New malaria detection developed

Scientists in the UK have developed a new technique to diagnose malaria which could be faster and cheaper than current rapid diagnosis tests.

Researchers from Essex and Cambridge Universities, use a chemical agent to detect antigens which are associated with the malaria parasite and can give a positive or negative reading in under a minute.

Professor Dave Newman, of the University of Exeter's school of engineering, computing and mathematics, said the early results of the device are "very promising and hugely exciting".

"We expect to ultimately produce a sensitive non-invasive device that will be cost effective and easy to use, making it suitable for developing countries, where the need is greatest," he added.

The team is now working on a non-invasive version of the device and plan to undergo trials in Kenya later this year, with the assistance of the Royal Tropical Institute Department of Biomedical Research in Amsterdam.

World Health Organisation secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon announced a global initiative last week to offer sprays and insecticide-treated bed nets to woman and children in Africa by the end of 2010.