This week's articles describe the molecules and neural circuit that mediate contagious itch and an isoprenoid released by Plasmodium that enhances the transmission of this parasite through multiple mechanisms.
HOST-PATHOGEN INTERACTIONS
Siren molecule calls loudly to mosquitoes
Emami et al. report that the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum produces a compound that enhances its transmission by directly stimulating mosquito feeding and by causing infected red blood cells to increase the production of factors that attract mosquitoes.
NEUROSCIENCE
To scratch or not to scratch
Yu et al. found that the neuropeptide GRP and its receptor mediate contagious itch in mice.
