PNAS – Podcast Interview with Cozzarelli Prize Winner Dr. Benjamin tenOever

Dr. Benjamin tenOever discusses his team's prize winning discovery that could be the key to developing a universal influenza A vaccine.

The Influenza A virus is a seasonal pathogen that infects millions each year, and is potentially fatal to the young and the elderly, and people with certain preexisting medical conditions. Flu prevention is becoming increasingly effective, as researchers develop better immunization strategies and policymakers work to better inform the public. But the influenza A virus mutates so rapidly that each year a new strain emerges that is resistant to last years’ vaccine. The key to resolving this stalemate is targeting some aspect of the virus’ ability to spread that is both critical and common to every strain. This year’s Cozzarelli prize in Biomedical Sciences was awarded to Dr. Benjamin tenOever’s research team that may have identified just such a target. Listen