277: sticking it to the malaria parasite

There was some very interesting and promising news about malaria research today. I am linking to the report from the Times of India, which was the most comprehensive. Apparently, Australian scientists have identified the eight specific proteins the malaria parasite uses to produce a 'glue', which in turn makes the red blood cells they've infected 'sticky'. The red blood cells then latch onto the walls of blood vessels, allowing the parasite to rapidly reproduce. But, the Australian research team found that removing just one of the eight proteins rendered the parasite unable to make 'glue'. As a result, the human body can clear affected cells more easily. Fascinating! It's thought that this new discovery could aid the development of both drugs and vaccines for malaria. A long term goal, perhaps, but today saw a promising head start.