#Non-Viral Vectors

[colinwilson11]

Non-Viral Transfection Reagents - A Safer Alternative For Gene Delivery

One of the earliest and simplest methods of non-viral transfection is through physical disruption of the cell membrane. Physical transfection methods such as electroporation apply an electric pulse to cells, causing the formation of temporary pores in the membrane through which nucleic acids can pass into the cell. Electroporation is a cost-effective technique that is widely used in research and industrial applications. However, it can be relatively toxic to cells and has low transfection efficiency compared to viral and other chemical methods. A related physical approach is particle bombardment or biolistics, which uses a gene "gun" to literally fire DNA-coated microscopic gold or tungsten particles into cells. While effective in some cell types, biolistics can damage cells and has limitations in scale-up for therapeutic use.

Cationic Lipid And Polymer-Based Transfection Agents

More advanced non-viral vectors take advantage of the natural ability of cationic lipids and polymers to condense and complex with negatively charged nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. When cationic molecules bind to nucleic acids, they form nano-sized particles called lipoplexes or polyplexes that are able to fuse with and enter cells. Some of the most popular cationic lipids used in research and therapies include DOTMA, DDAB, and DOTAP. Common cationic polymers used include polyethyleneimine (PEI) and poly-L-lysine. These cationic complexes protect nucleic acids from degradation while facilitating cellular uptake primarily through endocytosis. Cationic lipid- and polymer-based agents provide reasonable transfection efficiencies and scalability while displaying lower cytotoxicity compared to viral vectors. Continuous improvements aim to enhance transfection rates and reduce toxicity further.

Dendrimers And Other Nanoparticle Carriers

More engineered nanoparticles are also being explored as Non-Viral Transfection Reagents. Dendrimers are synthetic, nanoscale macromolecules with a highly branched treelike structure and numerous chemical functionalities on their surface. Their architecture makes them ideal for uniformly encapsulating drugs or genes. Positively charged dendrimers readily complex with nucleic acids through electrostatic interactions. Early generations showed some cytotoxic effects, but newer designs demonstrate efficient gene transfer capabilities comparable to viral vectors with significantly reduced toxicity. Gold nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and other inorganic nanomaterials are also being investigated as platforms for nucleic acid delivery. Surface functionalization allows conjugation of targeting ligands to facilitate cellular internalization. These novel carrier systems offer intriguing prospects as safer, targeted gene therapy vectors.

Cell-Penetrating Peptides (CPPs)

Cell-penetrating peptides represent another class of non-viral transfection agent. These are short, cationic peptide sequences often derived from naturally occurring proteins that are taken up efficiently by many cell types. A widely used CPP is TAT (trans-activating transcriptional activator) peptide from HIV-1. Others include penetratin and transportan. In combination with nucleic acids, CPPs are believed to traverse the plasma membrane and endosomal barriers, enabling direct cytoplasmic and nuclear delivery. CPP conjugation can significantly boost transfection compared to transfection reagents alone, while avoiding safety issues linked to viral or non-biodegradable carriers. CPPs face technical hurdles like aggregation and off-target effects that require addressing, but they offer a promising biocompatible approach. Further advances may yield CPP vectors effective enough for clinical gene therapy.

Combination Strategies And In Vivo Applications

Given the benefits and limitations of individual classes of Non-Viral Transfection Reagents, combination approaches hold promise to maximize desirable properties. For instance, cationic lipids or polymers can condense genes into nanoparticles for protection and increased cellular association, while CPPs or targeting ligands incorporated at the surface facilitate internalization and destination. Sequential layer-by-layer assembly enables tailoring of vector components for optimized transfection profiles in different cell types and disease contexts. Non-viral vectors also continue enhancing for in vivo gene delivery applications. These include functionalization with PEG to evade immune detection and cell-specific targeting with antibodies or other moieties.Successful non-viral gene therapy demonstrations in animal models have been reported for conditions like cancer, pulmonary disease, cardiovascular defects and CNS disorders. Well-designed combination systems may one day achieve viral-level gene transfer efficiencies needed for widespread clinical gene therapy with improved safety.

Get more insights on this topic: https://www.trendingwebwire.com/non-viral-transfection-reagents-alternative-methods-for-efficiently-introducing-nucleic-acids-into-cells/

Author Bio

Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups. (LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaagisha-singh-8080b91)

*Note: 1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research 2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

[root-analysis]

Analyzing the Viral and Non-Viral Vectors in Gene Therapy Manufacturing Market

The Roots Analysis report provides an in-depth study of the increasing demand for contract manufacturers in the adeno-associated gene therapy viral vector manufacturing market. The report concentrates on the gene therapy market, which is projected a USD 2 billion by 2035, experiencing an annual growth rate exceeding 20%. Obtain the detailed analysis report now!

[awkward-tension-art]

Viral Vector Chp.1 (Echo X Reader)

Another addition to Caduceus. We've hit The Bad Batch now! This may be a bit of a brief series, but we'll see!

Enjoy!

Chapter 2.

Galactic Empire

TW: Order 66, death, shooting, Jedi genocide, mention of blood and gore, reader insert, Reader is gender neutral, Reader a medical scientist, Echo x Reader, a bit of a slow-burn though

Minimally proofread and edited LOL

Minors DNI

DNA.

Deoxyribonucleic acid

Definition: a self-replicating material that is present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.

Living organisms. Humans. Pantorans. Twi’leks. Togrutas. Many more species in the wide Galaxy.

And clones.

Clones of Jango Fett. a Mandalorian bounty hunter with a strong paternal instinct and superior fighting skills. 

Handsome too, but you try not to let anyone know. 

Kamino, your home and workplace as a medical scientist, did not see clones as living beings. Most of your colleagues viewed them as property. A notion that went against everything you knew with ethics and morals. 

Even if you weren’t technically a part of the cloning experiments, you still interacted with many of them daily. Afterall, along with your lab and research, Shaak Ti had put you and several others incharge of running a clinic for the clones. 

Your place was taken from a lower level Hospital on Coruscant and put all the way to Kamino at the Jedi’s request. Once the war had begun, they wanted several non-Kaminoan doctors overseeing the clones' health as they grew and trained. You, along with a few others, had volunteered to stay on the stormy planet. To you, this was an escape away from the dark, crime filled low levels of the Republic planet. 

Apparently the Jedi tried to stress ethics to the Kaminoans, only for their words to fall on deaf ears. So, the compromise was the clinic.

You mostly saw cadets with bruises from tussling with batchmates, training accidents and occasional sicknesses their rapidly developing immune systems couldn't handle. Rarely did you receive any true emergencies, but it was fine. Less emergencies meant more time for you to research. 

It was medicine. Created specifically to slow a clones ' accelerated aging.

It was a secret. One that you were careful not to tell anyone. 

Well…Except for Omega. 

The little girl was a helpful assistant. Nala Se didn’t like her going out of the lab, so you meeting her was entirely an accident. She hid in your office months ago during a surprise lockdown. Apparently a clone had triggered a false alarm, but no one knew that at the time. 

Ever since then, when Nala Se didn’t have her, she wanted to spend time with you.

Right now, she was with you and Rig Nema, a Jedi healer. The older woman had come to visit Kamino at the request of Shaak Ti. You weren’t entirely sure why, but she seemed interested in your clinic.

“How many patients do you see in a day?” The Jedi asked as she helped you tend to Rein, a Kamino guard who, unfortunately, was hit by the shrapnel of an exploded training droid. 

“It can vary,” You informed her with a smile, “depending on when specific batches train. Some are more prone to injuries than others.”

“Like Clone Force 99?” Omega chimed in from where she was organizing some medicine for you.

Rig tilted her head, silently asking you to explain. 

“Genetically different clones.” You explained quickly, “They had genetic mutations that gave them…advantageous traits.” They were your friends. Having developed a rather close relationship with them since they were often at Kamino. 

Especially Echo. The ARC trooper had always been polite and kind to you. He’d visit your clinic first whenever Force 99 had returned from a mission. You were already friendly with the other members of the squad when he officially joined them.  His addition was welcome, and you treated him with the same amount of respect as you did the rest of them. It helped him feel welcome, even normal after everything he went through on Skako Minor.

She nodded in understanding. The Jedi was about to speak before an alarm blared. The lights overhead turned red, bathing everywhere with crimson. In between the high pitched beeps, a gravelly, unfamiliar voice announced.

Execute Order 66. 

You looked around confused, stepping away from the clone on the medical bed. What the hell was Order 66? The beeping stopped just as quickly as it started, but the lights were still a deep red.

Beside you, Rig stumbled back, gripping her head. You were at her side, hands holding her arm firmly. She was weak all of a sudden, and worry washed over you.

“Ms. Rig?” Omega approached, looking concerned. She had abandoned her task, and approached the two of you. 

“I got her.” You informed the blonde child, “Omega, go to the back of the room and hide behind the scanner. Can you do that?”

She nodded and rushed back, getting out of sight quickly.

You weren’t sure what was happening, but you’d be damned if anything happened to Omega.

“The Force…” The woman in your arms was trembling, “It's…It's weeping.” 

Your hands squeezed her arm, “Stay with me, Jedi.” You lead her to the bed across from Rein, who was already standing. He seemed ready, tense and prepared to fight if needed.

It was a relief, having a trained guard. Once he was up, you turned to see him holding a laser scalpel. Your brow furrowed and you spoke, “Rein…What are you-”

“Good soldiers follow orders.” He mumbled coldly, twirling the medical instrument in his hand, “The Jedi have committed treason against the Republic. Step aside or you will be executed.” His steps were slow and deliberate.

“Rein, what…?” Your confusion was palpable. You tried to get between him and the Jedi healer behind you, “Slow down, whats-”

The clone guard grabbed your shoulder and shoved you out of the way. He used enough force to cause you to stumble, hands and knees hitting the sterile white tiles. You looked up as soon as you heard the Rig and Rein scuffle.

“Get back!” Rig shouted. She raised a hand, lifting him with the Force. Her free hand activated her bright green lightsaber, “Why are you doing this!?”

“Good soldiers follow orders.” Rein repeated, raising a shaky hand to make a weak attempt at a stab. She, however, raised him higher before throwing him into the wall.

You heard a crack and Omega yelp from her hiding spot.

Before you could speak, the healer panicked. She ran out of your clinic, lightsaber ready. However before the door fully closed, you saw Kamino guards with their blasters aimed, as if waiting for her.

The sound of multiple rifles firing pierced your ears through the door. After the barrage of noise, there was the thump of a body hitting the metal floor of the hall. Then silence.

“What…” You scrambled to your feet and shot to the door. It slid open and you nearly tripped over Rig’s smoking corpse. She had been riddled with blaster bolt holes. Her eyes were still wide with terror, and her lightsaber was tight in her palm. Blood began to surround her, staining the once white floors.

All around you were clones. Those you recognized. Those you treated. But they looked…empty. Their helmets were on. Their blasters were steady. 

“Doctor,” Captain Silvo lowered his gun, “Did this traitor harm you?” 

“What…What is going on?” Even the Captain sounded unlike himself. It seemed like every clone had their personality stripped away, leaving only husks. 

What the fuck was going on!?

“The Jedi have committed treason against the Republic.” He answered, repeating Rein’s words. He motioned for the others to lower their own weapons, “We were given orders to execute them.” 

“The Jedi…as in…All of them?” 

“Yes, Doctor.”

It felt like the floor beneath you collapsed. The Jedi. Peacekeepers. Were ordered to be executed?

Omega had crawled from her hiding spot, and you turned, raising a hand to her, “Stay back. Close your eyes and stay right there.” You didn’t want her to see…Rig.

Kamino suddenly felt…cold. Empty. Everyone around you, your former friends, were now strangers. 

“I..I see Captain.” You swallowed. Your instincts were screaming at you to run. But Omega was behind you. She could be in danger if you acted out, “Well…I…I’m glad none of you were…hurt by the…traitor.” 

The word barely managed to leave your mouth. You swallowed thickly.

“There is still more out there. But they will be brought to justice.” He answered your statement with coldness. 

Your nod was stiff, “Thank you, Captain.” 

“Return to your duties, Doctor.” He turned swiftly before commanding his men, “Spread out, there are more Jedi on Kamino. Find them and execute on sight. You three, get this body covered and out of the way.” 

You were shaking when you turned back into your clinic. the door closed behind you, and there was silence. The light switched back and you blinked, adjusting your eyes to the sudden lack of crimson.

Omega stared at you, wringing her hands and looking so small. Wordlessly, you knelt and she ran into your arms for a hug.

You waited as you held her. Until you didn’t hear the plastoid boots outside. Until you didn’t hear the shuffling of Rig’s body being taken. Until you were certain the chaos had passed.

You waited until Nala Se walked into the clinic, “There you are.” She sounded as steady and emotionless as ever, “Come. There is still work to do.” 

Behind her were two clones, both wearing the identifiable Coruscant red. 

Shock troopers.

“Nala Se…?” You looked at the Kaminoan, “What…happened?” 

“The Jedi have betrayed the Republic.” She stated, repeating things you already knew, “They are being hunted and executed.” 

None of this made sense…

You squeezed Omega before letting her go to follow your boss. She gave you a sad look but remained silent as she stepped behind Nala Se. Wordlessly, you watched as the two of them walked out of your clinic. Once they were gone, you grabbed your holo, attempting to get a hold of your other colleagues. 

Silence. The others, those you came to Kamino with, didn’t answer. 

Assuming the worst, you tried to seek them out. Your assumptions were half-correct. Some of them were killed, either by interfering or cut down by panicked Jedi. Others you managed to catch in the hangar before they left to go back home. 

“The war is over, we’re leaving before Nala Se fires us officially.” Doctor Ulluk stated, stepping on the transport. You debated on going with them. Leaving the cloning facility behind, but before you could move, another ship touched down. 

The Marauder. Clone Force 99. 

You stepped back, watching your colleagues and friends leave Kamino.

The troopers, Guard, Shiny and Shock, shuffled and moved around. They resembled droids, emotionless and empty as they walked in line. Announcements rang out from the intercom system, directing them. No one bid you any mind.

Level five lockdown remains in effect. Security teams report to the command center.

You walked towards the ship slowly, waiting until the clone force stepped off. Once they did, you approached.

Hunter stepped down first, brown eyes scanning the area. He was alert, guarded yet calm. He gave a questioning look to you when he was on the Kaminoan floors. Wrecker was the same, but more curious than tense, he gave a friendly wave. Tech was beside him, unsurprisingly tapping a datapad. Crosshair looked uninterested, bored even, at the state of Kamino.

Once Echo Stepped down, he saw you and got to your side first, “You look spooked.” He was concerned, looking your form over for any injuries, “What happened?”

“Doctor, do you know what's going on?” Hunter got beside the ARC trooper, “This…isn't a drill.”

“Oh, man. What did we miss now?” Wrecker huffed, crossing his arms. 

A shock trooper, one with a datapad, stopped and answered, “The end of the war.”

The sergeant turned to him, “Say again, trooper?”

He answered, voice flat and emotionless, “General Grievous was defeated on Utapau. The Separatist leadership has collapsed. The war is over.” Behind him, two other clones were pushing a wheeled autopsy table. Draped over it was a white sheet, covering the body underneath.

Your eyes widened, watching as it passed. You were frozen, hyper focused on who was on the table.

“Just like I said.” Tech barely looked up from his datapad. His eyes roamed the screen, uninterested in the world around him.

Wrecker gasped, “It is like you said!”

Crosshair and Tech both rolled their eyes.

A lightsaber rolled from the autopsy table and hit the floor with a clatter. A hand, Rig’s hand, slipped out, confirming it was her under the sheet. 

Your throat tightened as the Shock trooper knelt and picked up the Jedi weapon, “Is there a problem?”

Hunter answered first, “No problem.” He looked to his squad before continuing, “We'll just head to our barracks then.”

The trooper nodded, continuing to walk, “Best hurry. There's a mandatory general assembly at 1500.”

Echo put a gloved hand to your shoulder, “Doc?” 

“That was Rig,” You whispered, “I watched them…they just…”

“Stay calm.” Hunter’s harsh, hushed tone snapped you out of your state, “Explain everything once we have some privacy.”

With a nod, you followed them to their barracks. Echo was at your right, and Crosshair was at your left. Occasionally Hunter would cast a glance back to you, as if making sure you were still present. Wrecker and Tech were behind you. The squad encircled you, as if intending to protect you. 

“Are you ok?” The ARC trooper leaned closer to whisper, “did anyone hurt you?” He was protective. Ever since you met him he’s always tried to keep you safe. 

Really all the clones had the drive to protect. To fight and defend. But after….after order 66….

That instinct was gone now. From all of them.

You shook your head and were about to speak when a shock trooper snapped, “Where do you think you're going, doctor?” He wore the standard painted red armor. There was a rifle in his hands as he spoke to you. 

You froze and damn near jumped out of your skin when he demanded an answer. Echo stopped beside you, as did the others of his squad. 

“I…They..” Your voice was lost, and after a quick clearing of your throat, you gave a proper answer, “Examining Clone Force 99. They’ve just returned from their mission and…”

“There is a Level Five Lockdown in effect.” The trooper stepped towards you, “All nonessential personnel are to go to their quarters and remain until the all clear is given.” 

You hated pulling rank, but in the hierarchy of Kamino, you stood above most clones, “Excuse me,” your tone became stern, hiding your shock from earlier. With a quick movement, you had your I.D out and nearly shoved in the clone's helmet, “I head the clinic in medical wing B. I am essential personnel. If it's such an issue for me to be out, you can take it directly to Nala Se.”

After a second, the Coruscant Guard stepped back, “My apologies Doctor. Continue on your way.”

Echo shared a look with you, “Are…you allowed to be with us?”

“No.” you admitted once the guard was out of earshot, “But I…I’m scared. I don’t want to be alone.” It felt like you were in the ocean, surrounded by predators. All they needed was a single drop of blood before they attacked.

Would they gun you down like they did the Jedi? Or would they opt to throw you in a cell? Would they try to mind-wipe you the same way many of their brothers had been? 

Your pace was hurried once you got to their barracks. The door slid open, and Crosshair damn near shoved you inside. Hunter caught you and gave the sniper a harsh look. 

Their barracks were messy but homey. There were posters and used targets on the walls. There were scribbles and doodles carved into the once shiny metal. Tables had droid pieces, tools and other projects that Tech most likely worked on. 

It was…personalized. Very Un-Kaminoan.

Hunter was about to speak when his comrade cut him off.

Wrecker walked past you, letting out a small cheer, “Ah! Good to be back!” He stretched his large arms above his head, entirely missing your state, “Well, I'll get the board. Eleven more successful missions.”

“Kaller wasn’t a win,” Hunter softly chastised his brother. He wanted to hear what you had to say, but Wrecker chimed in again to argue.

“Says who?” The larger clone turned, facing the team leader, “We completed our objective.”

“Not every objective.” It was Crosshair that spoke, not allowing you to talk, “Hunter let that Jedi kid escape.” His arms were crossed, glaring at the long haired sergeant, “Or do you want to keep lying to us?”

“E-even the padawans?” Your throat tightened. Horror washed over you all over again. Nausea slammed into your stomach, and you nearly dry heaved. You slapped your hand over your mouth and bent slightly. 

Children were executed too?

Echo’s arms were around you, “Everyone, shut up!” He snapped, “None of this makes sense!” His angry gaze was trained on the sniper, clearly not happy he wanted a padawan dead, “Those clones served alongside General Billaba for years. How could they have turned on her like that?”

“Because of the regs programming,” Tech finally spoke up, hands tinkering with a small robotic project.

Programming…

You looked up at the intellectual clone, realization dawning on you. 

Months before this, Kamino was put on lockdown. A clone and a Coruscant doctor had infiltrated the labs and went through genetic files searching for something. To your knowledge they were trying to cure another clone from a disease of some type. 

The trooper had died anyway. And according to the news from Coruscant, once the ARC trooper and doctor left, the clone had gone insane and killed the doctor before trying to assassinate the Chancellor. 

It was shared with the medical team that every clone had a bio-mechanical chip in their brains. You were told that the chip was planted to help the clones deal with the stresses of war. What caused the ARC trooper to go insane was a breakdown of said chip. In his insanity, he killed the doctor.

But now it was clear, you had been lied to. 

“It's been well documented that the Kaminoans inhibited the cognitive functions of clones to engineer them to follow orders without question,” Tech continued, “The good doctor here can confirm.” His eyes were on the small trinket he was working on.

You nodded, “I…I think…Yes. But I’d need to confirm. Check some records…” You straightened, still feeling sick to a degree, “All the clones were programmed to kill Jedi after being given an order.”

Wrecker furrowed his brow, “If that's the case, why weren’t we affected?” 

“Obviously, we are different,” The intellectual clone picked up a small screwdriver and continued to tighten something in his project, “They manipulated preexisting aberrations in our DNA, resulting in your brute strength, Crosshair's sharpshooting skills, Hunter's enhanced senses and my exceptional mind.”

“Those differences make you immune.” You looked at Echo. He still kept a hand on your shoulder, something you appreciated, “And Echo, most likely what happened to you on Skako Minor…it might have affected the chip. So the order didn’t affect you either.” 

He sighed and looked down, “Lucky me…” However, his eyes met yours again, “All the Jedi executed, even…”

“Most likely General Skywalker too. I’m sorry, Echo.” You raised a hand to squeeze his shoulder before pulling him into a comforting hug. 

He told you stories of Skywalker. How he was a good, if adventurous general. How he cared for his men deeply enough to risk everything for them. 

And now…the Jedi general was most likely dead too. Shot in the back by the very troopers he fought alongside.

You hoped, for Echo’s sake, he was alive and in hiding. 

The former ARC trooper accepted the embrace before he pulled away, turning to look out the window. You could see the storm of emotions in his soft brown eyes. Hunter was about to speak, most likely offer words of sympathy, but he had been cut off by an announcement over the PA system.

All personnel report to the staging area for a briefing on the state of the Republic.

You shared a confused look with Wrecker. That was sudden…

“This is one meeting I don't want to miss,” Hunter shrugged and began to walk out of the barracks. 

“First time for everything.” Crosshair snarked, following the sergeant. 

You followed the others before bidding farewell and going to your designated place. Your thoughts overwhelmed your mind and you nearly walked right into Nala Se’s back when you met up with her and Omega.

The young girl greeted you happily and grabbed your hand. She smiled up at you, “Good to see you, doctor!” 

Your smile was small but you were relieved to know that she seemed to handle the rapid change well enough, “Glad to see you, Omega. Are you alright?” 

She nodded, but remained silent when Lama Su joined you three.

You were behind the heads Kamino. The scientists and leaders you reported to walked steadily to the observation deck. None of them seem bothered from the chaos just hours before. No one seemed to care that Shaak Ti was gone…

Was she dead? Did Commander Colt shoot her down? Or did she escape and survive? 

You were so deep in thought you missed the entirety of the beginning of the briefing. In fact, you didn’t even register that it was Chancellor Palpetine announcing the news. By the time you snapped into focus, he was already giving a speech. 

“and the Jedi rebellion has been foiled. The remaining Jedi will be hunted down and defeated.” The holo echoed around the large staging area. “The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed. But I assure you. My resolve has never been stronger!”

Troopers stood in line. You could easily spot clone force 99. Their black and red armor was stark against the white plastoid of the other soldiers. 

“In order to ensure the security and continuing stability the Republic will be reorganized,” Palpetine continued, and you perked up. 

“into the first Galactic Empire!”

Immediately troopers began to cheer. Many raised their fists in celebration, however, some of them looked around as if confused, entirely shocked by the news.

Your head spun, no longer hearing the speech. 

Galactic…Empire…?

[carionto]

I just wanna know if it'll work!

The Monolith!

A massive perpendicular structure - 1 meter deep, 4 meters wide, 9 meters tall - with a perfect 81 centimeter diameter circle cut, with its center 64 centimeters from the top.

Naomi Glasnikova was grinning like mad. She couldn't figure out where to put squares of 4, 5, 6, or 7 in the design without overcomplicating things, so decided to just forego them. It'll be fine, she's sure everything will work out just as planned.

What is the plan, her fellow scientists from the Coalition species ask? To see if placing ominous black metal alloy structures around a planet with primitive lifeforms will make their brains go "Oh, this is different, I should... *think* about it. Yes. Thinking is a thing I can do now. Thus, with the power of thoughts I can look at other things and go "Oh, what if I did this!" and make myself evolve into a civilization (once I figure out how to come up with prerequisite concepts)."

Is the inner dialogue Naomi was having. Her colleagues, both Human and Alien alike, had long abandoned the idea of trying to talk to her about her projects. She would just get into this deep staredown with you while simultaneously not paying any attention to your existence. Her mind begins to race with the possibilities, the what ifs, who dunnits, why nots, etc., and after a few minutes of complete stillness she would suddenly rush out, writing furiously on her digi-pad, often bumping into chairs, tables, walls, other people, one time she almost vented herself from the station. They put a micro-tag on her pad that would wirelessly turn off nearby lights at any intersections that didn't lead to her office. She subconsciously veers toward bright lights.

This latest monolith project came about after one of her equally eccentric interns (nobody knows where they come from, she just seems to naturally attract ones with similar brainwaves or something) showed her an ancient fictional documentary about possible technological developments in the early 21st century. The image of this simpler monolith instantly embedded itself into her mind.

WAIT! I've got it! Four groups of monoliths arranged in different patterns. The group of 16 will make a perfect square. 25 a star. 36 a hexagon, and 49 a... hmm heptagon would be too similar, and it doesn't look right no matter how you shape it.... hrrnnn No wait, a seven layer circle! One in the center, fourteen in the outermost and the rest... I'll do the math later. The areas will need to be perfectly cleared and flat too. Oh! Line patterns on the ground itself. Ones that show core scientific truths! One of the primitives will surely one day follow the lines and map them out either in its brain or on a simple data recording apparatus and see Science! They'll be so stunned! Gotta write that down, get one of the helpful people (her interns, whose names or faces she doesn't even know, yet they don't care either. Look, it's weird, but their kind of non-relationship works out somehow) to begin production. They will need to be made of non-corrosive alloys, of course. Each with a different core metal though. But then the color might change. No paint, that is an unnecessary element. Hmm... Evolution will take millennia, hopefully a few less with my help.

Last month her focus was on making a fully transparent species of frogs to see whether they would go extinct due to being unable to see their partners, or overrun the ecosystem. Nobody has seen the results of that yet.

We also don't know what she's actually a PhD of. Her diploma just says applied robotics, and it is a legit diploma from the Henderson University of Greater Estonia. But her published thesis is on viral infection vectors in sub-tropical moths. We thought she might be a fraud, but the science checks out in whatever she has put out so far. Whatever she is, she is allowed to do whatever she wants. Like most scientists out on these stations now that I think about it.

What are we even doing here, other than... Science?

Mmmm, fuck it, unlimited funding. Let's go!

[thebluestbluewords]

Spiraling

TW for anxiety/OCD-like thoughts. This one is completely self-indulgent. Carlos-centric, because I like it when my badass characters also have brains that are a little bit broken. +

The stupid thing is that there's no trigger. 

It's just. 

Everything. All at once. All the time. There's math class, which Carlos loves fiercely and completely, only today his usual teacher Mr. Gemble is out sick. Which would be fine. People in Auradon get sick all the time, and then they get better, and there's nothing to worry about, except-- 

Except for how sometimes people get sick and they don't come back. Sometimes a little flu turns into something worse, and it means fluid in his lungs and long term damage from the smoke and need to start an antibiotic course right away and if I thought it would get used I'd send them home, but with that family-- 

There's nothing to worry about. People in Auradon get sick, and then they go to a doctor, and they get better. Simple. A dependency. Mr. Gemble is out sick so that he can go to a doctor, and he'll get the treatment he needs, and he'll be back in school once he's feeling better. 

He's going to get better. 

The sickness isn't going to spread. 

Viral infection and endemic and need a higher sample to provide effective inoculation. 

But they're not on the Isle of the Lost anymore, and everyone at Auradon Prep has a course of vaccinations before they come into the school for the first time, and the only exceptions are them, and it's not like Carlos is that close with his math teacher. Not like he could be the vector, bringing whatever illness took out a teacher, an adult, a man who's always seemed strong and healthy and whole, back to his crew. 

He's not-- 

There's nothing to worry about. 

So he sits in his usual seat. Middle of the class, Evie at his back, both of them against the wall, door directly in their line of sight. He pulls out his notebook and his pencil that appeared in his room one day, and he does not burn them because they were contaminated. Nothing could be done. No disinfectant can get out the spores-- 

He takes notes. Doesn't touch his face. Eyes, nose, mouth. Clear. He'll wash his hands after class. His bag is contaminated now, if the notebook was inside it, but he can take everything out later, if he brings it in the shower, he can take everything out and wash it clean, and he'll run the ultrasonic bath for the metal pieces, he can use the key to get into the lab and borrow the enclave, and don't touch your face, that's how it spreads. 

Carlos lowers his hand. 

The movement looks like he's raising his hand. He knows with the rational part of his brain, which is why the substitute teacher Mrs. Sidney calls on him, because she saw his hand move and she's young, and her voice is high-pitched and a little bit sharp because she gets nervous around the four of them, because she's a good Auradon teacher, a nice young teacher, and-- 

He doesn't even know what the question was. 

She called on him because she's a nice Auradon girl fresh out of teaching school, and she's scared of his crew but she's trying not to show it, she's trying to take care to treat them equally and bring them out of their shells, and she doesn't know, she doesn't know. 

She doesn't know that Carlos isn't supposed to talk in class, because letting people know how much he knows is dangerous and he's small but he's fast and he's smart and he doesn't want to be tapped as a henchman for one of the adults, so he will keep quiet and slip out of school before anyone can catch up to him and he'll stay quiet in class and maybe answer one question a day, because that's a normal amount, that won't stick out, and even if he gets them all correct it won't matter if he's only getting one or two things right. That's a normal amount. He's normal. Nothing special, nothing worth noticing. 

There's nothing to worry about. 

He stutters out a non-answer. Stupid, stupid. He's got to pay better attention. 

"I don't know," he says, and it's the truth, but he doesn't know-- 

It's not safe to be too clever, but it's also not safe to be stupid, and Mrs. Sidney sighs like she's disappointed in him, and there's nothing he can do to play back the question and make it make sense, so he just ducks his head down and keeps his hands on his desk and doesn't move them again, and-- 

It's not safe to draw attention to himself, so he won't. He'll draw away and inside himself, and he can't feel shame if he can't feel his body, but he needs to stay aware of his hands so he doesn't touch his face and contaminate everything, so he can't retreat all the way. 

So. That's one thing. 

The bell rings. 

The bell rings, and Evie's getting her things together behind him, and Carlos needs to move, because everyone is moving, because passing periods are short and staying still isn't keeping him safe anymore, so he moves at automatic speed through the motions, pencil tucked in his shorts pocket, wash his clothes later, and notebook in his bag, don't touch your face, and textbook shoved in behind them. His bag goes over his shoulder. Don't flinch. His free hand goes in his hoodie pocket, so he can tap the handle of the knife he's got tucked there, small and close and safe. 

His shoulder throbs. 

That's another thing. He's got something fucked up about his right shoulder, something small and hot that burns down his arm through his elbow every time he picks up his bag and shoulders the weight of it. He's not allowed to check the anatomy textbooks out from the library because they're restricted to only people taking the A&P courses this semester. Idiot boy doesn't know what he's reading, he just likes the pictures. But. He's pretty sure that his shoulder isn't supposed to burn, and even flipping through the whole thing in the library, because people are always watching the Isle freaks and he can't linger on any one illustration for too long and reveal a potential weakness, he can guess that there's some sort of nerve damage. A pinch or a twist or something that can't be fixed except with rest and time and general good health. 

Chronic pain, the clinic doctor said. Bone shards. Too small to be worth operating on, not with this level of healing already. 

The barrier is a curse. 

"Gods," Evie says, and Carlos does not jump. "I'm starving today. D'you think they'll have the croissant sandwiches at lunch?" 

don't eat that. it's not safe. give it to mama. 

Carlos forces his face into a smile, because Evie loves croissants, loves flaky bread and soft pastry, loves them loves them loves them loves them. "Probably. If they don't have them out you can ask Janelle in the kitchen to get one for you." 

Evie sighs as she shoulders her bag, and Carlos is watching her face so he sees when there's no wince as the weight hits her shoulder, and Evie's bag is even heavier than his, so it's stupid that he's the one dealing with pain, but he's always been—

He's not weak. 

"Janelle's so sweet," Evie says dreamily. "I asked her for the recipe of that avocado dressing last week, you know the one, with the poppy seeds in it?" 

"Yeah." 

"She just gave it to me. Printed off the cutest little recipe card and everything. She said they have a school cookbook that they print out for all the seventh graders in the cooking elective, and she'll make an extra copy for me the next time they run it by the printers." Evie's hands flutter like little butterflies to follow the words, bright and slim like the printer paper that Carlos knows how to feed into the industrial size printers they use for the school paper. He could hack into the school computers and print off a recipe book for Evie. He can run the printer and the laminator and the spiral binding machine that Jordan uses to archive copies of the school newspaper. "She's so nice." 

Evie's got a crush. 

Highly contagious. Spreads through shared food and drink. 

Evie's crush works in the kitchens. Where everyone comes through. Where there's a lot of shared food and drink, and buffet lines where it's easy to sneeze on the silverware cups, and—

Carlos needs to wash his hands. He needs Evie to wash her hands, but he can't touch her, because he's already contaminated and she might not be yet, she doesn't sit as close to the front as he does, so he can't touch her but they both need to wash their hands right-fucking-now, and he can't touch her to ask. 

Also because he’s— he’s being irrational. And Evie can’t be as dirty as he is anyway, because she’s Evie and she’s perfect and her hands are cool and pale and clean, and he can’t ask but he needs her to wash her fucking hands. 

Um," he manages. "Yeah. She's cool. I have to—“ he jerks his head towards the boy's bathroom. 

Evie nods. Waves a slim, graceful hand. "Go. I'll do the same. We can regroup after next period. Your class isn't doing testing this week, right?" 

Carlos has his English class next period. Woodland lit. Evie's in a different English class, but he's got— somebody. 

Jay. 

He's in the same English class as Jay, which means if there's testing he has to sit in the middle of the room, so that he can leave his left side open for Jay to read off his answers, not because he's stupid, but because he can't read fast enough to keep up. They've got a system. Carlos goes through the multiple choice section first, and then flips over to the short answer portion, and that's Jay's signal to stop where he's reading and flip back to multiple choice so that Carlos can go over his answers again, but slowly, dragging his pencil down the page as he really truly thinks about every answer. And if he just so happens to leave his left side open, so that maybe someone a little bit taller can see which bubble he's blacked in and which one's he's marked as not it, that's just a coincidence. Just like it's a coincidence that he and Jay rotate who gets to sit by the window and who sits in the middle of the classroom every few days. They're keeping things fresh. If they rotate seats themselves, the teachers won't rotate the seating for them. 

He dredges the class schedule up from the depths of a mind that feels syrupy-slow and very, very far away. "Nah. No testing this week. We're doing a discussion unit on poetry." 

Evie flashes him a perfect little smile. "Have fun with that. I'll see you at lunch?" 

wash your hands, Carlos thinks, and doesn't say, because he's aware that he's not thinking correctly right now. 

"See you at lunch." he echoes. “Bye, Evie.” 

He washes his hands. 

The pencil in his pocket is dirty too. He washes it. 

His pocket is dirty—

He can't get clean here. He's got to be normal, stay invisible, get to class so he can talk about poetry from three hundred years ago and listen to Jay making fun of Audrey under his breath, and stop washing his hands before the skin starts to go red and hot and raw under the water. He's got to stop. 

There's nothing to worry about. 

Okay, Carlos tells himself. This is Auradon. Nothing really bad happens here. 

But that's not true, because Mr. Gemble is out sick, and he could spread it. Carlos messed up a question today, and Mrs. Sidney could use that as proof that he's not smart enough to be here, that he should be sent back—

he's not being sent back to the Isle. 

Ben wouldn't let him be sent back. Because they're friends. 

Carlos's shoulder throbs. 

Class. Class, then he can run back to the room and change his clothes before lunch, and-- and Evie wants to check in at lunch, because he doesn't make mistakes, and she's got to know he's having a bad day, and if he doesn't show up for lunch she'll freak out. So he can't change. Or touch anything, because he's contaminated and—

Okay. 

This is a spiral, a bad one. He's going to class, because that's what he does. He's not going to spiral, because that's not what people do here. Kids in Auradon go to Kids in Auradon go to class, and they sit still-but-not-too-still, and they answer questions when they're asked, and Carlos can do all of those things. He likes class. He likes learning, and he likes hearing Jay make fun of the girls who write dramatic poetry about how their boyfriends broke up with them and he knows how to pretend that he's an Auradon kid who's nice and sweet and not a disease vector with broken lungs who's going to get them all sent back to the isle. 

He's fine. 

Nothing to worry about. 

Nothing is wrong. Nothing is wrong. Nothing's wrong. 

Just. 

Class. 

Yeah. 

He can go to class. 

Door. Elbow. Don't touch. Don't leave fingerprints. He's not— he's allowed to be here, but if he leaves fingerprints it'll be bad, because he's not allowed to touch the nice things unless he's cleaning them. His hands are always greasy. He can't afford to spend the extra time cleaning off his fingerprints, so he won't touch. 

He's allowed to touch. 

This is a spiral. It's not real. He's not— 

His shoulder hurts. 

His bag is slipping down his shoulder, so he lifts his arm to push it back up, and the pain spikes worse than before. Stabbing. Like hot needles all the way down the length of his arm. Shoulder to elbow to fingertips. It hurts, and that's the last thing he can handle. 

There's a thing, that happens sometimes, when his body hurts and his brain is spiraling and everything is too-much-all-at-once. A thing where Carlos puts his body on autopilot. Automatic functions can continue operation without him. He can—

He can leave. He'll get to class, and get through the day, and then when things are safe later, when he can curl up small-and-safe-and-hidden in the closet in Evie's room where she keeps her designs-in-progress, he can deal with everything.

[darkmaga-retard]

Maybe play this in the background as you read this:

The Way We Were (youtube.com)

I am thinking that the points below, each in articles penned over the last two years, are not yet known as a whole, or put together in one place. Certainly, there are plenty of shiny objects around to distract from the “big picture” of the biggest geocide I world history over such a short time frame. - all based on a psy-op that enriches the “chosen few”.

1.      There was no pandemic. 2.      Non-pharmaceutical interventions killed more people in 2020 than the flu like virus. 3.      The RT-PCR tests in 2020 were bogus and had to be withdrawn, papaya or fizzy drinks produced positive readings – the inventor, Kary Mullis (RIP) said that the test should not be used to diagnose illness only the presence of dead or alive viral fragments and could be calibrated to produce any result. 4.      Dr Zelenko (RIP) developed a treatment protocol based on decades old methods using Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin and zinc, plus vitamins in March 2020 – the US had stockpiles of the stuff – Rick Bright, then ha department had in BARDA, now of employed by the Rockefellers, prevented deployment conspiring with others like Fauci, Birx and Collins, to prevent its use. 5.      Ivermectin was found to be a prophylactic and cure by May 2020, where its use in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (population 140 million) ERADICATED C19 6.      Emergency use authorization of the vaccines as well as their trials was illegal as the two (HCQ and IVM) were viable alternatives. 7.      The WHO instructed all governments to classify deaths with C19 present and C19 deaths, regardless of the proximal cause of death such as gunshot, vehicle accident, cancer or heart attack. 8.      The WHO instructed government to withdraw and ban all substances such as anti-malaria treatments and IVM and HCQ from sale at all outlets, retail and wholesale. 9.      Both the modified mRNA and viral vector platforms had never delivered ay positive results in a public health setting and yet were selected as “vaccine” platforms.

[ultralaser]

thinking today about all the social media sites i have lost over the years

2018/9 to today - twitter

cause of death - a robber baron having a midlife crisis, or maybe a multi level marketing scheme of authoritarians aligning to take down a protest hub

what we lost - a reliable, expansive feed of traditional Wierd Internet, breaking news, esoteric discourse, and minor celebrities who might actually follow you if you had a good bit of humor or outrage go a bit viral

2010 to 2018? - instagram

cause of death - facebook buyout, the algorithm, monetization

what we lost - started as a nice way to share pictures, then it became very difficult to see your actual friends pictures under all the Content, then they pivoted to video (stories aka snapchats), then they pivoted to video AGAIN (reels aka tiktoks), now they've somehow pivoted to video YET AGAIN and buried your friends reels under an avalanche of reposted tiktok Content, if they havent all been shadowbanned anyways for only posting pictures

2008 to 2018/9 - tumblr

cause of death - yahoo, digital gentrification, a legitimate need to clean out all the csm that went really badly and ended up breaking everyone's trust

what we lost - a full decade of community building of all the quirky independent artisinal discourse this site became known (and then maligned) for, leading to the last three years of twitter users whinging endlessly about tumblr bs while i'm all "why are you booing us, we're right!" bc this is where we were radicalized and twitter is where trump happened

2000? to 2015? - facebook

cause of death - nazi apologia, maga regulatory capture, broken ass algorithm, pivot to video, "it's meta now", etc etc

what we lost - it started as a fun simple way to keep up with your family, and friends from hs and college and old jobs, and to share cat photos and baby photos. it ended up as a radicalization vector for turning your grandparents into far right trolls.

2003ish to 2005ish - my movie critic friend luke's web forum on his personal site

cause of death - actually i don't remember, it might still be there, oops. but probably hosting fees vs just moving to facebook

what we lost - a fun little community of luke, me and some of his other internet friends, some of his irl friends, and his cool irish uncle, plus random angry strangers, just talking mostly positively about movies. it was a good vibe, felt like working at the movie theatre again

1999? to 2002? - killingmachines

cause of death - hosted on a server in my brother's office, which died and killed the archive and also nuked the code, which, will definitely happen to someone's mastodon instance in the next 3-6mos, oops

what we lost - a budding community of us and our friends and also a bunch of early internet randos i never regained contact with but still remember fondly to this day

1999 to 2001ish - the raving toy maniac "toy buzz" forums on toymania dot com

cause of death - hosting fees, the internet changed, my group had already aged out like two message board generations ago as we graduated hs, etc

what we lost - being yelled at for going off-topic unless we were hiding our conversations in replies to old posts way down the board, a community of like minded toy nerds who absolutely believed that scalpers were an organized cartel ruining the hobby for everyone else, the naivete of the late 90s dotcom era, getting to watch week old posts and reply chains slowly disintegrate as they fell off the bottom of the page, getting to append NT for no text to posts where you put your whole short reply in the post title so no one needed to click through to that post on slow-ass dial up connections. but also, the pure anticipation we all felt for the star wars prequels in the summer of 1999 when all we had was a trailer, a promise, and a MOUNTAIN of merch on the way

1995 to 1999 - email

cause of death - too much god damn email

what we lost - a manageable amount of primarily non-spam email. 95% of what email used to be is just what facebook became, and twitter perfected it, becoming what email could have always been but never got to

[mordormr]

The Rising Promise of the Gene Therapy Industry

Gene therapy is revolutionizing modern medicine by offering the potential to treat or even cure genetic disorders by addressing the root cause of the disease. By altering or replacing defective genes, gene therapy is opening new doors for the treatment of conditions once thought incurable, such as certain cancers, genetic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. The gene therapy market size is projected to be valued at USD 7.18 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow to USD 24.67 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28% over the forecast period (2024-2029).

Key Market Drivers

Growing Prevalence of Genetic Disorders: With the rise in genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and muscular dystrophy, the need for effective treatments is more critical than ever. Gene therapy offers a targeted approach, addressing the underlying cause of these conditions rather than just managing symptoms.

Technological Advancements in Biotechnology: The development of advanced technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9, viral vectors, and improved delivery mechanisms is propelling the gene therapy market forward. These innovations enhance the precision and efficiency of gene editing, making treatments more effective and accessible.

Increased Research and Development Investment: Pharmaceutical companies, governments, and academic institutions are heavily investing in gene therapy research. These efforts are accelerating clinical trials and regulatory approvals, driving the market's expansion.

Rising Approvals of Gene Therapy Products: Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EMA are increasingly approving gene therapy treatments, particularly for rare diseases. This growing number of approvals is boosting market confidence and attracting further investment.

Market Segmentation

The gene therapy market can be segmented by therapy type, application, vector type, and region:

By Therapy Type: Somatic gene therapy, germline gene therapy.

By Application: Oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders.

By Vector Type: Viral vectors (adenovirus, lentivirus, retrovirus), non-viral vectors (naked DNA, oligonucleotides).

By Region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World.

Challenges Facing the Gene Therapy Market

Despite its immense potential, the gene therapy industry faces several challenges:

High Treatment Costs: Gene therapies are often expensive, with some treatments costing upwards of a million dollars per patient. While they offer life-changing results, the high cost can limit accessibility, particularly in developing regions.

Manufacturing Complexity: Producing gene therapies is complex and requires specialized facilities, technologies, and expertise. This complexity often leads to supply chain challenges and can hinder the scalability of treatments.

Ethical Concerns: Gene therapy, particularly germline editing, raises ethical questions about potential misuse or unintended consequences. Addressing these concerns is crucial for broader public acceptance and regulatory approval.

Long-Term Efficacy and Safety: As a relatively new field, the long-term efficacy and safety of gene therapies are still being studied. Some treatments may carry the risk of unintended genetic changes, which needs careful monitoring over time.

Regional Insights

North America: North America dominates the gene therapy market, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, significant R&D investment, and favorable regulatory support. The U.S. is home to several leading gene therapy companies and research institutions.

Europe: Europe is also a key player in the gene therapy market, particularly in the UK, Germany, and France. The region benefits from government support for rare disease research and a growing number of gene therapy clinical trials.

Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience rapid growth, with increasing healthcare investments, rising prevalence of genetic diseases, and expanding biotechnology research in countries like China, Japan, and India.

Future Outlook

The future of gene therapy is highly promising. With continued advancements in gene editing technologies and delivery mechanisms, the market is expected to grow at an impressive rate. More gene therapy products are anticipated to receive regulatory approvals in the coming years, and the ongoing expansion of clinical trials will further propel market growth. The increasing focus on treating rare diseases and cancers is also expected to be a key driver for the industry.

Conclusion

Gene therapy is set to transform the healthcare landscape by providing targeted treatments for previously untreatable conditions. While challenges such as high costs and ethical concerns remain, the growing investment in research and technological advancements is positioning the gene therapy market for rapid growth. As more treatments reach commercialization, gene therapy will continue to pave the way for a new era in personalized medicine and healthcare innovation.

For a detailed overview and more insights, you can refer to the full market research report by Mordor Intelligence https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/gene-therapy-market  

[healthcaremarketanalysis]

Lipid Nanoparticles: A Game-Changer in Gene Delivery

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are emerging as a revolutionary tool in gene delivery, transforming how therapeutic genetic material is introduced into target cells. With advancements in gene therapy and the increasing importance of personalized medicine, lipid nanoparticles have taken center stage in ensuring safe, efficient, and targeted delivery of genetic materials like DNA, RNA, and siRNA.

Download PDF Brochure

What Are Lipid Nanoparticles?

Lipid nanoparticles are tiny, lipid-based carriers designed to encapsulate and protect genetic material as it moves through the body. These particles are composed of various lipids, including cationic, ionizable, and neutral lipids, which enable them to form stable structures around their cargo. Their small size and composition allow LNPs to evade the immune system, extend circulation time, and improve the efficiency of gene delivery.

Why Are LNPs Important for Gene Delivery?

Delivering genetic material into cells is a complex task. Naked DNA or RNA can be degraded by enzymes in the bloodstream, fail to reach target tissues, or trigger immune responses. Lipid nanoparticles offer a protective and non-toxic alternative to traditional viral vectors used in gene therapy. They can be engineered to deliver their cargo selectively to specific tissues, such as the liver, lungs, or muscles, improving the efficacy of treatments while minimizing side effects.

Key Advantages of Lipid Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery

Enhanced Protection: LNPs shield genetic material from degradation in the bloodstream, ensuring that the cargo remains intact and functional by the time it reaches target cells.

Efficient Cellular Uptake: Lipid nanoparticles can easily fuse with cell membranes, allowing the enclosed genes to enter the cells and initiate their therapeutic action.

Reduced Immune Response: Unlike viral vectors, LNPs do not typically provoke strong immune responses, making them safer for repeated administration in gene therapies.

Scalability and Versatility: LNPs can be scaled up for large-scale production, which is crucial for the development of gene therapies and vaccines that require widespread distribution. They can also be adapted for various genetic payloads, from mRNA to CRISPR-Cas9 components.

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Applications of Lipid Nanoparticles in Gene Therapy

LNPs have shown significant promise in various gene therapy applications, such as:

mRNA-based vaccines: The success of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines was largely due to lipid nanoparticles, which delivered the genetic instructions to cells to produce the spike protein, stimulating an immune response.

CRISPR-based therapies: LNPs can carry CRISPR components to specific tissues, enabling precision gene editing for the treatment of genetic disorders.

RNAi therapies: For conditions where certain genes need to be silenced, LNPs can deliver siRNA (small interfering RNA) to block the expression of harmful proteins.

Challenges and Future Directions

While lipid nanoparticles offer tremendous potential, challenges remain. For example, achieving precise targeting in tissues other than the liver can be difficult, and understanding the long-term effects of LNP-based therapies is an ongoing area of research. Despite these hurdles, innovations in LNP design and functionality are paving the way for new breakthroughs in gene therapy.

Conclusion

Lipid nanoparticles are poised to play a pivotal role in the future of gene delivery, offering a safe, efficient, and scalable option for treating a variety of diseases. As research and technology continue to advance, we can expect LNPs to unlock new possibilities in the fields of gene therapy and personalized medicine.

Content Source:

[colinwilson11]

Non-viral transfection techniques utilize physical or chemical methods to deliver nucleic acids like DNA, RNA, siRNA etc. into cells. Unlike viral vectors, non-viral methods don’t integrate delivered genetic material into the host cell’s chromosome, so they are safer but generally less efficient. They are widely used in research, biotechnology and potential gene therapy applications.

[wellnessweb]

Gene Therapy Market Size: Current Landscape and Future Growth

The Gene Therapy Market size was valued at USD 7.35 Billion in 2022 and is expected to Reach USD 30.15 Billion by 2030 and grow at a CAGR of 19.3% over the forecast period of 2023-2030.The gene therapy market is experiencing a transformative surge, driven by rapid advancements in biotechnology and the increasing prevalence of genetic disorders. This market is characterized by its innovative approach to treating previously untreatable diseases by directly targeting and correcting faulty genes at their source. With cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 and viral vector-based delivery systems, the market is poised for significant growth, reflecting a paradigm shift towards personalized medicine. Strategic collaborations between biotech firms and academic institutions, alongside favorable regulatory environments, are further accelerating the development and commercialization of gene therapy products. As a result, the market is projected to expand robustly, heralding a new era of medical treatments that offer hope for curing a multitude of genetic conditions.

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Market Scope & Overview

The Gene Therapy Market research analyses all industries in terms of demand estimations in various areas to give a cross-sectional perspective of the global economy. The study looks at a number of demand, restriction, and opportunity factors that are anticipated to have an immediate impact on market growth. For the purpose of assisting readers in evaluating the financial stability of important market participants, the study contains an analysis of the industry's competitiveness as well as a structural evaluation of Porter's Five Forces.

The Gene Therapy Market research concentrates on the many chances, constraints, and expansions that are expected to have a direct influence on commercial outcomes. The research report will focus on new developments and cutting-edge technologies that will significantly affect the growth of the global market over the course of the projection year.

Market Segmentation Analysis

By Vector Type

Non-Viral Vector

Viral Vector

By Therapy

Ex Vivo Therapy

In Vivo Therapy

By Gene Type

Antigen

Growth factors

Tumor Suppressor

Cytokine

Suicide

Receptors

Deficiency

Others

By Application

Neurological Disorders

Rare Diseases

Oncological Disorders

Other Diseases

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

In order to give clients correct information to address market challenges during and after COVID-19, various industry experts and delegates are interviewed for a report on the Gene Therapy Market  during the main and secondary research phases. The market research report may be used by suppliers, end users, and distributors to find answers to a variety of questions, plan acquisitions, and look for further business prospects. It examines potential solutions as well as present and upcoming difficulties.

Regional Outlook

The research comprises a SWOT analysis model evaluation and a regional market competition analysis to help consumers estimate the regional health of important global business suppliers. All significant geographic areas are covered by the Gene Therapy Market analysis, including the Middle East and Africa, North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe.

Competitive Analysis

A global market report that takes into account definitions, classifications, implementations, and supply chain structure also offers a fundamental overview. Information on important market participants, production trends, industry environment analysis, and regional growth trends are just a few of the topics covered in the global Gene Therapy Market share report. The research looks at production methods, price trends, and expansion and growth objectives, among other things.

Key Reasons to Purchase the Gene Therapy Market Report

By comparing data from prior years, external validation of these segments and sub-segments was also carried out.

The research report includes a cross-section of the global economy as well as market analyses for each geographical location.

Conclusion

All key discoveries and technological advances that will significantly affect the global market over the forecasted time period will be covered in the Gene Therapy Market research report.

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When you employ our services, you will collaborate with qualified and experienced staff. We believe it is crucial to collaborate with our clients to ensure that each project is customized to meet their demands. Nobody knows your customers or community better than you do. Therefore, our team needs to ask the correct questions that appeal to your audience in order to collect the best information.

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[precisionantibody]

Recombinant Antibody Production: Revolutionizing Biotechnology and Medicine

The Basics of Recombinant Antibody Production

Recombinant antibodies are produced by introducing specific genes encoding the desired antibody into host cells, which then express the antibody proteins. This process begins with the identification and isolation of genes responsible for the antibody’s variable regions, which determine its specificity. These genes are cloned into an appropriate expression vector—a plasmid or viral vector—that facilitates the insertion of the genetic material into host cells, such as bacteria, yeast, insect, or mammalian cells.

Expression Systems for Recombinant Antibodies

The choice of expression system is crucial and depends on the desired antibody's complexity and intended application. Bacterial systems, like Escherichia coli, are used for producing single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) and fragment antigen-binding (Fab) fragments due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. However, for full-length antibodies and more complex modifications, mammalian cells (such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells) are preferred. Recombinant Antibody Manufacturing Mammalian systems ensure proper folding, post-translational modifications, and glycosylation, which are critical for the antibody’s functionality and stability.

Advantages of Recombinant Antibody Technology

Recombinant antibody technology offers several advantages over traditional methods:

Specificity and Customization: Genetic engineering allows precise modifications to the antibody sequence, enhancing binding affinity, specificity, and stability. This customization is invaluable for therapeutic applications where high specificity is crucial.

Scalability and Consistency: Recombinant production facilitates large-scale manufacturing with consistent quality. Unlike hybridoma technology, which can suffer from variability and instability, recombinant systems provide reliable and reproducible yields.

Speed and Efficiency: Recombinant antibodies can be produced more rapidly than traditional methods. This accelerated production timeline is vital for responding to emerging infectious diseases and rapidly developing therapeutic antibodies.

Humanization: Recombinant technology enables the humanization of antibodies derived from non-human sources. This reduces immunogenicity when these antibodies are used as therapeutics in humans, improving their safety and efficacy.

Applications of Recombinant Antibodies

Recombinant antibodies have revolutionized various fields, including:

Therapeutics: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are used to treat cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. Examples include trastuzumab (Herceptin) for breast cancer and adalimumab (Humira) for rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnostics: Recombinant antibodies are employed in diagnostic assays for detecting pathogens, biomarkers, and other molecular targets. Their high specificity and affinity make them ideal for sensitive diagnostic tests.

Research: In biomedical research, recombinant antibodies are tools for studying protein function, cell signaling pathways, and disease mechanisms. They are also used in techniques such as flow cytometry, immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting.

Agriculture: Recombinant antibodies are used in agricultural biotechnology for developing disease-resistant crops and improving livestock health.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the numerous advantages, recombinant antibody production faces challenges such as high production costs and the need for sophisticated infrastructure. Advances in expression systems, bioprocessing technologies, and synthetic biology are expected to address these challenges, making recombinant antibody production more accessible and cost-effective.

Looking forward, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in antibody design, along with innovations in gene editing technologies like CRISPR, holds promise for further revolutionizing the field. The continuous evolution of recombinant antibody technology will undoubtedly expand its applications and enhance its impact on medicine and biotechnology.

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Oncology Drugs Market Growth, Trends, Size, Share, Demand And Top Growing Companies 2031

In a landscape where the battle against cancer rages on, advancements in healthcare systems, public health measures, and novel pharmaceutical therapies have ushered in a new era of hope. According to the National Cancer Institute, the United States saw an estimated 1,806,590 new cancer cases and approximately 606,520 deaths due to the disease in 2020. However, over the past five decades, cancer survival rates have soared from 50% in 1970 to an impressive 70%, thanks to a trifecta of progress.

For more information: https://www.fairfieldmarketresearch.com/report/oncology-drugs-market

Unprecedented Growth Trajectory: The global oncology therapy sales are forecasted to surpass US$ 300 billion by 2026, with oncology contributing 21.7% to total pharmaceutical sales. Fueling this growth are the top 10 pharmaceutical companies, which have declared oncology as their key focus area, driving multibillion-dollar M&A deals and strategic collaborations. Pfizer's acquisition of Array BioPharma for US$11 billion in 2019 and AbbVie's strategic partnership with Genmab for a bispecific antibody development deal worth US$3 billion are testament to this focus.

Diverse Indications Drive Demand: While oncology represents over 20 different indications, a significant portion of revenue stems from just five of them: breast cancer, multiple myeloma, non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), prostate cancer, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), which collectively accounted for approximately 65% of the market in 2020. Moreover, with breast, lung, and colorectal cancers expected to collectively account for ~50% of all new cancer diagnoses by 2026, the demand for innovative therapies continues to surge.

Disruptive Trends Reshape Landscape: Innovation in oncology is accelerating, with disruptive technologies such as cell therapy, RNA therapy, viral vectors, and stem cell therapy gaining traction. Recent approvals of CAR-T cell therapies like Kymriah and Yescarta for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) respectively signal a new frontier in cancer treatment. Precision medicine is also driving progress, with over 160 oncology biomarkers approved by 2019, paving the way for more targeted and effective therapies.

Impact of COVID-19: Despite remarkable progress, oncology has been among the worst-hit therapeutic areas amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Decreased demand for physician-administered products, disruptions in cancer screenings, and a decline in new clinical trials have posed significant challenges. However, the industry remains resilient, adapting to the evolving landscape and ensuring continued innovation.

Immuno-Oncology Leads the Way: Immuno-oncology sales are expected to soar to ~US$ 95 billion by 2026, with agents and protein kinase inhibitors comprising ~65% of sales. With over 550 active cell- and gene-therapy agents under clinical development, the future of cancer treatment looks promising. Investments in combination studies and the exploration of new mechanisms underscore the industry's commitment to advancing immuno-oncology therapies.Roche and Keytruda: Leading the Charge: In a highly concentrated market where the top 10 companies capture over 75% of the market value, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Roche) and Merck & Co. stand out as leaders. While Roche maintains its global leadership position, Merck's Keytruda is poised to become the world's top-selling oncology

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Using MRI, engineers have found a way to detect light deep in the brain

New Post has been published on https://sunalei.org/news/using-mri-engineers-have-found-a-way-to-detect-light-deep-in-the-brain/

Using MRI, engineers have found a way to detect light deep in the brain

Scientists often label cells with proteins that glow, allowing them to track the growth of a tumor, or measure changes in gene expression that occur as cells differentiate.

While this technique works well in cells and some tissues of the body, it has been difficult to apply this technique to image structures deep within the brain, because the light scatters too much before it can be detected.

MIT engineers have now come up with a novel way to detect this type of light, known as bioluminescence, in the brain: They engineered blood vessels of the brain to express a protein that causes them to dilate in the presence of light. That dilation can then be observed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allowing researchers to pinpoint the source of light.

“A well-known problem that we face in neuroscience, as well as other fields, is that it’s very difficult to use optical tools in deep tissue. One of the core objectives of our study was to come up with a way to image bioluminescent molecules in deep tissue with reasonably high resolution,” says Alan Jasanoff, an MIT professor of biological engineering, brain and cognitive sciences, and nuclear science and engineering.

The new technique developed by Jasanoff and his colleagues could enable researchers to explore the inner workings of the brain in more detail than has previously been possible.

Jasanoff, who is also an associate investigator at MIT’s McGovern Institute for Brain Research, is the senior author of the study, which appears today in Nature Biomedical Engineering. Former MIT postdocs Robert Ohlendorf and Nan Li are the lead authors of the paper.

Detecting light

Bioluminescent proteins are found in many organisms, including jellyfish and fireflies. Scientists use these proteins to label specific proteins or cells, whose glow can be detected by a luminometer. One of the proteins often used for this purpose is luciferase, which comes in a variety of forms that glow in different colors.

Jasanoff’s lab, which specializes in developing new ways to image the brain using MRI, wanted to find a way to detect luciferase deep within the brain. To achieve that, they came up with a method for transforming the blood vessels of the brain into light detectors. A popular form of MRI works by imaging changes in blood flow in the brain, so the researchers engineered the blood vessels themselves to respond to light by dilating.

“Blood vessels are a dominant source of imaging contrast in functional MRI and other non-invasive imaging techniques, so we thought we could convert the intrinsic ability of these techniques to image blood vessels into a means for imaging light, by photosensitizing the blood vessels themselves,” Jasanoff says.

To make the blood vessels sensitive to light, the researcher engineered them to express a bacterial protein called Beggiatoa photoactivated adenylate cyclase (bPAC). When exposed to light, this enzyme produces a molecule called cAMP, which causes blood vessels to dilate. When blood vessels dilate, it alters the balance of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, which have different magnetic properties. This shift in magnetic properties can be detected by MRI.

BPAC responds specifically to blue light, which has a short wavelength, so it detects light generated within close range. The researchers used a viral vector to deliver the gene for bPAC specifically to the smooth muscle cells that make up blood vessels. When this vector was injected in rats, blood vessels throughout a large area of the brain became light-sensitive.

“Blood vessels form a network in the brain that is extremely dense. Every cell in the brain is within a couple dozen microns of a blood vessel,” Jasanoff says. “The way I like to describe our approach is that we essentially turn the vasculature of the brain into a three-dimensional camera.”

Once the blood vessels were sensitized to light, the researchers implanted cells that had been engineered to express luciferase if a substrate called CZT is present. In the rats, the researchers were able to detect luciferase by imaging the brain with MRI, which revealed dilated blood vessels.

Tracking changes in the brain

The researchers then tested whether their technique could detect light produced by the brain’s own cells, if they were engineered to express luciferase. They delivered the gene for a type of luciferase called GLuc to cells in a deep brain region known as the striatum. When the CZT substrate was injected into the animals, MRI imaging revealed the sites where light had been emitted.

This technique, which the researchers dubbed bioluminescence imaging using hemodynamics, or BLUsH, could be used in a variety of ways to help scientists learn more about the brain, Jasanoff says.

For one, it could be used to map changes in gene expression, by linking the expression of luciferase to a specific gene. This could help researchers observe how gene expression changes during embryonic development and cell differentiation, or when new memories form. Luciferase could also be used to map anatomical connections between cells or to reveal how cells communicate with each other.

The researchers now plan to explore some of those applications, as well as adapting the technique for use in mice and other animal models.

The research was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Foundation, Lore McGovern, Gardner Hendrie, Brendan Fikes, a fellowship from the German Research Foundation, a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship from the European Union, and a Y. Eva Tan Fellowship and a J. Douglas Tan Fellowship, both from the McGovern Institute for Brain Research.