Cat parasite Toxoplasma tricked to grow in a dish

In this episode:00:48 A new way to grow a tricky parasite in the labToxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes the zoonotic disease toxoplasmosis, has a complex, multi-stage life cycle. Some of these stages will only grow in the intestines of cats, making it difficult to study. Now, a team has found a way to grow one of these stages in vitro for the first time, which they hope will help researchers learn more about this parasite, estimated to have infected around 30% of the world’s population.Research Article: Antunes et al.08:50 Research HighlightsThe tiny VR goggles designed for mice, and how a squirt of water could give coffee a bigger kick.Research Highlight: Wee VR googles give mice a true immersive experienceResearch Highlight: Why coffee particles clump and make a mess during grinding11:25 Briefing ChatGenetic searches reveal a potential super-sized protein, and the rise of ‘non-stop’ authors who publish a science paper every five daysNature News: The world’s largest proteins? These mega-molecules turn bacteria into predatorsNature News: Surge in number of ‘extremely productive’ authors concerns scientistsSubscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.