The exact origins of SARS-CoV-2 are still something of a mystery, but scientists may be one step closer. This week, we discuss research that points to a possible explanation for how the virus reached Wuhan. Also in the episode, we dive into GEN’s coverage of the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), including how the community is navigating massive research budget cuts. Then we discuss a potential therapy for colorectal cancer using CRISPR-edited tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and a method for delivering protein therapies and gene editors using engineered vesicles. Lastly, in business news, Recursion rethinks its pipeline, the FDA gives Abeona’s gene therapy a chance, and Bristol Myers Squibb execs open up on artificial intelligence.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
AACR 2025: A Video Update from Chicago
By Julianna LeMieux, PhD, and Damian Doherty, GEN, April 29, 2025
Goodbye Chicago: A Final Video Update From AACR
By Julianna LeMieux, PhD, and Damian Doherty, GEN, May 1, 2025
Hope and Headwinds at AACR in Chicago
By Damian Doherty, GEN, April 29, 2025
Senator Tammy Baldwin Supports Science in AACR Speech
By Julianna LeMieux, PhD, GEN, April 29, 2025
CRISPR-Edited TILs Fight Advanced Colorectal Cancer in Patients
GEN, May 4, 2025
Engineered Extracellular Vesicles Could Deliver Gene Editors, Therapeutic Proteins to Cells
By GEN, April 30, 2025
SARS-CoV-2 Likely Spread Through Wildlife Trade, Not Bat Migration
GEN, May 7, 2025
Chatting with Author David Quammen about SARS-CoV-2 Will Leave You “Breathless”
Originally aired: November 16, 2022
Recursion Halts Four Pipeline Programs, Sharpening Cancer, Rare Disease Focus
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, May 5, 2025
StockWatch: Second Time’s the Charm for Abeona’s Gene Therapy
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, May 4, 2025
Predict First: BMS Executives Discuss Company’s AI Approach
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, March 26, 2025