Wagdy Sawahel

Scientists have identified a type of bacteria that could be used to attack the parasite that causes malaria, according to the Science and Development Network. The research was published in the <i>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</i> online.

Researchers are developing two prototype tests to detect fake anti-malarial tablets in just five seconds. A team of researchers from Asia, Africa and Europe has found that up to half of the anti-malarial pills in South-East Asia could contain no active ingredient at all, with some made of starch or chalk.

A drug designed to protect people with HIV/Aids from dangerous bacterial infections could also protect them against malaria, according to a report on the <i>Science and Development Network</i> website. Combining treatments in this way could be a major advantage in Africa, where many people have little or no access to malaria drugs.

Millions of people along the coast of North Africa may be forced to migrate as climate change makes their livelihoods untenable, warns an Egyptian report. "There are signs that changes will be significant and possibly severe," says Mohamed El-Raey, professor of environmental physics at the University of Alexandria.