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From cancer medications to quantum computers: discover how our scientists are pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

On Russian Science Day, breakthroughs made by domestic scientists have been highlighted.
От онкопрепаратов до квантовых компьютеров: как наши ученые раздвигают горизонты возможностей.

A vaccine against cancer developed by Russian scientists has successfully completed preclinical trials.

Photo: Ivan MAKEEV. Go to the KP Photo Bank

On Russian Science Day, KP.RU explored how our scientists are redefining the impossible for the benefit of humanity and compiled a list of the 5 most astonishing domestic breakthroughs in science.

1. Advances in Cancer Treatment: Two Innovative Drugs Created.

- Personalized mRNA vaccine – developed by specialists from the N.F. Gamaleya Center, the P.A. Herzen Moscow Research Institute of Oncology, and the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology.

The key point: during surgery, a tumor sample is taken from the patient. All necessary genetic information about the cancer cells, including unique antigen proteins, is extracted from this sample. An artificial intelligence system selects the most suitable antigens capable of activating the immune system to destroy the tumor. Then, mRNA molecules that encode these antigens are created. These molecules are injected into the patient subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously. The immune system recognizes the introduced antigens and begins to attack the remaining cancer cells and metastases after the surgery.

The main goal of the vaccine is to prevent the emergence of metastases and to bring the patient into a stable remission – recovery, ideally for the rest of their life.

- Drug from 4 oncolytic enteroviruses - developed by the V.A. Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, with trials conducted at the P.A. Herzen Oncology Institute.

The key point: the selected viruses can selectively destroy cancer cells due to their active replication within such cells. Oncolytic viruses alter the immune status within the tumor and its microenvironment from immunosuppressed to active.

2. Synchrotron “SKIF”.

Construction is underway for the “Siberian Ring Photon Source” (SKIF) Shared Use Center in the science city of Koltsovo, Novosibirsk region.

This is a large-scale scientific complex: 34 buildings and specialized facilities for advanced research using synchrotron radiation (electromagnetic waves of charged particles). The completion of construction is scheduled for the end of 2025.

The key point: the “SKIF” synchrotron will open new opportunities for fundamental scientific research and practical developments in fields such as chemistry, physics, materials science, biology, geology, and the humanities, as well as help in the development of innovative industrial production.

3. AI Getting Closer to the Human Brain.

Scientists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), Lobachevsky University, and Southern Federal University (SFedU) have “implanted” an AI neural network model into a memristor – a device that mimics a synapse (the connection between neurons). The memristor can reproduce changes in synapse functioning that occur in the human brain during the learning process and the memorization of new information. This achievement brings artificial intelligence closer to the workings of the human brain.

The key point: the scientists used mathematical modeling to test whether it is possible to reproduce processes occurring in the brain using memristors. It turned out that this is indeed possible. Memristors can change their resistance depending on the current flowing through them. This effect resembles the change in conductivity of synapses in the human brain under the influence of electrical impulses, marking an important step towards creating artificial intelligence that operates on the principles of a biological brain.

AI Getting Closer to the Human Brain

Photo: Shutterstock.

4. The World's First Drug for Bekhterev's Disease.

The Russian Ministry of Health has registered a medication for Bekhterev's disease – a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the sacroiliac joints and spine.

The key point: the drug is based on a monoclonal antibody. It can halt the immune-inflammatory process and, potentially, the progression of the disease itself.

5. 50-Qubit Quantum Computer.

This wonder machine was developed by the scientific team of the Russian Quantum Center (RQC) and the P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (FIAN).

The key point: a 50-qubit computer represents computational power. Unlike classical bits, qubits can exist in a superposition of states, allowing them to solve problems that are beyond the reach of conventional intelligent machines. Additionally, the 50-qubit QC can share its computations via a cloud platform, enabling the testing of quantum algorithms without physical access to the computer's hardware, thus advancing education and science.

The key point: a 50-qubit computer represents computational power

Photo: Shutterstock.

What's the benefit: quantum computers can tackle challenges in managing complex systems with many changing parameters. For example, they can predict whether a new drug will work or forecast climate changes.

Moreover, quantum computers can simulate complex quantum systems, which is useful in chemistry, pharmacology, the development of new medications, and the creation of new materials for space technologies, among others. Additionally, quantum computers can devise new methods for protecting digital data from hacking.