A recent study found that six commonly used insecticides kill amphibian parasites, potentially decreasing the number of parasites an amphibian must defend against. The study also showed population-specific differences in pesticide resistance, highlighting the importance of considering multiple populations when assessing toxicity.
A Field Museum study identifies malaria's evolutionary history in bird hosts, revealing its spread to bats and other mammals. The analysis sheds light on the connection between animals and their parasites, providing insights into the natural environments we share with animals and plants.
The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute scientists discovered that the insertion of just two DNA bases into a gene helps the parasite overcome antimonial drug treatment. Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed that the genetic landscape of L. donovani offers new insights into its evolutionary history and ability to develop drug resistance.
A new study found that doses of deltamethrin can interfere with the development of malaria parasites in mosquitoes, reducing transmission. Insecticide-treated nets remain a vital tool in preventing malaria, even in areas with resistant mosquito populations.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens found that nitric oxide plays a protective role in the blood-brain barrier, reducing parasite invasion and inflammation. The researchers discovered that NO inhibits inflammatory molecules, such as TNF and MMP-9, which can lead to BBB damage.
Scientists have created the first 3D 'map' of a critical protein used by Plasmodium vivax to infect human red blood cells. This discovery could lead to a vaccine targeting both the most prevalent and deadly malaria parasites. Understanding how the parasite enters red blood cells is essential for developing strategies to prevent malaria.
The study reveals that Schistosoma mansoni, a blood fluke infecting over 250 million people worldwide, originated in East Africa and was transported by slave traders to the Caribbean. Genomic comparison with a closely related species identifies key genetic variations enabling the parasite to infect humans.
Researchers found that climate change increases soil-transmitted parasites in pastures, leading to increased infection risk. The study also showed that host immune response affects the severity of infection, with older individuals carrying more severe infections when immune response is ineffective.
Scientists have developed a new drug targeting the malaria parasite's proteasome, which could combat the growing resistance to first-defence treatments. The innovative approach has shown promising results in killing resistant parasites and may complement existing artemisinin drugs.
Researchers found that Viking populations' genes developed protection from intestinal parasites, which can lead to emphysema in smokers. The inherited trait was previously unknown.
Scientists at the universities of Bonn and Leipzig found a way to break through insect shells using enzyme chitinase 2 and growth factor idgf6. This discovery offers new starting points for controlling agricultural parasites and disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes that spread Zika virus.
GW University's Paul Brindley and MIT's Kevin Esvelt are working on a gene drive project to eliminate schistosomiasis using CRISPR technology. The goal is to 'supercharge' evolution, sterilizing and eliminating the disease-causing parasites.
Researchers used whole-transcriptome sequencing to screen for blood-borne diseases in wild lemurs and found several strains of parasites similar to those causing Lyme disease. The approach could pave the way for earlier detection of future outbreaks of zoonotic diseases that move between animals and people.
A team of scientists has identified a unique immune mechanism, microptosis, that targets and kills intracellular parasites. This process involves the release of three proteins: perforin, granulysin, and granzymes, which work together to induce programmed cell death in both the parasite and infected host cells.
African trypanosomes use nanotubes to sense their environment and respond to it, as well as release extracellular vesicles that can cause anemia in humans. The discovery could lead to improved therapies for sleeping sickness, a disease fatal if left untreated and threatening millions of people annually.
A study by University of California, Riverside scientists reveals that backyard chickens have a higher diversity of ectoparasites, including six species of lice, the northern fowl mite, scaly leg mite, and chicken red mite. This finding suggests that the benefits of backyard chicken keeping may come with an itchy price.
Researchers identify LMIT1, a mitochondrial iron transporter in Leishmania parasites, as crucial for parasite virulence. Inhibiting LMIT1 function can abolish parasite virulence and reduce disease severity.
A recent study found that dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine treatment has failed in certain provinces of Cambodia due to parasite resistance. The WHO has reinstated artesunate plus mefloquine as the first-line treatment in these areas. New surveillance and clinical trials are needed to track the spread of piperaquine resistance.
The study found that intestinal parasites like whipworm and roundworm did not decrease in prevalence during the Roman Period, but instead increased. The Roman public baths may have actually helped spread these parasites due to infrequent water changes and scum buildup.
A team of NUS researchers discovered over 120 protein targets of artemisinin in Plasmodium falciparum, the most pathogenic malaria parasite. The study found that haem is the main activator of artemisinin, which targets essential biological processes in the parasite.
A Georgetown University Medical Center researcher is leading a multi-institutional effort to investigate the causes of rising drug-resistant malaria parasites. The study aims to understand molecular mechanisms responsible for this increasing resistance and develop new therapies.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has granted $478,000 to researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to develop a vaccine against trypanosomiasis, a fatal disease of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa. The vaccine aims to enhance the immune response of infected hosts to control the disease.
The study reveals how malaria parasites infect liver cells, a critical step in their lifecycle. The discovery provides new insights into the molecular details of malaria infection and has significant implications for developing new drugs and vaccines.
A team of researchers developed a model to predict the effects of parasite refugia on disease prevalence and drug resistance. The model suggests that introducing drug-susceptible parasites into a population can reduce overall drug resistance.
A new study suggests parasitic worms can impact human reproduction rates, with roundworms increasing childbearing by up to two more children than uninfected women, while hookworms decrease it by up to three fewer children.
Research by UCSB anthropologists found that parasitic intestinal worms can impact the timing of pregnancies among Tsimane women, with hookworm infection increasing intervals between births and roundworm infection shortening them. This study suggests helminth infections may affect demographic patterns in developing populations.
A computer simulation study suggests that treating malaria with a combination of more effective and less effective drugs can slow the spread of drug-resistant parasites. The non-artemisinin therapy, even when only 85% effective, works best in this approach.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati uncovered ancient parasites on marine animals, including snails and worm-like creatures. The parasitic interactions between crinoids and these organisms reveal complex adaptations and co-evolutionary relationships over hundreds of millions of years.
Researchers found developing resistance to miltefosine in patients with post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis, leading to higher relapse rates. The study suggests a pressing need for new therapies to combat drug-resistant strains of the disease.
A recent NIH study found that artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites can infect diverse mosquito species in Africa, including Anopheles coluzzii. This discovery suggests a higher risk of drug-resistant malaria infections in Africa, posing challenges to efforts to prevent and eliminate the disease.
A Griffith University PhD candidate has discovered that up to 40% of Indian Mynas in eastern Australia carry avian malaria parasites, posing a significant threat to native wildlife. The spread of these invasive birds could expose native birds such as parrots and magpies to new diseases.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a technology using peptide mimics to combat parasitic nematodes, which infect crop plants and reduce yields by up to 50%. The project aims to protect crops like banana and plantain, grown by smallholders in developing countries.
Researchers have identified distinct microbial signatures in triple negative breast cancer tissue, suggesting potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The study found a predominantly viral and bacterial signature, with some fungi and parasites also present.
Researchers found that root fungi in milkweed plants affect the virulence of protozoan parasites and monarchs' ability to resist infection. The study suggests soil organisms play a significant role in host-parasite ecology, with implications for community ecology and disease research.
Researchers have discovered that short segments of genes associated with severe malaria are shared across multiple species, including humans, apes, and chimps. This finding suggests an ancient genomic structure underlying human malaria virulence factors, which could aid in developing new treatments and vaccines.
A 15-year study discovered 61 new strains of fungal parasites in leaf-cutter ant nests, which could lead to new control strategies. The findings suggest that a single form of the parasite could be used to target multiple species of ants.
Researchers found a promising target for new therapies in genes affected by praziquantel treatment, including a proton pump inhibited by omeprazole. Combining sub-lethal doses of praziquantel with omeprazole killed more parasites than praziquantel alone.
A new study found that species extinction can lead to secondary extinctions of parasites, compromising ecosystem stability and biodiversity. Researchers identified key host species that contribute to the overall network structure of fish communities and are essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Research by Vladimir Dinets and Mark Hauber found that two invasive Eurasian cuckoo species are on the verge of invading North America, posing a threat to native bird populations. The cuckoos' sophisticated parasitic behavior, including egg mimicry, may evade defenses developed by Native American birds against cowbirds.
Researchers identified a nanobody that stabilizes an enzyme essential for parasite invasion and reproduction. The discovery reveals a previously unappreciated feature of the enzyme's activation, making it a potential target for prevention and treatment of diseases like malaria.
Researchers found four common bee parasites dispersed via flowers, causing diseases such as lethargy, dysentery, and colony collapse. The study suggests planting more flowers can provide bees with options, reducing parasite spread.
Scientists have uncovered a port of entry for malaria parasites in the liver, highlighting a potential new drug target. The discovery could help prevent the spread of disease and reduce malaria-related deaths worldwide.
A study published in Ecology found that parasite prevalence and diversity increase with higher latitude, challenging the typical latitudinal diversity gradient. This exception suggests that local ecological factors play a role in shaping biodiversity, despite the general pattern of decreasing species richness towards the poles.
A study found that intestinal parasites, such as Giardia, were the most commonly found parasite in cats across Austria, with over 56% testing positive. The parasites can be transmitted through contact with infected cat faeces, and households with multiple cats are at higher risk.
Researchers found that existing malaria infections in mosquitoes facilitate replication of secondary infections, leading to higher parasite loads. This could disproportionately contribute to malaria transmission, especially if control measures focus on reducing mosquito feedings.
University of Washington chemists have developed a novel drug to fight malaria, DSM265, which targets the critical protein DHODH. The compound has shown promise in laboratory tests and is suitable for clinical trials in humans.
A University of South Florida study confirms the dilution effect hypothesis, suggesting biodiversity loss poses a public health threat by causing disease outbreaks. The research found broad evidence that species-rich communities suffer less infectious disease, implying maintaining biodiversity could reduce parasite abundance.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that malaria parasites growing in different host cells can develop resistance to antimalarial drugs. Researchers found that the metabolic state of red blood cells provides a unique environment for Plasmodium parasites, allowing them to scavenge essential resources and evade drug targeting.
Researchers at WSU Vancouver found that hunter-gatherer cannabis users had significantly lower rates of intestinal worm infection compared to non-users. The study suggests that the Aka people may be unconsciously using cannabis as a form of 'medical marijuana' to ward off parasites.
A new study uses 3D printed eggs to test how birds identify and reject parasitic eggs with greater precision. Researchers found that robins accepted 100% of blue-green eggs but rejected 79% of cowbird-like eggs, similar to past studies but with less variability and precise reproduction.
Research shows that estuaries offer a parasite-free zone for Dungeness crabs, allowing them to rid themselves of deadly nemertean worms. The crabs thrive in lower-salinity environments, making estuaries an essential habitat for their survival.
Researchers found that a viral co-infection with Epstein-Barr virus can suppress the immune response to malaria in mice, leading to severe anemia. The study suggests that similar effects may occur in humans, particularly young children living in malaria-endemic areas.
Co-infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may make a survivable malaria parasite infection lethal, according to experimental results with mice. EBV infection can suppress the immune system, allowing malaria parasites to take hold.
A study found that physical contact during social grooming increases the risk of gastrointestinal parasites in brown spider monkeys. The researchers analyzed data from 12 individual monkeys and found a strong correlation between grooming interactions and parasite infections, particularly with roundworms Strongyloides and Trichostrongylus.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have identified a critical host factor, CD55, that enables the malaria parasite to invade human red blood cells. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing therapies to treat and prevent malaria.
Researchers have identified a way for malaria parasites to dodge anti-malarial drugs, surviving inside immature red blood cells and remaining sensitive to certain treatments. This finding may help guide future research and lead to the development of new anti-malarial drugs for refractory patients.
A study by Lisa White and colleagues found that parasite half-life is a key predictor of artemisinin-resistant malaria, but the current definition of resistance is inaccurate. The researchers suggest refining the definition to account for parasite load at the start of treatment.
Researchers found that bumblebees infected with the Crithidia bombi parasite were more likely to consume nicotine-laced nectar, delaying parasite progression. However, consuming nicotine had negative effects, suppressing the appetite of infected bees and reducing healthy bee lifespan.
Researchers discover that artemisinin treatment can be effective against resistant malaria parasites by extending treatment duration or using proteasome inhibitors, which cause cellular stress and damage protein degradation. The study provides new hope for preventing the spread of drug resistance in Southeast Asia.
Researchers discovered that combining artemisinins with a low dose of an anti-cancer drug can increase the effectiveness of anti-malarial drugs and overcome the parasite's defences. This finding has the potential to combat resistant malaria parasites, which are currently spreading globally.