Well suited to science

The cutting edge of Israeli science was shared with a select band of London diners by the Friends of Bar Ilan University last week.

Professor Ido Bachelet outlined research being done in the university's faculty of life sciences which, he said, "could revolutionise everything we know as medicine".

His team is developing tiny robots which could be injected into a patient to destroy cancer cells.

"Many aspects of medicine today are primitive," he said. "Drugs are toxic and have side effects. Between one and three per cent of patients don't survive surgery after 30 days."

But the nanorobots, as the minuscule machines are called, could provide a safer and more reliable form of treatment.

"It's not science fiction," he told his guests. "They can already recognise 12 types of cancer, including leukaemias and solid tumours."

Early tests on animals were promising, Professor Bachelet reported. "We're optimistic that we can start clinical trials soon."

The dinner was held in an unusual venue - Otto Uomo, an Italian luxury menswear store in Mayfair. Most of the guests were Russians who have settled here or have homes in London.

Friends executive director Shlomo Rechtschaffen said: "Bar Ilan is constantly expanding its circle of friends. The event increased the exposure of Bar Ilan's work to a distinct and discerning expat community."