US researchers create new mRNA COVID-19 vaccine

US researchers have developed a new "proof-of-concept" mRNA vaccine designed to combat COVID-19, potentially offering broader protection and reduced costs. This new vaccine uses a "trans-amplifying" mRNA platform, separating mRNA into antigen and replicase sequences, allowing for faster production and lower doses. The vaccine also targets commonalities in the spike proteins of various SARS-CoV-2 variants. The researchers hope this approach, which requires 40 times less mRNA than current vaccines, can be applied to other viruses like bird flu, offering more lasting immunity and reducing vaccine costs.