Podcast Summary: "What's Your Number?" – Episode: Iran vs Cancer Research
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Hosted by Yonatan Adiri and Michal Lev-Ram | Ark Media
Introduction
In this compelling episode of "What's Your Number?" hosted by Ark Media, Yonatan Adiri and Michal Lev-Ram delve into a range of topics that highlight the resilience and innovation of the Israeli economy and academic landscape in the face of geopolitical tensions. The episode seamlessly weaves together discussions on prestigious academic achievements, market movements, airline relations, and groundbreaking cancer research, culminating in an inspiring interview with Dr. Liran Schloosh from the Weizmann Institute of Science.
Numbers of the Week
Yonatan Adiri opens the episode by spotlighting a significant statistic:
"[00:11] The number is six, as in six out of 80. That is six Israelis out of 80 winners of the Turing Prize… almost 10% of the entire winners of this prestigious award."
This highlights Israel's remarkable contribution to the field of computer science, emphasizing the nation's strong academic foundation.
In a playful competition, Michal Evram counters with a financial milestone:
"[00:38] My number is four. Don’t be fooled by it. It’s actually $4 trillion… their big bet on Israel, their expansion plans there."
She references Nvidia's recent market cap achievement and its strategic investments in Israel, underscoring the country's burgeoning tech sector.
The friendly banter concludes with Yonatan conceding the round:
"[01:00] I would say you win… I’m conceding this time."
Weekly News Highlights
Windex Performance
The hosts discuss the latest movements in the Windex, Israel's stock market index.
Yonatan Adiri explains:
"[04:52] Windex is predominantly red this week… seems like a correction… Wall Street is reaping the rewards of a very strong sort of Windex."
They analyze the factors contributing to the downturn, noting profit-taking by major companies like Mobileye, Nayax, and Lemonade.
United Airlines Resumes Flights to Israel
Michal Evram brings attention to United Airlines' decision to reinstate daily nonstop flights to Israel ahead of schedule:
"[08:53] United is back, baby… despite Israel still being at a level three travel advisory."
She discusses the potential implications of this move, including alleged influences from United's largest union representing flight attendants and pilots.
"[08:53]… allegations that United is succumbing to the politics of its largest union…'
Yonatan Adiri responds with cautious optimism:
"[09:15] We need to keep a very close eye on this… stand up to it."
Israel-U.S. Memorandum on AI and Energy Collaboration
The episode highlights a significant MoU signed during Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to the White House:
Michal Evram states:
"[09:58] Israel and the U.S. have signed a memorandum of understanding for AI and energy collaboration… designed to advance cooperation and applying AI to strengthening energy grids."
Yonatan Adiri provides deeper insights:
"[10:47] Practically speaking, this doesn’t really mean a lot. It's a trick that state visits kind of go through… AI and energy are critical linkages."
He elaborates on the strategic importance of AI and energy in strengthening Israel's position in the global economy and anticipating further advancements in cooperation.
Long Play: Interview with Dr. Liran Schloosh
Missile Attack on Weizmann Institute
Dr. Liran Schloosh, Associate Professor at the Weizmann Institute's Department of Molecular Cell Biology, shares his harrowing experience during the Iranian missile attack in mid-June:
"[14:29] My very good friend Shalev… called me and tells me that our labs are on fire… we moved all the freezers from all of our department."
He describes the chaos and urgency in salvaging critical research materials amidst the attack.
Impact on Research and Laboratory Infrastructure
Dr. Schloosh discusses the extent of the damage:
"[16:51] Something like 11 labs were completely destroyed… my lab was mildly affected."
He empathizes with colleagues who suffered greater losses and emphasizes the moral and scientific repercussions of the attack.
Resilience and Rebuilding Efforts
Highlighting the Israeli academic community's resilience, Dr. Schloosh recounts the collaborative efforts to redistribute lab spaces and continue research:
"[27:29] What I’m doing now is very Israeli and very Weizmann… the management together with the head of the departments just redistributed all the space."
This camaraderie underscores the nation's commitment to scientific progress despite adversities.
Breakthrough in Leukemia Research
Central to the episode is Dr. Schloosh's groundbreaking research on early leukemia detection:
"[21:13] The problem was how we can replace the bone marrow analysis… through a simple blood test… define abnormal."
Yonatan Adiri adds:
"[21:54] Early discovery today is dependent on bone marrow… the ability to draw a signal to noise right from a simple blood test is very impactful."
This innovation promises to revolutionize leukemia diagnosis, making it less invasive and more accessible globally.
Global Collaboration Amidst Geopolitical Tensions
Addressing concerns about international collaboration post-conflict, Dr. Schloosh remains optimistic:
"[23:13]… I see a lot of good people who still want to work with us… good will usually will win."
He emphasizes the importance of maintaining scientific partnerships despite political challenges.
Inspiring Moments Amid Crisis
A poignant moment from the episode features a video of Dr. Schloosh's research partner, Amos, playing music under duress:
"[29:22] And the title of the video is 'You Can’t Stop the Music.'
This act symbolizes the undeterred spirit of scientists committed to their work and each other.
Conclusion and Words of the Week
The episode wraps up by highlighting how international media outlets, such as Bloomberg and the Financial Times, have recognized Israel's economic resilience and academic prowess, echoing the podcast's themes:
"[32:27]… Bloomberg… 'Any wondering how much Israel gained from its 12 day war with Iran can find an answer in financial markets…’"
Michal Evram and Yonatan Adiri reflect on the significance of these acknowledgments, affirming their dedication to illustrating Israel's growth and the pivotal role of numbers in understanding economic and scientific landscapes.
Final Thoughts
"What's Your Number?" masterfully intertwines discussions on economic indicators, geopolitical developments, and inspiring scientific achievements, offering listeners a comprehensive view of Israel's standing on the global stage. Through engaging dialogues and insightful interviews, the podcast underscores the nation's unwavering commitment to innovation and resilience.
Disclaimer: This summary is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice.