What is mRNA? What you should know about the key ingredient in some COVID-19 vaccines
One surprising star of the coronavirus pandemic response has been the molecule called mRNA. It's the key ingredient in the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. But mRNA itself is not a new invention from the lab. It evolved billions of years ago and.....»»
A 62-Year-Old German Man Got 217 Covid Shots—and Was Totally Fine
Hundreds of boosters over a 29-month period had little effect on the one person who tried it......»»
Scientists use a new type of nanoparticle that can both deliver vaccines and act as an adjuvant
Many vaccines, including vaccines for hepatitis B and whooping cough, consist of fragments of viral or bacterial proteins. These vaccines often include other molecules called adjuvants, which help to boost the immune system's response to the protein......»»
German man got 217 COVID shots over 29 months—here’s how it went
It conflicts with concerns of repeat boosters, but authors warn against hypervaccination. Enlarge A 62-year-old man in Germany decided to get 217 COVID-19 vaccinations over the course of 29 months —for "private reason.....»»
Ten reasons why Canadians are still dissatisfied with the economy, despite the upswing
The COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a global emergency, Canada's GDP outperformed expectations in 2023, the economy seems to be heading for soft landing after a period of stagnation, inflation is winding down and unemployment has decreased to 5.7% in.....»»
CDC ditches 5-day COVID isolation, argues COVID is becoming flu-like
The agency released a unified "practical" guidance for respiratory viruses. Enlarge / A view of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta. (credit: Getty | Nathan Posner) COVID-19 is becomin.....»»
Hydrogel spheres compose a microporous structure for localized mRNA delivery
In a significant leap forward in the realm of regenerative medicine, a team at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation has introduced a pioneering approach to mRNA therapy using microspheres made of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)—a gelatin-b.....»»
Astronomers reveal a new link between water and planet formation
Researchers have found water vapor in the disk around a young star exactly where planets may be forming. Water is a key ingredient for life on Earth and is also thought to play a significant role in planet formation, yet until now, astronomers have n.....»»
CDC recommends spring COVID booster for people 65 and up
The shot should be taken at least four months since the last COVID vaccination. Enlarge / The Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine is shown at a CVS in 2023. (credit: Getty | Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle ) People ages.....»»
How air pollution can harm team performance
High levels of air pollution can harm the performance of teams, which are vital for solving complex problems such as developing clean energy technologies and vaccines, and this could harm economic development in highly polluted emerging economies, sa.....»»
How the SARS-CoV-2 virus acquires its spherical shape
For centuries, coronaviruses have triggered health crises and economic challenges, with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that spreads COVID-19, being a recent example. One small protein in SARS-CoV-2, the membrane protein, or M protein, is the most abunda.....»»
Tattoo inks found to not match the ingredients listed on the bottle
When you get a tattoo, do you know what you're putting under your skin? According to new Binghamton University research, the ingredient labels on tattoo ink don't match the actual substances in the bottle......»»
New molecules, inspired by space shuttles, advance lipid nanoparticle delivery for weight control
Inspired by the design of space shuttles, Penn Engineering researchers have invented a new way to synthesize a key component of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), the revolutionary delivery vehicle for mRNA treatments including the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moder.....»»
New analysis shows anti-vaccination conspiracy theories gain political weight due to social media
Heightened use of social media during the coronavirus pandemic brought with it an unprecedented surge in the spread of misinformation. Of particular significance were conspiracy theories surrounding the virus and vaccines made to combat it. Though co.....»»
RTO doesn’t improve company value, but does make employees miserable: Study
Data is consistent with bosses using RTO to reassert control and scapegoat workers. Enlarge / Empty cubicles For some, having to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic was stressful. Parents balanced job duties whi.....»»
Study reveals racial disparities in school enrollment during COVID-19
Student enrollment in districts that provided in-person schooling in fall 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic showed a greater decline among nonwhite students than white students......»»
Can hunger be eradicated by 2030?
World hunger is growing at an alarming rate, with prolonged conflicts, climate change, and COVID-19 exacerbating the problem. In 2022, the World Food Programme helped a record 158 million people. On this trajectory, the United Nations' goal to eradic.....»»
VPNVax: Crafting enhanced viral structure in vaccines through polymer restructuring
Generally speaking, the higher the degree of information restoration of a vaccine to a virus, the greater its potential efficacy. The virus itself is the most authentic vaccine, such as the varicella-zoster virus, which provides lifelong immunity aft.....»»
Lessons from the pandemic: The trouble with working from home
Remember when COVID-19 hit, and suddenly everyone was working from home? Well, a team of researchers in Montreal and Paris decided to dig deeper into how this shift affected office workers during the pandemic......»»
Bat "nightclubs" may be the key to solving the next pandemic
Bats carry some of the deadliest zoonotic diseases that can infect both humans and animals, such as Ebola and COVID-19. In a recently-published article in the journal Cell Genomics, a Texas A&M research team has revealed that some species of bats are.....»»
Q&A: Pork, pathogens and progress—a close look at PRRSV research
The pork industry provides people across different cultures a considerable source of protein, essential nutrients and a versatile ingredient for diverse culinary traditions. So, when the problem of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.....»»