Scientists have identified human antibodies capable of targeting the proteins responsible for severe malaria, potentially paving the way for new vaccines or treatments. Using organ-on-a-chip technology, researchers successfully demonstrated that these antibodies prevent infected red blood cells from adhering to vessel walls, a key driver of severe malaria symptoms. The antibodies neutralise a conserved region of the malarial protein PfEMP1, overcoming its notorious variability and shedding light on acquired immunity mechanisms. This interdisciplinary study, published in Nature, highlights the power of international teamwork in addressing major health challenges like malaria.