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.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 26, 2021
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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.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJan 13, 2021
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.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 7, 2021
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.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Biological Methods·DateDec 23, 2020
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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.
SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2020
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.
SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 11, 2020
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.
SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2020
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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.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 30, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 29, 2020
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.
SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2020
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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.
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.
SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 13, 2020
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.
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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.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 13, 2020
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.
SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPoultry Science·DateOct 7, 2020
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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.
SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2020
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.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2020
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.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalBioInvasions Records·DateSep 17, 2020
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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.
SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2020
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.
SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateSep 7, 2020
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.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020
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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.
SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2020
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.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2020
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.
SourceIowa State University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 18, 2020
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.
SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateAug 14, 2020
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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.
SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateAug 14, 2020
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.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 9, 2020
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.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateAug 5, 2020
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.
SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 4, 2020
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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.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalMycoKeys·DateAug 3, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 1, 2020
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.
SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2020
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.
SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020
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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.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 23, 2020
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.
SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 22, 2020
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.
SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 20, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJul 17, 2020
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.
SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalmBio·DateJul 16, 2020
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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.
SourceSwansea University·JournalParasitology·DateJul 15, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 13, 2020
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.
SourceKyoto University·JournalMalaria Journal·DateJul 3, 2020
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.
SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEvolution·DateJun 24, 2020
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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.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 17, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateJun 10, 2020
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.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 10, 2020
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Researchers discovered Plasmodium parasites use internal clocks to regulate gene expression and cell cycle activities in response to host signals. The finding of a genetic metronome and SR10 receptor protein could lead to novel drug targets for combating malaria.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2020
Professor Ute Hellmich is investigating the role of ion channels in parasites causing African sleeping sickness and Chagas disease. She aims to find similarities or differences between parasite and human ion channels, potentially leading to new pharmacological agents.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateJun 4, 2020
Extracellular vesicles play a key role in the pathology of malaria vivax by promoting parasite adhesion to human spleen fibroblasts. The study found that EVs induce the expression of ICAM-1 on fibroblast surfaces, serving as an anchor for parasite-infected red blood cell adherence.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2020
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A recent study from the University of Washington explores how parasites respond to climate change, revealing complex relationships between hosts, parasites, and their communities. The research suggests that pulse warming events can have sudden and profound impacts on disease transmission, leading to a 'choppy sea' of outbreaks.