Despite the vast amount of knowledge gathered owing to the sophisticated imaging devices that have been developed in recent years, considerable research budgets allocated to the advancements in neuroscience, and all the attention it has received, we still know very little about the human mind.
Through the use of highly innovative approaches and cutting-edge technologies, Sheba seeks to decipher the underlying causes of neurological disorders, develop new methods to improve diagnostic and prognostic assessments and discover new therapeutic approaches.
These endeavors greatly benefit from Sheba’s varied collaborations with other world-leading healthcare organizations.
Recently, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Sheba and Thoman Jefferson University Hospital that will focus on four key areas: academia, innovation, research and clinical care.
As part of the collaboration, the two organizations aim to utilize their respective expertise and knowledge in neuroscience and develop the next generation of treatments.
Sheba Director General, Prof. Yitshak Kreiss, spoke of the need to continuously break new grounds in healthcare as the driver behind the agreement: “We share a mutual vision with Thomas Jefferson University that the world must accelerate the transformation of clinical care and forge a bold new path. This agreement is part of that goal. Our collaboration in neuroscience will enable both of us to lead the way in the development and implementation of cutting-edge, world-changing technology.”
Prof. Michal Schnaider Beeri, Director of the Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center in Sheba, elaborated on the new opportunities in the field: “We have developed a technology at Sheba that allows highly focused access to the blood-brain barrier in order to deliver treatments directly into the brain. We have very great capabilities in understanding the workings of the blood-brain barrier. In addition, Jefferson has important knowledge concerning the synapses which ensure the interaction between two neurons allowing the passage of a signal.”
As part of the new partnership, Sheba and Jefferson teams meet regularly to compare their studies and incorporate them into their work. The new neuroscience center will focus on a range of brain diseases, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, movement disorders, stem cell research, and behavioral disorders. In addition to offering the latest technologies and treatments available to Israeli patients, the center will also serve as an academic research facility, and serve as the permanent office of Thomas Jefferson University in Israel.
