News

Scientists have successfully genetically engineered immune cells to hunt down and target brain tumors, thanks to the discovery of a novel molecular target, CSPG4, present on the surface of the cancer cells.

Developing a universal influenza vaccine -- a vaccine that can provide durable protection for all age groups against multiple influenza strains, including those that might cause a pandemic -- is a priority for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Researchers at the John Innes Centre, Norwich, are helping to lead a new European Union-funded project that promotes tobacco plants as organic mini factories producing vaccines and new drugs.

Recent findings suggest a novel approach for protecting people with diabetes from their higher risk of advanced blood vessel disease, which sets the stage for early heart attacks and strokes.

For years, researchers have attempted to harness the full potential of gene therapy, a technique that inserts genes into a patient's cells to treat aggressive diseases. Now, researchers have developed a method enabling effective insertion of large molecules -- such as DNA, RNA and proteins -- into cells and propels them into the cell nucleus.

Scientists developed a system to accurately predict the geographic spread of seasonal influenza in the United States. For the public, the flu forecast may encourage vaccination, greater care around people sneezing and coughing, and awareness of personal health. For health officials, it could inform decisions on vaccines and antiviral stockpiling and distribute, and in the case of a virulent outbreak, whether measures like closing schools are necessary.

Researchers found that one of the hundreds of components in scorpion venom can reduce the severity of the disease in animal models, without inducing side effects associated with similar treatments.

A new study describes the anti-cancer effects of a natural alkaloid extracted from Daffodils. The researchers have discovered that this compound triggers the activation of an anti-tumoral surveillance pathway.

Outbreaks of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in the Balkan region fell dramatically by 95% from 7,483 in 2016 to 385 in 2017. The figures confirm that vaccination of cattle – recommended by EFSA in 2016 – is the most effective way to contain the disease.

Prokarium, the UK-based synthetic biology company that has developed Vaxonella, an oral, thermostable vaccine delivery platform, today announced the completion of a $10 million investment round. The new funds will enable the clinical development of new groundbreaking vaccines against Chlamydia, C.difficile and enteric fever (typhoid and paratyphoid), as well as expansion of the team for R&D in immuno-oncology.