How do you make a universal flu vaccine? A microbiologist explains the challenges, and how mRNA could offer a promising solution

Annual flu vaccines are in a constant race against a rapidly mutating virus that may one day cause the next pandemic. A one-time vaccine protecting against all variants could give humanity a leg up.

Deborah Fuller, Professor of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Washington • conversation
Feb. 7, 2023 • ~8 min

Anti-cancer CAR-T therapy reengineers T cells to kill tumors – and researchers are expanding the limited types of cancer it can target

Immunotherapy has the potential to eliminate tumors, but works best for select patients. Engineering T cells to bypass cancer’s defenses could help expand treatment eligibility to more patients.

Gregory Allen, Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco • conversation
Dec. 15, 2022 • ~8 min

A mix-and-match approach to COVID-19 vaccines could provide logistical and immunological benefits

Various companies use different ingredients and different delivery systems in their COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers are investigating whether it's better for individuals to mix what's available.

Maureen Ferran, Associate Professor of Biology, Rochester Institute of Technology • conversation
June 17, 2021 • ~9 min

Rapid COVID-19 tests can be useful – but there are far too few to put a dent in the pandemic

In September, production of rapid tests really ramped up in the US. But due to low accuracy and massive numbers needed, these tests alone are unlikely to have much of an effect on the pandemic.

Katherine Ellingson, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona • conversation
Dec. 1, 2020 • ~8 min

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