Articles tagged with Parasites
A new study by Texas A&M University biologist Dr. Charles Criscione and collaborators reveals that family ties play a crucial role in the survival of parasitic organisms. Brain flukes sacrifice themselves to ensure the survival of their relatives, who co-infect the same ant's abdomen.
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.
A new study found that parasitic trematode worms produce greater standing armies in areas of greater threat, demonstrating for the first time that animal societies can adjust army size to meet threat levels. The research showed that snails collected in locations with high risk of invasion had larger numbers of soldier worms.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a unique non-oxygen breathing animal, the Henneguya salminicola parasite. This tiny, anaerobic organism dwells in salmon tissue and has given up breathing oxygen to produce energy.
A team of Clemson University researchers identified the function of a specific protein in three related parasites that cause African sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, and Leishmaniasis. The discovery provides insights into how these parasites differ from humans, shedding light on potential drug targets.
Research finds that sorghum crops in areas with high witchweed prevalence have genetic adaptations to resist the parasite, altering hormone production. While these mutations confer some resistance, they also affect photosynthesis and growth, raising potential trade-offs.
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.
New research shows that feeding bluebirds can significantly impact parasitic nest flies and improve nestling survival. The study found that supplementing birds with food reduces the parasite load and improves antibody levels, which help kill the parasites. The timing of feeding is also crucial, with early feeding benefiting young birds...
A study sequenced mosquito transcripts to understand resistance to Dirofilaria immitis. Activation of immune genes blocks nematode development but prevents transmission-stage Brugia malayi., Mosquito immunity crucial for preventing parasitic worm development and transmission.
Researchers discovered that activating a mosquito's immune system can prevent the transmission of disease-causing parasites like Dirofilaria immitis and Brugia malayi. By boosting the immune response, mosquitoes can block parasite development, potentially stopping diseases like canine heartworm and human lymphatic filariasis.
Researchers at Yale School of Public Health have identified a new family of surface proteins, Fam10, which are uniquely associated with infectious metacyclic parasites transmitted by the tsetse fly. Vaccination with one member of this family significantly reduced parasitemia in mice, making Fam10 proteins promising vaccine candidates.
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.
Toxoplasma gondii injects proteins into host macrophages, altering their behavior and suppressing the immune response. This manipulation leads to the creation of M2 macrophages, which reduce inflammation and allow the parasite to evade elimination by T cells.
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.
Scientists at Institut Pasteur and CNRS identified molecules capable of inhibiting DNA methylation, killing even the most resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites. The results showed significant activity comparable to chloroquine, with some inhibitors killing parasites in just 6 hours.
Researchers observed two instances of puffin tool use: one on Skomer Island in 2014 and another on Grimsey Island in 2018. Puffins used wooden sticks to dislodge parasites or scratch their chests, which may have been more effective than using their beaks.
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 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.
The study identifies hundreds of proteins involved in the cell division cycle of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and rhodesiense parasites. This discovery holds promise for developing targeted drugs that can treat sleeping sickness without harming humans or animals.
A £2.5M project is developing a less costly method to trap large amounts of sand flies, reducing the number of infected dogs and subsequent human cases of Leishmaniasis. The synthetic male pheromone lure-and-kill method shows promising results in reducing female sand fly abundance by 49%.
Scientists found Plasmodium PAGRI02, a parasite from Africa, in 5% of European house sparrows. The study, published in Parasites & Vectors, highlights the impact of global environmental changes on wildlife transmission.
Researchers have discovered that malaria parasites use a specific protein to evade frontline treatment, leading to rapid development of antimalarial resistance. The study suggests ways to restore potency and monitor for emerging resistance in Southeast Asia.
Researchers found transposable elements and gene expansions related to antioxidants in the rat lungworm parasite, suggesting adaptive evolution. The study also discovered convergent evolution of a key enzyme with flukes, which share similar host requirements.
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 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.
Researchers found that certain vegetable and/or meat broths can curb the growth of sexually immature malaria parasites by more than 50% in lab tests. Five broths were effective at stopping disease-causing parasites, with two showing comparable activity to a leading antimalarial drug.
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.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University finds that crows in larger social groups have lower parasite loads and are healthier. The research reveals a correlation between sociability and health, suggesting that strong social bonds reduce stress levels and make crows less susceptible to parasites.
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.
Researchers found 13.6% of shore crabs infected with Hematodinium parasite, highest rates in spring and male crabs. Environmental DNA analysis revealed early stages of parasite development not present in crabs.
Researchers identify previously unknown proteins that suppress trypsin activity, protecting tapeworms from digestive enzymes. The discovery sheds light on the molecular diversity of tapeworms and their ability to evade host immune systems.
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.
A research team has isolated a potent compound that paralyzes parasitic worms causing devastating health problems. The discovery could lead to new ways to fight schistosomiasis, a disease with no alternative treatment besides praziquantel.
Researchers have isolated a potent chemical, 'schistosome paralysis factor', that can immobilize cercariae and prevent infection. This discovery could lead to new treatments for schistosomiasis, which causes devastating health problems in Africa, Asia, and parts of South America.
Researchers aim to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis by studying the molecular mechanisms of transmission and placenta development. The team will investigate how Toxoplasma gondii infection affects fetal development and explore potential treatments.
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.
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.
Researchers have identified a novel compound that selectively inhibits the cyclin-dependent-like protein kinase PfCLK3 in Plasmodium falciparum, disrupting its lifecycle. The molecule TCMDC-135051 has shown promise in treating malaria and preventing transmission to vector insects.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of two Varroa mite species that parasitize honey bees, finding distinct strategies for survival and evolution. The study sheds light on how parasites and hosts co-evolve, potentially revealing new approaches to combat colony collapse.
Researchers identified a new species of parasite causing a disease similar to visceral leishmaniasis, resistant to current treatments. The parasite was found to infect both internal organs and skin, leading to severe symptoms and death in patients.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that male cowbirds exhibit greater variation in offspring production, conforming to Bateman's Principle. Surprisingly, approximately 75% of cowbirds were monogamous for the entire breeding season despite not providing food or resources to their young.
An international study used human retinal cells to demonstrate how the Toxoplasma parasite creates a distinctive eye lesion. Researchers identified proteins produced from infected cells that push neighboring uninfected cells to overgrow and create a characteristic lesion.
A unique partnership between an engineer and a scientist challenged prevailing wisdom about Toxoplasma gondii's behavior, revealing potential targets for treatment. The team's work showed that parasites are actively replicating with complex patterns, forcing a reconsideration of the parasite's life cycle.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the construction of mitochondrial ribosomes, also known as mitoribosomes, which are crucial for protein synthesis. The study reveals that these structures undergo multiple assembly steps involving various proteins and machinery.
A 150-million-year-old coral reef snapshot reveals a peak of diversity among marine animals, including fish, crabs, and snails. The study also finds evidence of parasites among these ancient creatures, shedding light on the complex ecosystems of the past.
Researchers have designed a new class of modified pantothenamides that stop malaria parasites from replicating in humans and preventing transmission to mosquitoes. These compounds are effective against malaria parasites resistant to currently available drugs.
A new pantothenamide molecule, closely resembling a naturally occurring compound in malaria parasites, has shown promising results as a potential cure for the disease. Laboratory models suggest a single dose of the candidate drug may completely cure malaria, making it an attractive alternative to existing treatments.
Research reveals that Toxoplasma gondii's mother cells share micronemal proteins with daughters during asexual reproduction. This recycling mechanism enables the reassembly of vital organelles for parasite propagation.
Researchers have identified a peptide from an Antarctic sponge that shows promise as a lead for new therapies against malaria. The compound, friomaramide, effectively blocked the development of the malaria parasite in liver cells without harming them.
Scientists have discovered that the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, responsible for Chagas disease, can reproduce sexually after analyzing its genomic code in unprecedented detail. The study reveals that some groups of parasites exhibit high levels of sexuality, while others remain abstinent.
A study published in Immunity identified a biomarker for predicting malaria infection severity, with increased p53 activation associated with enhanced protection against fever and inflammation. The findings could lead to new strategies for dampening harmful inflammatory responses and identifying at-risk individuals.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have established a new model system using red blood cells grown in the laboratory to study malaria parasite invasion. They used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the genome of immature cells, removing a protein critical for invasion and showing that reticulocytes generated from this edited line were completel...
Scientists discovered Toxascaris leonina roundworm eggs in ancient puma coprolite from the Catamarca Province, Argentina, dated between 16,570 and 17,000 years ago. The findings provide evidence of parasites infecting wild mammals before human arrival in the region.
University of Alberta researchers found a critical protein called PEX3 in the cells of a deadly infectious parasite, opening the door to less harmful treatment options for millions suffering from diseases. The discovery could lead to effective drug treatments that target and kill parasites without harming human hosts.
Researchers have created a detailed map of individual malaria parasite behavior, giving the highest resolution view of malaria parasite gene expression to date. The Malaria Cell Atlas presents possible targets for developing antimalarial drugs, vaccines, and transmission blocking strategies.