6 ISF Winners
Dr. Roni Rak‘s research project – “This research fundamentally investigates how transfer RNA (tRNA) dynamics, encompassing their expression, modifications, and codon adaptation, regulate the critical processes of cellular proliferation and differentiation. By understanding how tRNA pools adapt to the specific translational demands of fast-growing versus specialized cells, the study provides foundational insights into basic cell biology and has direct practical applications for the emerging cultured meat industry and tissue engineering, aiming to optimize the efficient proliferation and controlled differentiation of stem cells crucial for scalable and high-quality cultivated cells.
Dr. Ziv Spiegelman‘s research project – “Crop viruses cause devastating diseases that impact food production worldwide. While viruses are known to affect leaves and fruit, very little is known about how they damage the plant root system. This study will investigate the developmental and physiological impact of viruses on the tomato root system. Using genetic, microscopic, and physiological tools, the research aims to uncover how viruses invade roots and disrupt their growth and function. Understanding these processes could reveal new solutions for crop plants to cope with stress and disease”.
Dr. Elie Jami‘s research project – “The study will investigate an overlooked layer of life inside the cow’s rumen—the microbial partnerships between ciliate protozoa and bacteria. These tiny but influential organisms play a central role in breaking down plant material and supporting animal nutrition. By uncovering how bacteria live inside protozoa, the research could reshape our understanding of microbial life in the gut and pave the way for microbiome-based strategies to improve feed efficiency and sustainability in ruminant agriculture. The study will also shed light on how such intimate microbial relationships evolve and function, with potential relevance far beyond the farm”.
Dr. Ehud Strobach‘s research project – “The proposal will examine the formation mechanisms of extreme storms in the Mediterranean region, so-called “medicanes”. These storms have significant impacts on our region, including severe damage to agriculture caused by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding. Understanding the formation processes of medicanes will allow us to better assess their potential impact on the region under changing climate conditions”.
Dr. Yogev Burko‘s research project – “Our research will reveal how a tomato embryonic stem (hypocotyl) and a true stem (epicotyl) achieve similar growth through different mechanisms. We will investigate the developmental processes and regulatory events that shape these organ-specific responses, focusing on how key transcription factors control gene expression in each part. With the new genetic tools developed as part of this research, we hope to establish tomato as a model plant for studying stem growth”.
Dr. Ofir Bahar‘s research project – “Plants and their pathogens constantly battle, with plants defending against infection and pathogens trying to overcome these defenses. Understanding how pathogens suppress plant immunity can lead to new strategies for mitigating plant diseases and reducing crop losses. This study will focus on bacterial outer membrane vesicles as vehicles for virulence factors, particularly small interfering RNAs they carry, and investigate how these RNAs move between pathogens and plants and affect plant cells”.