Scientists have identified a protein produced by the malaria parasite that is responsible for the severe childhood form of the disease. They hope that this protein could be a target for a vaccine that could save thousands of children's lives in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings concern one of a number of proteins that are found on the surface of human red blood cells infected by the parasites. These proteins help the malaria parasite survive in the human body by stopping the removal of blood cells in the spleen, therefore allowing the parasite to reproduce.