03.08.22 -- The Future Of Influenza Vaccines: Self-Amplifying mRNA

While the first paper to show that mRNA could be used as a vaccine was published in 1990, its efficacy in a Phase 3 clinical trial was not determined until 2020. Now, as we look to the future of vaccine development, mRNA has become a priority in many vaccine research programs. Among other benefits, the tech can be moved into clinical trials more rapidly than other platforms.

Light can be used to stimulate light-sensitive receptors in order to turn brain cells “on” and “off” at the flip of a switch, called optogenetics. Until recently, its use has been restricted to use in preclinical animal models, but now, advances have allowed this technology to move from the lab to humans. This article shares recent advances in optogenetics, the landscape of optogenetic therapies currently in clinical trials, and more.