Research on malaria and the fight against it. Covers red-blood-cell inflammation, malaria resurgence, drug-resistant parasites, and mosquito-based control.
A new computational method, Souporcell, can accurately separate single-cell RNA sequencing data from multiple individuals without prior genome information. This enables researchers to study the effects of genetic variants on gene expression during infection or response to drugs.
A new study found that mosquitoes are most likely to transmit malaria in the early evening when people are exposed, followed by midnight and morning. This shift in biting behavior could reduce the effectiveness of bed nets in preventing malaria.
A study found that artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) were significantly more effective than quinine in treating malaria in pregnant women. ACTs, such as artemether-lumefantrine, showed better tolerability and efficacy compared to quinine, with lower recurrence rates of malaria after treatment.
Strategies treating households near recent malaria cases with anti-malarial drugs and insecticides significantly reduce malaria in low-transmission settings. Researchers found that reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive focal vector control (RAVC), used separately or together, can cut new cases by up to 75%.
A meta-analysis of existing data from 4,968 pregnant women found that artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) were significantly more effective than quinine in treating malaria. ACTs had better tolerability, with a lower risk of side effects, making them a safer option for pregnant women.
Red blood cells deform and recover when passing through tiny channels, revealing a possible new method to diagnose diseases such as malaria. The researchers found that the shape recovery behavior depends on flow speed, viscosity, and elastic properties of the cell's outer membrane.
Researchers in Namibia demonstrated the effectiveness of targeting high-risk individuals with anti-malarial drugs and insecticide spraying to reduce malaria transmission. The trial, conducted in a low-endemic setting, showed a significant reduction in cases by up to 75%.
Researchers have identified a promising new strategy for combating malaria by targeting the parasite's 'kill switch' with PfGARP antibodies. The approach, which involves generating anti-PfGARP antibodies or directly infusing them into individuals, has shown promise in nonhuman primates and holds hope for preventing severe malaria.
Researchers at UC Davis cleared a major obstacle to using CRISPR-Cas9 gene drive technology to control mosquito-borne diseases. A study found that 90% of protein-coding genes in mosquito populations have suitable target sequences for the gene drive, making it effective against disease-causing viruses and parasites.
Researchers have identified how a deadly malaria parasite controls its stickiness in red blood cells, evading the immune system. By targeting this mechanism, potentially more effective therapies may be developed to combat the disease.
A new anti-malarial compound called SJ733 has shown promising results in its first clinical trial, demonstrating a rapid and effective treatment against malaria parasites. The study involved 38 healthy volunteers who received the drug after being infected with malaria, with no significant side effects identified.
The study of 1,100 people with uncomplicated falciparum malaria from eight countries shows that TACTs are highly efficacious with no safety concerns. However, they showed slightly higher rates of vomiting and minor changes in the electrical activity of the heart compared to existing treatment.
A study by University of Sydney and University of São Paulo found that 20% of malaria risk in deforestation hotspots is driven by international trade of goods like coffee, timber, and palm oil. The research calls for consumers to be more mindful of their consumption and procurement, supporting sustainable land ownership in developing c...
A new class of antimalarial compounds has been developed by Australian and US researchers, targeting a previously unexplored parasite pathway. The compounds have shown effectiveness against different species of malaria parasites, including Plasmodium falciparum, at multiple stages of the parasite lifecycle.
The NIH Technology Accelerator Challenge aims to develop handheld, digital technologies for detecting diseases with high global impact. The challenge will focus on sickle cell disease, malaria, and anemia, addressing the need for accessible diagnostic tools in low-resource settings.
Researchers found that drugs targeting T cells may be effective in treating cerebral malaria, a deadly disease mainly affecting young children. The study suggests that CTLs damage brain blood vessels, leading to brain swelling and death.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the rapid reproduction of the malaria parasite by identifying crucial molecules involved in cell division. This discovery could pave the way for developing novel therapeutic strategies against the disease.
Researchers discovered EphA2 protein plays a crucial role in cerebral malaria by disrupting blood-brain barrier, leading to leaky brain and deadly symptoms. Blocking EphA2 with drugs may prevent disease in humans, offering hope for alleviating this condition.
A vaccine clinical trial for pregnant women with malaria has shown promising results, demonstrating safety and an appropriate immune response. The PRIMVAC vaccine was found to be well-tolerated and induced antibodies capable of recognizing the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.
Researchers are developing long-acting formulations for malaria and TB prevention, as well as a single-injection cure for hepatitis C. The project aims to improve patient adherence and reduce disease transmission in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers have elucidated the atomic structure of the sugar-transporting-protein PfHT1 in Plasmodium falciparum, gaining insight into glucose uptake. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more specific and effective antimalarial compounds.
A Phase 1 clinical trial tests the safety and effectiveness of mAb CIS43LS in preventing malaria infection. Volunteers will receive a single dose of the antibody and then be exposed to malaria-carrying mosquitoes to assess protection.
A novel malaria vaccine candidate based on the tobacco mosaic virus has shown a 10X improvement over a comparator vaccine in mouse trials. The vaccine uses the TMV coat protein as a scaffold to refocus the host immune system, offering protection against Plasmodium falciparum malaria up to 11 months.
Researchers have discovered a rare African-specific variant of the TP53 gene that causes iron accumulation in macrophages, leading to poorer responses to bacterial infections. However, this variant also improves response to malaria toxin, potentially offering protection against severe inflammation and disease severity.
A team of researchers developed a promising tool to combat malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. Their genetically engineered fungus toxin killed 75% of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes, causing an established population to collapse within 45 days.
Researchers created 3D human capillaries to study how red blood cells navigate ultra-small blood vessels. Malaria-infected cells become stalled due to shape and motion changes, increasing risk of adherence and blockage.
A comprehensive roadmap has been established to evaluate and implement ivermectin as a complementary vector control tool against malaria. The roadmap aims to decrease malaria transmission by targeting the vector population, bypassing challenges of insecticide resistance and residual transmission.
Dou's research aims to disrupt the parasite's nutrient metabolism, potentially leading to new drug treatments for toxoplasmosis and malaria. The grant will explore the molecular mechanisms of Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that affects over 40 million people worldwide.
Researchers used single cell genome sequencing to analyze malaria parasite cells, finding that nearly all infections were caused by a single mosquito bite. This discovery could lead to more effective interventions and models for predicting antimalarial drug resistance.
Researchers discovered that Kelch13 protein mutations can lead to parasite resistance by reducing hemoglobin uptake and ART activation. The findings provide critical insights into the development of more effective antimalarial treatments.
Researchers at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine identified a new mechanism by which mosquitoes become resistant to insecticides. The SAP2 binding protein in the legs plays a key role in this process.
A comprehensive interaction network map reveals how Plasmodium falciparum traffics between human host cells, transforming red blood cells into rigid forms that hinder oxygen transportation. This understanding paves the way for further study and discussion on the molecular mechanism of severe malaria.
Researchers at IKBFU identified spirocycles as a building block of organic molecules with potential for medical chemistry development. These naturally occurring compounds, such as artemisinin, exhibit biocompatibility and have inspired the synthesis of new medicinal compounds.
Researchers find gene drives more efficient than releasing immune mosquitoes in controlling mosquito populations spreading malaria parasites. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of gene drives in driving mosquito populations to extinction, with some mutations hindering their effectiveness.
Australian researchers have identified a new drug target for preventing the deadliest malaria parasite from spreading infection. The breakthrough involves blocking the export of gametocyte proteins, essential for malaria transmission, using small molecule inhibitors developed at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.
Researchers have characterized three genes associated with insecticide resistance in malaria mosquitoes, found to cause resistance to all four classes of public health insecticides. This breakthrough work provides much-needed tools for monitoring the growing problem through molecular testing.
The 2020 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Awards recognize Texas researchers making groundbreaking discoveries in Alzheimer's disease treatment, malaria treatment, kidney stone research, and star merger processes. The awards celebrate innovative work that advances science and improves lives.
Dr. Jeffrey Rimer's groundbreaking research using crystals has led to the development of new materials and treatments for malaria and kidney stones. His work enables visualization of complex mechanisms, improving catalysis in petrochemical processes.
Researchers have designed a new bednet that can kill mosquitoes more efficiently than existing nets, minimizing risk to people inside the net. The Barrier Bednet, with an extra panel of netting above the roof, was highly effective against insecticide-resistant mosquitoes in Burkina Faso.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a novel bednet design with a barrier that can significantly improve its performance and reduce insecticide use. The barrier design has been shown to be 100% effective in protecting against malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, restoring the efficiency of bednets in Africa.
A new study reveals that malaria parasites sourced from 1940s blood-stained microscope slides originated from Europe, with genetic similarities to modern strains found in the Americas. The research sheds light on the historical spread of Plasmodium vivax malaria and its potential for drug resistance.
A Brazilian consortium is working with international partners to develop new treatments for Malaria, Chagas disease and visceral leishmaniasis. The goal is to create a rapid-acting anti-malarial molecule that can eliminate the parasite without resistance development.
Researchers found that children sleeping under bed nets treated with a new compound had significantly lower malaria parasite rates, and fewer mosquitoes carrying the disease. The results suggest that these nets could be a valuable stopgap measure while new insecticides are developed.
A Duke University microscope prototype uses machine learning to optimize lighting settings for diagnosing malaria, achieving 90% accuracy in identifying infected red blood cells. The adapted lighting system highlights the parasite in bright spots, significantly improving diagnosis times and accuracy compared to traditional methods.
Researchers discovered that malaria infection triggers the production of highly potent antibodies through strong inflammatory signals, which could be harnessed for new vaccines and therapies against hepatitis C and HIV. The immune system's response to malaria is distinct from chronic viral infections and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that several traditional soup recipes have antimalarial properties, with some curbing parasite growth by over 50% or preventing maturation. The next step is to identify the active ingredients responsible for these effects.
A team of researchers identified protective antibodies against severe malaria in children, paving the way for a potential vaccine. The discovery uses genomic sequencing and machine learning to pinpoint specific proteins and antibodies that provide immunity.
A genome-wide gene deletion study on malaria parasites identified hundreds of new targets for disease control. The study, led by the University of Bern, used a malaria mouse model to systematically screen the parasite's genome and identify essential metabolic pathways.
Researchers have identified key antibodies that can protect against severe forms of malaria, providing hope for the development of an effective vaccine. The study's findings, published in Cell Host & Microbe, show promise for new approaches to combatting the disease.
Scientists have identified atypical immune B-cells that increase anti-PS antibody production associated with anaemia in malaria patients. These cells also develop and produce antibodies in uninfected individuals when exposed to broken red blood cell fragments.
Research reveals that mated female mosquitoes are more susceptible to transmitting malaria parasites, highlighting the importance of targeting male mosquitoes in vector control measures. This study provides new insights into the impact of mating on mosquito susceptibility to P. falciparum.
Researchers at Seattle Children's describe how malaria Plasmodium parasites prepare a blueprint of proteins needed to infect the liver while waiting in mosquito salivary glands. This knowledge may lead to new strategies to block transmission and ultimately eradicate malaria.
The malaria parasite expresses genes for proteins needed in later stages using two separate schemes of translational repression, which could be exploited to fight the disease. Researchers identified two programs that operate simultaneously and independently, allowing the parasite to quickly respond to changes in its environment.
Scientists used X-ray microscopy to study the digestive process of malaria parasites, revealing that they store hemoglobin in their digestive vacuole. The parasites then crystallize toxic hemozoin molecules, which active compounds may prevent from forming by disrupting their detoxification process.
Researchers discovered a mechanism behind malaria's severe complications: an immune reaction that damages the patient's own tissue. The parasite triggers an escalation of neutrophil activity, leading to organ failure and death in severe cases.
Researchers found that DEET traps and masks human scents, preventing them from reaching mosquito odor detectors. This interaction leads to a lower response in mosquitoes, reducing the risk of malaria transmission. The study provides insight into how repellents work and may lead to new, more effective repellent development.
Researchers have discovered that aҫaí berry extract can significantly reduce the number of malaria parasites in infected mice, with a 89.4% decrease in parasitic load. The treatment also prolonged the survival of the mice, with all those given polyphenols surviving for over 15 days.
The NIH has awarded a five-year contract to integrate two critical databases, EuPathDB and VectorBase, into a single resource called VEuPathDB. This $38.4 million project will provide thousands of researchers worldwide with access to genomic data on pathogens and vectors, enhancing global public health research.
Researchers reconstructed a 50,000-year-old gene sequence that enabled the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum to infect human red blood cells. The study reveals how the parasite jumped from gorillas to humans and provides a plausible molecular explanation for the jump.
Deforestation in the Amazon region has been shown to increase malaria transmission by 3.27% for every 10% increase in forest loss. This effect is more pronounced in areas with limited remaining forest, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental and human health.