OUR PLANET

Providing solutions to our planet’s environmental challenges is part of Weizmann’s business.

Its scientists have achieved much already and will continue to work hard to solve the environmental puzzles we face. Some of the ways they are doing this are by developing mathematical formulas to more accurately predict rainfall; creating crops designed to grow in harsh climates with less reliance on pesticides; developing nanomaterials for engine lubricants to help reduce air pollution; looking at ways to protect and preserve our treasured water; discovering how the earth moves to help predict volcanic eruptions and earthquakes; and studying CO2 by growing a forest in the desert.

Weizmann facts

By enriching wheat with protein it produces a 40% higher yield

Killing parasitic weeds is helping 100 million Africans from losing 50% of their crops

Searching for solutions to treat the 97% of  the Earth’s water that is too salty to drink

Understanding air pollution which kills around 1.3 million people a year

Seeking out nature for fuel – such as algae!

Genetically engineered algae are being created for use as environmentally friendly bio-fuel.  This project is being lead by Weizmann’s Professors Avihai Danon and Uri Pick.

Seeking to address world hunger with wheat that is strong, resilient and plentiful

Wheat that provides a 40% increased yield due to its being protein-enriched was developed by Weizmann Scientists to increase production and address a need.  These varieties have shown to be stronger and more resistant to damage and disease.

Seeking to pollinate crops in new and better ways

Now used throughout the world, Weizmann was the first to create hybrid cucumber seeds without hand pollination.

Seeking to help the environment by creating crops that require no pesticides

The discovery of a gene in wild tomato plants that is resistant to disease was a Weizmann discovery that may help reduce the need for pesticides or fertilisers when growing our food.

Seeking natural processes for our waste paper problem

An organism or cellulosome that likes to eat paper, breaking it down into soluble sugar syrup, was developed by Weizmann’s Professor Ed Bayer. It’s a unique and natural way to solving the waste paper problem – by making it food for the enzyme!

Seeking solutions to alert us to dangers in the air

Weizmann have developed special, minute censors that utilise organic molecules to find dangers in the air – from particles that bring on asthma, to hidden explosives and harmful substances in the environment.

Seeking how to find poison in our waters, as it happens

Measuring toxic metal levels and other pollutants in our waterways as they occur is vital to protecting our rivers and seas.  Weizmann researchers are developing new types of sensors to do just this.

Seeking out ways for us to use the 97% of our world’s water that is too salty for drinking or irrigation

Weizmann researchers are working on ways to address our growing water crisis and make use of the world’s predominantly salty water.  These include efficient consumption and management methods that include desalination

Seeking early warnings to save lives in climate-related events

The climate change issue is high on the Weizmann agenda and its research is focussing on helping to prevent ecological disasters, such as developing a formula to better predict rainfall and floods.

Seeking killers of parasitic weeds to help struggling farmers

With the parasitic weed – witchweed (striga hermonthica) – draining the food and water from crops of farmers in Africa, Weizmann developed a new way to prevent this nasty weed from growing before it damages crops.

Seeking environmental ways to increase performance and lubricate engines

Nanomaterials developed by Weizmann scientists have helped improve performance, fuel economy and lower pollution in lubricants for engines.

Seeking ways to help people in developing countries address malnutrition by developing protein-rich crops

Understanding how plant cells cope with stress can reveal ways to develop more protein-rich and emergency-ready crops – alleviating malnutrition in many developing countries around the world.  This is a current focus of Weizmann researchers, which promises to yield these environmental and agricultural outcomes.

Seeking ways to trap our sun’s energy to power our cities

The world’s most advanced solar facilities are resident at the Weizmann Institute, allowing its scientists to create better ways of capturing our sun’s rays to power our lives and our cities.

Seeking hydrogen fuel without harmful by-products

An innovative, green, technology that creates hydrogen fuel has been invented by Weizmann scientists.  Here solar power is used to produce zinc powder, which is easily stored, and when mixed with water creates hydrogen.  The by-product – Zinc Oxide – is harmless and can be recycled in the solar plant.

Other achievements

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