http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/08/31/140069350/a-remnant-from-algae-in-malaria-parasite-may-prove-its-weakness
So I found this article and it is super interesting. It does go along more with biology, but it also could do so much for tropical areas of the world. Most people know of Malaria, a disease from a parasite usually in tropical places, but they really have never pinpointed a way to fight it off completely. Recently, they think they found some way to start trying. It has to do with the metabolic pathways of the parasite. The malaria cells have what is called an apicoplast, which is not in any other bug or it might be but they have never seen it. Scientists were doing some research, and they found that the apicoplasts were they only way for the cells to do metabolic activity. Therefore, if they find a drug that could target and attack the specific part of the cell, the problem would be solved. They are working now on that drug. What would this do for the people of tropical areas? In a perfect world it should save many people from disease. However, would we, as in USA, be able to support getting this drug over to where it is needed? I think it is a great find, and I think it will save lives. I just can't help but think about the people who wont take medicines in different countries because of culture. I like to think optimistically though so overall, I think its awesome!
Danielle Frye
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