The Grand Challenges in Global Health initiative is focused on creating breakthroughs to scientific and technological barriers that impede progress in global health. Grand Challenges Explorations is a grant program within the initiative that encourages researchers to explore early-stage, transformational ideas that could change the face of health in the developing world.

Latest Grand Challenges Explorations Grants Fund 76 Inventive Global Health Projects

A diverse group of scientists from around the world are exploring their unique and largely untested ideas to improve global health. A latest round of Grand Challenges Explorations grants, announced in October 2009, awarded $100,000 each to 76 researchers from 16 countries to test their innovative ideas to fight infectious diseases, create new vaccines, and develop diagnostic tools suitable for the developing world.

Featured below are some examples of the latest projects awarded Grand Challenges Explorations grants. For a complete list of all 261 projects awarded to date, visit the Grand Challenges Explorations web site.

	Stopping Malaria Using Scorpion Venom Lourival Possani of the Institute of Biotechnology at the National University of Mexico is investigating the use of scorpine, a newly identified peptide found in the venom of scorpions, for its ability to prevent malaria parasites from replicating in mosquitoes. Creating a new generation of malaria-resistant mosquitoes can aid in the eradication of the disease in humans.
	Testing a Natural Household Mosquito Repellent Peter Lubega Yiga of AdhocWorks Foundation in South Africa is testing the ability of a small household container which releases vapors from a fermenting mix of non-toxic substances and water for its ability to repel mosquitoes. This device could provide a low-cost, natural alternative to insecticides.
	Recreating a “Sticky Coating” Used by Parasitic Worms to Deliver Intranasal Vaccines Allison Ficht of Texas A&M Health Science Center in the U.S. is recreating a protein used by parasitic worms to seal their egg cases and use it as a "sticky coating" for intranasal vaccines. If successful, this coating could protect the antigens during administration, affix them to the nasal passages and erode to slowly release the antigens for an enhanced immune response.
	Diagnosing TB Using an “Electronic Nose” Ranjan Nanda and colleagues at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology in India are creating a handheld “electronic nose” that can identify unique molecules found on the breath of tuberculosis patients. This easy-to-use, non-invasive device can help care providers diagnose the disease in resource-poor settings.