Researchers developed an epigenetic-editing therapy that shuts down hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA without cutting the genome. The treatment, called CRMA-1001, uses a catalytically inactive Cas9 guided by RNA to find viral sequences and recruit methyl groups that silence gene activity. Encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles and delivered by intravenous infusion, the approach targets both free-standing HBV mini-chromosomes (cccDNA) and viral sequences integrated into host chromosomes, preventing production of new viral particles while avoiding double-strand breaks that raise cancer risk.
Preclinical work showed strong antiviral effects in human liver cells and mice from a single injection, and only minimal, transient side effects in nonhuman primates. Those results supported rapid clinical translation: nChroma Bio has opened a multi-dose human trial in Hong Kong and New Zealand and treated a first participant this year. The work was reported in Nature Biomedical Engineering and is positioned as a significant advance because it directly silences the persistent genomic reservoirs that drive chronic HBV infection and relapse after conventional therapy.
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China has developed and begun mass production of a super-coating that can reduce wall temperatures by 25 degrees Celsius during summer tests. The coating uses radiative cooling principles, reflecting solar radiation and emitting heat without requiring electricity or cooling agents. (scmp.com)
California is testing solar panels built over irrigation canals to generate renewable energy while conserving water. The project aims to improve water quality, save water, and produce clean energy in the state. (kqed.org)
A report indicates that 7 of the 9 planetary boundaries have been exceeded, threatening ecological stability. The breach highlights urgent environmental challenges facing the planet. (planetaryhealthcheck.org)
The NASA/ESA Mars Sample Return mission has been canceled. The mission's samples will remain on Mars for the foreseeable future, with plans to return to Earth delayed. (science.org)
Open Source Week demonstrates that the future of research lies in building and sharing ecosystems rather than individual papers, enabled by advances in AI and hardware. Academia can thrive by focusing on collaborative, ecosystem-based projects, even with limited resources. (timdettmers.com)
A new study suggests that Alzheimer's disease is beginning to be viewed as a treatable condition. This marks a potential shift in how the disease is approached medically. (rnz.co.nz)
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