According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the norovirus, which is widespread worldwide, is the cause of a large proportion of gastrointestinal infections. Those who catch the virus suffer from nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. It is very contagious and can spread quickly from person to person.
There is not much that can be done preventively beyond general hygiene rules. There is currently no vaccine against the norovirus. However, doctors have now begun to test the world’s first mRNA vaccine against the norovirus.
Norovirus vaccine based on mRNA technology is being tested
The vaccine is to undergo a phase three clinical trial called Nova 301. In two years, 25,000 people, mainly over 60 years old, from countries such as Japan, Canada and Australia are to be involved, reports the Guardian. Mobile teams are also to be used to make it easier for people to participate in the trial.
Half of the participants are to receive the new mRNA vaccine and the other half a saline solution as a placebo. The assignment follows at random.
Various institutions of the British National Health Service (NHS) and the pharmaceutical company Moderna, which manufactures the vaccine, are involved in the study. The norovirus vaccine is based on an mRNA technology with which the company Moderna, but also Pizer/Biontech, have already produced a vaccine against the corona virus.
In an earlier trial with the new norovirus vaccine, strong immune reactions are said to have already been detected in humans. The study is now about investigating whether the vaccine is effective against the virus itself and, if so, how long the protection lasts. “At least 65 percent (efficacy) or more is what we would consider clinically sensible,” the Guardian quotes Dr. Doran Fink of Moderna.
Norovirus is a threat to old and sick people
Norovirus outbreaks are common in hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers or schools. Especially for very young or old people and for anyone who has a weakened immune system, an infection can have serious consequences. A successful vaccine would help ensure that operations in nursing homes could be maintained normally, says Prof. Saul Faust of the University of Southampton, according to the report.
General practitioner and study leader Dr. Patrick Moore emphasizes how high the burden of norovirus is. Worldwide, there are about 685 million cases and 200,000 deaths every year. In the UK, there are about four million cases a year.
It is hoped that a vaccine could bring health and economic benefits. “In the UK, norovirus costs the NHS an estimated £100 million a year [and] if you take into account the loss of earnings, it’s about £300 million,” says Moore.
If the result of the study is positive, it is expected that it will be possible to submit an application for approval for the vaccine in 2026. However, the review process would take another up to a year. In addition, further studies on teenagers and younger people would be needed.

News
Nanotechnology for oil spill response and cleanup in coastal regions
(Nanowerk News) Cleaning up after a major oil spill is a long, expensive process, and the damage to a coastal region’s ecosystem can be significant. This is especially true for the world’s Arctic region, [...]
The Role of Nanotechnology in Space Exploration
Nanotechnology, which involves working with materials at the atomic or molecular level, is becoming increasingly important in space exploration. By improving strength, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and radiation resistance, nanotechnology is helping create lighter, more [...]
New Study Challenges Beliefs About CBD in Pregnancy, Reveals Unexpected Risks
CBD is gaining popularity as a remedy for pregnancy symptoms like nausea and anxiety, but new research suggests it may not be as safe as many believe. A study from McMaster University found that [...]
Does COVID increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
Scientists discover that even mild COVID-19 can alter brain proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease, potentially increasing dementia risk—raising urgent public health concerns. A recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine investigated whether both mild and [...]
New MRI Study Reveals How Cannabis Alters Brain Activity and Weakens Memory
A massive new study sheds light on how cannabis affects the brain, particularly during cognitive tasks. Researchers analyzed over 1,000 young adults and found that both heavy lifetime use and recent cannabis consumption significantly reduced brain [...]
How to Assess Nanotoxicity: Key Methods and Protocols
With their high surface area and enhanced physicochemical properties, nanomaterials play a critical role in drug delivery, consumer products, and environmental technologies. However, their nanoscale dimensions enable interactions with cellular components in complex and [...]
Nanotech drug delivery shows lasting benefits, reducing need for repeat surgeries
A nanotechnology-based drug delivery system developed at UVA Health to save patients from repeated surgeries has proved to have unexpectedly long-lasting benefits in lab tests – a promising sign for its potential to help human patients. [...]
Scientists Just Found DNA’s Building Blocks in Asteroid Bennu – Could This Explain Life’s Origins?
Japanese scientists detected all five nucleobases — building blocks of DNA and RNA — in samples returned from asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission brought back 121.6 grams of asteroid Bennu, unveiling nitrogen-rich organic matter, including DNA’s essential [...]
AI-Designed Proteins – Unlike Any Found in Nature – Revolutionize Snakebite Treatment
Scientists have pioneered a groundbreaking method to combat snake venom using newly designed proteins, offering hope for more effective, accessible, and affordable antivenom solutions. By utilizing advanced computational techniques and deep learning, this innovative [...]
New nanosystem offers hope for improved diagnosis and treatment of tongue cancer
A pioneering study has unveiled the Au-HN-1 nanosystem, a cutting-edge approach that promises to transform the diagnosis and treatment of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). By harnessing gold nanoparticles coupled with the HN-1 peptide, [...]
Global Trust in Science Is Stronger Than Expected – What’s Next?
A landmark global survey conducted across 68 countries has found that public trust in scientists remains robust, with significant support for their active involvement in societal and political matters. The study highlights the public’s [...]
Microplastics in the bloodstream may pose hidden risks to brain health
In a recent study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers investigated the impact of microplastics on blood flow and neurobehavioral functions in mice. Using advanced imaging techniques, they observed that microplastics obstruct cerebral blood [...]
AI Surveillance: New Study Exposes Hidden Risks to Your Privacy
A new mathematical model enhances the evaluation of AI identification risks, offering a scalable solution to balance technological benefits with privacy protection. AI tools are increasingly used to track and monitor people both online [...]
Permafrost Thaw: Unleashing Ancient Pathogens and Greenhouse Gases
Permafrost is a fascinating yet alarming natural phenomenon. It refers to ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. Mostly found in polar regions like Siberia, Alaska, and Canada, permafrost plays a [...]
Frequent social media use tied to higher levels of irritability
A survey led by researchers from the Center for Quantitative Health at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School has analyzed the association between self-reported social media use and irritability among US adults. Frequent [...]
Australian oysters’ blood could hold key to fighting drug-resistant superbugs
Protein found in Sydney rock oysters’ haemolymph can kill bacteria and boost some antibiotics’ effectiveness, scientists discover An antimicrobial protein found in the blood of an Australian oyster could help in the fight against [...]