Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Stories

Researchers create BioPykrete, a 'super ice' that rivals concrete in strength

Conducting BioPykrete research

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have made a reinforced ice they call BioPykrete. In lab compression tests it carried about 10 times the load of ordinary ice, close to conventional concrete, and soaked up roughly 70 times more energy before it broke.

Updated Oct 25

Global study quantifies COVID death underreporting across 134 countries

New Capabilities

As of September 2026: Institution behind the study

Russia and Chile have near-identical ability to register deaths. One reported COVID mortality accurately; the other underreported by 24%. A Hebrew University study of 134 countries found 45-55% of governments misreported COVID deaths in 2020-2021, and the authors say institutional constraints, not counting capacity, explain the gap.

Updated Sep 10