Considered until two years ago the poor brother of DNA, with the pandemic and the success it has had in fighting the coronavirus it has taken a good revenge. We are talking about RNA. It is thanks to this molecule on which the new type of vaccine against Covid-19 is based, that the hopes of scientists and researchers from all over the world are ignited who are testing those same potentials for the other great challenges of medicine. The RNA and the belief that the strategy used against Sars-CoV2 can also be adapted for autoimmune diseases, rare diseases, HIV and even cancer, the cover story of the new issue of Salute ( on newsstands February 24 with the Republic, the print and the newspapers of the Gedi Group).
Two years of Covid: who’s to blame?
by Daniela Minerva
The signature of Letizia Gabaglio, with a scientific comment by Pino Macino, an Italian scientist who has always dealt with RNA at the highest levels in the world, the cover story explains how RNA, the molecule that is allowing us to get out of the pandemic, can help us develop new therapies against big killers. For example, thanks to its versatility, personalized anticancer drugs are being studied that identify precise targets. In Italy, the Italian Institute of Technology has been betting on RNA for years. We went to see them.
In the trenches against Covid, but the puzzle has yet to be solved
by Alberto Mantovani
In Medicine section, with Irma D’Aria we examine the pathologies of the cornea, the symptoms we must pay attention to, what we must do to avoid eye infections and save sight. Eye health according to the annual report of the Ministry of Health is a problem that affects 43 out of 100 people in Italy, of which 18% are under the age of 15. We also talk about Long Covid and heart problems and how to tell if the prosthetic bones are failing.
In Wellness section let’s go back to talking about biotechnologies related to food. Always with the aim of protecting the environment, reducing the environmental impact and pollution. In an increasingly cruelty-free future, the research of fish in vitro finds its place, that is to recreate salmon and molluscs in the laboratory. Giulia Masoero Regis explains its pros and cons. For the character we interviewed Palmiro Fongher rowing champion for decades at the Historical Regatta in Venice. He just turned 90 and is still an athlete. We went to visit him on his island, Pellestrina, where he has always lived. To Alberto Vitucci he reveals his secret of longevity: “I go rowing every day”. And then the columns: the one for bicycle enthusiasts with Ciclo-stile by Francesco Franchi, for ski lovers with Max Cassani. Cinzia Lucchelli inaugurates the column dedicated to sports for children. Today passionate about tennis and its champion. The great Matteo Berrettini.