Parasite Under Pressure: The Hidden Science of Beating Malaria
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In this edition of Lift Club with Caleb Daries and Mophethi Mabeba on MFM 92.6, we sit down with Dr. Tawanda Zininga from Stellenbosch University’s Department of Biochemistry to unpack his groundbreaking malaria research. Dr. Zininga recently co-authored a study that shines new light on three small heat shock proteins in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum — proteins that help it survive stress and adapt to hostile environments.
He explains why these proteins matter, how natural compounds like quercetin (found in fruits and vegetables) could disrupt them, and what this might mean for the future of antimalarial drug development. We also hear about the role of young scientists in the project and why research like this matters for South Africa and beyond.
If you’ve ever wondered how science at Stellenbosch connects to global health challenges, this conversation is a must-listen.
He explains why these proteins matter, how natural compounds like quercetin (found in fruits and vegetables) could disrupt them, and what this might mean for the future of antimalarial drug development. We also hear about the role of young scientists in the project and why research like this matters for South Africa and beyond.
If you’ve ever wondered how science at Stellenbosch connects to global health challenges, this conversation is a must-listen.
