Cornell University researchers in New York State have developed a potato that can successfully immunize against the main cause of viral diarreah.
According to Charles Arntzen, leader of the Cornell University research team that developed the potato, "This may very well become the first commercially available edible vaccine."
Edible vaccines could eventually replace the uses of needles. This is particularly significant to the developing world, where the cost of immunization often prevents disease prevention.
In addition to not having to purify or refrigerate the new vaccine, costs could be further reduced by locally producing the crop, which would also cut down on shipping