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

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

‘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.’

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

 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.

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


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.

Jerusalem's Bikur Cholim hospital battle puts city's pluralism to the test

“If the hassidim take control of the eastern building, it will no longer be open to the public, and the gate will be locked,” warned Jerusalem's Deputy Mayor Yosef Havilio.

The Jerusalem Bikur Cholim hospital in Jerusalem closes due to lack of money. November 30, 2010.

Can Israel finally stub out smoking? Experts turn to AI, brain stimulation, and new drugs

While smoking is declining in many countries around the world, it is growing in Israel, rising in the last few years from one in five adults to one in four.

CBT can break down the connection between thought and the desire to smoke by using mindfulness.

Climate change is stripping nutrients from food, global study with Israeli expert warns

"This is not a distant threat to health," Prof. Asaph Aharoni told the Post, saying up to two-thirds of the world's population already lacks essential micronutrients.

ASAPH AHARONI

Children of Holocaust survivors face higher schizophrenia risk, Israeli study finds

It’s known that the adult children of many Holocaust survivors suffer from trauma as a result of growing up with them and hearing about their horrific experiences, or when the parents refuse to share

‘ECHOS ACROSS TIME.’ Ending war and striving for peace is a public health imperative, says Prof. Hagit Hochner.

Jerusalem partially saves historic Bikur Cholim building after backlash over haredi seminary plan

Opponents propose turning it into a cultural or arts center, heritage campus, performance venue, cafes and community spaces, or a museum on Jerusalem medicine and preservation.

The Jerusalem Bikur Cholim hospital in Jerusalem closes due to lack of money. November 30, 2010.

Tire particles may contaminate crops and enter food chain, Israeli study finds

Around the world, some 1.5 billion tires are produced each year, and tire-wear particles are increasingly recognized as one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution.

A combine harvesting machine in the Hula Valley. The research provides an important missing link among road traffic emissions, soil contamination, and food production.