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This story was distributed nationally on NPR stations.

In the past few years, scientists have learned how to manipulate an organism91�������יs DNA to try to cure genetic disorders.

But there91�������יs another type of genetic material that scientists are focusing on 91�������ה RNA 91�������ה which played a critical role in the COVID vaccines.

Today, scientists across Massachusetts are conducting RNA research on marine animals they hope will lead to better therapeutics for humans.

Squid as a model organism

On a recent sunny morning, scientist Josh Rosenthal was waiting on a dock in Woods Hole, on the southwest corner of Cape Cod.

Rosenthal, who works at the Marine Biological Laboratory, was checking in with the crew of the Gemma, a 50-foot research vessel that was about to go out for the day.

The crew catches marine animals that scientists study to help understand basic biology; they91�������יre known as "model organisms."

On this day, they91�������יre looking out for cephalopods, a marine category that includes squid and octopus, which are then held in tanks in a nearby building.

Rosenthal reached into one of the tanks and pulled out a translucent substance.

91�������לYou see those little jelly-like fingers down there? Those are each filled with 50 to 100 (squid) eggs," he said.

Source: Massachusetts scientists study squid to develop disease treatments and opioid alternatives | WCAI / NPR