The 43 projects funded by the Grand Challenges in Global Health Initiative focus on scientific problems that, if solved, could greatly improve health in developing countries.

Some other notable projects that were funded:

• $5 million to Tufts University in Boston to develop vaccines that are encapsulated in harmless, heat-resistant bacterial spores. The vaccines could be distributed in packets and mixed in water to drink. Initially, the research will focus on vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and rotavirus-related diarrhea.

• $6.7 million to the University of Queensland, Australia, to control insecticide-resistant mosquitoes that transmit the dengue virus, which infects up to 100 million people a year, killing many of them. Researchers hope to genetically alter a parasite to infect mosquitoes and kill them before they are able to bite people and transmit the virus. The parasite can be passed from generation to generation of mosquitoes.

• $7.5 million to Ohio State University to genetically modify cassava, a starchy root that is a staple for more than 250 million people in Africa. Scientists will try to increase nutrients and modify the plant so it can be stored longer and wouldn't have naturally occurring cyanide, which can sicken people if the root is improperly prepared.

Warren King: 206-464-2247 or wking@seattletimes.com