The scientists from Australia have identified proteins for the first time that allow malaria parasites to "walk through" cell walls. The superpower is revealed by using the Institute's first insectary to grow human malaria parasites.

According to Science Daily, this was the first in the world to discover the 'superpower' of malaria to walk through cell wall by using an insectary to grow malaria parasites. The research was conducted by the team from Melbourne's Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.

The scientists have now identified the two proteins that are the key to the malaria parasites unique ability. This is providing hope that they could be targeted to develop anti-malarial drugs or even a vaccine.

The lead of the project research Justin Boddey has stated that when a person is infected by malaria the malaria parasite multiplies in the liver then bursts out and infects the blood. The scientists had confirmed that the deadly parasite, Plasmodium falciparum had the ability to walk through cell walls when seeking liver cells where it could hide.

Asia and Pacific Edition has reported that Malaria parasites cause more than 650,000 deaths each year. This is predominantly in children and pregnant women and there is an urgent need for new malaria vaccines and treatments in order to eradicate the disease.

Justin Boddy, the lead researchers said," The study identified plasmodium falciparum parasites traverse human cells effectively walking through the cells". However, this allows malaria parasites to get from the skin to the liver very quickly following a mosquito bite.

The Malaria parasites are responsible seven lakhs death globally every year. This is predominantly children and pregnant women, making it one of the most deadly diseases in the world.

However, scientists hope that the long-term treatment can eradicate malaria parasites. The vaccine or treatment that halts the liver-stage infection offers the best chance of eradication.

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