New Malaria Vaccine Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

New Malaria Vaccine - Research Paper Example One of the reasons why formulating vaccines have proved challenging is due to the constantly adapting nature of malaria parasites. The latter either evolve drug-resistance or the mosquitoes themselves constantly change and become insecticide resistant. It is in this context that the thrust of new research should be based. The article by Anthony Watts, posted in his website ‘Watts Up With That?’ presents recent discoveries in this area. The article is a summary of the research paper presented in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA in September of 2010. Usually, malaria parasites use certain pathways to infect human cells. The identification of one such key pathway is believed to provide scientists will crucial leads. The research team at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has been credited with this identification. They now believe that a new vaccine target can be produced, through which contact with malaria could be avoided. The most lethal form of malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium Falciparum. The ability of this parasite to invade red blood cells through numerous channels is what makes it difficult to contain. It is conventional knowledge that the parasites enter red blood cells by using proteins called glycophorins. What the researchers found is another way through which the parasite enters red blood cells. This pathway â€Å"does not involve glycophorins, instead requiring the binding of a parasite molecule named PfRh4 to Complement Receptor 1 (CR1), a common protein found on the surface of red blood cells. PfRh family of surface proteins is involved in the recognition of red blood cell receptors, which allows the parasite to attach to the red blood cell surface and gain entry.† (wattsupwiththat.com, 2010) Professor Alan Cowman, who leads the research project at Walter & Eliza Hall Medical Research Institute, offers more insights into the identified mechanism. For example, he thinks that the malaria par asite uses this protein as a guide. The protein helps the parasite identify red blood cells upon which it can attach itself. Cowman reckons that the PfRh4-CR1 pathway is key for successful entry of malaria parasites into RBC. By virtue of this discovery, biologists can now device the ideal combination of proteins to serve as a vaccine. It is believed that by blocking both glycophorin and CR1 pathways, the chances of malaria infection is nearly eliminated. These results indicate â€Å"that if a vaccine were to stimulate the immune system to recognize and generate antibodies to the prevalent invasion pathways, there is a good chance it would lead to a significant decrease in malaria infection.† (wattsupwiththat.com, 2010) This area of research is still in its infancy and pending robust clinical longitudinal trials. Paralleling the work done by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, a team in Michigan State University has created a malaria vaccine, which combin es the â€Å"use of a disabled cold virus with an immune system-stimulating gene – that appears to increase the immune response against the parasite that causes the deadly disease.† (www.news-medical.net, 2011). Similarly, another group of researchers under the mentorship of Andrea Amalfitano of the College of Osteopathic Medicine have discovered a immune-system stimulating agent. But unfortunately, this agent has proven

Business and Industry involved in the development of Community College Essay

Business and Industry involved in the development of Community College programs - Essay Example In order to cater for the diverse needs of the businesses and industries, diverse programs have been developed by the community colleges as a direct influence of the former. People have also come to change their perspectives on community colleges, which consequently has resulted in the introduction of adult classes, part-time graduates enrollment programs to sharpen their skills. Businesses and industries have sponsored community colleges in different ways, provided internship opportunities for their students and influenced their curriculum, just to mention a few. Initially, community colleges were believed to be set up for the handicapped and underprivileged to provide them with general education and tradition liberal arts. However, with time, people began appreciating them. This was as a result of the rise of new businesses and industries which were in demand of labor. The short courses offered in community colleges as compared to other educational instructions provided the urgent workforce needed. The different industries and businesses establishments needed different and diverse skills. As a result, diverse courses came into being and students were taught programs like home economics, business studies teaching, secretarial studies, general courses and music. These trainings acted as links between semi-skilled laborers and professionals. All this made it possible for the students to get jobs after immediate completion of their courses. Gradually, people changed their perspective on community colleges, adult classes were introduced, part-time classes came into being and even graduates enrolled to sharpen their skills. This resulted in the enrollment of a huge number of students leading to the growth of community colleges. Business and industries play a major role in the development of Community College Programs. This state of affairs started back in the 1990s when there was immense business potential in America as new businesses and industries were