We spent most of the second day at the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot. For all those that don’t know, the Weizmann Institute is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary research centers.

Nanotechnology

We met with Professor Ernesto Joselevich who walked us through the basics and complexities of nanotechnology. I tried my best to understand what he was talking about. It was way beyond anything that I could comprehend with my limited understand of nanotechnology. What I did understand is this:

• Nanotechnology is providing incredible breakthroughs which will have significant impact on the way we live our lives in the future.
• Through this research, a lubricant has been discovered that, in the future, will be coated in engines before you buy a car and will allow the car to run without an oil change for the life of the car.
• The Weizmann Institute is one of the leaders in this research.

The Rest

The professor tried his best to explain the complexities in lamens terms by using pasta analogies (this is more like sliced lasagna and this is more like rotini). It was fascinating and hunger-inducing.

To be honest, the rest of the presentations were also over my head. We heard from Professor David Cahen on the campus-wide alternative sustainable energy research initiative, Dr. Ron Milo on the optimal analysis of photosynthesis and carbon fixation, and from Maya Kahen who gave us a tour of a molecular computing lab.

I wish I could tell you more but the day, even with my notes, became a blur of complicated sciences and advanced technology well above my web-based mind and experience.

Hiriya Mountain

The Hiriya Recycling Center used to a growing garbage dump. Now it stands as the center of Israel’s recycling efforts and the future site of Ariel Sharon park. Hiriya is the largest waste station in the Middle East and normally wouldn’t be a place you would bring a tour. I believe, however, the consulate wanted to showcase Israel’s dedication towards improving the environment.

The plan is to turn the former dump into a national park. It’s nice to see a country take pride in their recycling efforts so much so that they take their tourists to a large pile of garbage.

On to day 3…