UK scientists in malaria discovery

Scientists from Oxford University found their vaccine, which makes use of modified common cold and the pox viruses, was successful in halting the progression of the disease when given to mice.

By using altered forms of the viruses, the vaccine triggers a response in the body's immune system, causing it to attack malaria parasites.

The team, which is part of an international research and development effort, announced the treatment will now undergo human trials to determine if it can be used to solve one of the world's biggest medical problems.

Malaria infects more than 500 million people across the world and is responsible for between two and three million deaths each year.

Speaking to the Guardian, Simon Draper, project leader at Oxford University, said if the trial is successful, it could open the door for innovative treatments for other diseases.

"The crucial point about the technology we have developed to create this vaccine is that it could be used not just to take on malaria but to fight other diseases for which we still have no vaccine, for example HIV," he explained.