WEIRD STUFF

Cancer vaccine shows promise

A new cancer vaccine, mRNA-4359, developed by Moderna, could revolutionise cancer treatment. This vaccine is designed to help the immune system recognise and target cancerous cells more effectively.

Experts believe the vaccine has the potential to halt tumour growth in patients with advanced cancer, and marks a significant step towards a novel treatment for the disease.

Dr Debashis Sarker from King's College London commented, "This study of mRNA cancer immunotherapy represents an important initial step towards developing a new treatment for advanced cancer patients. Our findings indicate that the therapy is well tolerated, with no serious side effects, and has the potential to stimulate the immune system to combat cancer more effectively. However, with the study involving only a small number of patients so far, it is too early to determine its overall efficacy for those with advanced-stage cancer."

Wood can provide stress relief

New research suggests that touching a wooden surface can provide the same stress-relief benefits as petting an animal. Professor Baroness Kathy Willis from the University of Oxford explained, "Stroking wood can be akin to petting a dog. It has been shown to lower blood pressure, compared to stroking surfaces like marble or steel, even when they are at the same temperature. This is something people naturally do when they browse kitchens in stores, subconsciously seeking the soothing feel of wood."

Professor Willis added that the calming effect is partly due to the scent released by wood, which persists for years even after the tree has been cut down. She told the Instant Genius podcast, "Wood panelling in various settings, including offices and homes, continues to emit a pleasant scent long after installation. Tests have shown that people in rooms with wood, such as pine, performed significantly better in tests, compared to those in concrete rooms, suggesting that the scent might contribute to the relaxing effect."

Gorillas set to discover new drugs

A study conducted in Gabon has revealed that tropical plants consumed by wild gorillas, which are also used by local healers, have medicinal properties. Researchers found four plant species with high levels of antioxidants and antimicrobials, with one showing potential against superbugs.

Gorillas are known for their use of medicinal plants, and the study identified four trees in the Gabonese rainforest with antibacterial activity against E. coli strains.

Dr Joanna Satchell from the University of Durham noted, "This discovery indicates that gorillas have evolved to consume plants beneficial to their health, and underscores the significant gaps in our understanding of the Central African rainforests."

Earth vibrated for nine days

A recent study revealed that a landslide and subsequent mega-tsunami in Greenland caused the Earth to vibrate for nine days. The collapse of a 1.2-kilometre-high mountain peak triggered a wave in Dickson Fjord, which reverberated through the Earth's crust.

Researchers at University College London (UCL) attribute the event to the thinning of the glacier at the mountain's base due to climate change. Dr Stephen Hicks, co-author of the study at UCL Earth Sciences, stated, "This is the first instance where water sloshing has been recorded as vibrations travelling through the Earth's crust for several days. This unique seismic wave, containing only a single frequency of oscillation, highlights the complex connections between climate change, glacier destabilisation, water movement, and the Earth's crust."