A new study suggests malaria was more than a health threat for early Africans—it helped determine where people settled. Using advanced models, researchers found ancient communities tended to avoid areas with higher disease risk, which fragmented populations over time. That separation may explain part of the genetic diversity seen today, showing disease as a key driver alongside geography and environment.
Oxford University has struck a new collaboration with Serum Institute of India to develop malaria vaccine R78C. The plan targets multiple stages of the malaria parasite to improve effectiveness, while Serum will produce the vaccine at scale. With malaria burden highest across sub Saharan Africa, the pact could accelerate access to a more potent option.
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