Nasal antibody spray blocks flu in trials; tiny RNA replicator sheds light on origin of life; mirror-life moratorium debate; oak root microbiomes and drought resilience

This Naked Scientists episode surveys breakthroughs at the intersection of immunology, molecular biology, and ecology. In the Netherlands, Leiden Labs reports a nasal spray using antibodies to block influenza strains at the entry point in the nose, with potential to tackle future pandemics and common colds. The show also dives into origin-of-life research, where a compact 45-nucleotide RNA molecule may copy itself, bringing the RNA world hypothesis closer to plausibility. In addition, guests discuss mirror-life governance and a study showing oak trees recruiting drought-tolerant microbes to survive heat and water stress, highlighting the role of root microbiomes in plant resilience. Finally, the program hints at upcoming episodes on cardiac gene therapy and other topics.

Overview

The Naked Scientists episode blends immunology, molecular biology, and ecology to explore recent research advances and ongoing debates. It features researchers from Leiden Labs discussing an antibody nasal spray designed to block influenza at the virus' point of entry in the nose, a tiny RNA molecule that can copy itself as a potential clue to the origin of life, and discussions around mirror-life and the regulatory caution it warrants. The program also covers oak tree root microbiomes and how microbes respond to drought, illustrating the interconnectedness of biology from pathogens to ecosystems.

Nasal antibody spray against influenza: a potential game changer

In the Netherlands, Leiden Labs is developing an antibody-based nasal spray that can protect against multiple influenza strains by delivering antibodies directly to the nasal mucosa, where flu viruses establish infection. The spray targets conserved regions of the virus, potentially offering broad protection during flu season and across future pandemics. The approach is envisioned as a daily preventative, akin to allergy sprays, creating a protective nasal environment that viruses must contend with before they replicate deeper in the body. Early human clinical data indicate good safety and high antibody concentrations in the nasal passages, correlating with prior lab results and supporting the idea that this could reduce infection risk in real-world settings. "These contain antibodies that can protect people against not just one type of flu, but actually the whole set of influenza viruses" - Konrad Wiedhal, Leiden Labs

"These antibodies effectively hit bits of the virus that is invariable. So from one flu season to the next, this doesn't change." - Konrad Wiedhal, Leiden Labs

"The next step is to confirm protection in real-world conditions as people go about their daily lives during flu season"

Small RNA replicator and the RNA world

The episode then moves to origin-of-life research, where Eduardo Gianni and Phil Holliger describe finding a much shorter RNA that can exhibit self-synthesis behaviors. The find, at 45 nucleotides long, contrasts with prior shorter-known RNA copies of at least 150 nucleotides, making the RNA world hypothesis more plausible by reducing the barrier to spontaneous emergence. The researchers can observe tiny amounts of self-synthesis in a test tube, a first glimpse toward understanding how replication could have begun on the early Earth. The team is exploring whether structure can be predicted with AI tools like AlphaFold, though current predictions are not yet perfect for their molecule, and further structural insight would help illuminate how RNA folds to enable replication. "I think it's a significant step to a better understanding how that crucial step kind of could have happened, because what we've discovered just makes that whole process so much more plausible than it was before" - Phil Holliger, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Mirror-life and the call for regulatory caution

The discussion shifts to mirror-life, a concept involving biomolecules of opposite handedness. Kate Adamala outlines concerns about a self-replicating mirror-cell potentially escaping regulation or predators, creating a biosafety risk. She argues for an urgent moratorium on research that could enable mirror self-replicating cells, while supporting mirror biomolecule research for medical purposes within strict safeguards. The panel positions this debate as timely, noting a trajectory toward practical capabilities within roughly a decade, with many researchers advocating pre-emptive governance to prevent misuse or unintended environmental consequences. The Hollywood portrayal of mirror-life in popular culture underscores the broader social and ethical dimensions of this work. "We're advocating for a moratorium on making mirror self-replicating cells. We strongly support mirror molecule, biomolecule research for medical purposes, but we think we should stop this work before we're capable of making a cell that's made out of mirror molecules that can replicate and live in the environment" - Kate Adamala, University of Minnesota

Oak trees and drought resilience through root microbiomes

In the segment on plants, James McDonald describes a field study examining how mature oaks respond to drought and hydraulic stress. Researchers manipulated rainfall around trees and applied ring barking to simulate water and nutrient limitations, then sampled root microbiomes over two years. DNA sequencing revealed that bacterial communities changed relatively quickly under drought, while fungal communities shifted more slowly, suggesting a stable core microbiome that may help trees tolerate stress. Some root-associated bacteria tied to drought tolerance in other plants were found to become more dominant, indicating the trees may recruit beneficial microbes to weather challenging conditions. This work hints at possibilities for harnessing microbial allies to protect vulnerable species in changing climates. "the tree is manipulating the environment around the roots to enrich the things that give it the best chance of survival under those particular circumstances" - James McDonald, Birmingham University

Closing thoughts

The episode closes with reflections on the pace of these breakthroughs and the need for careful governance as science pushes into frontiers where biology intersects with technology and ecosystems. Viewers are invited to engage with the show through donations and social channels as the Naked Scientists continue exploring science at the cutting edge of discovery.