Articles tagged with Parasites
A recent study published in Communications Biology analysed the relationship between parasite dispersal capacity and genetic introgression rates. The research found that species with higher dispersal abilities present increased genomic signatures of introgression, which could have implications for understanding parasite-host dynamics.
A £2.3 million project will study the Leishmania parasite, which causes leishmaniasis and affects some of the world's poorest communities. The research aims to understand how humans are infected and how the disease spreads, potentially leading to more effective treatments.
A new root-knot nematode species has been discovered on grapevines in Yunnan province, China. The Meloidogyne vitis sp. nov. species is believed to seriously damage grape production, highlighting the need for further research and monitoring.
A new malaria mosquito species, Anopheles stephensi, has been found in cities and towns in urban settings in Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti. The invading mosquito is highly susceptible to local malaria strains, increasing the risk of urban malaria in Africa.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have made a groundbreaking discovery about malaria, showing that the parasite can cross the blood-brain barrier using a mechanism employed by immune cells. This breakthrough provides new insights into the disease process behind cerebral malaria and its severe neurological consequences.
A new study by ISGlobal has identified six microRNAs that may be used as biomarkers to predict disease severity in children with severe malaria. The findings provide a potential breakthrough in understanding the mechanisms underlying severe malaria and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers have deciphered the structure of a protein found in parasites that cause elephantiasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis, enabling the search for more potent molecules capable of directly destroying pathogens. The study aims to reduce or avoid adverse side effects of current treatments.
Researchers discover new mutations in malaria parasite that enhance resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a key preventive drug. These mutations are already widespread in Africa and Asia, threatening efforts to use the drug to prevent malaria in vulnerable groups.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that mosquitoes feeding on blood multiple times increase malaria transmission potential, shortening the incubation period and making disease control more challenging. The research suggests that younger mosquitoes with reduced reproductive ability may contribute to infection, undermining curre...
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a genetic engineering method to prevent Toxoplasma gondii parasite production, which causes toxoplasmosis. The new technique uses CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing scissors to switch off essential genes responsible for oocyst formation without leaving unwanted traces.
Researchers have developed a cell atlas of Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm that poses a risk to hundreds of millions of people each year. The study identified 13 distinct cell types within the worm at the start of its development, including new cell types in the nervous and muscular systems.
A study published in Cell Reports identified a protein called SHP-1 as a key player in the Leishmania parasite's evasion of the human immune system. By activating SHP-1, the parasite can limit the capacity of dendritic cells to present antigens, thereby preventing autoimmune disorders and protecting itself from an immune response.
The metabolic state of a disease-causing parasite influences its resistance to current drugs, according to a new study published in eLife. The research found that the sensitivity of amastigotes to azole drugs increases significantly in the presence of certain concentrations of glutamine.
A study in Uganda reveals that school-age children with asymptomatic malaria infections can serve as stealth super spreaders responsible for the majority of malaria parasites circulating in local mosquitoes. This hidden reservoir poses a barrier to long-term efforts to eliminate malaria and an immediate threat for disease resurgence.
Researchers at FAU identify a molecular marker in Cuscuta parasites that triggers recognition by tomato receptors, leading to immune response. The discovery may improve crop resistance to parasitic plants.
Researchers at University of California have made a major advance in controlling malaria parasites by developing a new CRISPR-based gene drive system. The system successfully overcomes the issue of resistance in female mosquitoes, which was a significant challenge in previous attempts.
Research shows malaria parasites can remain dormant in human blood stream during dry season, re-emerging when mosquito populations resurge. The parasite alters gene expression and uses spleen to evade immune system detection.
A more intensive treatment schedule with currently available therapeutics has been shown to completely clear the infection in infected mice. Researchers used light sheet fluorescence microscopy to view intact whole organs from infected mice and found that a less frequent dosage of benznidazole could be effective.
Researchers found that females can clear asymptomatic malaria infections at a faster rate than males, which could inform epidemiologists and public health strategies. The study, published in eLife, suggests biological sex-based differences play a crucial role in the human response to malaria parasites.
Researchers at FAU identify a protein in dodder that triggers tomato defense mechanism, allowing crops to recognize and resist parasitic attacks. The discovery may lead to increased crop resistance against parasitic plants.
Research suggests ancient parasites have co-opted mammalian hosts for evolutionary gain, influencing cognition, reproduction, immune response. Endogenous retroviruses also play a key role in placental development and the interferon response.
Researchers have discovered the molecular mechanisms that allow malaria parasites to move and spread disease within their hosts. The glideosome complex is a critical target for future antimalarial treatments, with two novel proteins identified as key players in parasite motility.
The University of Chicago research team has created a novel self-assembling nano-vaccine called ToxAll to protect humans from toxoplasmosis. The vaccine uses immunosense technology to boost each component of the immune system and deliver components of the parasite to relevant target cells.
Scientists discovered how deadly parasites from the phylum Apicomplexa, such as Plasmodium and Toxoplasma, glide into human cells using actin and myosin proteins. The study reveals the molecular structure of essential light chains that facilitate gliding movements.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have discovered a new immune evasion strategy used by the Plasmodium parasite, which could help develop novel therapeutic strategies and vaccines for malaria. The study found that microRNAs play a crucial role in regulating genes involved in the immune response.
Researchers developed an immunomodulatory feed additive to boost chickens' immune response against coccidiosis, a parasite-borne intestinal disease. The treatment showed promise in promoting gut health and reducing the effects of severe infection, but may not prevent disease altogether.
A Duke University-led team has discovered how malaria parasites can survive fevers by producing a special lipid molecule and binding to heat shock proteins. This could lead to new ways to fight resistant strains of the disease. The findings also suggest caution when using fever reducers with artemisinin-based compounds.
A new CRISPR vaccine has been successfully tested in animal studies, providing protection against the parasitic skin disease leishmaniasis. The vaccine uses a modified version of the parasite that causes the disease, which induces immunity without causing clinical disease.
A new CRISPR-based diagnostic method has been developed to detect four species of the malarial parasite Plasmodium. The test uses a nucleic acid detection platform called SHERLOCK and is optimized for field conditions, with a cost of $0.61 per test.
Researchers have identified an invasive blood-sucking parasite on mud shrimp in British Columbia's Calvert Island, marking the northern-most record of its spread. The parasite, a bopyrid isopod, decimates mud shrimp populations and disrupts delicate ecosystems.
Red blood cells in people with Dantu blood variant have a higher surface tension that prevents Plasmodium falciparum from invading. This natural process could be imitated to prevent or reduce malaria infection.
A new study uses next-generation sequencing to analyze genetic diversity of fish eye parasites, revealing complex life cycles and diverse habitats. The research also sheds light on the impact of parasites on fish behavior and immunity.
A team of scientists found that dodder parasites eavesdrop on their host plants' flowering signals to synchronize their own flowering. This allows the parasite to optimize its reproduction and increase its fitness.
Researchers discovered new types of mosquito immune cells and molecular pathways implicated in controlling the malaria parasite. A rare cell type called a Megacyte was found to have high levels of a key molecule needed for immune priming, which could limit malaria transmission.
In unpredictable environments, brood parasites spread their reproductive risk by targeting more and diverse host species. This bet-hedging strategy allows them to adapt to changing conditions and increase their chances of offspring survival.
Researchers found that brood parasites living in variable habitats diversify their egg-laying choices among multiple host species, increasing reproductive success. This 'bet-hedging' strategy allows them to counter environmental threats and ensure survival over time.
Biomedical scientists have discovered that diethylcarbamazine directly targets parasitic worms with a temporary paralysis, allowing the host's body to flush out the parasites. This breakthrough could lead to better predictability of resistance development and more effective treatment outcomes for patients.
The study completes the genome assembly of F. oxysporum f.sp. lini, a highly destructive fungal parasite infecting flax. This milestone contributes to the development of resistant crop varieties and aids in eliminating plant disease outbreaks.
The Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lini genome has been fully assembled, providing insights into the parasite's adaptation to flax and its potential for breeding resistant crop varieties. The study aims to elucidate specific mechanisms of Fusarium adaptation to different hosts and find genes responsible for its preferences.
Researchers found that native lizards harbor parasites controlling invasive species, keeping their populations under control. The study suggests biodiversity is a key factor in resisting invasions.
Researchers in Spain studied bird nests to understand how insects and parasites detect gas concentrations, finding a positive correlation between carbon dioxide and biting midges. The study also found that methane concentration was related to bacteria in nesting materials.
The emergence of artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites in Rwanda marks a major concern for global health. Significant proportions of parasites carrying the R561H mutation have been detected, indicating that these resistant strains can spread between locations and acquire resistance to partner drugs.
A comprehensive study has identified 140 fungal species, including nine new to Belgium and the Netherlands, highlighting the diversity of Laboulbeniomycetes. The newly described fungus, Laboulbenia quarantenae, is a rare parasite found on ground beetles in Belgium.
A global conservation plan for parasites is proposed to recognize the value of biological diversity. Research suggests that parasites play critical ecological roles, regulating wildlife populations, and propose identifying and conserving half of world's parasites within the next decade.
Researchers discovered new channels enabling lipid transport between the malaria parasite and red blood cells, raising possibility of nutrient-blocking treatments. The study found Niemann-Pick C1-related protein (PfNCR1) channels made of PfNCR1.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine discovered that brain defenders called microglia release a unique immune molecule to control the parasite in the brain, preventing symptomatic toxoplasmosis. This finding has implications for brain infections, neurodegenerative diseases and autoimmune disorders.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which schistosomes, parasitic worms infecting over 200 million people, evade the host's immune system. The parasite's esophageal gland mediates this protection, allowing it to survive and feed without being destroyed by immune cells.
A Cornell University study found that one in eight individual bees had at least one parasite, with social bees more susceptible to infection. The researchers identified five common parasites transmitted through flowers, highlighting the importance of flower abundance and bee diversity in controlling disease spread.
Research suggests that having more flowers and a more diverse bee community could reduce the spread of bee parasites. The study found that when bee communities are at their most diverse, the proportion of infected bees is lowest, and when flowers are at their most abundant, fewer are likely to act as transmission hubs.
Researchers studied cavefish and surface fish for clues on immune system adaptations. The study found that cavefish have a more sensitive innate immune system but lower levels of inflammation due to their unique environment. This could provide insights into human autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes.
Research at UC Berkeley reveals pesticides can boost schistosome parasite transmission by affecting snail survival, aquatic predators and algae composition. This increases disease burden in areas with high agricultural agrochemical use, posing a significant threat to public health.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered how the Toxoplasma gondii parasite hijacks host cells to spread throughout the body. The parasite triggers an alarm system that leads to the activation of a protein called IRE1, connecting it to the cytoskeleton and causing hypermigration.
Two new species of parasite have been discovered in crabs, which could potentially harm commercially important crustaceans. The researchers' findings suggest that the shore crab's habitat may influence the presence and prevalence of pathogens.
Scientists at the University of York have deciphered the mechanism by which the compound AB1 kills the trypanosome parasite that causes African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness. The breakthrough could potentially lead to a cure for this devastating neglected tropical disease and others like Chagas disease.
A new approach developed by Kyoto University scientists provides insight into the liver stage of the Plasmodium vivax malaria parasite. The method involves infecting human liver cells with mosquito-bred parasites, enabling researchers to study the parasite's life cycle and develop more effective treatments.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified a protein used by the malaria parasite to protect itself from toxic compounds in red blood cells. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs that block this process, potentially providing valuable insights for treating malaria.
A study published in Evolution found that local parasites are influencing barn swallows' mate selection and physical traits, potentially leading to the creation of new species. The researchers discovered a tradeoff between attractiveness and susceptibility to malaria.
Researchers studied how Toxoplasma parasites move rapidly through tissues using high-resolution imaging and force microscopy. They found that the parasites form specific attachments with collagen fibers, resulting in contractile forces that propel them forward.
A research team at ISGlobal has developed a system to induce massive sexual conversion of the P. falciparum malaria parasite in vitro, enabling deeper understanding and design of new tools to block malaria transmission. This technique allows for synchronization of parasites at the initial stages of sexual development.
A new tetrahydroquinolone compound, JAG21, has been discovered to eliminate both active and dormant forms of Toxoplasma gondii and P. falciparum parasites. The compound shows promise in treating toxoplasmosis and malaria, with the potential to prevent and cure all life-cycle stages of malaria.