Merck-Moderna mRNA Melanoma Combo Hits Phase 3 Goals

Merck-Moderna mRNA melanoma combo hits Phase 3 survival endpoints The individualized neoantigen therapy intismeran autogene plus KEYTRUDA improved recurrence-free and distant metastasis-free survival versus KEYTRUDA alone in resected Stage IIB-IV melanoma. It is the first combination regimen to show this in the adjuvant melanoma setting; companies plan regulatory filings. 1

Entangled photons survive 62-km ride through noisy aboveground fiber NIST researchers sent entangled photons through 62 kilometers of unstable, mostly aboveground fiber between NIST and the University of Maryland, using real-time correction to preserve the quantum link. The test shows existing communications infrastructure could support future quantum networks. 2

JWST finds galaxy cluster too mature for its early cosmic era Observations reveal XLSSC 122, more than 10 billion light-years away, was already massive and centrally concentrated, challenging standard models of cluster growth. It is now the most distant known example of strong gravitational lensing by a galaxy cluster. 3

Ultragenyx wins first FDA gene therapy approval for GSDIa The FDA granted accelerated approval to Genglycos (pariglasgene brecaparvovec-opnr) for glycogen storage disease type Ia in adults and children over 8. It is Ultragenyx's first gene therapy nod, covering an ultrarare disorder affecting an estimated 1,500-2,500 people in the U.S. 4

Closest, fastest star found orbiting Milky Way's black hole Astronomers spotted the closest and fastest star ever seen orbiting the galaxy's supermassive black hole. The discovery could reveal how the black hole spins and test general relativity in an extreme gravitational environment. 56

Newly found 'immune organ' in skull directs rapid brain defense WashU researchers discovered lymph node-like structures in skull bone marrow of mice that act as rapid first responders against brain cancer, with similar immune cells found in human skull marrow. The Nature study overturns assumptions that the brain and immune system don't communicate. 7

Brain organoids kept alive 5+ years matured like human brains Harvard scientists analyzed brain organoids kept alive more than five years, finding they matured in ways resembling human brain development. The eraser-sized tissues could aid research on early stages of neurological diseases. 8

Electromagnetic field gene switch enables remote, reversible control Researchers at Dongguk University developed an electromagnetic field-inducible gene switch allowing fully reversible, safe, precise control of gene expression in vivo. The non-invasive tool, described in Cell, could aid gene therapy and studies of gene function. 9

Graphene nanowrinkles reshape electricity via flexoelectricity Rice University researchers showed tiny wrinkles in graphene alter its electrical properties, providing evidence for flexoelectricity. The finding suggests geometry alone could control electricity in atomically thin materials, enabling new sensors and ultrathin devices. 10

AI method PRIME predicts protein metal-binding sites in seconds Hokkaido University researchers developed PRIME, a deep-learning method that quickly and accurately predicts where metal ions bind in proteins. The Nature Communications work addresses a long-standing challenge for roughly a third of known proteins that rely on metals. 11

Red blood cell-inspired nanocarriers show promise for gene therapy Ohio State scientists engineered extracellular vesicles from red blood cell lipids that evade immune cells and target cancer cells in mice. The flexible platform can package genetic material, proteins, or whole viruses for gene therapy and tumor targeting. 12

Novel norovirus vaccine approach may adapt to other RNA viruses Yale researchers developed a norovirus vaccine effective in mice by targeting RNA structural elements, a strategy potentially adaptable to other RNA viruses. The proof-of-concept could open a new path for vaccines against emerging pathogens. 13

NASA spacecraft spots lunar grave of SpaceX rocket impact A NASA spacecraft has imaged the crater left by a SpaceX rocket that slammed into the moon this month. The photos reveal the impact site of the rocket's lunar crash. 14