A vaccine made from DNA has for the first time produced a protective immune
response. Eleven patients vaccinated against hepatitis B virus produced copious
antibodies. “If antibodies are raised to these levels, individuals are presumed
to be protected,” says Russ Smestad of PowderJect Vaccines in Madison,
Wisconsin. The vaccine—microscopic gold beads coated with viral
DNA—was shot through the skin using compressed helium. Proteins made by
the DNA trigger antibody production.
More from 91av
Explore the latest news, articles and features

Environment
Arctic Ocean reaches tipping point that could be dire for marine life
News

Technology
Technology is changing our perspective on nature – at every scale
Comment

Inside the emerging science of healthspan extension for pets
Advertising

Life
Has the answer to life's origins been hiding in our cells all along?
Features
Popular articles
Trending 91av articles
1
Sperm have been made magnetic to allow IVF inside the body
2
Has the answer to life's origins been hiding in our cells all along?
3
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
4
We may have finally solved cosmology's chicken-or-the-egg problem
5
What is a ‘normal’ memory slowdown, and when should I worry?
6
Are useful and error-free quantum computers only two years away?
7
Toy universe shows that time could be a quantum illusion
8
Dinosaur-killing asteroid impact site stayed hot for millions of years
9
The social media ban is an experiment – here’s how it will be studied
10
Inside the start-up aiming for a giant leap in robot intelligence