Daily Briefing Oct. 21 – COVID studies offer telling results

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Startup Israel editor Ricky Ben-David and science and health correspondent Nathan Jeffay join the podcast today, hosted by Jessica Steinberg.

Jeffay discusses results of two new studies, including one that found that almost one in three ultra-Orthodox Israelis has been infected with the coronavirus, showing that the large, tight-knit communities and close family quarters were some of the factors that brought about the high number of cases.

Ben-David takes a look at the agreement signed between Israel and the United Arab Emirates to collaborate on a number of space projects, including the Beresheet 2 space mission to the moon. Both countries have significant research and experience to contribute to the projects, says Ben-David.

Jeffay speaks about the advanced 3D technology used to successfully reconstruct the jaw of an IDF soldier who was shot in the face, and Ben-David talks about the new, foldable cars created by an Israeli automotive company that will allow for squeezing into tight spots in crowded cities like Tel Aviv.

Discussed articles include:

1 in 3 Haredim caught coronavirus, double the national average – study

Large Israeli study finds Pfizer COVID shot keeps teens safe from Delta strain

New Israel-UAE agreement to promote innovation-based business ties

Israel, UAE to launch joint space projects, including Beresheet 2 Moon mission

After IDF soldier takes bullet to face, doctors rebuild his jaw in high-tech op

Israeli ‘foldable’ electric cars to make debut as emergency response vehicles

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