Moderna kicks off Phase 1 trial of 3 different mRNA HIV vaccines
The trial is expected to run until mid-2023. By that point it is hoped one of the three formulations will have demonstrated robust immune responses and Phase 2 trials can commence.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has long been a hub for education, public health, and civic innovation. This archive tracks progress stories from across the state — from Boston’s research institutions to smaller cities finding local solutions to shared challenges.
New fusion tech set to unlock near-limitless ultra-deep geothermal energy
MIT spin-off Quaise says it’s going to use hijacked fusion technology to drill the deepest holes in history, unlocking clean, supercritical geothermal energy that can re-power fossil-fueled power plants all over the world.
Boston Mayor Wu divests city funds from fossil fuels
The measure prohibits public investment in any financial instrument deriving more than 15% of its revenue from fossil fuels, as well as from tobacco products or jail or prison facilities.
MIT-designed project achieves major advance toward fusion energy
A new superconducting magnet breaks magnetic field strength records, paving the way for practical, commercial, carbon-free power.
Boston University to fully divest from fossil fuel industry
Going forward, BU will phase out any investments in companies that extract oil and natural gas. The University’s endowment, more than $3 billion, will not have any direct investments in fossil fuel companies.
Harvard University to end investment in fossil fuels
President Bacow said the school’s endowment had no direct investments in fossil fuel exploration or development companies as of June and will not make such investments in the future.
Moderna starts human trials for its revolutionary HIV vaccine
The clinical trials will start on August 19 and end sometime around spring 2023, according to the National Institutes of Health’s trial registry. They will involve 56 HIV-negative participants aged 18 to 56.
‘Holy grail’ battery breakthrough sees scientists solve 40-year problem
The development, made by a team at Harvard University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, increases the lifetime of electric vehicles while simultaneously increasing their range and reducing their charge time.
U.S. approves 800-MW Vineyard Wind as its first major offshore wind farm
The Vineyard Wind 1 project will feature dozens of the world’s most powerful offshore wind turbines, which will work together to generate enough electricity for up to 400,000 homes.
Massachusetts passes sweeping climate legislation to reduce emissions
The law, which was passed last week by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, sets emission limits at 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 75 percent below by 2040 with interim limits every five years.