Vaccine has potential to prevent malaria

MICHIGAN STATE (US) — A new vaccine that combines the use of a disabled cold virus along with a gene that stimulates the immune system may offer protection against the parasite that causes malaria.

Researchers also have discovered another agent that stimulates the immune system—one that has been successful in improving immune responses in vaccines for diseases such as HIV—paradoxically made for a less effective malaria vaccine.

Surgeons remove ‘glowing’ cancer

PURDUE (US) — The first fluorescence-guided surgery on an ovarian cancer patient was performed using a cancer cell “homing device” and imaging agent.

The surgery was one of 10 performed as part of the first phase of a clinical trial to evaluate a new technology to aid surgeons in the removal of malignant tissue from ovarian cancer patients. The method illuminates cancer cells to help surgeons identify and remove smaller tumors that could otherwise be missed.