The world, the universe and us How mRNA vaccines teach your body to kill cancer; Grim state of climate action; Why birds sing the dawn chorus
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Oct 24, 2025 Michael Le Page, a science journalist, discusses how mRNA vaccines have unexpectedly improved cancer immunotherapy outcomes, nearly doubling survival rates. Meanwhile, Sophie Boehm, a climate researcher, highlights alarming findings from the State of Climate Action 2025 report, revealing failures to meet Paris climate goals. They share the urgency of addressing issues like deforestation and coal reliance, while emphasizing the importance of global climate accountability. Lastly, they explore why birds sing at dawn, unveiling intriguing theories tied to light, melatonin, and social dynamics.
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mRNA Vaccines May Trigger Broad Anti‑Tumour Responses
- mRNA vaccines appear to boost anti-tumour immune activity beyond their intended target.
- Animal studies suggest this is a general property of mRNA vaccines, not just COVID shots.
Control Vaccines Produced Unexpected Results
- Elias Sayour's team used nonspecific mRNA vaccines as trial controls and unexpectedly saw anti-cancer effects.
- Their surprise finding in cancer vaccine trials prompted follow-up animal studies and human record analyses.
Vaccines Can Reawaken Tumour‑Dormant T Cells
- mRNA vaccines may 'sound a siren' that mobilises previously inactive tumour‑specific T cells.
- This mobilised interaction in lymph nodes could broaden immune attack against tumours.