this post was submitted on 05 Dec 2023
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Ultrasound can push vaccines into the body without needles (www.newscientist.com)
submitted 2 years ago by tsonfeir@lemm.ee to c/technology@lemmy.world
188 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Vaccines can be delivered through the skin using ultrasound. This method doesn’t damage the skin and eliminates the need for painful needles. To create a needle-free vaccine, Darcy Dunn-Lawless at the University of Oxford and his colleagues mixed vaccine molecules with tiny, cup-shaped proteins. They then applied liquid mixture to the skin of mice and exposed it to ultrasound – like that used for sonograms – for about a minute and a half.

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[–] MeatPilot@lemmy.world 30 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (7 children)

History proves we do the cheapest, easiest, and fastest. So allow me to shit all over this idea...

  • This is slow at 1.5 mins vs a needle takes about 5 secs.
  • Takes skill to operate an ultrasound machine and probably training to get a consistent dose vs pull needle to this line and jab in arm to know you got it all in there.
  • Every Rite Aid and CVS would need an ultrasound machine vs here are these cheap disposable needles that require no power or maintenance.

Sure they might develop it faster or make a new more portable thing. But that's going to take a long long time when no one gives a shit to invest money in a new thing when needles work.

[–] Mereo@lemmy.ca 23 points 2 years ago (1 children)

As with all new inventions/procedures, this is just the first step. The process will become faster and more efficient in the future.

In my opinion, this is a great first step towards a Star Trek-like hypospray.

[–] KairuByte@lemmy.dbzer0.com 18 points 2 years ago

No one is suggesting this be put in practice in its current form, that would be insane. That said, this is a good first step for alternative forms of vaccination. “First step” being the important part.

[–] Wrench@lemmy.world 8 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Might be useful for those people whose blood doesn't clot. Though I don't know if a small syringe needle is even an issue for them anyway

[–] scarabic@lemmy.world 7 points 2 years ago (1 children)

A machine that produces ultrasonic waves is not that complex. It’s the sensors and qualified technician to read and capture the scans that’s expensive.

Plus have you ever had to physically restrain your child through a needle shot? You said “easiest” and that shit ain’t easy.

[–] SacralPlexus@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago

You seem to be the only commenter here who recognizes that this would be amazing for pediatric patients - who coincidentally receive way more vaccines than adults.

[–] Neato@kbin.social 5 points 2 years ago
  • 1.5min really isn't that long compared to the procedures just to process insurance, identity, etc. Retrieving needles, etc. This only needs the topical vaccine, an ultrasound machine, and a wipe for the machine.
  • When this goes mainstream it'll be a little device with cutout so you can apply it flawlessly to the upper arm. Ultrasounds need training to get readable data, but probably a LOT less just to apply ultrasound to an area.
  • Needles will still be king anywhere in the developing world. It'll be more expensive initially, but with the mass production the price will go down. And there will be small cost savings to not having to deal with sharps and biohazards as often.
[–] verysoft@kbin.social 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

I'd like to be an optimist when it comes to things like this, some people really really can't stand needles and something like this would be great for them people. I hope it develops further.

[–] Maeve@kbin.social 1 points 2 years ago

Why can’t we get intranasal vaccines?