Judy Siegel-Itzkovich

Judy Siegel-Itzkovich is the health and science reporter at The Jerusalem Post . She has been writing for the paper since February 1973. She has published over 31,000 news stories, features and columns as a Post journalist – more than any other journalist in the world. A Master's degree graduate of Columbia University in New York who made aliyah immediately after completing her studies and within weeks joined the paper, she has a strong background in biology but received her BA and MA in political science because she could not bear to kill animals for lab experiments. She ravenously reads professional medical and science journals. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from Ben-Gurion University – the first Israeli newspaper reporter to do so – in November 2015 and has received numerous awards such as the Hadassah Women’s Organization Women of Distinction Award in the Knesset, Yeshiva University in Israel’s community service award and Tishkofet’s public service award. She is also a fluent English and Hebrew translator and editor in her specialized fields.

A COUPLE enjoys a whiskey tasting in Tel Aviv.

How much should you reveal on a dating profile? Israeli study finds the sweet spot - study

YOUTH VOLUNTEERS pack boxes with food for families in need. ‘Civil society does extraordinary work, but a modern state cannot rely on charity alone,’ says researcher Prof. Aron M. Troen.

Israel is failing to provide food security, leaving thousands of NGOs to fill the gaps - study

Picture showing the ChatGPT application displayed on a smartphone screen, illustrative

Is AI clairvoyant? ChatGPT can make personality tests and predict responses, Israeli study finds


Being religious is better for your mental health, Israeli rabbi scientist-led study reveals

Study shows strong sense of purpose, healthier digital habits lower risks for addiction, depression.

VISITORS PARTICIPATE in the capital’s Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem march last month. The encouraging implication of the study is that these are factors anyone can strengthen, regardless of whether they are religious, according to the researcher.

Israeli scientists make plants produce milk protein, paving way for cow-free dairy

The discovery would thus help overcome a major hurdle in producing real dairy proteins without cows, paving the way for more sustainable dairy ingredients and less climate change.

ALMOG OZERI

Israel's human milk bank tripled activity after October 7, helping feed wartime babies, study finds

“The project’s success was caused by motivation; what caused success was motivation; giving of your own milk, giving part of yourself while nursing your own baby is the height of unconditional love.”

Israeli women take part at a Mass Breastfeeding as they gathered at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv on March 18, 2016, the idea  was to promote women's right to breastfeeding their babies in public, March 18, 2016. Photo by Tomer Neuberg/Flash90

Years of disaster drills kept Israeli hospitals running - until Oct. 7 exposed the gaps

The findings of an Israeli study offer practical lessons that could help hospitals worldwide prepare for prolonged armed conflicts and other large-scale emergencies.

A RESCUE TEAM evacuates a wounded person by helicopter near Sderot on October 7, 2023.

Can children have a serious allergic reaction just by touching food? Israeli study says no

Findings from a recent study by experts at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa offer reassuring, evidence-based guidance that can help ease unnecessary food allergies anxiety.

‘THE FEAR of accidental contact with allergenic foods often leads to persistent anxiety and significantly affects the quality of life of both children and their families.’

Does smoking outside protect your children from cigarette smoke? Israeli study says no

'Many parents believe that smoking outdoors protects their children,” said Prof. Ariel Tarasiuk. 'Our findings suggest that this is not always the case.'

 TOBACCO SMOKING and second- and third-hand smoking (exposure to other’s smoke or toxins on rugs, curtains, and furniture) accounts for over 70% of COPD cases in high-income countries, with symptoms including coughing, sometimes with phlegm, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and tiredness.

Some parts of your body age faster than others, Israeli study finds

Hebrew University researchers say the discovery could pave the way for new cancer treatments and earlier detection of dozens of diseases.

WHILE YOUR calendar says you’re 75, 50, or 25, some of your cells may be biologically much older than others – and those ‘elderly’ cells may help explain why aging and age-related diseases develop.

Living near green spaces can reduce long-term stress during pregnancy, Israeli-led study finds

Bar-Ilan University researchers found greener neighborhoods were linked to lower stress hormone levels in pregnant women, highlighting the health benefits of residential green spaces.

A pregnant woman is seen holding her stomach in front of foliage (illustrative)

One in five Israeli women who get cosmetic procedures show signs of addiction, study finds

Hebrew University researchers found low body esteem and problematic social media use were the strongest risk factors. "We wanted to understand the psychological factors," they told the Post.

Cosmetic surgery tools are seen surrounding a face mask (illustrative)

Jonty Hurwitz brings mind-bending science, art, and optical illusions to Jerusalem

Jonty Hurwitz’s works are sculptures smaller than atoms and images created by cylindrical mirrors.

A microphoto taken by the South-African-born sculptor is a of a flesh-colored surface with a tiny elephant on it. When viewed though a microscope nearby shows it’s a human finger and a tiny pachyterm, which illustrates how tiny it is.