Biomedical Were the first to introduce synthetic copolymers to treat infectious and autoimmune diseases. Developed Copaxone® - an FDA-approved drug treatment for multiple sclerosis. Are developing an innovative therapy with activated immune cells from a patient's own body, to treat and possibly repair spinal cord injuries. Regeneration of the central nervous system has, until now, been assumed to be unachievable. Were the first to use cells from the amniotic fluid surrounding the human fetus, for diagnostic purposes. Amniocentesis is now commonly used for prenatal diagnosis of possible genetic defects. Are developing diagnostic kits and treatments for juvenile diabetes.   Cancer Have contributed to understanding the molecular basis of cancer and to the increasing capabilities in treating it. Were the first to accurately describe the multistep nature of carcinogenesis and metastasis. Discovered the mechanism of molecular regulation of blood-cell formation that became the basis for treatment of certain blood cancers. Participated in the team that discovered and cloned the most important tumor suppressor gene - p53, and are among the leaders in the world in elucidating how mutations in the p53 gene lead to the formation of cancerous tumors. Were pioneers in developing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Spectroscopy as tools to distinguish between benign and malignant breast tumors. This non-invasive technique may replace surgical biopsy for diagnosis of breast tumors, and may also be used to diagnose other cancerous tumors.   Physics Made a critical contribution to the development of the conventional theory of the structure of matter. This theory describes the nature of the elementary particles that make up the atom and how they interact with each other. Designed the world's most advanced particle detectors, for use in high-energy collisions at accelerators at CERN in Switzerland and Brookhaven on Long Island. Contributed decisively to understanding the collective movement of protons and neutrons observed in certain regions of atomic nuclei. This breakthrough involved devising innovative experimental techniques that were later adopted by other research centers around the world.   Nanotechnology The age of smart and ultra-miniaturized materials - i.e., materials constructed from the atomic or molecular level - is opening one of the most exciting developments in scientific research today. Weizmann scientists are at the forefront of this new discipline. Developed layers of the world's purest gallium arsenide semiconductor material, allowing the production of electronic devices that are faster and more efficient than silicon ones. Synthesized both organic and inorganic molecules that can function as switches. Utilization of a molecular switch of this sort would be a big step towards producing ultra-miniature molecular memory units for computers. Designed a theoretical model for a biomolecular computer, which, when developed, could be inserted inside the human body as a therapeutic device. This ultra-small computer would react to the body's physiological conditions and make necessary corrections in protein biosynthesis to achieve optimal bodily functioning.   Environment Devised solar energy technology for use in disinfection of sewage water that is being tested at a pilot plant in Israel. Are developing a commercially feasible solar power plant, in collaboration with American and Israeli companies, at the Institute's solar tower - one of only three such facilities in the world.   Click here to contact us American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science 130 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022  Phone: 212/779-2500  Fax: 212/779-3209 www.weizmann-usa.org