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How AI could speed the development of RNA vaccines and other RNA therapies

Researchers used machine-learning models to design nanoparticles that can deliver RNA to cells more efficiently. The approach accelerated the identification of optimal ingredient mixtures in lipid nanoparticles, leading to better delivery vehicles for RNA vaccines and mRNA therapies. This could dramatically speed up the development of ...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 15, 2025

Synthetic engineering of telomerase RNA, development of polygenic scores paves way to better understanding of telomeres

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed a new approach to lengthening telomeres using synthetic RNA. The technique, known as eTERC, has been shown to increase telomere length in human stem cells and leave normal cell mechanisms intact. Additionally, polygenic scores have been developed to estimate the combined effect o...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 14, 2025

ISGlobal develops a bioinformaticstool to boost omics data analysis in precision medicine

HTGAnalyzer is an automated tool simplifying complex transcriptomic workflows, enabling clinicians without bioinformatics expertise to perform essential analyses in precision medicine. The tool has been validated using multiple datasets and identified differentially expressed genes linked to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·DateAug 8, 2025

RNA immunity: An overlooked antiviral defense in mammals

Emerging evidence highlights the involvement of extracellular RNAs in the antiviral defense process, with microRNAs binding viral genomes via base-pairing interactions to inhibit expression. RNA immunity represents a complementary arm of the mammalian immune system, functionally independent of traditional protein-based defenses.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 7, 2025

Characterizing antibodies targeting antisense oligonucleotide modifications

Researchers validated panels of antibodies targeting clinically relevant nucleic acid modifications to visualize antisense oligonucleotides in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The tools enable detection of modified nucleic acids irrespective of sequence, facilitating multiple clinical and pre-clinical workflows.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2025

Where did RNA come from?

Researchers found that ribose binds to phosphate more quickly and effectively than other sugar molecules, which could have helped select it for inclusion in RNA development. The study also showed that ribose produces a five-member ring form, similar to the forms seen in RNA and DNA today.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJul 21, 2025

Less pain, more gain: A new recipe for safer, stronger mRNA vaccines

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania designed a new recipe for mRNA vaccines by adding phenol groups, which reduce inflammation and improve vaccine effectiveness. The modified lipids improved vaccine performance in various diseases, including COVID-19, cancer, and genetic diseases, with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2025

KAIST develops technology for selective RNA modification in living cells and animals

Researchers at KAIST have developed a groundbreaking technology capable of selectively acetylating specific RNA molecules within the human body using the CRISPR-Cas13 system. This breakthrough enables precise, programmable control of RNA function and is expected to open new avenues in RNA-based therapeutic development.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2025

A quick end for mRNA

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered a new degradation process for mRNA that targets proteins involved in cell differentiation. This process, triggered by the m6A modification, is significantly faster and more efficient than previously known mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 16, 2024

3D snapshots unveil the intricate dance of RNA folding

Scientists have captured 3D snapshots of individual RNA nanoparticles in motion, showcasing the dynamic and intricate folding process. This breakthrough uses advanced electron microscopy to study RNA's flexibility, enabling new insights into its structure and potential applications in molecular medicine.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Climate change can cause stress in herring larvae

Exposure to multiple environmental stressors simultaneously impairs the ability of herring larvae to react at a molecular level, reducing their capacity for acclimatization. This can lead to increased protein damage and cell injury, potentially affecting growth and survival.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2024

Slow editing of protein blueprints leads to cell death

A team of researchers has identified a mechanism that interferes with the splicing process in a more subtle way, leading to cell death. The study reveals that spliceosome subunits U4, U5, and U6 are normally stabilized by protein USP39, but when mutated or absent, stability is compromised, causing incorrect connections during splicing.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2024

Through the looking glass: A cross-chiral reaction challenges our definition of life

Researchers demonstrate the first cross-chiral exponential amplification of an RNA enzyme, potentially leading to the development of cross-chiral therapeutics and biotechnologies. The discovery suggests that a bioengineer can create a new form of biochemical evolution by using both left- and right-handed molecules.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2024

Researchers offer alternative to hydroxyurea in study of DNA replication process

Researchers at Colorado State University have identified an alternate method to study changes during the DNA replication process in lab settings using genetically modified yeast. This new approach provides a less toxic and quickly reversible alternative to hydroxyurea, allowing for better insight into cell cycle arrest mechanisms.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2024