The myths that shroud the professions of politician and scientist are set to be dispelled when David Marshall MP and Frank McAveety MSP visit Dr Marian Bruce, an Infection and Immunity expert at the University of Glasgow, on Friday 26th November 2004 as part of an innovative 'pairing' scheme run by the Royal Society - the UK national academy of science.

During their visit David Marshall MP and Frank McAveety MSP will swap politics for parasites as they spend the day finding out about cutting edge research into reducing the impact of malaria on the developing world.

Dr Bruce's research investigates how the diversity of malaria parasites results in differences in the type and amount of malaria disease in various malaria endemic regions of the world. The enormous genetic diversity found within malaria parasites underlies their success in infecting massive numbers of people. This diversity within parasite populations enables parasites to dodge and influence the host (in this case, human) immune responses.

In countries where malaria is present often more than one species of malaria parasite is present and multiple species are frequently found within the same person. Further, multiple strains of each species are also commonly found co-infecting one person. By studying variation within the malaria parasites found in two regions of Malawi with different patterns of malaria disease, Dr Bruce's research reveals the importance of multiple infections in the science of malaria.

Dr Marian Bruce, from the School of Infection and Immunity at the University of Glasgow, said:

'Africa suffers the greatest burden of disease and death from malaria. More than one child dies from malaria every minute and many more suffer from debilitating fevers and anaemia. Young children under 5 years old who have little immunity to the malaria parasite are most at risk. The research being carried out will go towards helping to save lives.'

Dr Bruce has already spent a week at the House of Commons as part of the pairing scheme's 'Westminster Week'. This provided her with a 'behind the scenes' insight into how science policy is formed as well as an understanding of the working life of an MP.

The Royal Society's MP-Scientist pairing scheme builds bridges between parliamentarians and some the UK's top scientists. It is an opportunity for MPs to become better informed about science issues and for scientists to understand how they can influence science policy.

The Earl of Selborne, chairman of the Royal Society's Science in Society Committee, which oversees the pairing scheme, said: 'Issues such as cloning, GM crops, climate change and MMR demonstrate that science is often as much about politics as what goes on in a laboratory. This scheme allows politicians and scientists to understand each others roles better and creates constructive working relationships between the two professions.'

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For further information contact: Jenny Murray, Press Officer, University of Glasgow, Tel: 0141 330 8593, Email: jennifer.murray@admin.gla.ac.uk.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: 10.00am Joseph Black Building, Mary Calder Laboratory, Division of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow You are invited to illustrate your coverage of political alchemy with images of David Marshall MP and Frank McAveety MSP donning lab coats as scientist Dr Marian Bruce demonstrates her research into malaria disease.

The Royal Society is an independent academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. For more information go to:Royal Society Website.

First published: 25 November 2004