The Associated Press examines some of the week’s most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals. This is a bogus one, even though it was widely shared on social media. Here are the facts:
Claims: The new vaccine for COVID-19 will be the first to date. It will be a “Mirna vaccine” that will literally change your DNA. It will wrap itself in your system. You will essentially become a genetically modified human being.
Facts: Experts say the mRNA vaccine does not alter your DNA.
Researchers are working to test the vaccine to prevent the spread of COVID-19, sharing false information to dispel suspicions before social media posts become available to the public. Posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram suggest that the new coronavirus mRNA vaccine will genetically modify humans.
Candidates for both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, which began phase 3 testing in July, use mRNA. Such a vaccine is a new and unconventional technology that experts say is an easier and faster way to produce a vaccine than traditional methods.
They work by inserting messenger RNA molecules into your body, causing cells to produce proteins similar to the virus proteins that make up SARS-CV-2, said Brent R., a professor of biology and chemistry at Columbia University. Said Stockwell.
“Then your immune cells recognize this viral protein and produce the immune system against it, primarily by producing antibodies that recognize the viral protein,” he said in an email.
There are other concerns with the mRNA vaccine, such as the degree and length of protection and possible side effects, Stockwell said modifying DNA is not one of them.
The Cleveland Clinic’s lung specialist, Dr. Dan Culver agreed that it is not possible to change your DNA for the mRNA vaccine. “This won’t change your genetic makeup,” he said. “This RNA The period of time that cells live is relatively short. All you have to do is stick the recipe card in the protein making cell for a few hours. ”
– Beatrice Dupuy