parasite

Disease-causing Parasites Hitch Ride On Trumpet Snails

In order to survive and breed, parasitic flatworms in Southeast Asia use several species of trumpet snail as hosts—posing a threat to public health.

Ancient Shellfish Sailed The Seas On The Shells Of Turtles

Colonizing the shells of live sea turtles might have allowed mollusks to encounter previously unexplored niches, scientists say.

Cambrian-era Parasite Stole Ancient Brachiopod’s Food

A study from China has found evidence for the oldest known parasite–host relationship in the fossil record.

The Voice Within May Be Toxoplasma Speaking

Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that reproduces in cats and can infect humans, is known to alter behavior. A recent study shows that infected humans tend to be more entrepreneurial.

Asia’s Bee Mites Alarmingly Resistant

A study of the Tropilaelaps mercedesae genome has revealed that conventional mite control strategies might not work.

Toxoplasma Parasites ‘Carbo-Load’ To Stay Dormant

The Toxoplasma parasite builds up a large stockpile of starch to help it establish a chronic infection, researchers say.

Eisai Provides Free Antiparasitic Tablets To Indonesia

Eisai has provided 151 million free diethylcarbamazine citrate tablets to the government of Indonesia for the treatment of elephantiasis.

Chinese TCM Expert Wins 2015 Nobel Prize In Medicine

Tu Youyou has received one half of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for developing an anti-malarial drug based on ancient herbal medicine.

7 Must-Read Stories In August 2015

In our August 2015 roundup, read all about the latest in CRISPR and cell reprogramming, parasitic wasps and how to found a medical school.

Parasite’s Big Appetite Might Be Its Downfall

The enzyme TgFBP2 helps Toxoplasma gondii survive in many cell types but could also prove to be a useful drug target.