Eggshells

If you've ever raised chickens, you know how long the eggs stay fresh in their shells even without refrigeration.  Some clever people are working on a genetic trick to get vaccines to form their own calcium shells so they can more easily reach remote populations lacking refrigeration.

H/t Rocket Science.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

37 degrees Celsius is human body temperature. This invention is a LONG way away from being practical.

Also, anyone who thinks that eggs won't rot if stored in a warehouse for 6 months should just try it. I dare you.

Valerie

DL Sly said...

I just learned from my tribal sister this last winter that as long as you don't wash the egg they will last a very long time (can't remember the length she said -- alcohol will do that) in normal cool temperatures as the shell contains a natural enzyme that forms a barrier which keeps air from penetrating the shell thereby keeping the embryo inside from rotting.
Lived next to a farm all my younger years, ate farm-fresh eggs the entire time...never knew that.
0>:~}

E Hines said...

May I suggest to your sister century eggs....

Eric Hines

DL Sly said...

You may.
After a quick search, I won't.
I like my sister.
A lot.
0>:~}

Texan99 said...

Just being able to keep the vaccine in an un-air-conditioned truck for several days while you trek out to an isolated village would be a big step forward.