create improved and highly per- She then went on to demonstrate The Moross Integrated Cancer Center are known to be present normally sonalized treatments for patients that cancer cells from different in people, but there’s also a minority with melanoma. She has identified metastases within the same patient of bacteria we found that were never “red flags”—mutated peptides have neo-antigen “profiles” that are described in humans or any other that appear on melanoma cells’ remarkably uniform. This discovery host before,” Dr. Straussman says. “We outer membranes, which allows the may eventually contribute to clinical also found bacterial populations immune system to identify these strategies in which doctors would inside the immune cells that reside cancer cells as foreign, and target them create personalized drug regimens within cancerous tumors—a discovery for attack. Prof. Samuels’ findings that would stimulate T cells to destroy Making cancer history that has implications for can- offer a powerful alternative to current not just an individual patient’s primary cer immunotherapy.” methods that seek to activate tumor, but secondary malignancies News from the Moross Integrated Cancer Center The Straussman team surveyed immune T cells against these mutated as well. seven different cancer types: breast, surface peptides, which are known as by Sandy Cash lung, ovarian, pancreatic, melanoma, neo-antigens. A simple blood test for bone, and brain. Examination of these lung cancer risk samples revealed that about t was back in 1775 when English surgeon Percivall contributing paradigm-shifting dis- 70 percent of breast cancer tumors Most cases of lung cancer—the Pott, reporting on the prevalence of carci- coveries that illuminate entirely new are characterized by the presence leading cause of cancer death—are paths toward better cancer prediction, of bacteria. Moreover, the scientists linked to smoking. That puts smokers noma among London chimney sweeps, identified prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. discovered that the complement first in line for medical screening I Among discoveries achieved by dozens of bacterial populations found procedures that seek to identify the first clear link between cancer and the environ- of Moross-associated labs over the past in breast tumors is particularly lung tumors early, so that patients ment. A century later, Brazilian ophthalmologist year, the following studies illustrate the complex. In another intriguing can begin treatment and improve their Center’s impact, which is bringing us finding, revealed when the scientists chances for long-term survival. Today, Hilário de Gouvêa proved that cancer susceptibility is steadily closer to the ultimate goal: the compared lung tumors from smokers screening protocols are traditionally genetic — that is, it can be passed down from a parent defeat of cancer in all its forms. to tumors from patients who never based on age and smoking status. smoked, Dr. Straussman discovered However, reliance on these two risk to a child. A bacterial ID card that bacteria from smokers’ lung can- factors alone misses the mark, as SPRING 2021 cer cells had a qualitative difference: preventative screening in this selected

• for tumors Today, these fundamental realizations Weizmann Institute’s flagship frame- these bacteria had many more genes population fails to identify most lung form the basis of investigations work for cancer research, housed in the Several years ago, Dr. Ravid Straussman, for metabolizing nicotine, toluene, tumors. Moreover, individuals who are מכון ויצמן למדע 19 № conducted under the auspices of the Ullman Building of Life Sciences. At the a member of the Department phenol, and other cigarette-related The May 2020 issue of Science, not obvious candidates for screening Moross Integrated Cancer Center, the same time, Moross Center scientists are of Molecular Cell Biology, discovered chemicals. featuring Dr. Ravid Straussman’s study remain unaware of the danger they

24 25 may face – something that leads to delayed treatment and he Dwek Institute for Cancer Therapy MAGAZINE poorer prognosis. Research, one of the three pillars of scientific Saluting the Dwek Fellows: Prof. Zvi Livneh and senior staff scientist Dr. Tamar T investigation operating under the auspices Paz-Elizur, both members of the Department of Biomolecular of the Moross Integrated Cancer Center, is Sciences, in collaboration with researchers from the UK, have dedicated to supporting activities that contribute young leaders in cancer science WEIZMANN proposed a new lung to clinicians’ ability to treat and defeat cancer. cancer screening Recently, the Dwek Institute launched a new protocol based initiative: the Dwek Fellowship Program, which on a simple blood test. recognizes and supports outstanding PhD Relying on individual students and postdoctoral fellows who are actively patients’ “DNA repair pursuing studies aimed at developing novel anti- eatures scores”—a summa- F cancer strategies. tion of the activity of three DNA repair Supervised by Prof. Yosef Yarden, Director of cience S enzymes through the Dwek Institute for Cancer Therapy Research, which cells are known the selection of the inaugural cadre of Dwek to respond to genetic Fellows was a two-tier process. First, a call damage—the new went out to Weizmann life science laboratories screening strategy involved in oncology-related research, requesting accurately identifies nominations for up to two PhD or postdoctoral individuals at height- ened risk for lung candidates. This resulted in 20 applications, from cancer. which an academic committee selected ten finalists. Prof. Yardena Samuels Based on the In December, the 10 finalists were invited to present examination of hundreds their research at a small workshop. of British patients, the study demonstrated that a low The event kicked off with remarks by Prof. Avigdor DNA repair score reveals a five-fold greater risk for lung Scherz, a member of the Department of Plant cancer onset than would typically be estimated based on age and Environmental Sciences who is co-inventor and smoking status alone. A low DNA repair score may also L to R: Omer Goldman, Hila Tishler, Prof. Avigdor Scherz, Hadas Lewinsky, Akhiad Bercovich, Reut Riff, Prof. Yossi Yarden help explain why some non-smokers (normally not referred of TOOKAD-VTP ®, a photodynamic treatment for preventative screening) develop lung cancer, thereby that cures early-stage prostate cancer and is Dr. Reut Riff is a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Ravid on the urea cycle, a mammalian pathway localized contributing to the development of clinical criteria for pro- being developed for use in other cancer types. Straussman’s lab. She focuses on bacteria-mediated in the liver that prevents the accumulation of toxic moting early diagnosis The fellowship finalists offered some inspiring anti-cancer vaccines, an approach that seeks to optimize levels of nitrogen in the body. Experiments show that, in the non-smoking words of their own, describing how, through cancer patients’ response to immunotherapy by exploiting population. These their individual research, they hope to contribute early in tumor development, significant “rewiring” is findings have import- to improving cancer treatment. bacterial activation of the body’s immune response. seen in liver metabolism, as well as in compwonents ant implications Building on the recent discovery in the Straussman lab of the immune system—even in cancers that do not for improving the At the conclusion of the program, the finalists themselves that specific bacterial populations reside in particular metastasize to the liver. Preliminary studies in cancer effectiveness of lung ranked the presentations, with the five highest-ranked tumor types, Dr. Riff is trying to establish a pipeline patients provide evidence of similar metabolic dynamics, cancer screening, and finalists named winners of the Dwek Fellowship. for identifying bacteria that will home to a tumor, and suggesting that therapeutically blocking this metabolic providing more at-risk manipulate it to express tumor-specific neo-antigens. This rewiring in the liver could potentially provide clinical Here’s a look at the first cadre of Dwek Fellows. patients with access would make it possible to use such bacteria to activate benefits. to early diagnosis and Hila Tishler is pursuing her PhD in the lab of the targeting of T cells, thereby making cancer treatment. Prof. Ayelet Erez in the Department of Biological immunotherapy more effective. Akhiad Bercovich is a PhD candidate in the In another, Regulation. After a two-year stint at a biotech laboratory of Prof. Amos Tanay in the Department unexpected Hadas Lewinsky is pursuing her doctorate under the company where she helped develop a cancer of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics. finding that emerged supervision of Prof. Idit Shachar in the Department of immunotherapy drug, she began doctoral research Akhiad is developing computational models of from this study, Immunology. She is focused on “suppressors”—cells in the at the Weizmann Institute, where she focuses on the gene expression data captured using single-cell Prof. Livneh’s team tumor microenvironment that help shelter cancer cells from metabolic cross-talk between cancer cells and their genomics approaches. Such methods make it possible Dr. Ravid Straussman found that a low attack. Research in the Shachar lab has shown that a receptor microenvironment. Her recent experiments have to identify and describe conserved behaviors of DNA repair score in lung called CD84 is highly expressed in suppressor cells in the shown how, by altering the availability of an amino immune cells from the tumor microenvironment, cancer patients, but not in healthy people, correlates with microenvironment of multiple myeloma. It has also shown acid that mediates the metabolism of nitrogen, in both mouse cancer models and human patients. a broad increase in gene expression pathways that mediate the that blocking this receptor leads to a more effective anti-

SPRING 2021 it is possible to reduce tumor growth, affect T Akhiad is currently developing tools to clarify cellular body’s immune response. This indicates that DNA repair score cancer immune response. Hadas is conducting experiments • cells’ anti-cancer activity, and potentially sensitize responses to immunotherapy drugs in many cancer data—as revealed in a blood test—could potentially contribute in solid tumors showing similarly positive results. to personalized treatment, by helping doctors predict how cancer cells to the body’s immune defenses— types, while using his model systems to predict and מכון ויצמן למדע individual lung cancer patients will respond to cancer which could potentially improve patients’ response Omer Goldman is pursuing his doctorate in cancer experimentally validate novel combination treatment 19 № immunotherapy. // to immunotherapy. metabolism in the lab of Prof. Ayelet Erez. He is focused regimes. // 26 27 “I agreed, because who can say

MAGAZINE ‘no’ to two Weizmann presidents?” Roberto asks rhetorically. “And my father was a believer in the Weizmann Institute. Very quickly, I became

WEIZMANN a believer too. I believe in Weizmann because it is good for the world, and it shows the strength of Israel to the world. This is a different picture of Israel than the one we see in the media. Weizmann is the real Israel.” One of the success stories of the Brazil Friends in its early years—and

SPOTLIGHT ON until today—is the large number of high school graduates who apply annually for the Bessie F. Lawrence International Summer Science Institute, a month-long program held every July on the Weizmann campus. Hundreds of Brazilian candidates apply every year, most of them are not Jewish and have no prior connection to Israel. “These students come back from Weizmann and Barbara and Roberto become informal ambassadors for Israel and for Weizmann for the rest of their lives,” he notes. “Their impact is felt across Brazilian science Kaminitz and society.” Among numerous other gifts to the ‘Believers’ in the Weizmann Institute over 32 years Institute, Roberto, who is also a member of the International Board, gave gener- A hospitable piece of family history ously to support the Weizmann-Brazil by Tamar Morad Tumor Bank within the Moross The Kaminitz family owned European-style boutique hotels Integrated Cancer Center, an initiative throughout pre-state Israel, in Hebron, Jaffa, Jericho, Jerusalem, and t 65 Ha’Neviim Street in the heart of Jerusalem, Their son, Roberto Kaminitz, who that was spearheaded by Brazil Petah Tikva. In 1883, Eliezer Lipman Kaminitz, Roberto Kaminitz’s lives in São Paulo, created a new con- Association President Mario Fleck and great-grandfather, transferred the Jerusalem hotel that his family had near Jaffa Road, sits a low-slung stone building, nection to Israel when he established was embraced by many friends. established outside Jaffa Gate—the first hotel outside the Old City dwarfed by the city’s smorgasbord of structures, the Brazil Association of Friends Today, Roberto believes that the walls—to a new location on Jaffa Street. He planted a garden and A of the Weizmann Institute role of the Weizmann Institute is more paved a path for horse-drawn carriages to pull into from the road. but—like many ancient edifices in Jerusalem—it also of Science in the 1980s. Today, more critical than ever. “Fifty years ago, if The hotel hosted tourists from abroad and lavish weddings. than 30 years later, he and his wife one worked hard and got an education, hints at a more illustrious moment in time in which Barbara remain major supporters he or she found success. Today, hard Among its famous guests was Theodor Herzl, the father of modern the building experienced its heyday. The said building and close friends of the Institute, and work and any education are not good Zionism. Herzl checked into the hotel on October 28, 1898, to meet he says he is proud to have witnessed enough: You must have a top-level with German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II during a visit to Palestine. is the former Kaminitz Hotel, the first hotel outside the growth and flourishing of the education in order to compete and The hotel was moved once again in 1908, back to the Jaffa Gate area, the Old City walls, and it was once indeed a luxurious Brazilian Friends. make a difference. The important into a larger building. Baron Edmond James de Rothschild stayed at In 1988, Roberto hosted a visit thing now is nurturing the young that location of the hotel in 1914. At the outbreak of World War I, the residence for famed international travelers, business- in his home of a delegation from generation, and making sure hotel was confiscated by the Turks, who turned it into a post office. the Weizmann Institute, including that the world truly understands the people, and world leaders more than a century ago. the newly elected President at the contribution of Israeli science and Today it stands empty but slated for historic preservation, and time, Prof. Haim Harari, and former high-tech to the lives of everyone pictures of the building adorn the walls of Roberto Kaminitz’s The owner of the hotel was Eliezer to São Paulo, Brazil. He and his wife Weizmann President Prof. Michael on the planet. As I see it, the best route home.

SPRING 2021 Lipman Kaminitz, who later Eva Kaminitz were early donors Sela. At a dinner that included Israel’s to advancing those goals is through • sold it, and the next generations to the Weizmann Institute, and they consul general to Brazil and many Weizmann—because Weizmann is “Jerusalem remains in my blood and Israel is far away but at the same of his family moved to Brazil. His remained deeply connected to Israel. prominent guests, Prof. Sela asked a seed that—if you water it and take time very close by,” says Roberto. “I heard stories from my father מכון ויצמן למדע grandson, Armando, raised his The family continued to relish the lore Roberto to establish a society of friends care of it—will blossom and grow and about the splendid Kaminitz Hotel, and even after it was sold, I felt 19 № family in Uruguay and later moved of the old Kaminitz Hotel. in Brazil. lead to great things.” // a piece of my family will always be in Jerusalem.” // 28 29 MAGAZINE WEIZMANN

Weizmann World

Australia Keeping apart, staying together Canada A digital International Board in 2020 highlighted breakthrough science, key priorities

Europe ore than 1,200 attended developments on campus including The Board week presented the Weizmann Institute two new flagship projects, the an opportunity to thank France M of Science’s 72nd Annual Institute for Brain and Neural Prof. Jehuda Reinharz for his years General Meeting of the Sciences and the Frontiers of the of service as International Board International Board in November, Universe, and COVID-19 research Chair, and as he passed the Israel thanks to the digital format which sponsored by the Weizmann baton to Cathy Beck. allowed friends across the globe Coronavirus Response Fund. In focus Cathy was one of seven PhD Latin America to participate. The theme, ‘Keeping was the prospective Institute for Host honoris causa recipients in 2020, Apart, Staying Together’ celebrated Interaction and Infectious Disease in recognition of her longstanding the devotion of Weizmann friends Research, which will take insights partnership, leadership, and United Kingdom around the world and the high value from coronavirus research to the philanthropy. (See Q&A with

SPRING 2021 Weizmann leadership and scientists next level. Weizmann Institute Cathy on the following pages.) • place in the global community. President Prof. Alon Chen presented The following highly accom- United States The Board offered an opportunity on the two flagship projects, with plished individuals also מכון ויצמן למדע to update the global Weizmann a focus on astrophysics and parti- received the Weizmann PhD 19 № family on research and other cle physics. honoris causa:

30 31 MAGAZINE WEIZMANN

A celebration of excellence and accomplishment orld

W Gideon J. Hamburger, Cathy Beck, one of the Weizmann a distinguished business and Institute’s pillars of support and community leader who has channeled leadership, both in Israel and Canada. his resources and influence to benefit A dedicated philanthropist for more W eizmann a wide range of causes in Israel, and than four decades, Cathy has given at the Weizmann Institute. He is a Life generously to the Institute and served Member of the International Board, as the Chair of the Board of Weizmann where he has been a Board member Canada from 2010 to 2016, spear- for decades, and has served on multiple heading and overseeing a period Meir Shalev, one of Israel’s most prolific and highly acclaimed writers, whose management committees. of extraordinary growth and develop- life’s work reflects the beauty and rich intricacies of Israel—the land and its ment. During the 72nd Annual General people—through stories read by generations of children and adults. Winner of many Meeting of the International Board, she prestigious literary awards in Israel and abroad. He was the keynote speaker of the was elected Chair of the International PhD ceremony. Board (see Q&A).

Dame Carol Robinson of the Shirin Natour Hafi, an innovative Sir Marc Feldmann, a prominent Dr. Uri Arnon, an esteemed University of Cambridge and the educational leader whose unflagging immunologist at the University engineer, who has made significant University of Oxford, a chemist efforts have contributed to reduced of Oxford whose discovery of the role contributions to the development renowned for her groundbreaking violence among Arab youth in Lod, of TNFα in inflammation and joint of the Israeli materials industry. research in structural biology and a mixed city in central Israel, and destruction led to the development A member of the International Board, for pioneering the use of mass a dramatic growth in the number of a powerful treatment for rheumatoid Uri, along with his wife Ruth, is spectrometry as an analytical tool of Arab youth eligible for high school arthritis and other autoimmune dis- a treasured member of the Weizmann in chemical biology research. matriculation in that city. eases. He collaborates extensively with community and a long-time supporter Weizmann scientists, and supports of the Institute. immunology research on campus. SPRING 2021 • מכון ויצמן למדע 19 №

32 33 PhD honoris causa MAGAZINE Q&A with International Board Chair Cathy Beck Garvan-Weizmann online event

n November, Cathy Beck was elected celebrates three fruitful years

WEIZMANN the Chair of the International I Board. A longtime supporter and he third anniversary from the past year, including the B cells in the bone. Improving the leader of Weizmann Canada and of the Garvan-Weizmann Centre growth of the partnership which activity of immune cells in the bone a Weizmann Institute Board member, T for Cellular Genomics was marked to date has funded 40 researchers can lead to better long term immunity Cathy is intimately familiar with the by an online event that highlighted in 10 projects. from diseases such as COVID-19 and orld Institute and carries the legacy of her key scientific developments and plans A presentation was given to improvements to cancer immu- W late parents, Tom and Mary Beck, for the coming three years. by collaborating scientists notherapy treatments. Conversely, whose strong leadership and philan- The Centre’s 2017 opening Dr. Ziv Shulman (Weizmann) and learning how to manipulate the thropy left an indelible mark on the launched the broader Garvan- Dr. Michelle McDonald (Garvan). Their immune cell activity in the bone may AUSTRALIA Weizmann Institute campus. A native Weizmann Partnership, a joint venture joint research project delves into the lead to better treatments for autoim- W eizmann of Toronto and married to Dr. Laurence between the Weizmann Institute inner workings of antibody-mediated mune diseases, by dampening the Rubin, Cathy loves music and science, and Australia’s Garvan Institute immunity. Long term immunity overactive immune system. and devotes herself to philan- of Medical Research. The November occurs when antibody-producing cells Prof. Amit concluded by emphasiz- thropy and hands-on leadership event featured Profs. Ziv Reich and (B cells) migrate from lymph nodes ing the aim of the partnership over the in those realms, in Canada and at the Ido Amit of Weizmann; Profs. Chris to the bone to reside in a dormant/ next three years: developing new drugs Weizmann Institute. Goodnow and Joseph Powell of Garvan; inactive state, to become active and immunotherapies for cancers, Where does your devotion to the and Jillian Segal AO, a Weizmann when needed. infection diseases, and autoimmune Institute originate? International Board member and Together, they are elucidating diseases. “We have the technologies I was introduced to the Weizmann Garvan board member. Ms. Segal what renders B cells in the bone and we have the scientists, I believe we Institute at a young age by my father, outlined achievements and highlights active or dormant, by visualising the can do it,” he said. // and with time my devotion has only deepened—first to Weizmann Canada, then to the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot. Now the campus is my second home and the scientists I have known for a long I see opportunities and great poten- we are that close. My immediate time are valued friends. I cannot tial here. That’s why I’m excited challenge is to strengthen our ties, Leadership gift from Laura and Anthony Beck wait to get back to see them. about the new ‘friend-raising’ cam- pandemic notwithstanding, and You’ve been involved with paign, which I am certain will bring leverage those ties for the benefit honors the past and inspires the future the Weizmann Institute new supporters to the Institute. of our scientists. for many years, and done so much. How are you spending your time What are the areas in which you t’s estimated that mental health particularly momentous. (Anthony she adds, “I feel very strongly about What more could you possibly do during the pandemic, if you are see Weizmann making an impact disorders begin before age 16 in about Beck is the brother of IB Chair showing our kids that it’s now our for Weizmann? not able to travel? in the next 10 years? I half of those individuals affected by Cathy Beck.) turn to take up the reins of philan- The scientific work and ambi- I always want to meet people Rather than choose from a list such conditions. With the pandemic “For me, it all comes down thropy. It’s up to us to show the next tion at Weizmann is endless, which in person—that’s a legacy of my of endless possibilities, let me acting as an accelerant for mental to showing our children what needs generations how fulfilling it can be places great expectations on our work in the business world. But now say that what strikes me about health issues, a recent gift for research to be done in order to continue with to give back.” Laura and Anthony’s gift administrative and philanthropic that we can bridge great distances the Weizmann Institute is on mental health in youth from our family’s belief in ‘tikkun olam,’ establishes an endowment fund, the capacities. As Chair of the instantly, through Zoom, we’re that when someone comes Toronto residents and Weizmann says Laura. In keeping with this Laura and Anthony Beck and Family International Board, I’m working able to maintain contact with here to engage with a specific friends Laura and Anthony Beck is Jewish belief of improving the world, Fund for Research in Neuroscience. with fellow Board members to make greater ease. I am using the area of interest —whether it is in the Institute for Brain and Neural concerted and consistent efforts opportunity to introduce myself food security, energy exploration, Sciences. CANADA to expand our network of friends to lay leaders in all the committees or disease and treatment — For others considering investing and supporters. We are building and societies, and they’re doing the that person is just as likely in Weizmann, Anthony advises them on an excellent base, but always same. I’m talking to them about to end of up in meetings and to “find something that you’re really trying to draw in more people, more what speaks to them most about the collaborations that bring them passionate about—whether it’s cancer interest. COVID has made for many Institute, and working with them an entirely new perspective research, something in physics, or new challenges, but it’s through on that basis to expand the circle and engages them in areas whatever it is — and when you find challenges that we adapt and excel. of friends. that are totally new. That’s true that, and no matter the level of your

SPRING 2021 What are the challenges? of our supporters and of our contribution, you will feel remarkably • Weizmann Magazine We have a strong worldwide support scientists. It happens to me, rewarded and fortunate to be in-depth interview with network that is rightly called time after time. That makes its in that position to give back.” // מכון ויצמן למדע Cathy Beck and other 19 № members of her family the Weizmann family because own kind of impact— infinitely when we get together, in person, renewable. // L to R: Gideon, Anthony, Laura, and Tamara Beck 34 35 MAGAZINE European Committee celebrates Israel Friends shine spotlight on election its 60-year anniversary of US President Joe Biden WEIZMANN riends and supporters from Europe Institute was on display: past and pres- he Israel Friends of the and around the world came together ent leadership and world-renowned Weizmann Institute and the at a festive digital event in January scientists all recounted their own Alumni Organization partic- F th T celebrating the 60 anniversary of the pieces of the six-decade-long story. ipated in a joint event in February orld European Committee of the Weizmann Weizmann Institute President to share views on the new Biden W Institute of Science (ECWIS). Prof. Alon Chen shared plans for the Administration in the U.S. Featured Chairs of all the European friends’ future Institute for Brain and Neural guests were former U.S. Ambassador societies and the Weizmann Young Sciences, and René Braginsky, to Israel Dan Shapiro and Maj.

European Network (WYEN) were former Chair of the Swiss Society Gen. (Ret.) Amos Gilad, head ISRAEL W eizmann in attendance. and a member of the International of the Institute for Policy and Strategy The event was emceed by Robert Board, described projects supported at IDC Herzliya. (Bob) Drake, Chair of ECWIS, Vice by the Braginsky Center for the About 120 members of WeizmannVibe, Chair of Weizmann’s International Interface between Science and the the next-generation group of the Board, and a member of the Executive Humanities. A dance performance, Israel Friends Association, celebrated ECWIS Board. The historic involvement “Evolve,” by Kornelia Lech and the start of 2021 with participants of European friends in supporting the Yotam Baruch, highlighted a unique receiving a case of beer and a sam- Dan Shapiro Amos Gilad Bob Drake collaboration between the dancers, pling of delicacies. Prof. Yitzhak Pilpel, choreographer Shahar Binyamini, head of the Department of Molecular Amir Shaltiel, Chair as a “winning mix”. A toast was “If past is prologue, our European friends — and Prof. Ofer Feinerman from Genetics, gave a talk about “yeast of WeizmannVibe, welcomed guests raised for the new year, with the Department of Physics orgies,” describing the biological basis and praised their involvement great optimism for exiting the who have been part of our scientific journey of Complex Systems. The event also for partner selection. as lovers of science and culture pandemic. // since the beginning — will be our partners highlighted European alumni of the Bessie F. Lawrence International in neuroscience discovery in the years to come.” Science Summer Institute (ISSI) — Prof. Alon Chen program. // UK: A page out of Weizmann history for the Abraham Society

n February, Emeritus Prof. David Prof. Mirelman who described the the Balfour Declaration in 1917, France: Weizmann-Pasteur Gala goes digital Mirelman became the latest in a long Institute’s historic links to the UK. signaling for the first time the British he Weizmann-Pasteur Gala, of the Institut Pasteur. Dr. Philippe I line of distinguished speakers to give His talk included the story of how Government’s support for the estab- a Paris affair for the last 45 years, Alla, Professor of Neurology an online presentation to the Abraham a scientific discovery by Dr. Weizmann lishment of a national home for the T took place online in December, at the American Hospital of Paris, Society, a London-based discussion and played a notable role in securing Jewish people. and celebrated the ongoing scientific described alarming neurological debating society dedicated to bringing Prof. Mirelman also offered collaboration between the Weizmann implications of COVID-19. topics of interest to a primarily Jewish insight into Dr. Weizmann’s early FRANCE Institute and Institut Pasteur. The gath- The Pasteur-Weizmann Council audience. Almost 500 participants pioneering approach to patenting ering highlighted research on the was established at the initiative of the attended the virtual event, many scientific discoveries and the crucial neurological effects of COVID-19. late Simone Veil, who was France’s of whom were new to the wonders of the role it would have in funding future KINGDOM UNITED Maurice Lévy, President Minister of Health and a close friend Weizmann Institute. They were given research. As a former Vice President of the Pasteur-Weizmann Council of Israel. The partnership, funded a virtual whistle-stop tour of some of Technology Transfer and a former and President of Weizmann generously by French donors, has of the Institute’s highlights, starting Chairman of Yeda, the Institute’s tech France, introduced the subject seeded research in a range of areas, from its visionary founder Dr. Chaim transfer arm, Prof. Mirelman dis-

SPRING 2021 and welcomed guests and the including cancer, neuroscience, Weizmann to its modern success cussed his book Not for Profit, which • main speakers, Weizmann antibiotic resistance, and emerging as a world-class scientific research traces the Weizmann Institute’s President Prof. Alon Chen, and viruses. To date, some 55 joint projects institute. expertise in patenting scientific מכון ויצמן למדע 19 № Prof. Stewart Cole, Director General Maurice Lévy have been funded. // Sheridan Gould, Executive discoveries for application in the Director of Weizmann UK, introduced Prof. David Mirelman commercial realm. // 36 37 MAGAZINE ACWIS looks to the sky Brazil friends take on neurodegeneration

n January, the American Committee he Brazil Association of Friends take on the quest to overcome these and and other methods to explore the

WEIZMANN hosted a webinar introducing of the Weizmann Institute other diseases.” brain as never before. I Weizmann’s flagship Frontiers of the T of Science launched its Prof. Mike Fainzilber, Director “The Brazil Friends have Universe initiative. Frontiers will fund fundraising initiative for the of the future Weizmann-Brazil Center grown in size and scope, adding research by astrophysicists and particle Weizmann-Brazil Center for Research and a member of the Department more and more friends in recent physicists to elucidate the nature on Neurodegeneration, with more of Biomolecular Sciences, said research years,” Weizmann President orld of space, time, and life itself—from than 200 participants in attendance in the Weizmann-Brazil Center will Prof. Alon Chen said. “They have W the tiniest subatomic particles to the work on combatting debilitating dis- had a huge impact on campus largest galaxies. eases and conditions like Alzheimer’s throughout the years and have been Drawing about 140 participants, and Parkinson’s, and cast a wide net instrumental in friend-raising the online event featured two of the to better understand what happens and fund-raising. The Tumor Bank W eizmann scientists involved in this flagship project: Prof. Avishay Gal-Yam, from the Department of Particle Physics and Astrophysics, and Prof. Oded “A project of the utmost importance.” Aharonson, from the Department participation, to look up at the sky once place to uncover the mysteries ACWIS — Israel Vainboim of Earth and Planetary Sciences. again … and imagine what secrets of the of the cosmos. The event opened with remarks universe were beckoning for discovery,” Prof. Aharonson followed with from ACWIS Executive Committee he said. a presentation about his planetary member Dr. Mark Alexander, Prof. Gal-Yam provided research, and most recently his in the brain as it ages, affecting memory, was… barely finished when you a major supporter of the ULTRASAT an overview of the Frontiers initiative, focus on the discovery of exoplanets. behavior, and bodily function. decided to embark on your next satellite mission—a key component including ULTRASAT, a small but The ULTRASAT mission will help It will be one of 11 centers in the ambitious project: the Weizmann of the Frontiers project— through mighty telescope aboard a satellite, him detect planets orbiting other stars Institute for Brain and Neural Sciences, Brazil Center for Neurodegenerative the Norman E. Alexander Family planned to be launched into space in our galaxy and determine whether which will also reveal new under- Research. This center is of critical M Foundation. Dr. Alexander spoke from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in 2024. they might be hospitable to life. standings about mental and emotional importance. We are deeply grateful about his childhood interest in outer He also explained why Weizmann— To conclude the event, the two health, brain injury and regeneration, that the Brazilian friends have taken space, which compelled him to support with its multidisciplinary approach scientists engaged in a lively Q&A, cognition and learning, perception, it upon themselves—all of you— Prof. Mike Fainzilber the mission: “Here was an oppor- and expertise in astrophysics moderated by American Committee and develop new computational tools to help raise funds.” // AMERICA LATIN tunity, through our philanthropic and particle physics—is the ideal CEO Dave Doneson. // in an online event on February 28. The new center will be part of the planned Institute for Brain and Neural Sciences, a major flagship project. (A selection of participants’ enthusiastic feedback at the event is Alumni in the spotlight, alongside Facebook Israel CEO quoted here). Mario Fleck, President of the eizmann alumni were center Segal and Dr. Eran Goldberg, founded Brazilian Association of Friends, stage at the International Luminera also.) recalled as an excellent precedent W Women’s Day event hosted by Liran Szlak, a PhD student the establishment, in 2019, of the the Israeli Friends Association of the in the Department of Computer Weizmann-Brazil Tumor Bank in the Weizmann Institute. The keynote Science and Applied Mathematics, Moross Integrated Cancer Center. speaker was Adi Soffer-Teeni, discussed her work as co-founder “Through this relationship with CEO of Facebook Israel, and the of Mehamemet – Cyber the Weizmann Institute spanning event highlighted pioneering Education Center, a non-profit over three decades, we have had the women in the biotech and organization that promotes girls’ opportunity to participate in signifi- Mario Fleck high-tech sector. participation in STEM fields. Rosalie cant and impactful projects,” he said. Other presenters included Lipsh-Sokolik, a PhD student “We all know how degenerative diseases Dr. Liat Goldshaid-Zmiri, in the Department of Biomolecular of the brain pose great hardships

SPRING 2021 alumna and CEO of Luminera, Sciences, discussed her challenges to many people. All of us have a friend “Weizmann is a window to the future. A longer-term • an aesthetic medicine company and goals as an ultra-Orthodox or acquaintance or a relative who future, a more sustainable future, a better world.” which was recently acquired by woman in the sciences, and the need once suffered from Alzheimer’s or מכון ויצמן למדע Allergan Aesthetics. (Another two to engage the next generation of her Parkinson’s disease. This project will — Claudia and Charles Rothschild 19 № Weizmann Institute alumni, Dr. Dadi Adi Soffer-Teeni community. // 38 39 MAGAZINE Lighting up the world WEIZMANN of computation ALUMNI The promise of a new laser-driven supercomputer, designed by Weizmann alumni by Dinah Elashvili

do not have the computational omputers have been improving at a dizzying firepower required to sustain—let rate since the original room-sized machines alone analyze—the data. These “hard” problems are of the 1940s. Today, our cell phones are millions everywhere. Take, for example, the C interactive GPS service Waze, which is of times more powerful than the computers used able to give drivers an alternative route by NASA during the first moon landing. And still, in order to avoid an impending traffic jam. But its ability to recalculate a route scientists and engineerse are continuing to push the for a large quantity of cars and redirect limits of computing capabilities, producing more and each vehicle in an optimal way so as not to create a second traffic jam is still more powerful supercomputers and working to make quite limited. quantum computers a reality. Scientists are attempting to solve these computing shortcomings by developing quantum systems If computers are already so fast, why voluminous and complicated, even that use quantum bits, or ‘qubits,’ some quantum effects, but instead Not only will LightSolver’s is only on the future roadmap this need for more speed? the most high-performing computers which can exist as both 1 and of using classic binary bits or qubits, laser computer allow it to make of quantum computer companies In traditional computing systems, cannot keep up and are failing to solve 0 simultaneously. This would allow the they are using optical lasers. computations at extraordinary speeds, like IBM. Reaching that milestone bits are binary—either on or off, 1 or many of the modern world’s most com- system to perform many calculations Ruti and her team of eight—half according to Ruti, but it will allow the will also have practical applications 0—forcing the computer to try possible plex problems. This class of problems, at once and arrive at a solution quicker. of whom are also Weizmann machine to be smaller (about the size and enable the solution of real-world answers to a problem one by one until known as “hard” problems, involves However, quantum computers are alumni—believe that by constructing of a desktop computer), cheaper, and problems involving massive amounts it finds the correct solution. However, such a huge amount of interdependent exceedingly difficult to build, and a small device where light-based more energy efficient than its compet- of data, such as city-scale traffic as data becomes more and more information that traditional paradigms so far have been plagued with errors lasers circulate in free space, the itors’ prototypes, which are oftentimes patterns, predicting the stock market, that make them fail before any new device will be able to make huge in size, or require absolute or calculating how to most efficiently nontrivial program has a chance to run computations orders of magnitude zero temperatures and ultra-high fold a protein. to completion. faster and less prone to error than all vacuum conditions. “Using standard computers, other technology alternatives, both “Using lasers has so many benefits,” this kind of data-crunching is very The speed of lasers traditional and quantum, which Ruti says. “They require less space time-consuming and error-prone,” says use electronics or fibers. In just one than circuitry-based machines, are Ruti. “LightSolver could solve these A year ago, while conducting her watt of lasers, almost 1020 photons more precise, and can explore all pos- problems.” PhD research in Prof. Roee Ozeri’s exist—that’s 1 followed by 20 zeros— sible solutions to a problem in parallel “Ruti is pioneering an exciting path lab in the Department of Physics all of which are able to work together similar to the way qubits can. Imagine in the Israeli quantum tech landscape,” of Complex Systems, Ruti Ben-Shlomi and influence each other to perform the massive computational power!” Prof. Ozeri says. “LightSolver is part teamed up with Weizmann alumnus calculations simultaneously, similar The team is aiming to develop of a very small and dynamic commu- Dr. Chene Tradonsky to launch to quantum bits. At the same time, LightSolver to contain 100 laser bits nity of startups that are taking ideas

SPRING 2021 LightSolver, a company that is building by using a more classical computing within the year — an impressive num- from academic quantum physics labs, • a supercomputer to specifically tackle paradigm, LightSolver will be able ber in a short period of time. In the which until recently were considered “hard” problems. The new LightSolver to bypass the noise problems, faults, following year, they hope to increase crazy games by scientists, and turning מכון ויצמן למדע // ”.computer will use a traditional and loss of quantum coherence that number to 1,000 laser them into viable technology 19 № computing paradigm that will produce inherent to quantum computers. bits—a number which currently

40 41 “The way I see it,” Sariel says, “is

MAGAZINE that the surgeons were able to wake me up. That was my takeaway. Yes, I lost my sight, but so what? It was A future in plain sight a happy ending: I was alive. The most WEIZMANN important thing to me is to continue Sariel Salmon’s story of grace under fire being able to learn, to give back to people, to do good for others. And by Dinah Elashvili I was determined to do that with or without my sight.” Since the surgery, Sariel’s ability Despite being plagued by health to see oscillates—from being able

STUDENTS famous Jewish proverb states: “I ask not issues since infancy, Sariel has to only make out vague splotches for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders.” unflaggingly pursued her dreams, of color to being able to read some words Few people embody this sentiment with as determined to turn her hardships if the letters are large enough. A into opportunities. When she was just much earnestness as 28-year-old Sariel Salmon, a year old, she was diagnosed with Brightening the lab a recent Weizmann Institute MSc graduate, who hydrocephalus—a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid accumulates After completing high school and at the age of 16 woke up from a surgery to find herself within the brain, causing increased her national service, Sariel went pressure inside the skull. This on to study biology and physics at the Prof. Ehud Ahissar completely blind. required the placement of a shunt Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She that would drain the excess fluid from used software programs that read for keeping her alive. During one the science she produces. She allows her brain to her intra-abdominal out her course material for her, and of her surgeries, she was exhibiting herself no concessions and the cavity. It was the first of several paid friends and colleagues to read all the symptoms of high pressure results are always exceptional.” emergency operations she would have material out loud to her. Many in the brain, but when her doctor saw Sariel expresses her apprecia- to undergo. While this is a routine of them became her best friends, that the correlating treatment made her tion and gratitude to the Weizmann procedure today, at the time of her and even one of them—another situation deteriorate rapidly, he quickly Institute for providing her with the first surgery 26 years ago, the risk undergraduate physics student, switched tactics and treated her for the means and resources to conduct was very high and survival rate was Ben—became her husband. Ben opposite problem, saving her life. her studies. extremely low. volunteered to help Sariel read During her master’s studies, “The Weizmann Institute has Her condition brought with her math material for her physics Sariel gave birth to her first child, and always been there for me,” Sariel it a slew of physical impairments— courses, and they quickly became completed her degree with a 95% grade says. “Anything I needed—all including limited motion on the right best friends. One night, after ten average. She continues to work in the I had to do was ask and they side of her body, an inability to walk, months of close friendship, they and bouts of intense vertigo. It also found themselves outside the library meant repeated trips to the hospital in Givat Ram trying to see if Sariel throughout her childhood and adoles- could see the light from the stars. “I feel like it is my duty to tell my story, to inspire cence in order to replace the shunt. “It was a very romantic move But for Sariel, her main concern on Ben’s part,” Sariel reminisces. others to change their perception to make the most was continuing the schoolwork and “And our friendship blossomed of their lives,” says Sariel. extracurricular activities which meant into a relationship.” everything to her. A star pupil in school After graduating from the who volunteered with Magen David Hebrew University, Sariel and Ben Adom and the city youth council, Sariel both came to the Weizmann Institute Ahissar lab as a lab technician, and is supplied it. They provided me with was an extremely active girl. in 2016 to pursue their MSc. While contemplating pursuing her PhD. a disability-friendly apartment Then, at 16, she suddenly slipped Ben studied physics education, Sariel “When Sariel first came to my close to campus. They made into a coma. A subsequent surgery joined Prof. Ehud Ahissar’s lab in the lab, it felt like the light that she had completing my coursework and woke her up, but at the cost of her Department of Neurobiology, where she been denied was instead radiating research as obstacle-free as possible. sight. During the operation, the visual studied how rodents use their whiskers from her, brightening the whole It is an amazing place to work. processing center of her brain had to perceive their environment. lab,” says Prof. Ahissar. “Our team And the rest: It’s all about having been accidentally damaged, resulting It was a research focus that was performed an exercise that we a positive outlook. Einstein said: in permanent blindness. And yet, driven by her own circumstances. Her named the ‘Sariel experience,’ which ‘In the middle of difficulties lies

SPRING 2021 a mere two months later, she was back childhood doctor took a scientific involved riding bicycles in the total opportunity.’ This is what I try • in school, insisting to her incredulous approach to his treatment of her dark. Through it, we got a better to live by. I feel it is my duty to tell teachers that she be allowed to take the condition in a way that fascinated understanding of how much courage my story, to inspire others to change מכון ויצמן למדע level 5 (highest) matriculation exams her; she credits his quick instincts it takes to live as Sariel. Yet, the their perception and make the most 19 № Sariel Salmon on graudation day in math. and ability to think outside the box greatest ‘Sariel experience’ for me is of their lives.” // 42 43 Seeing more, for less to be orbited by planets that support

MAGAZINE life. “Within three years of operation, Ground-based observatories are typi- our new observatory will increase Ground control to major cally expensive, with the newest ones the observed sample by a factor of 30, costing in excess of one billion dollars. which will greatly boost the rate

WEIZMANN But recent technological advances by of exoplanet detection,” he says. Weizmann researchers have made discoveries it possible to achieve a significant Mighty and modular improvement in cost-effectiveness, Weizmann’s new observatory in the Negev while delivering digital capabilities The Negev observatory consists that make it possible to observe space of arrays of multiple off-the-shelf small in a way that has never been possible telescopes coupled with commercially before. available and highly sensitive detectors. Prof. Eran Ofek The new set-up will allow The system’s unique potential stems scientists to scan an extremely from its modularity—which will allow linked small telescopes, coupled wide swath of the Universe very a steady increase in power as new nodes together through a novel system quickly, and to gather data with three are added—as well as from original of optical fibers developed at the to four times more efficiency than is algorithms that allow Weizmann Weizmann Institute. UPDATES ON THE FLAGSHIPS THE ON UPDATES currently possible using the world’s f The Weizmann Fast Astronomical most powerful survey telescopes. Survey Telescope (W-FAST) “Our systems’ advanced capabili- is a ground-based system ties are ideal for identifying signatures that captures 25 images per second, of hard-to-track celestial events, like allowing the detection of previously the gravitational waves produced unknown phenomena. when neutron stars merge,” says Prof. Eran Ofek of the Department The W-FAST system is already in use; of Particle Physics and Astrophysics LAST and LAST-Spec are set to be who, together with his departmental completed and become operational colleague Dr. Sagi Ben-Ami, is leading in 2021 and 2022 respectively. the WAO effort. “The success of this project may mark a new era in obser- Seeking answers vational astrophysics.” in the stars The observatory will help Prof. Avishay Gal-Yam advance the research of Dr. Ben-Ami, When the Negev observatory is fully a Weizmann-trained scientist astrophysicists to store and analyze the operational, studies by multiple who recently joined the Institute immense data sets generated by their Weizmann research groups are faculty after completing postdoctoral observations. expected to help answer some of the research at Harvard University. Weizmann scientists are currently most pressing questions in physics Dr. Ben-Ami’s main research interest advancing three WAO systems: and astrophysics: What is the nature is the search for exoplanets that orbit f The Large Array Survey Telescope of gravity? How did the “stuff” of the by Sandy Cash white dwarfs—stars that are farther (LAST) is a 48-telescope array capa- Universe—from heavy elements along in their evolution than our ble of sampling an unprecedented like gold, to stars, solar systems, and t the Weizmann Institute Located near picturesque Kibbutz “This new facility will push Sun, and which have the potential 355 squared degrees of the night sky, galaxies—come into being? How of Science, experts in particle Neot Smadar, the WAO has a “wow the envelope of astrophysics or observing a single, constrained might we identify massive asteroids A physics and astrophysics are factor”: it is an entirely new type of star discovery, thanks to a modular point. Once constructed, it will be that could crash into Earth and trigger driving forward Frontiers of the observatory, based on novel, modular design that makes it possible to easily the most powerful survey telescope global catastrophe? What does the Oort Universe, a flagship initiative that will technologies pioneered by Weizmann expand capabilities, and also move in the world, with the potential Cloud—a belt of comets beyond our launch a new generation of scientific astrophysicists. components to capture larger or to increase in power as new modules solar system’s furthest planets—reveal space missions and integrate the The observatory’s infrastructure, more specific areas of the night are added. about how our solar system was research continuum stretching from featuring dozens of telescopic com- sky,” says Prof. Avishay Gal-Yam f The LAST-Spec is a tool that more formed? What is the fate of planets cosmology—the origin of the Universe’s ponents linked together, will make it of the Department of Particle than doubles the efficiency of con- orbiting evolved stars? Is there life development—to the behavior of fun- possible to scan the visible Universe Physics and Astrophysics, who, as ventional spectrographs. Capable elsewhere in the Universe, and if damental particles in both inner and at extremely high temporal resolution, Chair of the Institute’s Physics of quickly characterizing the so, where?

SPRING 2021 outer space. A critical component of the and to track quick-developing celestial Core Facilities, is overseeing WAO’s nature of radiation emanating from The Weizmann Institute • Frontiers project is the Weizmann events. Findings achieved using these development. “We believe that, once an astronomical source, LAST-Spec also plans to construct a visitors’ Astrophysical Observatory (WAO), platforms are expected to set the fully operational, the observatory will be the first spectrograph center at Neot Smadar that will host מכון ויצמן למדע now under construction in Israel’s agenda for astrophysics researchers will mark a major step forward in the world that is distrib- educational programs and public 19 № Negev Desert. worldwide. in ground-based observation.” Dr. Sagi Ben Ami uted—that is, based on multiple events. // 44 45 Here is a sampling of neurobiological of brain activity to ‘rewire’ problem-

MAGAZINE quandaries Weizmann scientists are atic neural circuits. working to solve today. Imagine how How can we encourage the much more we can do in the Institute brain to dissolve toxic amyloid for Brain and Neural Sciences. tangles?

WEIZMANN How do we learn the rules Structural biochemist of behavior and gain confidence Dr. Rina Rosenzweig is borrowing that we know what we’re doing? organic chemistry expertise Prof. Rony Paz, a systems neurosci- from Dr. Nir London to address entist trained in mathematics, joins this neurodegeneration- Prof. Noam Sobel forces with Prof. Elad Schneidman, causing scourge. a computational neuroscientist How does the brain regulate body in an international consortium F lagships with expertise in physics. weight? to identify gene variants

the Can we see neurotransmitters flow Dr. Ivo Spiegel lent his expertise that heighten the risk for ALS. between neurons? in the impact of experience What are the mechanisms on Prof. Ofer Yizhar, a pioneer in the on brain function to molecular of neural circuit development? use of optogenetics to study neural geneticist Prof. Ari Elson in a study Neurodevelopment and regenera- circuitry, is working with Dr. Assaf of how fat cell hormones communi- tion experts Profs. Oren Schuldiner U pdates Tal, a chemical physicist with cate with the brain. and Avraham Yaron are tackling expertise in magnetic resonance How can we harness the brain’s this complex question together. imaging at an atomic level. own immune cells–microglia— What role does the brainstem play to combat neurodegeneration? in regulating stress? The lab groups of Prof. Tali Kimchi, Neuroscientists Profs. Menahem Prof. Igor Ulitsky, and Prof. Ido Amit Segal and Alon Chen are teaming pooled their knowledge to char- up with Prof. Ayelet Erez, an expert acterize microglia structure and in pediatric oncology and meta- genetic activity across 10 species bolic diseases. spanning more than 450 mil- Can we monitor metabolism as the lion years of evolution. The new nerve center brain develops? Can we reverse the cognitive Molecular geneticist deficits of Alzheimer’s disease? Prof. Orly Reiner has teamed Prof. Ido Amit and Prof. Emeritus Dr. Rina Rosenzweig up with Prof. Noam Sobel and Michal Schwartz identified Dr. Rita Schmidt from Weizmann’s a type of immune microglial How do dopamine-producing for neuroscience Azrieli National Institute cell capable of controlling neu- neurons in the retina func- for Human Brain Imaging rodegeneration and countering tion in health and in Parkinson’s Collaborations will drive discovery in the and Research. cognitive impairment. disease? Can we visualize neurofeedback Are there genes we can target Drs. Michal Rivlin and Meital Institute for Brain and Neural Sciences in action? for personalized treatment Oren-Suissa are uniting their New scientist Dr. Michal Ramot of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis expertise to elucidate a better by Anne Sperling is also working with the Azrieli (ALS)? understanding of human vision as National Institute to improve Profs. Eran Hornstein and it relates to this debilitating o answer the most complex questions in the field of neuroscience is to wrap the use of real-time displays Doron Lancet are participating disease. // one’s hands around some of the biggest questions in biology, chemistry, physics, T computer science, mathematics, and more—because so many fields have a winding or direct path to brain science. How best to take on this enormous task can be found in multidisciplinary collaboration, which lies at the heart of the planned Institute for Brain and Neural Sciences. This flagship project will include a state-of-the-art facility designed to encourage a fusion of expertise across a range SPRING 2021 • of fields and areas of emphasis—both within the Department of Neurobiology

מכון ויצמן למדע and among the many Weizmann scientists outside the department whose 19 № non-neuroscientific expertise can provide the perfect complement for the task.

46 47 MAGAZINE WEIZMANN ART AND SCIENCE

Michael Druks / Zoom Out sraeli-born artist Michael Druks, the viewer’s time and active partici- Says Druks, “I insert several who lives in London, is well-known pation. His work has been exhibited points of focus in the painting, I for his print Druksland: Physical around the world. which enable the viewers to own and Social (1974). A conceptual Weizmann Institute curator the work, position it in the context map, it is an iconic image in both Yivsam Azgad brought the Druks that seems appropriate to them, Israeli and international art, and “Zoom Out” exhibit to the Stone and follow the lines and color has been featured in numerous Administration Building on campus fields in many directions, beyond exhibitions, books, magazines, in February. One of the paintings is the painting itself. That is, the and beyond, including the “Map, shown here. painting contains several clues Map on the wall exhibition, This series of paintings (oil and that allow the viewers to add in the Arthur and Rochelle Belfer ink on thin cardboard), was created as on to it—to insert within it—their

SPRING 2021 Building for Biomedical Research an experiment designed to investigate own context, and thus create • on campus. In recent decades, he has to what extent the exhibit’s visitors meaning for themselves. If concentrated primarily on painting, would be willing to linger and invest and when this happens, the מכון ויצמן למדע making works he says are “details in thinking through the meaning viewers give the ‘system’ a time 19 № detached from a context” that require of each painting. dimension.” // 48 49 MAGAZINE

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IN MEMORIAMIN f Abisch-Frenkel Professorial Chair Prevention Research f Madame Olga Klein-Astrachan Rony Dahan f Vainboim Family f Braginsky Center for the Interface f Hanna and Dr. Ludwik Wallach Cancer between Science and the Humanities f Miel de Botton Research Fund f f European Research Council Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg f Pearl Welinsky Merlo Foundation Foundation Scientific Progress Research Fund f Kahn Family Research Center for f Enoch Foundation Prof. Nir Friedman Systems Biology of the Human Cell f White Rose International Foundation f Rina Gudinski Career Development f Jeanne and Joseph Nissim Center for Chair 1968–2021 Life Sciences Research f Elie Hirschfeld and Dr. Sarah Schlesinger Ari Elson f Rising Tide Foundation f Mexican Association of Friends of f Marshall and Renette Ezralow rof. 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Meller Center for abnormalities leading to immune disorders and f Rising Tide Foundation the Biology of Aging and long-time colleague, from f Adelis Foundation f David E. Stone and Sheri Hirschfield the Department of Molecular f to cancer, making significant advances in how we Miel de Botton Stone 75th Anniversary Fund Cell Biology. f Joel and Mady Dukler Fund for Cancer Ayelet Erez understand, treat, and diagnose autoimmune diseases A close collaborator Research f Blumberg Family Research Fellow Chair and metastatic cancer. of Prof. Friedman, Prof. Benny Chain, f Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg Ron Diskin in Honor of Talia Lynn Steckman professor of immunology at the Foundation f Ernst I Ascher Foundation f Koret Foundation Husband to Ofra and father of three immune cell landscape during the University College London (who is f Garvan Weizmann Partnership f Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg f Moross Integrated Cancer Center children, Prof. Friedman was born aging process, he studied the immune also a Trustee of Weizmann UK), said, f The Belle S. and Irving E. Meller Center Foundation for the Biology of Aging f Sagol Institute for Longevity Research in Tel Aviv, and completed a BSc system in depth. He also developed new “Nir combined an extraordinary clar- f Jeanne and Joseph Nissim Center for f Manya and Adolph Zarovinsky in physics and mathematics (1989) research tools including a fluorescent ity and originality of thought, with f Moross Integrated Cancer Center Life Sciences Research in the prestigious Talpiot program microscopy method that makes it pos- an honesty, integrity and generosity. f Sagol Institute for Longevity Research f Dr. and Mrs. Donald Rivin at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. sible to track the behavior of individual His bravery in the face of adversity, f Richard & Jacqui Scheinberg f Natan Sharansky Zelig Eshhar He received his MSc in physics immune cells in real time, as well as and his unfailing energy, enthusiasm f Thompson Family Foundation f Dr. Barry Sherman Institute for f Ira and Diana Riklis Fund for CAR-T from Tel Aviv University, and then methods to analyze properties of T cells and positive attitude were a true Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund Medicinal Chemistry Therapy went on to earn his PhD in physics and their receptors. inspiration to all who knew him.” f Vainboim Family in 2001 at Weizmann. After a four-year He worked with clinicians “Throughout over a decade f Wolfson Family Charitable Trust & postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard to understand how T cells participate of collaboration,” said Prof. Benny Wolfson Foundation Eran Elinav Nir Friedman University, he returned to Weizmann’s in the body’s response to pathogens, Geiger, Head of the Department f Sir Marc and Lady Tania Feldmann f Eugene and Marcia Applebaum Department of Immunology such as viruses, bacteria, and other of Immunology, “we were all fascinated Professorial Chair of Immunology Professorial Chair in 2007. microorganisms, as well as to mal- by his unique personality, which com- Sagi Ben-Ami f Adelis Foundation f Florence Blau, Morris Blau & Rose Peterson Fund Prof. Friedman combined novel functioning cells of the body, such as bined a huge heart, brilliant intellect, f Azrieli Foundation f Norman E Alexander Family M experimental tools with powerful cancerous cells. and deep cross-disciplinary vision, Foundation Coronavirus Research Fund f Morris Kahn Institute for Human f André Deloro Institute for Advanced Immunology computational approaches. 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SPRING 2021 f Kahn Family Research Center for development of the immune system plinary, collaborative atmosphere that touched everyone who interacted f Aryeh and Ido Dissentshik Career f Alex Davidoff • Systems Biology of the Human Cell during the preterm (pregnancy), to the at Weizmann, and the incredibly with him.” Development Chair f Miel de Botton // f Dr. Dvora and Haim Teitelbaum role of T cells in type 1 diabetes, auto- warm friendship and support f Peter and Patricia Gruber Award f Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg Endowment Fund מכון ויצמן למדע Foundation 19 № immune diseases, and other diseases of the campus community, which — by Jennifer Racz f Willner Family Leadership Institute for f Pearl Welinsky Merlo Foundation including cancer, to the changing was significant for both of us.” says the Weizmann Institute of Science f European Research Council Scientific Progress Research Fund

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52 53 f Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg f Steven Gordon Family Foundation f Friends of Linda and Richard Price f Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson f Kekst Family Institute for Medical Foundation Career Development Chair Medical Research f Moross Integrated Cancer Center Assaf Vardi Genetics MAGAZINE f Rene and Tillie Molho Family Trust f Comisaroff Family Trust f Steven B. Rubenstein Research Fund for f Sagol Institute for Longevity Research f Bronfman Professorial Chair of Plant f Belle S. and Irving E. Meller Center for Science f Yotam Project Leukemia and Other Blood Disorders f Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program f Dwek Institute for Cancer Therapy the Biology of Aging f de Botton Center for Marine Science Research f Jeanne and Joseph Nissim Center for f Moross Integrated Cancer Center f Scott Eric Jordan Life Sciences Research WEIZMANN Oren Schuldiner Aldo Shemesh Noam Stern-Ginossar f Estate of Emile Mimran f Sam and Jean Rothberg Charitable Foundation f David and Fela Shapell Family Center for f Professor Erwin Neter Professorial Chair f Barry Rymer Family Professorial Chair f Skirball Chair in New Scientists f Claire and Marc Perlman Genetic Disorders Research of Cell Biology f Marvin Tanner Laboratory for Research f de Botton Center for Marine Science f f American Committee for the Weizmann Willner Family Leadership Institute for on Cancer f Sagol Institute for Longevity Research the Weizmann Institute of Science f Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Biology f Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program Institute of Science 70th Anniversary Lab ist Endowment f David and Fela Shapell Family Center for L f Bernard & Norton Wolf Family Genetic Disorders Research f Miel de Botton Foundation Avraham Yaron f Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg

onor Ziv Shulman

D Foundation f Jack and Simon Djanogly Professorial Ofer Yizhar f Chair of Biochemistry Michal Schwartz Azrieli Foundation f Estate of Emile Mimran Yosef Yarden f Adelis Brain Research Award f Miel de Botton f Brazilian Neuroscience Research Fund f Adelis Foundation f Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Biology f Harold and Zelda Goldenberg Professorial Chair in Molecular Cell f Irving B. Harris Fund for New Directions f Ilse Katz Institute for Material Sciences f Sagol Institute for Longevity Research f Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg Endowment Foundation Biology in Brain Research and Magnetic Resonance Research f Peggy and Paul Schachter f European Research Council f Thompson Family Foundation Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund f Elie Hirschfeld and Dr. Sarah Schlesinger Ravid Straussman f Morris Kahn Institute for Human f Roel C. Buck Career Development Chair Immunology f Dr. Chantal d’Adesky Scheinberg f Moross Integrated Cancer Center Eran Segal Research Fund f Rising Tide Foundation f Miel de Botton f Miel de Botton f Crown Human Genome Center f Fabricant-Morse Families Research Fund f Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg Noam Sobel for Humanity Foundation f Rising Tide Foundation f European Research Council f Sara and Michael Sela Professorial Chair of Neurobiology f Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Biology f Else Kroener Fresenius Foundation Endowment f Azrieli National Institute for Human f Larson Charitable Foundation New Brain Imaging and Research Scientist Fund f Miel de Botton f Aliza Moussaieff Assaf Tal f Estate of Nili Niusia Indursky f Fannie Sherr Fund f Nadia Jaglom Laboratory for f Monroy-Marks Career Development f White Rose International Foundation the Research in the Neurobiology of Chair Olfaction f Harold Perlman Family f Sonia T. Marschak Einat Segev f Rob and Cheryl McEwen Fund for Brain Research f Abramson Family Center for Young Amos Tanay Scientists f Barry and Janet Lang f Merle S. Cahn Foundation Rotem Sorek f Ilana and Pascal Mantoux Institute for f Miel de Botton Bioinformatics f Miel de Botton f de Botton Center for Marine Science f Wolfson Family Charitable Trust and f Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg f Angel Faivovich Foundation for Foundation Wolfson Foundation Ecological Research f Knell Family Center for Microbiology f Peter and Patricia Gruber Award f Sagol Weizmann-MIT Bridge Program f Jacob and Charlotte Lehrman Igor Ulitsky Foundation f Schwartz/Reisman Collaborative Science Program f Abisch Frenkel Foundation for f Ullmann Family Foundation the Promotion of Life Sciences f Dr. Barry Sherman Institute for f Yotam Project Medicinal Chemistry f Benoziyo Endowment Fund for f Willner Family Leadership Institute for the Advancement of Science Idit Shachar the Weizmann Institute of Science f Blavatnik Award f Yotam Project f Miel de Botton f Dr. Morton & Anne Kleiman Professorial Chair f European Research Council

SPRING 2021 f Benoziyo Endowment Fund for Ivo Spiegel f Minna-James Heineman Stiftung

• the Advancement of Science f Dan C. Andreae Laboratory f Katy and Gary Leff f Judy and Bernard Briskin Multiple Myeloma Research Project f Estate of Lola Asseof for Alzheimer’s f Sagol Institute for Longevity Research מכון ויצמן למדע Disease Research 19 № f Richard F. Goodman Yale/Weizmann f Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Biology Exchange Program f Bob and Nita Hirsch Family Foundation Endowment

54 55 MAGAZINE Antibody [an-ti-bä-dē] Noun, a substance produced by special cells of the body that counteracts the effects of a disease germ or its poisons WEIZMANN

Antibodies attacking the SARS-CoV-2 virus