The WEHI team will conduct research on parasite behavior, drug targets, and vaccine development to combat malaria and leishmaniasis. The ultimate goal is to prevent infection or reduce illness severity with effective treatments.
Researchers are developing genetically altered malaria parasites to stimulate immunity against the disease. The goal is to boost the immune system in a similar way to how the altered polio bacteria triggers immunity against polio.
Researchers have identified techniques to detect soils that inhibit soybean cyst nematode populations, a major cause of yield losses in the US. These methods can be used to promote soil health and reduce environmental impact by using nematode-suppressive soils.
Researchers found that abnormal distribution of PfEMP-1 protein on red blood cells containing hemoglobin C impairs malaria parasites' ability to cause disease symptoms. This may explain why individuals with at least one gene for hemoglobin C are less prone to severe malaria.
Researchers found that the immune system can control disease by increasing cell renewal in the intestine, allowing parasites to be expelled naturally. This discovery may lead to new ideas for treating inflammatory bowel diseases and bowel cancer.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that intense selective logging changed the ecological balance for three primate species, leading to increased parasitic infections in red-tailed guenons. The monkeys experienced behavioral changes and reduced protein and vital mineral intake due to decreased food availability.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by directly observing the liver invasion of malarial parasites using intravital microscopy. The study reveals a critical stage in the parasite's life cycle, where sporozoites traverse Kupffer cells to wreak havoc on liver tissue.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a molecule that detects parasitic infections in humans, shedding light on how the body recognizes parasites. The discovery of Toxoplasma profilin and TLR11 provides crucial information for developing novel strategies to combat parasitic infections.
Researchers developed disease models using yeast to test resistance to atovaquone and created a practical tool to design new anti-malarial drugs. This study provides the first quantitative explanation for malaria's drug resistance, enabling the development of new treatments within 3-5 years.
A recent study reveals the far-reaching impact of salmon farms on wild juvenile salmon, with sea lice infections increasing by 73 times near the farm and extending 30 km beyond. The research sheds light on the critical threat posed to dwindling wild salmon populations in British Columbia.
Scientists have identified new therapeutic targets to combat filarial nematodes, which cause elephantiasis and other debilitating diseases. The Wolbachia bacterium's heme pathway is a promising target for treatment, as the nematode requires it for developmental hormone synthesis.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that extracts from the dotted dalea and Mojave dalea plants can kill parasites responsible for leishmaniasis and African sleeping sickness. The findings offer hope for developing cheap, oral treatments for these deadly diseases.
Researchers at Emory University found that infected monarch butterflies flew slower, were tired faster, and had reduced flight ability compared to healthy ones. The study suggests parasite burdens are lower in migratory populations, which may have implications for conservation efforts.
Dr. Brooks' research highlights the link between biodiversity decline and emerging human and wildlife diseases, such as West Nile Virus and avian flu. He argues that understanding parasite life cycles is crucial to preventing these diseases.
Parasitized monarch populations are more susceptible to habitat loss and climate change, leading to a decline in migratory populations. The study's findings suggest that long-distance migration can amplify the effects of parasite infections on hosts.
Scientists have identified key genes and gene regulation mechanisms in malaria parasites, which could lead to the development of new vaccines. The study's findings may help researchers understand when different genes switch on and off as the parasite metamorphoses through its complex life cycle.
The UGA/Penn team aims to develop a single-access point for genomic and related information about Apicomplexa parasites, enabling accelerated vaccine, diagnostic, and therapeutic development. The database will link existing databases for Plasmodium species, Toxoplasma gondii, and Cryptosporidum parvum.
Researchers found that black-headed duck eggs are often rejected from host nests of red-gartered and red-fronted coot species, which employ defenses against their own species' brood parasites. This rejection is due to coots' adaptations to counter intraspecific brood parasitism, leaving the ducks evolutionarily stranded.
Indiana University researchers found that genes can move from plant parasites to host plants, establishing parasitism as a medium for horizontal gene transfer. The discovery complements previous findings showing the opposite process, and suggests that plant parasitism has been a key mechanism of gene exchange between species.
Scientists have created a genetically modified parasite to study the immune system's memory, which could aid in developing vaccines for Leishmania major, AIDS, and tuberculosis. Researchers found that central memory T cells remain primed to fight new infections even after initial infection has cleared.
A University of Utah study shows that a now-extinct species of early human came into direct contact with our species about 25,000 years ago and spread parasites to our ancestors. The analysis of lice genes confirmed key developments in human evolution, including the 'out of Africa' theory.
A recent study has identified previously unknown mutations in the pfrct gene as key players in Plasmodium falciparum's resistance to halofantrine and amantadine. These mutations may also restore sensitivity to chloroquine, a widely used antimalarial drug. The findings suggest a new approach to combating chloroquine-resistant malaria.
A recent study has found that the extinction of a host species can lead to the loss of up to 200 associated species, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts. The researchers calculated the expected levels of co-extinction across diverse systems and identified 6300 species at risk of being classified as co-endangered.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have designed dual-action drugs based on an ancient folk remedy, which shows promising results in fighting malaria and prostate cancer. The new compounds outperform current treatments in rodent models, with some being more effective and safer than existing medications.
Researchers discovered a specific Mlo gene fragment in the genome of mutant barley, which enables plants to resist powdery mildew. The mutation is believed to have occurred less than 10,000 years ago in Ethiopia, highlighting the importance of preserving crop diversity.
Scientists warn of international spread of antimalarial drug resistance, tracing mutations to South East Asia and recommending screening of passengers from affected regions. Artemisinin-based combination therapy may help slow the spread, but a coordinated global response is needed.
A laboratory-based study suggests that inadequate vaccines could lead to the emergence of more virulent malaria strains, potentially making them more dangerous to non-immunized populations. The research found that immunity accelerates the evolution of virulence in malaria parasites, even after mosquito transmission.
Researchers found that larger islands with more native parasites have weaker bird immune responses, making them ill-prepared for invasive infections. This study sheds light on how island populations respond to exotic disease introduction through human activities.
Asthma researchers at Yale discovered a new protein, AMCase, that contributes to inflammation in the airways. Blocking this protein may provide relief for humans with asthma, but its mechanism of action is not yet fully understood.
A study found that high nutrient levels lead to increased rams horn snail populations, which in turn cause more parasite infections and deformities in frogs. This research may help explain the recent increase in amphibian malformations and suggest control strategies.
Researchers found that a caterpillar's adaptation to a specific fruit's chemical composition allows it to survive without triggering the plant's defense mechanism, providing a stable food supply. This unique dietary preference also shields the caterpillar from parasites, enabling it to thrive in an otherwise hostile environment.
Researchers discovered that bacteria have acquired a gene from animal immune systems, allowing them to evade host defenses. This finding has significant implications for vaccine development and our understanding of bacterial evolution.
Researchers suggest that male vulnerability to disease may drive female-biased societies and behaviors, such as division of labor. This 'sick-male' theory proposes that males are less resistant to infection due to genetic limitations, leading to social isolation and reduced exposure to disease.
Researchers discovered a protein, TgGAP50, that anchors myosin in the parasite's membrane, crucial for motility. This understanding may lead to new ways to interfere with parasite control mechanisms, potentially treating malaria.
Researchers identified a plant-like enzyme, CDPK4, essential for malaria parasite transmission to mosquitoes. The findings provide a promising new target for developing safe and effective anti-malarial drugs.
The Mectizan Donation Program has demonstrated significant success in combating river blindness through a public-private partnership between Merck and the World Health Organization. The program has resulted in nearly 50 million treatments approved since its inception, with minimal costs to participating organizations.
Researchers have identified a new protein target for a universal childhood malaria vaccine, which causes infected red blood cells to stick inside blood vessels. This protein is expressed on the surface of red blood cells during severe childhood malaria but not during adult infections, making it an ideal candidate for vaccination.
Cryptosporidium is missing two critical organelles commonly found in related protozoan parasites, including the apicoplast and mitochondrion. This discovery provides valuable opportunities to study the organism's biology and develop targeted treatments.
A Canadian researcher finds a strong link between sea lice from salmon farms and declining native salmon populations in BC. Meanwhile, an opposing expert suggests other factors are at play and that correlation does not necessarily imply causation.
Out-of-balance ecosystems play a significant role in the demise of amphibian populations. Human activities, parasites, and environmental changes are contributing factors. The research highlights the importance of managing landscapes and water bodies to prevent further declines.
Researchers discover green leafy volatiles (GLV) prime corn plant defenses to respond more strongly against subsequent herbivorous insect attacks. The primed plants produce chemical signals that attract natural parasites and predators, increasing crop protection.
A meta-analysis of 16 randomised trials shows that artesunate is highly effective in treating malaria when added to other antimalarial drugs. The new combination dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is also found to be highly efficacious in Vietnam, where multidrug-resistant parasites are common.
Researchers found that small lice stick to small birds and big lice prefer big birds due to the optimal hiding space between individual 'barbs' in their feathers. The study suggests that size matters for parasites, with larger hosts supporting larger louse species.
Researchers identified a key process in malaria infection involving G proteins in red blood cells, which can be blocked with beta-blockers to prevent parasite entry. By targeting this process, new approaches for treating malaria may be developed using existing drugs.
A Leishmania mutant parasite has been developed to study persistent infections without triggering disease. The research may provide a breakthrough in understanding how the parasite interacts with the immune system, potentially leading to the development of a vaccine.
Researchers engineered a strain of leishmania parasites without lipophosphoglycan, which increased their vulnerability to immune defenses. The findings could help develop new treatments for the deadly disease, affecting 12 million people worldwide.
Twelve invasive marine species have grown larger by up to 40%, including European green crabs and Chinese mitten crabs. The findings suggest that these animals are no longer held back by predators or parasites, leading to increased size.
Two studies found that invasive species have significantly fewer parasites than their native competitors, allowing them to outcompete and devastatingly impact native ecosystems. This advantage is due to the poor match between parasite hosts in new environments.
Research finds that invasive animals typically have fewer parasites in new habitats, allowing them to dominate native populations. This advantage is attributed to the lack of matched parasites, enabling introduced species to outcompete less fit native species.
A study published in Science reveals that Toxoplasma parasites can rapidly adapt to new hosts, allowing them to infect a wide range of animal species and spread worldwide. This discovery raises the possibility of other parasites undergoing similar changes, potentially presenting new threats of infection.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University found a dramatic reduction in mosquito transmission, new infections, and severe disease manifestations with four annual mass treatments. The study provides essential guidelines for controlling the infectious disease and points to the ultimate eradication of filariasis on a global level.
A genetic variant in the NOS2 gene boosts nitric oxide levels, protecting against malaria disease. This trait explains why some people with malaria have mild symptoms and recover fully.
Researchers at Imperial College London discovered that Toxoplasma gondii's myosin A gene is essential for its gliding motion and host cell invasion. The motor enables the parasite to penetrate cells within 10-30 seconds, allowing it to replicate safely.
Researchers at Scripps Research have created a novel technology to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in malaria parasites, enabling the identification of drug-resistant strains and mapping their spread. The new approach uses gene chips to analyze thousands of SNPs simultaneously.
The Institute for Genomic Research has published a paper analyzing the genome of Plasmodium falciparum, a malaria parasite. The analysis identified about 200 genes producing proteins involved in immune evasion and revealed metabolic pathways, including enzymes that could be targeted by chemotherapy.
Researchers have found genes in Anopheles mosquitoes that enable them to resist infection by the deadly malaria parasite. The discovery could lead to new strategies to prevent malaria transmission by spreading the parasite-blocking genes among mosquito populations.
Researchers found that stressed carp are easily infected by the single cell parasite Trypanoplasma borreli due to high levels of cortisol. The study revealed that cortisol inhibits crucial proteins that protect fish from parasites, rendering them more susceptible to infection.
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory highlights the potential for genomic research to combat tropical diseases. However, commercial interest in developing treatments has been limited, and it will be necessary to combine efforts from not-for-profit organizations and private funds to support research in developing countries.
Vitex's INACTINE technology demonstrated complete parasite eradication of Trypanasoma cruzi, Plasmodium falciparum, and Babesia microti parasites. The company's pathogen reduction system meets critical requirements for commercial success, with potential to improve safety of red blood cell transfusions.
Researchers found that chloroquine-resistant parasites arose in multiple geographic locations and rapidly spread across continents, contradicting long-held theories. The genetic diversity of the malaria parasite suggests it has evolved over a timeframe coincident with human population expansion out of Africa.