Half of vaccines are binned - 'fridge-free' versions could change that

refrigerated

cooled | Most vaccines need to be refrigerated during storage and transport.

wasted

discarded | Around half of vaccines are wasted each year worldwide.

unusable

ineffective | Vaccines can become unusable if they get too hot or too cold.

volunteer

participant | Sixty volunteers took part in the vaccine trial.

trial

test | The fridge-free vaccine was tested in a clinical trial.

cold chain

cooling system | Vaccines usually rely on the cold chain to remain effective.

storage

keeping | Proper storage is essential for vaccine effectiveness.

transportation

delivery | Strict temperature control is needed during transportation.

remote

isolated | Maintaining the cold chain is difficult in remote regions.

scarce

limited | Refrigeration can be scarce in some parts of the world.

unreliable

inconsistent | Electricity may be unreliable in war zones.

inspired

influenced | The new technology was inspired by resurrection plants.

drought

dry spell | Resurrection plants can survive a severe drought.

trehalose

protective sugar | Trehalose helps protect the vaccine's vital components.

stabilise

protect | Trehalose can stabilise cells during dry conditions.

equivalent

comparable | The new vaccine produced equivalent immune responses.

immune response

body reaction | The vaccine generated a strong immune response.

tolerated

accepted | The treatment was well tolerated by participants.

dependence

reliance | Scientists hope to reduce dependence on refrigeration.

wastage

waste | The new technology could significantly reduce vaccine wastage.

approved

authorised | The original vaccine is already approved for use.

licensed

certified | The vaccine has been licensed by regulators.

viable

effective | The vaccine remained viable across a range of temperatures.

humidity

moisture | Researchers tested the vaccine under high humidity conditions.

globally

worldwide | Half of all vaccines are wasted globally.

expiration date

expiry date | Some vaccines are discarded after their expiration date.

multi-dose vial

shared container | Unused doses from a multi-dose vial may be wasted.

inhospitable

harsh | Health workers often travel through inhospitable areas.

stabilised

preserved | Many vaccines could be stabilised using trehalose.

monoclonal antibodies

targeted antibodies | Some monoclonal antibodies must be kept cold.

breakthrough

advance | Experts described the research as a significant breakthrough.

investigation

research | Further investigation is still needed before wider use.

fluctuating

changing | Scientists are studying the effects of fluctuating temperatures.

ethnically diverse

multicultural | Larger and more ethnically diverse groups need to be tested.

published

released | The findings were published in a medical journal.

immunisation

vaccination | Immunisation protects people from serious diseases.

innovation

invention | Experts called the technology an important innovation.

game-changer

revolution | Fridge-free vaccines could be a game-changer for global health.

sustainable

long-lasting | The technology may make vaccination programmes more sustainable.

equitable

fair | Researchers hope the approach will provide more equitable access to vaccines.