Breakthrough 'In Malaria Fight

Australian scientists have identified a potential treatment to combat malaria by pinpointing the process that helps the disease hijack red blood cells.

They have found the key to an adhesive that stops the parasite being flushed out of the body by the immune system. The removal of just one of these compounds is enough to bring the process to a halt. Researchers in Melbourne believe their discovery could be a major breakthrough in the fight against the disease. They have identified eight proteins that allow this glue-like substance onto the surface of a hijacked cell.

UK Mly Investigating 2003 Iraq Abuse Claim

Monday, July 14, 2008

LONDON: British military police are investigating an abuse allegation after a newspaper reported an Iraqi youth claimed troops made him perform a sex act on another prisoner in 2003, the Ministry of Defence said on Sunday.The Independent on Sunday said the youth claims he was forced to perform a sex act on another youth while the two were being held as suspected looters by British forces in May,2003 at a base in southern Iraq called Camp Bread Basket. Four British servicemen have already been jailed over photographs taken at the camp in the same month which showed troops beating prisoners who were tied up and forcing others to pose in sexually humiliating positions.

The Ministry of Defence said it had referred the latest allegation to the Royal Military Police.

"All but a handful of the more than 120,000 British troops who have served in Iraq have conducted themselves to the highest standards of behaviour, displaying integrity and selfless commitment,” it said in a statement.