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<\/a>Ben-Yehuda described herself as a scientist driven by questions. \u201cI am fascinated by how bacteria make decisions, communicate and sense one another,\u201d she told the Independent.<\/i><\/p>\n
That interest has guided her career \u2013 from a PhD in microbiology at Tel Aviv University to postdoctoral research at Harvard. Since 2004, she has been a professor at the Hebrew University, where, two years ago, she became head of the department of microbiology and molecular genetics at the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada.<\/p>\n
Ben-Yehuda\u2019s research into bacterial communication did not begin with a specific hypothesis. \u201cIt began with a set of microscopy observations that raised the idea that bacteria can mysteriously share intracellular molecules,\u201d she said. \u201cThat curiosity turned into a deeper investigation, which led to the identification of bacterial intercellular bridges that the group termed \u2018nanotubes,\u2019 that mediate this form of communication.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben-Yehuda explained that these structures \u201callow bacteria to transfer molecules and DNA between cells \u2013 effectively creating a biological highway for the exchange of antibiotic resistance.\u201d<\/p>\n
This resistance develops when bacteria evolve to survive drugs that once killed them, posing a major challenge in treating infections. Ben-Yehuda\u2019s findings could shape new approaches to combating infections by targeting the bacterial links rather than individual cells.<\/p>\n
While centred on the microscopic world, Ben-Yehuda\u2019s work speaks to something larger \u2013 an approach to science that begins with curiosity and unfolds through observation. This open-ended inquiry is exactly what the upcoming seminar seeks to celebrate.<\/p>\n
The Dmitry Apel Memorial Seminar was created in memory of UBC PhD student Dr. Dmitry Apel, who passed away in 2013. His family, notably his mother, Dr. Maryana Apel, and sister, Dr. Sabrina Apel, sponsor the lecture that honours his devotion to pure science, which was driven by a curiosity about how the world works.<\/p>\n
Prof. Yossef Av-Gay, a professor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine\u2019s division of infectious diseases, who, among other things, also holds an adjunct professorship at the medical school of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, invited Ben-Yehuda to speak.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought that Sigal would be an inspiration for young scientists,\u201d he said. \u201cShe discovered nanotubes \u2013 a great new discovery in microbiology. Having a strong microbiology department at UBC, focusing on similar fields as Sigal\u2019s department at Hebrew University, I saw this as a chance to spark cross-continent collaborations. The Apel family has close ties to Israel, so it felt like a perfect fit and a great opportunity to bring Sigal to Dmitry\u2019s memorial seminar.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a department head, Ben-Yehuda works to support early-career researchers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMy main goal has been to support the younger faculty members,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m committed to helping them create strong research groups and establish themselves \u2013 and their labs \u2013 as leaders in their fields.<\/p>\n \u201cAs for my lab, my approach has been to encourage curiosity-driven research, which depends on the scientists and their progression. I encourage independence and creativity.\u201d<\/p>\n Although this will be Ben-Yehuda\u2019s second visit to Vancouver, it will be her first time speaking at UBC. Hosted by microbiologist Av-Gay, her visit will include meetings with faculty and colleagues, along with the hope of having time to explore the city and its surroundings.<\/p>\n As for her hope of what people will learn from her lecture, Ben-Yehuda said, \u201cAn important takeaway is that connection matters. Whether you\u2019re a microbe or a human, being part of a community can enhance resilience and adaptability. Also, cooperation \u2013 far from being a soft or secondary trait \u2013 can be a powerful survival strategy. It reminds us that strength often comes not just from competing, but from collaborating, and highlights community strength.\u201d<\/p>\n