FDA clears world-first mRNA flu shot; Rubin finds ultra-faint galaxy

FDA approves world's first mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50+ Moderna's mFLUSIVA received FDA approval after a 40,805-person phase 3 trial showed 26.6% relative efficacy against confirmed influenza versus standard-dose comparators, rising to 27.4% in those over 65. The trivalent shot produced more reactogenicity than conventional flu vaccines, though reactions were mostly mild and transient. 1

Rubin Observatory discovers first ultra-faint Milky Way satellite galaxy Scientists using preliminary data from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory found Aquarius IV, one of the faintest of roughly 60 known Milky Way satellite galaxies. The discovery, made in the Early Data Preview 2 dataset, showcases the 3.2-gigapixel camera's power to probe the universe. 2

Mutant KRAS vaccine triggers durable immunity in high-risk pancreatic patients A phase 1 trial of an off-the-shelf mutant KRAS vaccine elicited specific T-cell immunity in 90% of high-risk pancreatic patients, with memory T cells persisting up to 2 years. Exploratory imaging showed pancreatic cyst regression or stabilization with no cancer progression, suggesting potential for cancer interception. 3

CRISPR technique creates female clones from male mouse blood Researchers at the University of Yamanashi used CRISPR to eliminate the Y chromosome in male mouse embryos, turning them into healthy, fertile female clones. The sex-reversal technique could aid conservation efforts for species reduced to a single male or few individuals. 4

Exhausted T cells can escape tumors and provide lasting cancer immunity A University of Pittsburgh study found that some exhausted T cells lose the LAG3 marker, exit tumors, and confer long-lasting immune memory in mice. The findings, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, have implications for LAG3-targeting cancer immunotherapies. 5

MIT platform generates correlated radio waves without bulky cooling MIT researchers developed a scalable platform that produces pairs of highly correlated radio frequency waves at room temperature, overcoming a major hurdle for microwave quantum technologies. The advance could enable powerful radars and sensors for advanced signal processing and secure communications. 6

Correlated electrons boost X-ray harmonics beyond established limit Scientists from the US, Austria, and Spain extended the X-ray energy spectrum from high-harmonic generation by more than doubling photon energies in helium atoms. The breakthrough, published in Nature Photonics, exploits simultaneous re-absorption of correlated electrons by the helium ion. 7

Narwhal's spiral tooth revealed as double spiral structure Researchers mapped the narwhal's iconic spiral tooth in 3D using synchrotron X-ray techniques, discovering it consists of two spirals constructed like a twisted rope. The findings, published in Nature Communications, could inspire new materials and offer clues about Arctic climate history. 8

China's Landspace recovers Zhuque-3 booster on second orbital launch Landspace successfully landed the first stage of its Zhuque-3 rocket after launching from Jiuquan, with the booster touching down 390 km downrange in Gansu Province. The second stage inserted the Honghu 03 satellite into orbit, marking a milestone for Chinese reusable rocketry. 9

Genomic newborn screening could identify cancer risk in babies A large population-based study led by Dana-Farber/Boston Children's and Mass General Brigham suggests DNA sequencing of routine heel-stick blood samples could identify children at high risk for early cancer. Published in Nature Communications, the approach could enable preventive surveillance for up to 1,000 children a year. 10

Fast radio bursts reveal universe's 'missing matter' lies far from galaxies New observations of fast radio bursts indicate that the universe's 'missing baryonic matter' is distributed in the vast spaces between galaxies. The findings help resolve a long-standing puzzle about where roughly half of the universe's ordinary matter resides. 11

SpaceX launches 100th mission of 2026 with Starlink satellites SpaceX reached its 100th launch of the year, sending another batch of Starlink satellites to orbit. The milestone underscores the company's rapid launch cadence and continued expansion of its satellite internet constellation. 12

NASA's LRO images Falcon 9 crater on Moon, reveals new details NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter captured images of a crater created by a Falcon 9 rocket impact on the Moon, providing new insights into the collision. The observations help scientists understand impact processes and the effects of human activity on the lunar surface. 13