Malaria parasite crystals spin due to rocket-like reaction.
Malaria parasites' iron crystals spin wildly due to peroxide breakdown, akin to rocket propulsion.
Why it matters
- Uncovers mechanism behind mysterious crystal motion in malaria parasites.
- Potential for new treatments and nanotech insights.
By the numbers
- Published in PNAS.
- NIH grants supported the research.
The big picture
- Reaction similar to rocket propulsion.
- Potential for new drug targets and nanotech.
What they're saying
- Unique peroxide detoxification in Plasmodium.
- Spinning may aid crystal growth, offering drug targets.
Caveats
- Unclear date in source.
- Further research needed.
What’s next
- Develop new malaria treatments.
- Explore nanoscale robotics applications.