Snail's DNA secrets unlocked in fight against river disease

Scientists have decoded the genome of a snail involved in the spread of a deadly parasitic disease.

They say the information will help in the fight against schistosomiasis, an infection caused by a parasitic worm that lives in streams and ponds.
The disease affects millions of people a year in sub-tropical and tropical regions.
More than 100 researchers from around the world have unlocked the DNA secrets of a snail that transmits the parasite.
They say it will help in the understanding of the snail's biology, including new ways to stop the parasite spreading to people.
"Having the knowledge means we can progress at a much faster pace at understanding the disease and reducing the number of people infected," said Dr Joanna Bridger of the University of Brunel, a co-researcher on the study.
The snail (Biomphalaria glabrata) is found in South America.
Related snails are responsible for transmitting the parasite in sub-Saharan Africa, where most cases occur.-read more