Malaria
Scientists identify a rocket-fuel-like reaction that propels spinning iron crystals inside malaria parasites
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University of Utah researchers report that iron-rich hemozoin crystals inside the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum move through the parasite’s digestive compartment because reactions involving hydrogen peroxide at the crystal surface generate chemical propulsion. The work, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, links a long-observed phenomenon to peroxide chemistry and could point to new antimalarial drug strategies and ideas for engineered micro- and nanoscale devices.
Researchers have discovered a protein called Aurora-related kinase 1 (ARK1) that is vital for the malaria parasite's cell division. Disabling ARK1 in experiments halted the parasite's ability to replicate in both human and mosquito hosts. The finding, published in Nature Communications, highlights a potential target for new antimalarial drugs.
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The health bureau of central Ethiopia reports a significant decrease in malaria and sudden health risks in the region. This outcome is based on a performance assessment of the first six months of the 2018 budget year.