Nectar—but not for parasites

Micro-cantilevered MEMS Biosensor for Detection of Malaria Protozoan Parasites

In this paper, the presented work aims to provide a designed model based on Finite element method for detection of Malaria protozoan parasites. Micro-cantilevers are next generation highly efficient biosensors for detection and prevention of any disease. Here, an E-shaped model for micro cantilevered biosensor is designed using COMSOL Multiphysics specifically for detection of Malaria. Microcan...

Flypaper for Parasites

In this issue, Kamhawi et al. (2004) describe the identification of an insect galectin as the receptor for the stage-specific Leishmania adhesin lipophosphoglycan (LPG). This interaction is critical for parasite survival in the midgut of its sand fly vector. The results open new avenues for studies of insect immunity, transmission binding vaccines, and host-parasite coevolution.

A Passion for Parasites

To know Dickson Despommier is to know his love of parasites. Despommier’s academic text on parasitic diseases (co-edited by Robert Gwadz, Peter Hotez, and Charles Knirsch) is now in its 5th edition. In 2010, the long-time professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health tackled something new in “The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century.” Now he’s returned to hi...

Immunoblots for Parasites Serology

Within-host Competition Does Not Select for Virulence in Malaria Parasites; Studies with Plasmodium yoelii

In endemic areas with high transmission intensities, malaria infections are very often composed of multiple genetically distinct strains of malaria parasites. It has been hypothesised that this leads to intra-host competition, in which parasite strains compete for resources such as space and nutrients. This competition may have repercussions for the host, the parasite, and the vector in terms o...