Technology & AI

mRNA Technology Successfully Tested for Universal Flue Vaccine researchers may be one step closer to creating the long-desired universal flu vaccine as a result of mRNA technologies. In a study published online in Science on November 24, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine stated that they had created an mRNA-based vaccine that is effective against all 20 known variations of the A and B flu viruses. For the production of a successful seasonal flu vaccine, some foresight is required. There are numerous influenza viruses, but each vaccine can only target up to four of them. If scientists fail to correctly make predictions about different strains each season, that typically leads to a waste of a lot of time and money. Moreover, it puts the public at risk, as they stay unprotected from the flu. This is why the mRNA technologies at work here are in such high demand. Each year, experts forecast which four influenza viruses will cause the most damage during the coming season. On the basis of those strains, they create a "split virion protein vaccine," which involves growing the viruses in chicken eggs before cutting them up to render them inactive. These inactive fragments are then injected into the body, prompting the immune system to generate antibodies against the four different strains. The issue with this method is that it necessitates the development of new vaccines every year, some of which may prove inadequate against the season's main flu strains if initial predictions are inaccurate. The split virion protein vaccine can't protect against a wide range of strains because it can only handle up to four of them. Hence, scientists have tried developing universal vaccines targeting common parts of the flu virus, albeit without much success. In the Penn study, mRNA was used to generate an antibody response to Hemaglutinin (HA) proteins that protrude from the surface of the virus and enable it to infect host cells. The 20 subtypes of A and B influenza viruses that infect humans have their own unique HA proteins. Scientists tested the vaccine's efficacy by administering it to mice and ferrets and then exposing them to flu viruses representing 20 different lineages 28 days later. They discovered that while not all of the animals were completely immune to infection, they were protected from death or serious illness. Four months after receiving the vaccine, their antibody levels were still quite high. Additionally, the vaccine was effective in rodents that had already contracted the flu prior to vaccination. The vaccinated rodents developed antibodies against all 20 lineages, protecting them from lethal doses of influenza A, B, and C viruses. Scott Hensley, Ph.D., and senior author said in a press release, “The idea here is to have a vaccine that will give people a baseline of immune memory to diverse flu strains so that there will be far less disease and death when the next flu pandemic occurs.” The researchers are currently planning clinical trials in humans. They also want to include young children in the trials because they think the vaccine has the potential to create a long-lasting immune memory against all 20 flu variations.

Technology & AI

mRNA Technology Successfully Tested for Universal Flue Vaccine

Editorial Team

December 3, 2022
3 min read

Technology & AI

Study shows more accurate way for Aortic Dissections through AI

Editorial Team

November 30, 2022
3 min read

Penumbra introduces a VR-based full-body rehabilitation platform penumbra's Real immersion system is a rehabilitation platform that uses virtual reality headgear and associated sensors implanted around the body to lead patients through a variety of muscle and cognition-strengthening activities. The Real y-Series system was launched recently in which virtual reality technology can be used to treat ailments in both the upper and lower limbs. The initial working of the technology was meant to aid in upper extremity deficits. According to Gita Barry, GM at Penumbra's immersive healthcare division, the upgrade makes the y-Series technology the only hands-free, sensor-based VR platform today that includes exercises for both the lower and upper body. The GM further stated that “By enabling patients to immerse and visualize their entire body in motion and providing clinicians the ability to individualize each therapy session to challenge and motivate patients, we can maximize the key benefits of rehabilitation therapy by promoting higher engagement and intensity, which has the potential to improve patient outcomes”. The y-Series system is made to be used for two kinds of therapy namely occupational and physical therapy. The VR-based activities are made for the improvement of range of motion, postural control, balance, spatial awareness, cognitive stimulation, and everyday living tasks. Medical specialists can monitor the progress of the patient wearing the VR headset. The specialists will have a tablet to monitor the personal vision and move the patients toward the right direction of recovery. Physicians may also alter the program's parameters in real time and personalize each exercise to the patient's individual needs using the TherapyView app. Penumbra's y-Series system includes 18 therapeutic activities spread over many virtual environments. One example of these activities is the "Happy Valley," which is a place of happy penguins where patients may farm, fish, create new buildings, and even explore several other options. The system is confident that these activities will increase short-term memory, strength, and control and develop various skills. Another activity is, "Mindful Market," which is designed to prepare patients for return to work by sharpening their executive function, working memory, sequencing, and sorting abilities. According to the company, these activities will help to accomplish this by directing them through virtual jobs such as making sandwiches, sorting deliveries, and selling postage stamps with "increasingly sophisticated pricing". Penumbra's Real platform contains the I-Series technology in addition to the y-Series system, which focuses on clinical rehabilitation for physical injuries and some cognitive disabilities. That system aims to improve overall mental wellness by providing seated, gaze-based activities that provide cognitive activation, distraction therapy, reminiscence therapy, mindfulness practice, and relaxation to people suffering from anxiety, depression, loneliness, physical discomfort, and other issues. According to Penumbra, over 70% of therapists in the U.S. believe that in today’s world, patient compliance is the most difficult obstacle in physical therapy. More than half feel VR may aid in this improvement. Furthermore, the majority of physical therapists reported a desire to incorporate technology such as virtual reality in their work.

Technology & AI

Penumbra introduces VR-based full-body rehabilitation platform

Editorial Team

November 27, 2022
3 min read

MDLive Announces Enhanced Virtual Care Platform For Patients With Chronic Conditions

Technology & AI

MDLive Announces Enhanced Virtual Care Platform For Patients With Chronic Conditions

Editorial Team

November 19, 2022
3 min read

data breach

Technology & AI

Complaints filed against Aurora for data breach

Editorial Team

November 9, 2022
3 min read