Immunology
Cell-free technique could enable on-demand vaccine production
A new cell-free synthetic biology technique that increases the volume of membrane components in the manufacture of conjugate vaccines can significantly improve the efficiency of vaccine production, according to a new method published in Nature Communications on April 22. The technology could enable on-site production of vaccines and therapies, enabling them to be more efficiently distributed in areas where they are most needed. Read More
Variant-resistant COVID-19 vaccines could be effective, cheap to make
Researchers have collaborated to create a new COVID-19 vaccine platform containing antigens against the fusion protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that could be effective against variants of the virus. The research was published online on April 15 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Read More
How can women overcome challenges to success in life sciences?
On-Demand Webinar -- The gender gap is still alive and well in the life sciences, despite the great progress that has been made in recent years. But women can overcome challenges and find success in the life sciences industry, according to Olga Kubassova, PhD, chief executive officer of Image Analysis Group. Read More
AACR 2021: A case study of T-cell modulation for cancer immunotherapies
During a plenary session at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2021 virtual meeting held April 9-14, speakers described impressive work that researchers have done to modify and target T cells as a means of treating cancers. Read More
A CRISPR on-off switch for genes controls expression without altering DNA
A new gene silencing tool allows scientists to switch genes on and off without altering genetic sequences. The tool, described in a paper published in Cell on April 9, uses a modified CRISPR-Cas9 system to introduce reversible epigenetic changes that control gene expression. Read More
BioTools Innovator seeks to boost startups developing life science tools
On-Demand Webinar -- BioTools Innovator is calling for applications to its inaugural competition to advance innovation by accelerating the growth of startups developing life science tools. Kathryn Zavala, PhD, managing director, recently discussed the program with ScienceBoard.net. Read More
Will preprints have a lasting effect on publishing beyond COVID-19?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 25% of all COVID-19-related scientific manuscripts were shared on preprint servers, a steep increase from previous usage and relative to traditional peer-review journals. An international team of researchers explored the critical role of preprint servers in disseminating epidemic-related information in an article published in PLOS Biology on April 2. Read More
2nd-gen stem cell-derived CAR gene therapy is more durable, effective against HIV
A novel second-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based approach targeting HIV infection using the genetic modification of hematopoietic stem cells shows promise in preclinical models. The details of the study were published in PLOS Pathogens on April 1. Read More
Cancer anti-inflammatory drug has potential to treat severe COVID-19
A new study provides evidence that an inexpensive clinical-grade inhibitor that's already approved to treat cancer, called topotecan, can be used to treat severe COVID-19, even in the late stages of the disease. The findings were published in Cell on March 30. Read More
Scientists connect gene to cancer metastasis for the first time
Researchers have identified new functionality of a previously underappreciated gene, leucine-rich repeat neuronal 4 C-terminal like (LRRN4CL), which is overexpressed in melanoma cells. They believe LRRN4CL plays an important role in cancer metastasis to the lungs and describe their findings in Communications Biology on March 23. Read More
Conferences
CPhI North America
August 10-12
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States
Bioprocessing Summit
August 16-19
Boston, Massachusetts United States
6th Annual CAR-TCR Summit
August 30 - September 2
Online
European Congress of Immunology (ECI) 2021
September 1-4
Belgrade Serbia
Medical Affairs Strategic Summit (MASS)
September 13-15
New Brunswick, New Jersey United States
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