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How the COVID-19 vaccines were created so quickly - Kaitlyn Sadtler and Elizabeth Wayne

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19,601 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

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In the 20th century, most vaccines took over a decade to research, test, and produce. But the vaccines for COVID-19 were cleared for emergency use in less than 11 months. The secret behind this speed is a medical technology that’s been developing for decades: the mRNA vaccine. So how do these revolutionary vaccines work? Kaitlyn Sadtler and Elizabeth Wayne dig into the science of mRNA technology.

True or False? The mRNA lipid nanoparticles can reach the cell nucleus and become part of a person's DNA.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Kaitlyn Sadtler, Elizabeth Wayne
  • Director Igor Coric, Artrake Studio
  • Narrator Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Music Nikola Radivojevic
  • Sound Designer Nikola Radivojevic
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
  • Fact-Checker Jennifer Nam

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