Nov. 02, 2011

Imaging Motile Malaria Parasites

Cell motility is an essential process for most uni- and multi-cellular forms of life. The study of evolutionary ancient and thus divergent cells can yield interesting insights into our very basic understanding of molecular processes conferring cellular motility. The Plasmodium sporozoite represents a unique cell that migrates in vitro in near perfect circles due to its crescent shape. This allows the combination of high throughput imaging with reverse genetics to dissect how these cells move. moreJan. 25, 2011

Super Resolution Microscopy

Super Resolution Microscopy made it possible that Australian scientists have for the first time caught malaria parasites in the act of invading red blood cells. The researchers, from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), achieved this long-held aim using a combination of electron, light and super resolution microscopy, a technology platform new to Australia. moreFeb. 11, 2010

Dedicated Point-of-Care

Malaria - caused by Plasmodium sp. and spread to humans by species of tropical mosquitoes (Anopheles sp.) - is endemic in 107 countries with 3.2 billion people and therefore one of the most dangerous diseases worldwide. Despite the fact that Malaria is preventable and treatable, according to WHO 300-500 million people are infected by Malaria every year, with far more than 1 million death cases annually - including one child every 30 seconds. A safe, easy, and in particular rapid diagnostic test is of great importance for Malaria treatment. more