In 2021, Ryan Flynn and colleagues in the lab of Carolyn Bertozzi showed that RNA, traditionally thought to be confined within cells, can appear on the cell surface in the form of glycoRNA, as can glycoproteins and glycolipids: http://ms.spr.ly/6048lfPNM The surprising discovery of glycoRNAs, which has implications for immunology, generated some scientific skepticism. But Flynn’s group now provides conclusive evidence of glycoRNAs’ existence, as detailed by HSCRB at Harvard University 👇

Olumide F. has always sought community — from arriving in the U.S. at age 15 to community college to his work today as a PhD student in the neuroscience lab of Beth Stevens. A strong sense of curiosity, instilled by his parents in Nigeria, has drawn him to study glial cells, multi-functional cells that intermingle with the brain’s neurons. He’s eager to mentor young scientists, especially those from nontraditional backgrounds, and has found other communities among fellow indoor rock climbers and blind wine tasters in his spare time. 👏👇

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently prescribed to treat reflux in children, despite growing evidence of their risks. Recent research by Jason Zhang, MD, PhD, and Suzanna Hirsch, MD, in our Aerodigestive Center finds that PPIs don’t appear to increase COVID-19 risk in kids — but may alter the gut microbiome. Read more 👇

Existing cancer immunotherapies don’t work for most solid tumors. Knowing that tumors can edit their genes to evade immune control, Judy Lieberman and colleagues in our Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine took the first-ever comprehensive look at which genes are being edited. They then found a way to override the edits, restoring immune control over the tumor in a mouse model of breast cancer. This foundational work offers a roadmap for designing better immunotherapies. 👇

Could immunotherapy benefit children and teens with liver carcinoma? New research led by Allison O’Neill, MD, director of our Liver Tumor Center, suggests that a class of drugs known as checkpoint inhibitors might be an effective treatment option for a select group of these patients. 👇

Drs. Anna Kirillova and Anna Maria Baglieri share insights on how optometrists can support neurodiverse individuals during their eye exams. Learn more in the Acuity Journal from the College of Optometrists 👇

The highly complex interventions involved in fetal surgery leave “zero place for mistakes.” Learn how the team in our Maternal Fetal Care Center, in affiliation with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is collaborating with Immersive Design Systems to support clinical training and optimize patient care. 👇

The brain’s little-known immune organ in action: Huixin Xu, Maria Lehtinen, and colleagues document, in real time, how brain infection affects the choroid plexus and how the choroid plexus helps resolve the inflammation. “Technological advances allowed us to uncover this exciting biology that no one ever expected.” Shoutout to Jose Ordovas-Montanes and Peter Lotfy who made key contributions. 👇

History in the making! 👏 Isaac is the first baby on the East Coast to undergo mini-laparotomy fetoscopic surgical repair of a neural tube defect while still in his mother’s womb — thanks to the team in our Maternal Fetal Care Center. Learn more about this innovative approach. 👇