RNA Day at the University at Albany and announcements about new projects

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) —Cutting-edge science is happening right here in the Capital Region. It's World RNA Day at the University at Albany RNA institute program. This program has researchers working on possible breakthroughs that could lead to new treatments for diseases.

“The goal here is for UAlbany researchers through the RNA Institute, to be able to test out potential treatments around disease, and they'll be able to model the treatments so much more quickly using A.I,” said Chancellor John B. King Jr.-the 15th Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY).

The announcement was that Empire A.I., a state partnership of A.I. research, will be used to help scientists study RNA faster and more deeply by analyzing huge amounts of genetic data. 

“For example, you think about cancer and Alzheimer's and the number of people who are affected by those diseases. You think about A.L.S. and the lives lost to that disease," said Chancellor John B. King Jr. "These are diseases that we can help to better treat by using the computing power that AI presents." 

Research students in the RNA institute summer program say science is more than just about finding treatments for diseases, it's also about bridging the gap and helping the public understand what they do and why it’s important. 

 “You learn how to communicate with the community, how you can spread the message of science in a way that the community understands. And you can be the bridge between the community and research. So, it's a great opportunity," said Massa Masri, an RNA institute research student.

Right now, the RNA institute's main focus is on muscular dystrophy which consists of 50 different unique diseases.

“We're pushing forward this research that is going to lead to treatments and cures for myotonic dystrophy and other forms of muscular dystrophy,” said Andy Berglund, the director of the RNA Institute at the University of Albany.

This program is partnering with other New York universities, and each institution is contributing funding to the project. Officials hope in 3 to 5 years they will see very rapid progress in treating disease.