Research found that some bird species, such as black swans and gulls, spend more time preening themselves in geothermal areas, suggesting they may be using the sulphurous steam to remove parasites. This behavior is likely an adaptation to help birds cope with disease agents that are carried around the world.
Researchers are working to breed Dorper and Rambouillet sheep with improved natural resistance to internal parasites. By collecting fecal egg counts and using estimated breeding values, the team aims to provide producers with genetic selection decisions to make parasite-resistant animals.
Tom Beneke, a molecular biologist, has received an ERC Starting Grant to study Leishmania parasites' drug resistance. He aims to unravel the genetics of the pathogens and identify key factors contributing to treatment failure.
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München identify a molecular mechanism enabling single-celled parasites to move and invade host cells through lysine methylation. This regulatory layer connects signaling, cytoskeletal activation, and mechanical force, offering a promising starting point for drug development.
New research reveals that blue mussels reduce filtration activity in response to parasite detection, with potential consequences for ecosystem function. The 'ecology of fear' concept shows that the mere risk of infection can cause mussels to change behavior, making it harder for parasites to infect them.
A team of researchers at Brown University identified new genetic mutations in malaria parasites that make them less susceptible to current treatments. The findings, published in Nature Medicine, highlight the rapid spread of these variants and the need for improved surveillance and new therapies.
Researchers developed a new vaccination strategy that pairs mosquito-delivered parasites with antimalarial compounds, generating strong and durable immunity against malaria. The approach protected mice for up to two years, offering a potential 'vaccinate and boost naturally' method for prevention.
A new study explains why drought can both reduce and increase waterborne diseases. The authors identified three mechanisms that determine whether a parasite will thrive or die out during drought: host-parasite concentration, desiccation traps, and changes in water quality.
A new study identifies a parasite-specific protein TgPRO that helps Toxoplasma manage oxidative stress and energy production in crowded cells. The findings point to a possible therapeutic strategy: inhibiting pathways controlled by TgPRO could make the parasite more vulnerable to antiparasitic drugs.
Researchers at UC Riverside are developing new treatments for malaria and babesiosis using naturally occurring compounds, including leelamine-derived isonitriles and pyrroloiminoquinones. The goal is to create oral treatments that can interrupt transmission of the parasites.
Researchers have discovered that Leishmania parasites do not move through their hosts' bodies on their own, but instead embed themselves in phagocytes and manipulate immune cell migration. This manipulation is species-specific and depends on variations in individual genes.
Researchers found that high fever can activate the Heat Shock Response in malaria parasites, making them non-infectious. This protective mechanism may help prevent disease transmission from humans to mosquitoes.
A recent study found that over half of NYC's free-roaming cats are infected with zoonotic parasites. Young male cats, in particular, act as 'super-shedders' of roundworm (Toxocara) eggs, posing public health risks.
A new study found striking differences in parasite communities among North-Atlantic island systems, with limited exchange of parasites across the region. The researchers suggest that factors such as a short transmission season and specific migration routes may limit successful parasite colonization.
Ayano Medo and Takuya Sato discovered that nematomorph parasites induce terrestrial crickets to jump into water, where they nourish endangered fish. The parasites, common globally, drive the transfer of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems.
A new evolutionary theory proposes that asexual parasites can temporarily infect a wider range of hosts as harmful genetic mutations build up. This process, known as Ratchet-Driven Generalism, may make the parasite less specialized and more adaptable. However, it may also ultimately reduce fitness and increase extinction risk.
A long-term evolutionary experiment using a self-replicating RNA-protein system resulted in evolution toward extinction. Well-mixed environments inhibited host RNA replication, leading to a decrease in concentration and loss of diversity.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine engineered a hookworm to produce and deliver an antibody neutralizing tetrodotoxin. The parasites successfully produced the antitoxin and secreted it into the bloodstream, demonstrating a potential platform for long-term drug delivery.
Researchers observed a previously unknown strategy used by corioxenid parasites to overcome host-imposed barriers. By raising their host's wings, male parasites were able to emerge and mate. This finding expands our understanding of host range diversification within Strepsiptera.
Researchers have developed a new microscopy method that uses polarized light and a magnetic field to detect malaria parasites in blood. The method provides quantitative information and can be used for faster and more objective detection of malaria.
A team from The University of Osaka has identified the MIC11 gene as essential for parasite egress, disrupting the parasite life cycle. This finding could guide the development of novel treatments for parasite-borne diseases.
Researchers found that trematode parasites are more abundant in cooler temperate waters, defying the typical pattern of higher biodiversity near the equator. Temperature and host mobility play a major role in shaping parasite distributions, with certain species thriving in areas where hosts can tolerate infections better.
Researchers at Adelaide University have discovered a new gut–brain signalling pathway that governs how parasitic infections lead to nausea, appetite loss and other sickness symptoms. The study shows two specialised gut cell types work together to sense parasites and activate protective responses through the vagus nerve.
Parasites alter male calls, creating a complex pattern that can change how females evaluate potential partners. Females prefer lower-frequency calls, but also weigh the risk of parasite infection, making mate choice a nuanced decision.
Researchers have identified a unique protein named Aurora-related kinase 1 (ARK1) essential for the malaria parasite's survival and transmission. Turning off ARK1 in the lab causes replication to fail, preventing disease progression and transmission.
Ancient genetic fragments called L1 elements destabilise the cancer genome years before diagnosis, giving malignant cells more opportunities to grow and adapt. Long-read sequencing technology reveals large-scale structural rearrangements that seed genomic chaos, potentially driving cancer development.
A study by UC Riverside scientists reveals that the cysts of Toxoplasma gondii contain multiple distinct subtypes of parasites, each with different biological roles. This discovery offers new insights into how the parasite causes disease and why it has been difficult to treat.
A global DNA study suggests that Australian heartworms may share ancestry with parasites from Asia, potentially linking their origin to dingoes that migrated from the continent thousands of years ago. The research has implications for developing treatments given the rise in drug resistance to heartworm disease.
Researchers found that hot spring bathing in Japanese macaques subtly reshapes their relationships with parasites and gut microbes. The study suggests that behavior can shape the animal holobiont and act as an important driver of animal health.
New research reveals hybrid schistosomes are undermining existing disease control strategies by emerging faster than previously recognized. These hybrids can display altered biological traits linked to virulence and transmission potential, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
A research team at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has discovered a genetic mechanism that allows certain parasites to infect multiple hosts, but at the cost of long-term survival. The study sheds light on how parasitic infections emerge and spread, with potential implications for public health surveillance and treatment strategies.
A new study found that Roman soldiers at Vindolanda fort near Hadrian's Wall were infected with intestinal parasites, including roundworms, whipworms, and Giardia duodenalis. This suggests inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices, potentially leading to malnutrition and chronic infections.
Researchers have developed a new antimalarial drug candidate, MK-7602, which targets the malaria parasite at multiple stages of its life cycle. The compound has shown potent activity against both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, two common malaria parasites affecting humans.
Two new studies show how climate shapes the behavior, communication, and genome evolution of ants and their social parasites, leading to adaptation in this long-standing conflict. Climate influences aggression, chemical profiles, and genetic strategies in both hosts and parasites, with varying responses across different climates.
Researchers discovered that parasitic plants produce substances in their seeds that trigger the development of feeding organs, allowing them to attach to hosts quickly and effectively. This 'self-activation' mechanism enables parasites to infest hosts with high success rates, making them difficult to control.
Researchers from Heidelberg University discovered that malaria parasites use right-handed helices to navigate through tissues, a key finding with implications for improving drug and vaccine testing. The parasite's asymmetrical body plan enables it to control its motion and transition between compartments more efficiently.
Researchers discovered unicellular organisms have more intricate DNA methylation systems than multicellular organisms. This finding opens new possibilities for targeting parasites and developing new drugs against diseases caused by protists.
A study by Leipzig University found that non-native plant species can quickly integrate into natural ecosystems, with some species becoming hosts for native animals and fungi in just a few centuries. This challenges the assumption that non-native plants spread aggressively but are poorly accepted by native species.
A new study introduces a high-resolution melting PCR-based technique to track leishmaniasis, identifying sand fly species and detecting Leishmania parasites from a single sample. The approach reveals complex transmission patterns and ecological zones, enabling earlier intervention and targeted control strategies.
A 30-year study in southern Sweden finds that rising spring temperatures have doubled the incidence of avian malaria, with a specific period from May 9 to June 24 being particularly critical. The researchers believe that warmer years trigger blood-sucking insects to seek out nests, allowing parasites to thrive and spread disease.
Researchers developed an AI tool that detects intestinal parasites in stool samples with greater sensitivity than human observers, even those with years of experience. The system uses a deep-learning model to identify parasites in wet mounts of stool, improving the likelihood of detecting pathogenic parasites.
A study published in PLOS One identified genetic signatures of diverse gut parasites in ancient Mexican feces, revealing high prevalence of pathogens like pinworm and E. coli. The analysis provides insights into intestinal disease and sanitation practices of ancient cultures.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered new vulnerabilities in the malaria parasite's PfATP4 sodium pump, which could lead to more effective treatments. The study also identified a previously unknown binding partner essential for parasite survival.
Researchers have unraveled the structure of two key malaria parasite proteins, offering opportunities for new vaccines that block mosquito transmission. The discovery is a significant step towards eradicating the deadly disease.
A University of Houston professor has received funding to develop effective treatments for Cryptosporidium infections, which cause severe diarrhea and have no existing cure. The team aims to design drugs that target the parasite's enzyme CDPK1 to minimize systemic exposure and maximize efficacy.
Researchers found over 20 bird species across four continents produce nearly identical whining calls when spotting parasites, suggesting a shared learned response.
Stefan Kappe, a leading expert in genetic engineering of parasites, has been appointed as the new Director of the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health at UM School of Medicine. He will focus on developing genetically engineered live-attenuated pathogens to combat malaria infection.
A new study found that river otters in Chesapeake Bay eat diverse prey and parasites, including flukes, dinoflagellates, and invasive fish. The researchers suggest that otters may be helping to clean up polluted environments by consuming parasite-infected animals.
The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine generates nearly identical antibodies to those following a natural infection, providing strong protection against the earliest life stage of malaria parasites. This long-lasting immunity is effective without requiring further adaptation.
Researchers have found a way to rearrange atoms in a new generation of malaria drugs to make them more soluble, maintaining their effectiveness against drug-resistant parasites. This breakthrough could lead to an effective successor to artemisinin-based combination therapy.
A study has found that over 80% of parasites in kākāpō poo prior to the 1990s are no longer present in contemporary populations. This suggests a significant impact on parasite communities due to biodiversity loss.
A new study has identified genetic changes in the parasite responsible for trichomoniasis that may have helped it adapt to human hosts. The research found dozens of genes associated with key functions such as phagocytosis and exosomes, which could be exploited for future treatments.
Researchers developed a CRISPR-based gene-editing system that changes a single molecule within mosquitoes, halting malaria-parasite transmission. The new system is designed to genetically spread the malaria resistance trait until entire populations of the insects no longer transfer the disease-causing parasites.
A new study has developed a novel tool to assess the impact of parasites on horse skin and coat conditions. Horses with higher parasitic loads were found to have worse coat conditions, which can provide insights into parasite management.
Researchers discovered a new pathway to boost immunity against parasitic infections, suggesting that NSAIDs like ibuprofen could be repurposed as anti-parasitic treatments. Gasdermin C plays a crucial role in this process, targeting and penetrating Rab7-positive vesicles to reduce prostaglandin d2 levels.
Researchers developed a new protocol to detect even low levels of T. cruzi parasites in patients, allowing for accurate monitoring of treatment outcomes and potentially leading to more effective drug treatments. The test was tested on human, macaque, and canine subjects, with promising results.
Researchers identify key hormones and genes involved in tomato resistance to dodder, a devastating agricultural parasite. The study reveals a linear model of defense mechanism, providing new possibilities for controlling dodder and other parasitic species.
A team of researchers at Kyoto University has identified four species of snail parasites in Japanese sea cucumbers, including two previously unknown species. The study provides insights into the geographic distribution and invasion routes of these tiny parasites, which have a significant impact on the health of their host species.
A Kobe University team has identified a new molecule, solanoeclepin C, that plants secrete to attract soil microbes. This newly found compound is converted into hatching factors that cause potato cyst nematodes to hatch prematurely, potentially offering a novel approach to parasite control.
A study found that over 90% of popular freshwater game fish in Southern California contain invasive parasitic worms, which can cause gastrointestinal problems and other issues. Proper cooking or freezing fish before consumption kills the parasites, but chronic infection poses a greater health risk.