RNA

More advances on the mRNA vaccine front this week as Pfizer and Moderna move forward on new viral targets for future vaccines. Pfizer is turning its focus to shingles while Moderna begins human trials for a mRNA vaccine against the Epstein-Barr Virus.

A new kind of COVID-19 treatment is designed to stimulate the body’s immune defenses and fight off a coronavirus infection at its earliest stages. In preclinical animal tests a synthetic RNA molecule helped mice effectively clear the virus.

How life first emerged from non-living matter is one of the most enduring mysteries of science. In a new study, scientists have created self-replicating protocells in the lab, which could represent the “missing link” between chemistry and biology.

The CRISPR gene-editing system is built on a bacterial defense mechanism that allows scientists to make precise edits to DNA. Now scientists at MIT have discovered a new class of enzymes called OMEGAs that perform a similar function, perhaps better.

Sharing information is crucial for species to survive, but how do simple lifeforms like worms spread the word? New research has found that roundworms can transfer “memories” to their neighbors, and pass them down to their offspring for generations.

The results of a Phase 3 trial testing Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine in 12 to 17 year olds have been published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The study indicates the vaccine is as safe and effective as it was previously found to be in adults.

New data from Moderna is showing its mRNA COVID-19 vaccine remains significantly effective after six months. However, the company does note a reduction in efficacy from the Delta variant indicates a likely need for third dose boosters later in 2021.

BioNTech, the pioneering mRNA company responsible for one of the world’s first COVID-19 vaccines, is now looking to develop an mRNA malaria vaccine. Working with the World Health Organization the company hopes to begin human trials sometime next year.

Food security is a major potential problem, especially in the face of climate change. New research has shown that manipulating RNA in plants can drastically boost the amount of food they produce, and make them more resistant to drought conditions.

Moderna has commenced human trials testing an mRNA influenza vaccine targeting four separate viral strains. Building on its successful mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, the company is planning to develop a single vaccine against multiple respiratory viruses.

Behind Pfizer and Moderna, CureVac’s mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was long-anticipated, with hundreds of millions of doses already pre-ordered. But its final large trial data has disappointed with only 48 percent efficacy at preventing symptomatic disease.

Scientists continue to make surprising discoveries in our own bodies. Stanford researchers have now discovered a new biomolecule hiding in plain sight, which may be common to most types of life and could play a role in autoimmune diseases in humans.