http://phys.org/ en-us Phys.org provides the latest news from Tel Aviv University Mannitol, a sugar alcohol produced by fungi, bacteria, and algae, is a common component of sugar-free gum and candy. The sweetener is also used in the medical field—it's approved by the FDA as a diuretic to flush out excess fluids and used during surgery as a substance that opens the blood/brain barrier to ease the passage of other drugs. http://phys.org/news290687626.html Chemistry Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:33:54 EST news290687626 The shores of the Sea of Galilee, located in the North of Israel, are home to a number of significant archaeological sites. Now researchers from Tel Aviv University have found an ancient structure deep beneath the waves as well. http://phys.org/news290084570.html Other Sciences Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:02:58 EST news290084570 (Phys.org) —Because it has no source of energy, a dead star—known as a white dwarf—will eventually cool down and fade away. But circumstantial evidence suggests that white dwarfs can still support habitable planets, says Prof. Dan Maoz of Tel Aviv University's School of Physics and Astronomy. http://phys.org/news286022501.html Space & Earth Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:41:47 EST news286022501 (Phys.org)—Prof. Hagai Netzer of Tel Aviv University has developed a method that uses black holes to measure distances of billions of light years with a high degree of accuracy. The ability to measure these distances will allow scientists to see further into the past of the universe than ever before. http://phys.org/news285846441.html Space & Earth Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:47:41 EST news285846441 "Identity theft" seems a uniquely 21st-century crime, and is very common in the contemporary world. But in a new book, Prof. Miriam Eliav-Feldon of Tel Aviv University's Department of History observes that identity theft and associated fraud have deep historical roots. From royal pretenders to women masquerading as men and those who resort to fraud to conceal their religious faith, history is brimming with stories of impostors. The battle between frauds and those who try to thwart them has been constant from the beginning of humanity, she says – and the battle is still going strong. http://phys.org/news276867602.html Other Sciences Tue, 08 Jan 2013 11:40:14 EST news276867602 Creativity is essential part for both art and scientific investigation. Two Tel Aviv University researchers recently embraced this truth to give birth to a new artwork based on their genetics research—and now it's won a top prize. http://phys.org/news273938503.html Other Sciences Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:01:52 EST news273938503 (Phys.org)—The evening news shows how dangerous a place the world can be. But Dr. Jacob Bock Axelsen of the Biomathematics Unit at Tel Aviv University's Department of Zoology says that individuals are markedly more peaceful now than throughout human history—and now he's got a mathematical model to show it. Originally designed to explain population densities of language groups, it's the first mathematical model to map the intensity of conflicts through the global demographic history of the past millennium. http://phys.org/news273482136.html Other Sciences Fri, 30 Nov 2012 07:15:45 EST news273482136 The thickest layers of global smog—caused by traffic, industry, and natural minerals, among other factors—are found over the world's megacities. But getting an accurate measurement of pollution is no easy task. On-the-ground monitoring stations do not always provide the most accurate picture —monitoring stations depend heavily on local positioning and some cities put stations in urban centers, while others build on the edge of a city. http://phys.org/news273238378.html Space & Earth Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:33:16 EST news273238378 (Phys.org)—Tel Aviv University researchers have uncovered a unique 11th century BCE sacred compound at the site of Tel Beth-Shemesh, an ancient village that resisted the aggressive expansion of neighboring Philistines. The newly discovered sacred complex is comprised of an elevated, massive circular stone structure and an intricately constructed building characterized by a row of three flat, large round stones. Co-directors of the dig Prof. Shlomo Bunimovitz and Dr. Zvi Lederman of TAU's Sonia and Marco Nadler Institute of Archaeology say that this temple complex is unparalleled, possibly connected to an early Israelite cult—and provides remarkable new evidence of the deliberate desecration of a sacred site. http://phys.org/news271946751.html Other Sciences Mon, 12 Nov 2012 12:46:13 EST news271946751 Dr. Carmit Tadmor of Tel Aviv University says that the benefits of extended international travel depend on having a "bicultural" ability to identify with both home and host cultures. http://phys.org/news271429721.html Other Sciences Tue, 06 Nov 2012 13:08:58 EST news271429721 With homeland security on high alert, screening systems to search for concealed weapons are crucial pieces of equipment. But these systems are often prohibitively expensive, putting them out of reach for public spaces such as train and bus stations, stadiums, or malls, where they could be beneficial. http://phys.org/news266676334.html Technology Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:46:27 EST news266676334 In the search for alternative energy, scientists have focused on the sun and the wind. There is also tremendous potential in harnessing the power of the ocean's waves, but marine energy presents specific challenges that have made it a less promising resource. http://phys.org/news266500057.html Technology Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:47:44 EST news266500057 Windows to the past, stars can unveil the history of our universe, currently estimated to be 14 billion years old. The farther away the star, the older it is—and the oldest stars are the most difficult to detect. Current telescopes can only see galaxies about 700 million years old, and only when the galaxy is unusually large or as the result of a big event like a stellar explosion. http://phys.org/news266065732.html Space & Earth Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:09:02 EST news266065732 Corals are an invaluable part of the marine ecosystem, fostering biodiversity and protecting coastlines. But they're also increasingly endangered. Pathogenic bacteria, along with pollution and harmful fishing practices, are one of the biggest threats to the world's coral populations today. http://phys.org/news265543828.html Biology Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:10:41 EST news265543828 A superconductor, which can move electrical energy with no wasteful resistance, is the holy grail of cost-effective, efficient, and "green" power production. Unlike traditional conductors such as copper or silver, which waste power resources and lose energy when they heat up, an ideal superconductor would continuously carry electrical current without losing any power. http://phys.org/news265291268.html Physics Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:01:16 EST news265291268