Latest news with #Peer
New York Post
15-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Scientists crack the code on new vaccine for deadly plague bacteria
Israeli researchers have developed a new vaccine that is '100% effective' against bacteria that is deadly to humans. The announcement came from Tel Aviv University, which teamed up with the Israel Institute for Biological Research to create the mRNA-based vaccine, the first to protect against bacteria. 'In the study, we show that our mRNA vaccine provides 100% protection against pneumonic plague (a severe lung infection), which is considered the most dangerous form of the disease,' study co-lead Professor Dan Peer, director of the Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine at Tel Aviv University, told Fox News Digital. 6 Illustration of the Yersinia pestis bacteria. nobeastsofierce – 'Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is considered a highly lethal infectious bacterium, against which no approved vaccine exists.' This bacterium is so lethal, even at small doses, that it's been classified as a 'Tier 1 select agent' by the CDC and is considered a 'potential bioterror weapon,' according to Peer. 'Within a week, all unvaccinated animals died, while those vaccinated with our vaccine remained alive and well,' the team reported, noting that a single dose provided full protection after two weeks. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances. Before this study, mRNA vaccines were only shown to protect against viruses, such as COVID-19, but not bacteria, according to Tel Aviv University's Dr. Edo Kon, who co-led the study. 'Until now, scientists believed that mRNA vaccines against bacteria were biologically unattainable,' said Kon in the announcement. 'In our study, we proved that it is, in fact, possible to develop mRNA vaccines that are 100% effective against deadly bacteria.' 6 A photo of Prof. Dan Peer, Dr. Inbal Hazan-Halefy, and Shani Benarroch. Tel Aviv University While vaccines for viruses trigger human cells to produce viral proteins, which then train the immune system to protect against them, that same method hasn't been effective for bacteria. Instead, the scientists used a different method to release bacterial proteins that successfully created a 'significant immune response.' 'To enhance the bacterial protein's stability and make sure that it does not disintegrate too quickly inside the body, we buttressed it with a section of human protein,' they wrote. 'By combining the two breakthrough strategies, we obtained a full immune response.' Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, reiterated the importance of the study. 6 Yersinia pestis vaccine vial and syringe. iStock 'This is distinct from research in coronavirus, influenza and cancer, which have so far been driving mRNA vaccine applications,' Glanville, who was not part of the research team, told Fox News Digital. The study shows how mRNA technologies can be rapidly applied to 'novel threat areas,' he confirmed. 'Following blowback from the mandates and rare but admittedly problematic side effects related to initial COVID-19 vaccines, mRNA as a platform has faced additional scrutiny to make sure that the next generation of vaccines to emerge from it has learned the lessons from the initial vaccines, and improved upon them,' Glanville told Fox News Digital. 'This research demonstrates yet another large application area for the technology.' Potential limitations 6 Microscopic image of Yersinia pestis bacteria. Getty Images The primary limitation of the study, according to Peer, is that the vaccine's effectiveness was shown in mice. 'As with any pre-clinical study, it needs to be evaluated in a clinical study in order to assess its effectiveness in humans,' he told Fox News Digital. In addition, the experimental mRNA vaccine is based on the 'lipid nanoparticle (LNP) mRNA vaccine platform' that was recently approved for COVID-19 vaccines, Peer noted, which requires 'cold chain logistics' (a supply chain that uses refrigeration). 'Nevertheless, extensive studies are performed in our lab, focusing on lipid formulation stability optimization that will enable room-temperature storage,' the researcher added. Looking ahead 6 The primary limitation of the study, according to Peer, is that the vaccine's effectiveness was shown in mice. motortion – The goal is for this new technology to fast-track vaccines for bacterial diseases, according to the researchers. This could be particularly beneficial for pathogenic (disease-causing) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 'Due to excessive use of antibiotics over the last few decades, many bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics, reducing the effectiveness of these important drugs,' said Peer. 'Consequently, antibiotic-resistant bacteria already pose a real threat to human health worldwide. Developing a new type of vaccine may provide an answer to this global problem.' As Peer pointed out, the quick development of the COVID-19 vaccine was based on years of mRNA research for similar viruses. 6 The goal is for this new technology to fast-track vaccines for bacterial diseases, according to the researchers. AP 'If tomorrow we face some kind of bacterial pandemic, our study will provide a pathway for quickly developing safe and effective mRNA vaccines.' As this was a pre-clinical proof-of-concept study, Peer noted that several major milestones still need to be fulfilled before this vaccine could be considered for commercial rollout. However, he believes that in an emergency situation, the vaccine could be scaled up and prepared in a 'relatively short time.' Peer concluded, 'Beyond addressing the threat of plague outbreaks and potential bioterrorism, this study opens the door to developing mRNA vaccines against other antibiotic-resistant bacteria, offering a powerful new strategy to combat rising antimicrobial resistance and improve global pandemic preparedness.' The study was supported by the European Research Council, the Israel Institute for Biological Research and the Shmunis Family Foundation.
The Guardian
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
EPA to launch program that lets people adopt its lab animals amid Trump cuts
The US Environmental Protection Agency is launching a new program to adopt some of its 20,000 lab animals in the wake of Trump administration plans to dramatically cut the regulator's research arm. The Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (Peer) non-profit obtained and revealed an EPA document announcing the adoption program. The document announced adoptions for zebrafish and rats from an EPA lab in North Carolina. It states: 'Adopt love. Save a life. Our adoption program has been approved. Would you like to adopt?' The move is part of the fallout from broad EPA cuts targeting toxicological and other basic research work that is largely being done by the agency's office of research and development. The office is being replaced with a much smaller 'office of applied science and environmental solutions', which, Peer wrote in a statement, is focused on shorter-term projects limited to 'statutorily required functions' instead of long-term research. The move is an 'ill-advised scientific self-lobotomy', said Kyla Bennett, science policy director with Peer and a former EPA attorney. 'Instead of developing a strategic plan for meeting its scientific needs, Trump's EPA has decided to largely abandon scientific research except when it is specifically mandated by law, thus embracing some short-term savings to its long-term detriment,' Bennett said. The EPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Trump administration is aiming to eliminate at least 1,000 EPA scientists, or approximately three-quarters of the office of research and development's staff. The plan, however, is on hold as a legal battle plays out. The agency uses rabbits, mice, rats and other animals primarily to test the safety of chemicals and other environmental pollutants. During Trump's first term, the EPA announced a plan to reduce animal testing by 30% by 2025 and end it altogether by 2035. The Biden EPA nixed those plans, and the agency now says it will not be bound by time limits, and is following 'the best available science', Bennett said. Researchers use zebrafish to test for toxic effects of some chemicals and pollutants because of the 'many similarities between the metabolism and physiological structures of zebrafish and humans, and the nervous system structure, blood-brain barrier function, and social behavior of zebrafish', according to a peer-reviewed study. Recent research looking into the toxic effects of common plastic chemicals and how they may disrupt humans' circadian rhythm used zebrafish in the research. The reduction in animal testing will 'make EPA even more dependent on research from chemical companies, which is often framed to mask, rather than identify, potential health and environmental risks', Bennett said. She added that eliminating animal research would make it more difficult for the agency to evaluate the toxicological effect of complex chemicals with several thousand variations, like Pfas. It would also kill research that relies on lab animals to understand the long-term effects of pollutants, such as particulate matter. 'The EPA is abandoning its status as a premier scientific organization,' Bennett said.
The Guardian
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
EPA to launch program that lets people adopt its lab animals amid Trump cuts
The US Environmental Protection Agency is launching a new program to adopt some of its 20,000 lab animals in the wake of Trump administration plans to dramatically cut the regulator's research arm. The Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (Peer) nonprofit obtained and revealed an EPA document announcing the adoption program. The document announced adoptions for zebrafish and rats from an EPA lab in North Carolina. It states: 'Adopt love. Save a life. Our adoption program has been approved. Would you like to adopt?' The move is part of the fallout from broad EPA cuts targeting toxicological and other basic research work that is largely being done by the agency's office of research and development. The office is being replaced with a much smaller 'office of applied science and environmental solutions', which, Peer wrote in a statement, is focused on shorter-term projects limited to 'statutorily required functions' instead of long-term research. The move is an 'ill-advised scientific self-lobotomy', said Kyla Bennett, science policy director with Peer and a former EPA attorney. 'Instead of developing a strategic plan for meeting its scientific needs, Trump's EPA has decided to largely abandon scientific research except when it is specifically mandated by law, thus embracing some short-term savings to its long-term detriment,' Bennett said. The EPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Trump administration is aiming to eliminate at least 1,000 EPA scientists, or approximately three-quarters of the office of research and development's staff. The plan, however, is on hold as a legal battle plays out. The agency uses rabbits, mice, rats and other animals primarily to test the safety of chemicals and other environmental pollutants. During Trump's first term, the EPA announced a plan to reduce animal testing by 30% by 2025 and end it altogether by 2035. The Biden EPA nixed those plans, and the agency now says it will not be bound by time limits, and is following 'the best available science', Bennett said. Researchers use zebrafish to test for toxic effects of some chemicals and pollutants because of the 'many similarities between the metabolism and physiological structures of zebrafish and humans, and the nervous system structure, blood-brain barrier function, and social behavior of zebrafish', according to a peer-reviewed study. Recent research looking into the toxic effects of common plastic chemicals and how they may disrupt human's circadian rhythm used zebrafish in the research. The reduction in animal testing will 'make EPA even more dependent on research from chemical companies, which is often framed to mask, rather than identify, potential health and environmental risks', Bennett said. She added that eliminating animal research would make it more difficult for the agency to evaluate the toxicological effect of complex chemicals with several thousand variations, like Pfas. It would also kill research that relies on lab animals to understand the long-term effects of pollutants, such as particulate matter. 'The EPA is abandoning its status as a premier scientific organization,' Bennett said.
The Herald
02-07-2025
- Health
- The Herald
Children are getting lifestyle diseases of middle-aged adults
'The data show a clear link between lifestyle and these health conditions. We must intervene early if we want to reverse the trend,' said Peer. Researchers also noted a strong family history of obesity, diabetes and hypertension among participants. This, they suggest, may point to genetic predispositions and unhealthy family environments where poor diet and inactivity are common. Despite the worrying findings, the study provides a path forward. It recommends urgent implementation of interventions that focus on prevention, including encouraging healthy diets, increasing physical activity and reducing screen time in children. It also calls for routine screening of children for obesity and its associated conditions so that early treatment can be provided. 'The earlier we act, the better the outcomes,' said Peer. 'Children with high glucose or high blood pressure levels still have a chance to reverse these conditions. But without action, we're looking at a generation facing high rates of heart disease and diabetes by the time they reach adulthood.' The study's authors also emphasised the need for broader, multi-sectoral action. This includes tackling the political, socioeconomic and environmental drivers of obesity — such as the easy availability of unhealthy foods, inadequate recreational spaces and limited access to health services. TimesLIVE
Herald Sun
24-06-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Record-breaking $5m Caulfield South home wows buyers - realestate.com.au
Villa Rosa's striking marble-clad facade towers above Sea View Street, blending modernist form with Mediterranean elegance. A showstopping Caulfield South home has shattered the suburb's price record for a residential home, after selling for more than $5m. The bold five-bedroom residence at 6 Sea View St, known as Villa Rosa, features a glowing green onyx ensuite, a 400-bottle wine cellar and a magenta front door. The reimagined 1960s gem was painstakingly reshaped by its architect-owner over more than a decade. Designer Patrick Miceli chose to preserve and expand the original mid-century house, creating a statement home where Palm Springs modernism meets Mediterranean glamour. RELATED: $5m+ Melb pad has games house, soccer pitch Savvy way young Aussies enter property market Costly habit jeopardising your home loan Gary Peer & Associates partner Daniel Peer said the home and the result was indicative of Mr Miceli's dedication to the project. 'It wasn't knocked down and rebuilt, but the cost of extending and redesigning it probably exceeded what it would've cost to start again,' Mr Peer said. Instead of boxy new construction, Villa Rosa is lined with chevron parquetry, wrapped in dramatic marble finishes, and topped by three-metre coffered ceilings, all softened by landscaped olive trees and synthetic lawn that create a resort-style outdoor zone. 'Patrick was very passionate about retaining the mid-century character,' Mr Peer said. 'But he also wanted to introduce modern European flair. That blend made it really stand out in the market — it's nothing like anything else in Caulfield South.' The regal main bedroom overlooks a private garden and features a custom mirrored dressing room and luxe ensuite. Glass-wrapped indoor-outdoor zones surround the gas and solar-heated pool, complete with olive trees and lawn. At the heart of the home is a luminous kitchen with a full suite of integrated V-Zug appliances, including dual ovens, a wine fridge, a built-in coffee machine, and a marble-clad butler's pantry. From there, the home opens out to a gas and solar-heated pool, an outdoor kitchen with a built-in barbecue and fireplace, and a covered entertaining zone with bi-fold louvres that blur the line between indoors and out. But Mr Peer said the real showstopper lies tucked away at the rear: a main bedroom suite accessed by a five-metre gallery of floor-to-ceiling mirrored robes that leads into a spa-like ensuite crafted from green onyx, with integrated backlighting that glows through the stone. 'It honestly feels like a movie set,' he said. 'That ensuite is one of the most incredible bathrooms I've ever seen.' The covered alfresco zone flows seamlessly to the gas and solar-heated pool, with a built-in barbecue, fireplace and bi-fold louvres for year-round entertaining. A subterranean wine cellar and tasting room, one of the most decadent inclusions in Villa Rosa's luxury layout. Downstairs, a basement-level wine cellar holds around 400 bottles, tucked behind a secure four-car garage with a separate storage and bin room, just one of several hidden luxuries in the three-storey layout. Upstairs, a self-contained wing includes three identical bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, along with a cinema room with projector wiring, a second living area, kitchenette, study nook and European laundry, perfect for long-term guests or multigenerational families. A chef's dream: the marble kitchen is fitted with V-Zug appliances, dual ovens, and a dramatic golden pendant centrepiece. Expansive family zones seamlessly connect to outdoor entertaining, with designer touches and statement furniture throughout. The Gary Peer & Associates partner said the scale of the really blew buyers away. 'Even seasoned buyers would walk through and say, 'We weren't expecting that',' Mr Peer said. And while the design language spoke of Toorak or Bayside, the buyers came from just down the road. 'All the serious interest came from Caulfield locals,' he said. 'The eventual buyer was a young person who grew up in the suburb. 'Their parents live nearby. They were set on staying in Caulfield South — not even Caulfield North — which is pretty rare.' The secure basement garage fits four cars with ease, with a separate bin room and additional storage behind. An opulent ensuite with green-hued onyx and full-height marble, the epitome of high-end designer indulgence. Gary Peer & Associates had sold the home previously under different owners, with Mr Peer being invited back to mark the personal milestone for Mr Miceli. 'The vendor bought it about 13 to 15 years ago and spent all that time crafting it,' he said. 'He's a perfectionist, and this was a passion project — not just a house but a real labour of love. It was a privilege to represent him.' The vendor, architect Patrick Miceli, purchased the property in 2009 for $1.258m. In today's dollars, that would be equivalent to about $1.84m, meaning Villa Rosa has gained more than $3.7m in nominal value — and about $3.16m in real, inflation-adjusted terms. Layered with chevron parquetry and designer lighting, the main living zone pairs bold textures with soft green tones for relaxed, high-end entertaining. A second bathroom clad in gold-toned stone makes a bold and elegant statement for guests. With the previous suburb record sitting at $4.71m, also set by Mr Peer just weeks earlier, the agency entered the campaign confident Villa Rosa had what it took to go higher. 'From day one, we said if it sells above five, it'll be a new record — and that's exactly what happened,' Mr Peer said. The sale marked the first residential transaction in Caulfield South to exceed $5m, a milestone publicly confirmed by Gary Peer & Associates on social media following the result. 'Daniel Peer has SMASHED the record price in Caulfield South,' the agency posted. 'Selling 6 Sea View Street for the first ever sale over $5,000,000.' One of three upstairs bedrooms, each with its own ensuite and custom joinery, creating a luxurious private wing for guests or family. Mr Peer said the strength of the winter sale pointed to strong momentum heading into the second half of the year. 'Rates have stabilised, political confidence is returning, and buyers are feeling more certain,' he said. 'That last rate cut was described as a 'confidence cut', and that's what we're seeing now. 'There's strong competition for standout homes like this.' Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: $2m estate boasts three homes, wedding aisle Fury over plans to revive 'ghost town' Iconic Melb site snapped up in $23m deal
