#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.

[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

[health-views-updates]

Gene Therapy Market Analysis By Future Scope, Top Players, Application, Growth Trends, Share 2032

SNS Insider, a leading market research and consulting agency, has released a comprehensive report on the global gene therapy market, revealing remarkable growth potential driven by rapid advancements in genetic research, increasing prevalence of genetic disorders, and a growing emphasis on personalized medicine. According to the report, the gene therapy market is expected to witness exponential growth, fueled by robust investments in R&D, favorable regulatory landscapes, and a rise in successful clinical trials that showcase gene therapy’s potential to treat various conditions at their core.

The latest Gene Therapy Market Revenue report offers a detailed analysis of market trends, emerging technologies, and the competitive landscape. The market is currently experiencing a surge in interest from both public and private sectors, with funding allocated towards pioneering treatments for genetic and rare diseases. This is especially relevant as gene therapy evolves from a largely experimental field to a viable treatment option, with several therapies approved by regulatory agencies globally.

The report underscores the role of strategic collaborations among key market players, leading to accelerated developments in gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9 and advanced viral and non-viral delivery systems. These breakthroughs are vital to overcoming the challenges associated with gene therapy, including delivery efficiency, long-term efficacy, and cost. As gene therapy demonstrates promising outcomes in areas like oncology, rare diseases, and hereditary disorders, it is projected that a broader range of applications will emerge over the coming years.

Get Free Sample Report

The expansion of the gene therapy market is also attributed to growing awareness among healthcare providers and patients regarding the potential benefits of gene therapy in comparison to traditional treatments. Unlike conventional therapies that focus on managing symptoms, gene therapy aims to address the root cause of diseases by modifying genetic material, potentially offering a more permanent solution. This approach is becoming increasingly appealing, especially for patients with limited therapeutic options.

Furthermore, the report highlights significant regional variations in market growth, with North America currently dominating the gene therapy market due to its well-established healthcare infrastructure, regulatory support, and extensive R&D initiatives. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to show substantial growth over the forecast period as countries in this region invest more in healthcare innovation and regulatory frameworks evolve to support new biotechnologies.

Key Highlights of the Report:

Market Drivers: Increase in genetic research, favorable regulatory conditions, and growing demand for precision medicine.

Emerging Trends: Collaboration between biotech firms and academia, advancements in gene-editing technologies, and increased focus on cancer and rare genetic diseases.

Regional Insights: North America leads in market share, with Asia-Pacific showing high growth potential.

Market Segmentation: Detailed insights into viral vectors, non-viral vectors, and their applications across different disease areas.

This comprehensive report serves as a valuable resource for industry stakeholders, investors, and healthcare providers seeking in-depth information on market dynamics, potential challenges, and opportunities for growth in the gene therapy sector.

About Us:

SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world.

Contact Us: Akash Anand – Head of Business Development & Strategy info@snsinsider.com Phone: +1-415-230-0044 (US) | +91-7798602273 (IND)

[stevenwilliam12]

Advances in Precision Medicine for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Precision medicine, which tailors medical treatment to the genetic profile of an individual, is transforming how Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is managed. As a severe, progressive neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene, DMD presents significant therapeutic challenges. However, the application of precision medicine is driving personalized approaches, increasing the likelihood of effective treatments while minimizing side effects.

Personalized Genetic Therapies

Exon Skipping TherapiesExon skipping is a targeted therapy that corrects specific gene mutations by "skipping" faulty exons during protein synthesis. Drugs like eteplirsen and golodirsen help patients produce truncated but functional dystrophin, offering significant benefits. With advances in genetic screening, more precise exon-skipping therapies are being developed to target various mutations unique to different patients. Ongoing research aims to extend these therapies to cover a broader spectrum of mutations.

Gene TherapyGene therapy, including micro-dystrophin delivery, represents a groundbreaking application of precision medicine. Micro-dystrophin constructs—smaller versions of the dystrophin gene—are delivered using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, restoring partial muscle function. These therapies, such as Sarepta Therapeutics’ candidates, are in advanced clinical trials and are tailored to individual genetic profiles. Scientists are also exploring methods to enhance vector targeting, improving patient outcomes with minimal immune response.

CRISPR Gene EditingCRISPR-Cas9 offers a potentially curative approach by editing the patient’s faulty DMD gene. Researchers are testing whether CRISPR technology can precisely repair or delete defective gene segments, restoring normal dystrophin production. Although still experimental, this technology holds promise for correcting the underlying cause of DMD in a personalized manner.

Biomarker-Based Disease Monitoring

Advances in precision medicine extend beyond treatment to include improved disease monitoring. Biomarkers such as serum creatine kinase levels and dystrophin levels in muscle tissues help predict disease progression and treatment response. Using these biomarkers, clinicians can tailor therapeutic regimens more effectively, optimizing outcomes for individual patients.

Challenges and Future Opportunities

Despite the promise of precision medicine, challenges remain. High treatment costs, complex regulatory processes, and the need for long-term data on safety and efficacy are significant hurdles. Moreover, the rarity and genetic variability of DMD requires expanded clinical trials to validate emerging therapies across diverse patient populations.

However, collaborations between pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, and patient advocacy groups are helping address these challenges. As precision medicine continues to evolve, its potential to transform DMD treatment and improve quality of life for patients is becoming a reality. With continued innovation, the future of DMD care looks increasingly hopeful, moving from generalized approaches to truly personalized care.

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[ironborealis]

Cody would like the following entered into the record -- not a defense, because he had done nothing wrong -- but to document the typical behavior of a male primary school teacher in his late twenties for future historians.

To wit:

1. Cold season had hit his clever class.

2. His... superstar scholars were working very hard on mastering the following skills:

a. Washing their hands.

b. Covering their mouth when they coughed/sneezed.

c. Using a tissue instead of the back of their hand to wipe their noses.

3. He had wanted to call in a substitute, but the only one available on the list was Fennec Shand. It had taken him a week to get his class back under control the last time he'd had her sub for him, after she taught his ... peerless pupils the concept of conscientious objection. It has not been on his lesson plan.

4. He ran out of his non-drowsy cold medicine yesterday and had to make do with the regular stuff in the back of his bathroom cabinet this morning.

It was six months past the expiry date, but desperate times. He'd assumed that the time would have made the side effects lessen.

5. The side effects were not lessened by time, but rather seemed to increase in potency much like his father's homebrew.

6. It was an assembly day, so him being very mildly affected by his expired cold medicine would just render him as effective as any other substitute teacher not named Fennec Shand.

7. Last year he thought that assemblies were a needless disruption to his carefully planned classroom schedule. Getting his... awesome academics were hard to focus after being cranked up by the excitement of the travel youth anti-bullying improv actors was a chore.

8. Now, however, he knew it to be the stars-blessed break he desperately needed -- especially when another staff member owed you a favor for that fantasy rugby league trade you gave them last week.

He deposited in the gymnasium his... loquacious learners...?? He was too tired for positive alliterations - He'd left his viral vectors under the gimlet eye of Jocasta Nu, the school librarian. Jocasta could be trusted not to teach them about collective bargaining while his back was turned.

He'd slipped into the closet bathroom to freshen up a moment and was staring in the mirror, attempting to convince himself that he could survive the rest of the day without calling out sick.

Which is when he'd heard the scraping of claws on the lino.

When you hear skittering you think rats. He was already imagining the conversation he'd have with Fox, who was in charge of running the local Predator Free 2050 initiative and responsible for killing all the little buggers...

He'd been prepared to turn and see a rat. To call Fox and tell him his murderous Pied Piper services were needed at the school. To playfully consider Fox's offer to abduct his horrid homeroom in the bargain before refusing.

He'd been prepared to turn and see a rat in his not-a-defense.

He was not prepared for a baby dinosaur to peek around the door.

He let out a... shrill shout of alarm (it was absolutely not a shriek).

There was a commotion beyond the door, a loud exclamation of "Booger!" in a bad Cockney accent, before a terrific tawny-blonde man burst in the room and squatted down to scoop up the Jurassic Park jailbreaker.

Cradled against the handsome man's chest Cody's eyes shrugged off their ephedrine-tinted haze and revealed that the infant iguanacolossus was actually a -- very large -- and testy tuatara wearing a fluorescent green and blue harness.

Likely a resident of Zealandia -- the local wildlife sanctuary who were the featured attraction of today's assembly.

The sanctuary's bright orange logo embroidered on the pocket of the man's close-fitted pale blue shirt pretty much confirmed it.

Cody endeavored not to stare as the man's well-muscled thick thighs flexed as he stood -- not even slightly disguised by the man's loose khaki cargo shorts.

"Hello there," the man said, gray eyes sparkling, obviously unaware that it was the cold medicine to blame for Cody's gawking and any allegedly embarrassing cries of shock that Cody might have uttered recently. "Apologies -- Boga here is quite the insistent investigator if she gets the opportunity. I hope she didn't scare you."

"...No worries," Cody fibbed, cursing that today of all days would be *the* day he'd have a sickeningly saccharine meet-cute with a stranger.

"I'm Kenobi," the man shifted his languorous lizard to one shoulder and stuck out his hand. "Nice to meet you."

Obi-Wan takes his oversized rare feathered iguana on walks with a leash.

This could mean modern AU where he’s known around the neighborhood as taking a lizard on a walk, or it could mean he took Boga back to the Jedi Temple after the war, put a leash on her, and will loudly argue with anyone saying she’s a rare oversized feathered iguana, when they try to tell him he needs to take her back.

Your choice.

[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.

[poonamcmi]

Lentiviral Vectors: An Advanced Gene Therapy Tool

Lentiviruses are a subgroup of retroviruses known for their ability to infect non-dividing cells. They are enveloped viruses that carry two copies of positive-sense single-stranded RNA as their genetic material. Some notable lentiviruses include HIV, FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), and SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus). Lentiviruses have the capacity to establish lifelong persistent infections in cells by integrating their genetic material into the host cell's genome. This unique ability makes lentiviruses attractive vehicles for gene therapy applications. Development of Lentivectors In the early 1990s, scientists began developing Lentivectors by removing lentiviral Vectors genes that causes disease while keeping the genes necessary for infection, integration, and transcription. This allowed lentiviruses to serve as a tool to effectively deliver therapeutic genes into both dividing and non-dividing cells without causing an immune response or pathogenesis. Over the years, Lentivectors systems became highly optimized in terms of safety, production efficiency, and target cell transduction ability. Today, lentiviral vectors are widely utilized for conducting gene therapy experiments both in vitro and in vivo. Key Features of Lentiviral Vectors - Ability to stably integrate therapeutic genes into the host cell genome providing long-term gene expression. - Broad tropism allowing transduction of dividing and non-dividing cells such as stem cells, neurons, hepatocytes etc. - High transduction efficiency permitting transgene expression levels sufficient for therapeutic effects. - Minimal immunogenicity owing to the removal of virulence genes. - Packaging capacity of 8-10 kb allowing delivery of large genes. Applications in Gene Therapy Lentiviral vectors hold tremendous potential for treating both inherited and acquired diseases. Some notable applications include: - Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy for blood disorders like β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. - Neurological gene therapy for treating Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other neurodegenerative disorders. - Gene therapy for retinal degenerative diseases causing blindness like retinitis pigmentosa. - Editing genes in immune cells for developing "living drugs" against cancer. - Delivering therapeutic genes directly into tumors for cancer gene therapy. Safety Considerations While Lentivectors are considered safer than other viral vectors, certain safety aspects need attention including: - Potential for insertional mutagenesis and oncogene activation due to random vector integration. However, this risk is considered low. - Possible transmission of residual wild-type lentiviral sequences in vector preparations posing as biosafety hazard. However, advanced production methods offer highly purified vectors. - Developing strategies to restrict vector tropism to desired target cells and prevent genotoxic effects. Tissue-specific and inducible promoters help address this issue. Lentiviral vectors have emerged as a versatile and advanced tool for delivering therapeutic genes in vivo. Their ability to transduce non-dividing cells makes them well-suited for treating challenging diseases. Continuous improvements in vector safety, production, and targeting hold promise to leverage lentiviral gene therapy for wider clinical applications. With prudent research, Lentivectors may become a mainstream platform for delivering curative gene-based medicines.

Get More Insights On, Lentiviral Vectors

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[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.

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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.

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Making Waves: The Global Blood Brain Barrier Market Will Grow At Highest Pace Owing To Emerging Cell Transport Methods

The blood brain barrier (BBB) helps control the movement of substances between the blood and the brain. It protects the brain from fluctuations in plasma composition but also restricts the delivery of therapeutics to the central nervous system. Medicinal products cannot freely pass from the bloodstream into the brain as they would in other organs, and new methods are needed to transport therapeutics across the barrier. Research focuses on developing vectors such as liposomes, polymeric and viral nanoparticles that can ferry drugs across the selectively permeable barrier.

The Global Blood Brain Barrier Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 36.2 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 49% over the forecast period 2024-2031.

Key Takeaways

Key players operating in the Global Blood Brain Barrier Market are Denali Therapeutics,JCR Pharmaceuticals,Cyclenium Pharma,Lauren Sciences,biOasis Technologies. Denali Therapeutics is a leader in developing intrathecal medicines for neurodegenerative diseases. JCR Pharmaceuticals focuses on delivering therapeutics directly to the brain and spinal cord.

The market is driven by the growing prevalence of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, brain cancer and epilepsy. According to the Alzheimer's Association, over 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's dementia in 2022 and this number is expected to rise dramatically in the coming decades. Effective treatment of brain conditions requires methods to cross the BBB.

Technological advancements are helping develop enhanced targeted delivery systems. Researchers are utilizing nanomedicine approaches with particles sized 10-200nm that can cross the BBB via receptor mediated transport or openings between endothelial cells. A focus on customized drug delivery using bioengineering tools opens new opportunities.

Market Trends

Liposomal drug delivery is gaining momentum as a non-invasive method to transport therapeutics across the BBB. Drugs encapsulated in liposomes have shown potential to treat brain tumors, neuroinflammation and brain metastases. Researchers are designing stealth liposomes coated with polymers that evade phagocytosis.

Modified viral vectors are emerging as efficient carriers for gene and cell therapies targeting brain diseases. Adeno-associated and lentiviral vectors are being utilized to deliver therapeutic genes selectively to neurons and glial cells in the brain. Companies are engineering cell-specific promoters to control transgene expression.

Market Opportunities

Personalized medicine approaches tailored to an individual's BBB permeability profile offer opportunities. Predicting drug entry into the brain based on molecular characteristics and patient biomarkers could enable precision dosing regimens.

The development of real-time monitoring systems to track drugs circulating in the brain microenvironment after crossing the BBB opens new opportunities for feedback-based dosage adjustments. Novel diagnostic tools may transform treatment efficacy evaluation.

Impact Of COVID-19 On The Global Blood Brain Barrier Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the global blood brain barrier market. During the initial phases of the pandemic, neurological complications were reported among severe COVID-19 patients which highlighted the need for diagnosing and treating blood brain barrier related disorders. However, the lockdowns and social distancing measures imposed worldwide disrupted clinical trials and research activities of pharmaceutical companies working in this domain. Supply chain disruptions also affected the availability of raw materials required for developing novel drug delivery mechanisms targeting the blood brain barrier.

As the pandemic progressed, investments towards developing treatments for neuroinvasive aspects of COVID-19 infections increased. Several small biotech firms received funding to study the impact of SARS-CoV-2 virus on the blood brain barrier and chances of it crossing over to cause neurological damage. This boosted research activities focused on better understanding blood brain barrier pathophysiology under viral infections. Various diagnostics companies also launched novel imaging and fluid biomarker tests to aid evaluation of neuroinvasive potential in COVID patients.

With worldwide vaccination drives in progress, research momentum in the field has regained lost ground in post pandemic times. Pharmaceutical firms are accelerating clinical trials of different drug candidates aiming to cross the blood brain barrier. Investments are also being made to develop advanced drug delivery platforms including nanocarriers, prodrug formulations and enzyme mediated approaches. It is expected that the learnings from COVID-19 will strengthen therapeutic development targeting blood brain barrier related conditions in the coming years.

Geographical Concentration Of The Global Blood Brain Barrier Market

In terms of value, North America holds the major share of the global blood brain barrier market attributed to presence of prominent pharmaceutical companies and advanced healthcare research infrastructure in the region. Significant funding from both private and government bodies has propelled clinical research activities exploring novel diagnostics and treatment paradigms. For instance, the Blood-Brain Barrier Program launched by National Institute of Health is supporting various academic-industrial collaborations through grants.

Asia Pacific is the fastest growing regional market for blood brain barrier diagnostics and therapeutics. Improving healthcare investments, rising incidence of neurodegenerative disorders and increasing development of local biopharmaceutical capabilities are driving market growth. Countries like China, India and South Korea are emerging as innovation hubs with strong bioscience talent pools enabling indigenous research and manufacturing capacities. Supportive regulations by regulatory agencies are also encouraging global players to establish manufacturing and clinical trial centers in the Asia Pacific region.

Fastest Growing Region For The Global Blood Brain Barrier Market

Asia Pacific region holds the maximum growth potential for the global blood brain barrier market over the forecast period. This can be attributed to factors like:

- Rapid economic development and expansion of urban healthcare infrastructure in most APAC countries including India and China.

- Growing geriatric demographics and increasing prevalence of neurological conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease resulting in higher disease burden.

- Supportive government policies promoting local R&D programs and making healthcare more accessible and affordable.

- Strong pipeline of novel biologics, prodrug formulations and neuroimaging agents with Asian pharma companies leveraging the region's low-cost manufacturing advantages.

- Increasing number of collaborative research projects involving Asian and international institutes propelling clinical trials of BBB crossing drug candidates.

- Rising healthcare expenditures creating a larger patient pool able to afford premium diagnostics and speciality therapeutics.

- Evolving regulations expediting approvals and ensuring product safety to encourage medical innovation. With such favourable macroeconomic and industrial factors in place, Asia Pacific will likely emerge as the key growth driver globally for blood brain barrier therapeutics and technologies in the future.

Get more insights on this topic: https://www.ukwebwire.com/global-blood-brain-barrier-market-is-estimated-to-witness-high-growth-owing-to-advancements-in-biotechnology/

Author Bio:

Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights. (LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137 )

What Are The Key Data Covered In This Global Blood Brain Barrier Market Report?

:- Market CAGR throughout the predicted period

:- Comprehensive information on the aspects that will drive the Global Blood Brain Barrier Market's growth between 2024 and 2031.

:- Accurate calculation of the size of the Global Blood Brain Barrier Market and its contribution to the market, with emphasis on the parent market

:- Realistic forecasts of future trends and changes in consumer behaviour

:- Global Blood Brain Barrier Market Industry Growth in North America, APAC, Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Africa

:- A complete examination of the market's competitive landscape, as well as extensive information on vendors

:- Detailed examination of the factors that will impede the expansion of Global Blood Brain Barrier Market vendors

FAQ’s

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Q.4 Which of the top Global Blood Brain Barrier Market companies compare in terms of sales, revenue, and prices?

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