- Researchers did a study on the Thailand-Myanmar border.
- The study ran from October 2024 to January 2025.
- They tested the Abbott-Bioline rapid malaria test.
- The team compared the test with microscopy.
- Abbott-Bioline found 18% of falciparum infections.
- It found 44% of vivax infections.
- Many positive cases showed only a faint line.
- Authors ask to remove the test in Southeast Asia.
- WHO issued a public notice on 31 March 2025.
Difficult words
- test — A procedure to check something.
- malaria — A disease caused by a parasite.
- infect — To catch a disease or illness.infections
- detect — To find or notice something.
- worried — Feeling anxious or concerned.
- problem — A situation that needs a solution.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How important is it to have accurate tests for diseases?
- What could be done to improve malaria tests?
- Have you heard about other diseases with testing problems?
Related articles
Reducing unsafe responses in large language models
Researchers studied how large language models (LLMs) handle safety and tested training methods to reduce unsafe outputs while keeping performance. They identified key challenges and a technique that preserves safety during fine-tuning.
Targeting inflammation as a way to treat depression
A federally funded review and meta-analysis found that anti-inflammatory treatments reduced depressive symptoms and eased anhedonia in people with depression who had high inflammation. The drugs were not FDA-approved for depression and would be used off-label.
Connie Nshemereirwe: linking science, policy and education in Africa
Connie Nshemereirwe is an educational measurement specialist and former engineer who promotes Africa-led research, better science communication and stronger ties among scientists in the global South. She also directs the Africa Science Leadership Program.