Molecular Pathology & Genomics

The big question: Are we entering a new era in which mRNA vaccines are the future?

In May, AstraZeneca began the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, due to a “surplus of updated vaccines” that target new variants. Then in June, Moderna announced positive late-stage trial results for its single COVID/flu combination vaccine, mRNA-1083. On the back of this, we look at the future impact of mRNA vaccines.

Predicting the return of breast cancer

Dr Isaac Garcia-Murillas discusses a new blood test that can predict if breast cancer will return years before the disease shows on scans.

Study points to potential treatments for restless leg syndrome

Scientists have discovered genetic clues to the cause of restless leg syndrome. The discovery could help identify those individuals at greatest risk of the condition and point to potential ways to treat it.

My lab: stem cell transplant and cellular therapy lab

Advanced Specialist Biomedical Scientist Mel Green gives a guided tour of the stem cell transplant lab at Nottingham University Hospitals.

Telomere findings may offer insights

A new study shows that an enzyme called PARP1 is involved in repair of telomeres – the lengths of DNA that protect the tips of chromosomes – and that impairing this process can lead to telomere shortening and genomic instability that can cause cancer.

Beyond SARS-COV-2

Dr Jennifer Cane, a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, asks what sequencing respiratory viruses can tell us.

Microsatellite instability cancer tests

New US research compares the data of newly diagnosed cancer patients who received two different types of tests to determine their course of treatment.

Beyond CRISPR-Cas9

We hear from Jonathan Gootenberg and Omar Abudayyeh – scientists who are developing a new tool to extend the frontiers of gene therapy.

Relevance, importance and requirement: Diploma of Expert Practice in Ultrastructural Pathology

Tracey de Haro, Specialist Scientific Lead for Electron Microscopy, University Hospitals of Leicester, looks at the revamped qualification.

Rogue immune cells linked to leukaemia

Gene variants associated with leukaemia can produce “rogue” immune cells that drive autoimmune diseases, according to a new study.

Artificial enzymes programmed to destroy SARS-CoV-2

Cambridge scientists have used synthetic biology to create artificial enzymes programmed to target the genetic code of SARS-CoV-2 and destroy the virus.

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