Daily briefing: Personalized mRNA vaccine shows promise for cancer

A personalized mRNA vaccine designed for melanoma showed promise in a phase III clinical trial, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. This marks the first mRNA-based cancer treatment to achieve success in a late-stage trial, potentially opening doors for more personalized approaches to treating rare genetic conditions. Meanwhile, the US National Science Foundation (NSF) planned to award fewer new research grants this fiscal year compared to the previous one, primarily due to budget allocation towards a project called Grand Research Challenges.

Researchers studying their own rare diseases, such as molecular biologist Francesca Granata who has porphyria, emphasized the importance of personal experience in driving advancements for the broader patient community. In another discovery, a star named S301 orbits the black hole Sagittarius A* at the center of the Milky Way, potentially aiding scientists in determining the black hole's spin. Lastly, a snake species was named after Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash for his love of reptiles.