Those working for healthier humans around the globe are making headway in fighting communicable diseases such as AIDS, malaria and diarrheal illness, and researchers at the University of Denver have found that there is a transition occurring in global health from disease burdens due to communicable diseases to chronic ones such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. "Because of great … [Read more...]
Hoolywood Bites Back Fundraiser to Fight Malaria
Conan O'Brien, Elizabeth Banks, B.J. Novak, and David Arquette are among the many comedians, musicians and public figures performing stand-up, sketches and musical acts when some of today's hottest stars from television, film and music will take the stage at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on April 16th for Hollywood Bites Back!, a night of comedy to benefit the nonprofit Malaria No More. "I am … [Read more...]
Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets (ITMNs) Helps Prevent Japanese Encephalitis
A new study reveals that using treated mosquito nets could drastically reduce the transmission of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) to humans. The study, conducted by the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Dibrugarh, North East Region (NE), Indian Council of Medical Research and released in the March issue of the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, showed that the use of … [Read more...]
Liquidia Technologies Gets $10M from Gates Foundation for Malaria Vaccine
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation invested $10 million in Liquidia Technologies, a closely held biotechnology company developing vaccines, as part of a $400 million initiative to fund activities to help poorer countries. Liquidia is developing a seasonal flu vaccine and has an agreement with the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative to use its technology to work on new malaria vaccines, the … [Read more...]
Inexpensive Lens-Free Mobile Phone Microscope May Improve Detection of Malaria
Aydogan Ozcan, an associate professor of electrical engineering at UCLA, is working on a low-cost microscope that uses the silicon sensor found in mobile phone cameras. According to Ozcan, his microscope, which currently has a resolution of one millionth of a meter, which is powerful enough to reliably image the malaria parasite. While a traditional microscope can have a six-figure price tag, … [Read more...]
U.S. Budget Cuts May Drastically Reduce Funding for Malaria Bed Nets and Treatment Programs
Recently the House of Representatives passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal budget for the rest of the fiscal year 2011. The legislation slashes programs that save the lives of some of the poorest people on the planet. These programs have been championed by Republicans and Democrats in the past, but now some of the most cost-effective programs our government funds to help combat … [Read more...]
Synthetic Vaccine May Help Combat Malaria, HIV-AIDS
Scientists have developed a new type of nano particle which they say can safely and effectively deliver vaccines for diseases such as malaria and HIV-AIDS. Developed by a team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the new particles consist of concentric fatty spheres that can carry synthetic versions of proteins normally produced by viruses. … [Read more...]
Genetically Modified Fungus Kills Malaria Parasite
University of Maryland scientists are working on a genetically-engineered fungus that would kill the malaria parasite. The battle against malaria continues to challenge doctors, scientists, and public health officials. Now, a team of British and American scientists have developed a novel and promising approach to malaria control. … [Read more...]
Climate Change Brings Increased Malaria Threat to Tanzania Highlands
Tanzania’s southern highlanders have long worried about pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses brought on by the cool, wet weather. But as climate change contributes to warmer temperatures in the region, residents are facing a new health threat: malaria. … [Read more...]
Malaria Still Health Issue in Pacific Islands
Malaria is an ongoing health issue for many Pacific island nations, even though worldwide, the African continent has the highest number of cases. Half the world's population - an estimated 3.3 billion people - are at risk. In the Pacific region, countries that continue to be at risk include Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. … [Read more...]