Research on malaria and the fight against it. Covers red-blood-cell inflammation, malaria resurgence, drug-resistant parasites, and mosquito-based control.
Researchers discovered a protein, GDV1, that triggers the switch to gametocyte production in malaria parasites. This could lead to new therapies and tools for controlling malaria transmission.
A new study suggests that managing eating habits, particularly meal times, could help control malaria infections. Researchers found that malaria parasites in infected mice timed their daily multiplication and invasion of red blood cells to match the animal's feeding schedule.
Researchers found that L-arginine supplementation increased blood vessel development in the placenta and reduced low birth weight/preterm birth and stillbirth. The study suggests that L-arginine may be a critical component in regulating blood vessel development, with implications for other conditions linked to poor birth outcomes.
Scientists have developed a new CRISPR/Cas9 system that can delete genes from mosquitoes, making them resistant to the malaria parasite. The FREP1 gene is identified as a malarial host factor and its deletion significantly reduces malaria parasites' ability to survive and multiply.
Using CRISPR/Cas9, scientists have shown that inactivating the FREP1 gene reduces mosquitoes' susceptibility to malaria parasite infection. This technique holds promise for preventing malaria transmission to humans, but may require further refinement to balance resistance with fitness costs.
A new study found that low levels of L-arginine in pregnant women with malaria are associated with worse pregnancy outcomes. Supplementing these women with L-arginine may improve birth weights and viability among their babies, according to research published in Science Translational Medicine.
MIT researchers successfully grow dormant malaria parasites in engineered human liver tissue, allowing them to study the parasite's biology and vulnerabilities. The team also sequenced the parasite's RNA transcriptome, paving the way for new antimalarial drugs.
The Clinical Epidemiology Database aims to facilitate collaboration among researchers by providing a standardized platform for accessing and exploring complex clinical data. The database, launched by the University of Pennsylvania, introduces an intuitive interface and provides documentation of study design and background.
Researchers identified two key proteins crucial for malaria parasites' escape from red blood cells and infection of fresh cells. The discovery offers potential new treatment targets against the deadliest malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.
Researchers have discovered that human antibodies can prevent malaria spread by destroying parasites in mosquitoes and preventing fertilization. This finding holds promise for developing a vaccine to halt the disease's transmission, which could significantly reduce global malaria burden.
Researchers found that removing worms allows malaria to grow denser, while worm presence reduces malaria density. Ecological thinking revealed the key to understanding co-infections, offering insights into treating malaria and worm infections.
Researchers have discovered a safe antimalarial dye that kills malaria parasites at an unprecedented rate, curing patients within two days. The addition of methylene blue to artemisinin-based combination therapies prevents the spread of malaria, with male parasites disappearing from the bloodstream more quickly than female parasites.
Researchers have identified two compounds that can safely block malaria transmission when added to existing treatment regimens, promising progress toward eliminating the disease. The study's findings suggest that these compounds can effectively prevent the spread of P. falciparum malaria, including its drug-resistant forms.
A genetic study reveals that multidrug-resistant malaria in southeast Asia originated from a single mutation combination in 2008, which spread rapidly across the region before becoming apparent in 2013. The study highlights the need for close monitoring of genetic mutations to mitigate resistance and prevent further outbreaks.
A comprehensive genetic study reveals that multidrug-resistant malaria parasites emerged and spread aggressively in Cambodia, under-reporting for years. Ongoing genomic surveillance is vital to inform public health malaria control strategies and detect patterns of resistance.
The African Leaders Malaria Alliance added neglected tropical diseases to its annual scorecard, revealing progress and gaps across five diseases that affect countries' poorest communities. Most data points to progress, but areas of concern include nearly two-thirds of countries having a NTD coverage index of less than 50%.
Researchers from Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD) and CSIR-National Chemical Laboratories (NCL) completed phenotypic screening of the MMV Malaria Box against Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii, identifying 24 molecules with nanomolar potency against both parasites.
A new 'long acting' medicine has been developed to prevent malaria using nanotechnology, providing therapeutic drug concentrations for months after a single dose. This innovation aims to remove the need for daily tablets and could provide an additional tool in combating malaria globally.
Researchers employed AI 'scientist' Eve to discover that triclosan inhibits DHFR, an enzyme target of well-established antimalarial drug pyrimethamine; targeting this enzyme could help combat resistance
A study identified new drug targets and resistance genes in malaria parasites resistant to 37 diverse antimalarial compounds. The research, published in Science, revealed a complex chemogenetic landscape of the parasite's underlying biology.
Researchers successfully developed antibodies that disabled the Plasmodium vivax malaria parasite from infecting humans by hijacking a protein crucial for iron delivery. The discovery solved a decades-long mystery and brings the world closer to a potential effective vaccine against P.vivax malaria.
A UCR study reveals how intensive pesticide use is driving mosquito evolution at the genetic level, boosting resistance to insecticides. The findings highlight the need for new strategies to overcome pesticide-resistant mosquitoes and control malaria.
A team of researchers identified a molecular mechanism leading to ART treatment failures in malaria parasites, finding that blocking a specific stress pathway prevents latent stage entry. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new approaches to combat malaria by preventing treatment failure.
A study of over 7,500 children in Sudan found that indoor nonpyrethroid insecticide spraying was more effective at reducing malaria incidence than pyrethroid spraying. The increased cost of using nonpyrethroid insecticides is relatively low, suggesting that resistance to pyrethroids may be driving the switch.
Researchers discovered Plasmodium falciparum uses nanovesicles to deliver misleading messages to the immune system, allowing it to multiply unhindered. The team identified a key molecular sensor called STING that plays a crucial role in this subversive strategy.
A research group at Osaka University has identified key molecules involved in severe malaria. The study found that RIFIN proteins expressed on infected erythrocytes suppress the host immune response by binding to an inhibitory receptor, contributing to the pathogenesis of severe malaria.
A new research agenda, malERA Refresh, has been established to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination and global eradication. The initiative focuses on innovation and integrated approaches to tackle the challenges of resistance, transmission dynamics, and ecological balance.
A new research agenda for malaria elimination and eradication has been laid out in a collection of review articles, outlining six key areas of research. The malERA effort aims to accelerate malaria elimination and transform the global malaria community's ability to eradicate it.
The largest genetic study of mosquitoes reveals that insecticide resistance is spreading rapidly across Africa, posing a significant threat to malaria control. The study found that wild mosquitoes are genetically diverse and can evolve resistance quickly, making it challenging to control the disease.
Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center found that natural infection with malaria induces a strong immune response, producing antibodies that protect mice from infection. The study's findings will help develop more effective and specific vaccines against the disease.
A mathematical model published in PLOS Medicine estimates that reducing the PMI budget by 44% would result in 67 million more malaria cases over four years. Maintaining funding would prevent 162 million cases and save 692,589 lives between 2017 and 2020.
A recent study by a University of Pennsylvania School found that wild bonobos are susceptible to various Plasmodium malaria parasites, including a previously unknown species. This discovery informs our understanding of the life cycle and transmission of malaria in humans.
Scientists provide detailed picture of how human antibodies bind to malaria parasite's circumsporozoite protein, a key target for vaccine development. The study could lead to enhanced efficacy and duration of protection against malaria.
A recent study has identified a fatty molecule in human blood that controls the malaria parasite's decision to switch from replicating in humans to transmitting to mosquitoes. This discovery improves understanding of a critical stage in the Plasmodium life cycle and may lead to new strategies for controlling and treating malaria.
Researchers have discovered a unique 'breathprint' of people with malaria, allowing for accurate diagnosis using a breath test. The analysis found that infected patients exhale a compound attracting mosquitoes, accelerating disease spread.
Portuguese researchers have identified a crucial defence mechanism used by the malaria parasite to survive inside its host's liver cells. The protein UIS3 binds to LC3, forming a protective shield against autophagy, allowing the parasite to evade the host's cellular defence mechanism.
The GHIT Fund has announced significant investments in new treatments for malaria, including an antimalarial drug candidate DSM265 and a diagnostic tool for detecting dormant Plasmodium vivax parasites. These breakthroughs aim to combat the growing threat of artemisinin resistance and eliminate the 'hidden reservoir' of vivax malaria.
A Cochrane review found that mefloquine is at least as effective as other options for preventing malaria, but its psychological side effects outpace those of alternatives. Common symptoms include sleeplessness, abnormal dreams, anxiety, and depression.
A recent study found that populations of Plasmodium vivax in the Americas are as genetically diverse as those in Southeast Asia, contradicting previous assumptions. The research suggests that P. vivax may have originated from Africa, Europe, and Asia, and its genetic diversity was retained upon arrival in the Americas.
Researchers have identified two essential proteins, plasmepsin IX and X, which play critical roles in the life cycle of malaria parasites. Targeting these proteins could lead to the development of effective anti-malaria drugs.
Researchers have identified two proteases essential for the malaria parasite's survival and dissemination, as well as a molecule capable of inhibiting them. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs blocking not only the parasite's development in humans but also its transmission to mosquitoes.
A year-long trial suggests that hydroxyurea treatment is safe and effective for Ugandan children with sickle cell anemia, contrary to concerns about increased malaria risk. The study found no correlation between hydroxyurea treatment and the rate or severity of malaria infection.
Researchers successfully built a gene drive to reduce female fertility in malaria-spreading mosquitoes, but mutations soon arose that blocked the spread of new genes. This study documents the emergence of resistance and will help improve future gene drives.
Researchers found that targeting the CTLA-4 molecule at the right time during malaria infection allows mice to quickly clear the disease and develop lasting immunity. The study suggests a new approach for combating malaria, potentially involving immunotherapy drugs or small molecules.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health discover two new strategies to combat malaria: genetically modified bacteria that spread rapidly in mosquito populations and boost the immune system of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. These innovative approaches aim to reduce the need for continuous malaria control measures, p...
Researchers found that metabolism directly impacts malaria development and severity. A study by Instituto de Medicina Molecular revealed that dietary shifts can lead to a 90% reduction in parasite load.
Researchers aim to identify parasite genes underlying resistance, monitor spread, and design treatment strategies. They will use innovative genetic crosses in a 'humanized' mouse strain to better understand drug resistance evolution.
Researchers discovered that carbohydrates on malaria parasites play a critical role in infecting human and mosquito hosts. The study suggests steps for improving the malaria vaccine, which has been only partially effective in preventing the disease.
According to the Global Burden of Disease study, viral hepatitis causes over 1.34 million deaths worldwide, exceeding chronic infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
Researchers use NASA satellite data to predict malaria outbreaks in the Amazon Rainforest by tracking mosquito breeding grounds and human movement. The tool combines land surface modeling, vegetation maps, and deforestation data to identify areas at high risk of outbreaks.
Researchers at Tulane University have developed a new drug, AQ-13, effective against non-severe cases of malaria. The clinical trial results match the effectiveness of widely used treatment regimens and hold promise for combating drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains.
The Lancet's analysis shows that while some countries have made significant improvements, much progress is needed to meet the health-related SDG targets by 2030. Over 60% of countries are projected to meet targets on under-5 mortality, neonatal mortality, maternal mortality, and malaria.
Scientists have successfully produced artemisinin, a key malaria treatment, in large quantities using genetically engineered moss. The process is simple, efficient, and cost-effective, offering a promising solution to the global shortage of artemisinin.
A new class of compounds, hexahydroquinolines (HHQs), shows promise in preventing Plasmodium falciparum parasite transmission from infected hosts to mosquitoes. HHQs also enhance the effectiveness of existing antimalarial treatments, making it harder for drug-resistant parasites to emerge.
Researchers confirm zoonotic transmission of Plasmodium simium in 28 human cases in the Atlantic Forest region of southern Brazil, where malaria was previously thought to be eliminated. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the natural history and biology of the parasites in their non-human primate hosts.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University are developing a Placenta-on-a-Chip device that simulates malaria in the womb to develop new treatments. The device uses embedded microsensors to monitor vascular cell well-being and nutrient circulation, enabling close examination of malaria's effects on mother and fetus.
A new rapid diagnostic test has been shown to effectively distinguish between severe and uncomplicated malaria in children in Sub-Saharan Africa. The test was tested on 2,678 children with fever, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of 97.6% for detecting severe malaria.
Researchers have developed several innovations to stop mosquito-borne diseases like malaria by exploiting their behavior and biology, including attracting and killing them before they suck blood or reproduce. These breakthroughs use pheromones and other attractants to manipulate mosquitoes without harming the environment.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia developed a novel method to assess malaria progression using RBC deformability, which can indicate hemin-induced oxidative stress. This simple microfluidic device can determine RBC rigidity in minutes, providing a valuable tool for disease diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers used X-ray fluorescence microscopy and soft X-ray tomography to study malaria parasites in liquid nitrogen, gaining insights into their ravaging mode of operation. The findings suggest a potential mechanism controlling the speed of hemoglobin digestion and crystallization, which could be targeted with new medication.