COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, led to global health and economic crises. While vaccines have been developed, challenges remain, including multi-dose requirements, varying efficacy, and emerging variants. This highlights the urgent need for new antivirals, such as small-molecule drugs targeting essential viral proteins and nucleic acids.

The study explores the development and application of synthetic riboswitches as tools for precise gene regulation in mammalian systems. Riboswitches are RNA-based regulatory elements that respond to specific inducer molecules, enabling modular and customizable control over cellular behaviour. These synthetic constructs integrate natural RNA-mediated mechanisms and have been utilized in diverse applications such as gene therapy, bio-production, and cellular reprogramming.

Diabetes exacerbates outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 infections, contributing to increased mortality. Several recent studies suggest that metformin, a widely used antidiabetic drug, may improve survival in COVID-19 patients. Joshi G et al. from Dr. Prasenjit’s lab have revealed critical insights into the increased severity of COVID-19 in diabetic patients and potential therapeutic interventions.

Sepsis is a serious, life-threatening condition that occurs when the body overreacts to a bacterial or viral infection, leading to chronic inflammation, organ damage, and even death. During sepsis, the immune system goes into overdrive, causing a “cytokine storm” where inflammatory chemicals flood the body, leading to severe complications.