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toxoplasma gondii

Genetically Engineered Parasites Smuggle Therapeutics into the Brain

Hannah Thomasy, PhD | Oct 23, 2024 | 4 min read

Scientists modified Toxoplasma gondii to deliver a potential Rett Syndrome therapeutic to the mouse brain.

Punctual Proteins Aid Parasites

Laura Tran, PhD | Feb 1, 2024 | 3 min read

A protein’s timely appearance is crucial for Toxoplasma gondii’s unique replication cycle.

four wolves cluster together in the snow next to a tree. one wolf at the front looks out into the distance.

Toxoplasma-Infected Wolves More Likely to Lead Packs, Study Finds

Katherine Irving | Nov 29, 2022 | 3 min read

The parasite appears to make infected wolves less risk-averse, potentially influencing the behavior of packs.

Close-up of a fiber with brightly colored pathogens beside it

Microplastics in Seawater May Harbor Parasites

Christie Wilcox, PhD | Apr 26, 2022 | 2 min read

Laboratory experiments find that Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia can congregate on microplastic beads and fibers, suggesting they might make their way into and around the world’s oceans by hitching rides on tiny bits of trash.

Illustration of clear cells with orange nuclei, Toxoplasma gondii, on colorful background

Turning Toxoplasma Against Cancer

Annie Melchor | Jan 3, 2022 | 9 min read

Several research groups have found that Toxoplasma gondii infection can ramp up antitumor immune responses in mice. Can the single-cell parasite be used to develop safe treatments for humans?

Contributors

The Scientist | Oct 1, 2021 | 3 min read

Meet some of the people featured in the October 2021 issue of The Scientist.

Microbiology Meets Machine Learning

Ruth Williams | May 1, 2019 | 2 min read

Artificially intelligent software has human-like ability to analyze host-pathogen interactions in microscopy images.

Infographic: Human-Style Image Analysis Without the Human

Ruth Williams | May 1, 2019 | 1 min read

Artificially intelligent software has human-like ability to analyze host-pathogen interactions in microscopy images.

Termination of USDA’s Toxoplasmosis Lab Concerns Parasitologists

Shawna Williams | Apr 10, 2019 | 2 min read

Some researchers say the abrupt end of the program will hobble the fight against a common parasite.

Image of the Day: Parasite Stopped in Its Tracks

The Scientist Staff | Sep 26, 2018 | 1 min read

Suppression of a signaling pathway in Toxoplasma gondii prevents the parasite from replicating in host cells.

Parasitologist, Reprogrammed: A Profile of David Roos

Anna Azvolinsky | Mar 1, 2018 | 8 min read

After discovering a novel organelle found in protozoan parasites, the University of Pennsylvania’s Roos created a widely used eukaryotic pathogen database.

Pestilent Spread

The Scientist | Feb 28, 2018 | 1 min read

See the University of Pennsylvania's David Roos explain the process of parasite replication.

Daraprim Discounts Offered

Karen Zusi | Nov 26, 2015 | 1 min read

Turing Pharmaceuticals will soon offer discounts to hospitals for its toxoplasmosis-fighting drug, the company announced, but some say the proposed price reductions are not enough.

Daraprim Alternative

Tracy Vence | Oct 22, 2015 | 1 min read

A specialty pharmaceuticals company announces plans to produce a toxoplasmosis drug containing the same active ingredient as the pill at the center of an ongoing drug-pricing controversy.

Treating Toxoplasmosis

Jef Akst | Sep 25, 2015 | 2 min read

While one company hikes the price of an old drug to treat the parasitic infection, academic researchers report that an approved blood pressure medication could be just what the doctor ordered.