Scientists discover way to stop malaria parasite in its tracks

By Bridie Smith
Updated July 29 2014 - 10:08am, first published July 17 2014 - 7:27am
Left to right: Paul Gilson, Tania de Koning-Ward and Brendan Crabb. Photo: Penny Stephens
Left to right: Paul Gilson, Tania de Koning-Ward and Brendan Crabb. Photo: Penny Stephens
Transmitted via infected mosquitoes, the malaria parasite multiplies in the liver and then invades red blood cells. Photo: Penny Stephens
Transmitted via infected mosquitoes, the malaria parasite multiplies in the liver and then invades red blood cells. Photo: Penny Stephens

The global race to develop the next generation of malaria drugs has been given a boost after Australian scientists discovered how to starve the malaria parasite of nutrients, effectively killing it before it takes hold.