Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
16 April 2013 09:25
Scientists have developed a new technique which introduces disease-blocking bacteria into mosquitoes
Scientists believe they have developed a technique to help halt the spread of diseases such as dengue, yellow fever and potentially malaria. It works by introducing disease-blocking bacteria into mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are unable to spread viruses when infected with the bacteria Wolbachia - but it has been difficult to spread because it reduces the mosquitoes' ability to lay viable eggs.
Two researchers, based in Australia and the United States, have shown by introducing an insecticide resistance gene alongside the Wolbachia bacteria into the mosquito, the insects pass on disease-blocking bacteria to other mosquitoes faster. The team - Professor Ary Hoffmann from the University of Melbourne's Bio21 Institute and Department of Genetics and Professor Michale Turelli from the University of California - said this could mean the spread of disease can be stopped quicker - and fewer infected mosquitoes would need to be released in a disease control programme.
The results, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, highlight the importance of taking out comprehensive medical travel insurance before going on holiday. The disease-blocking strain of Wolbachia was first discovered in Australian fruit flies in 1988 by Prof Hoffmann. Trials with collaborators at Monash and James Cook Universities in 2011 showed Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes were unable to spread the dengue virus. The latest approach involves adding a pesticide resistance gene to a newer strain of Wolbachia called wMelPop, a strong blocker of the viruses.
04 November 2019
Head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun, sea and spectacles of the wild kind.
[more...]
As the nights draw in, we're turning our thoughts to the warmer climes of the Southern Hemisphere and treks in Patagonia that will put a spring in your step...
Escape the UK's shorter autumn days and head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun and sporting fun.
21 October 2019
Struggling for holiday inspiration? Let us inspire you with our list of book-themed breaks.
Check out our top recommendations to make the most of your time in Frankfurt, on the River Maine.
30 October 2019
What quirky customs await you on your travels this Halloween?
Look past the petrifying and discover a side to the Romanian region you never knew...
14 October 2019
Bucharest is the jewel of the Balkans crown - explore the city to find a host of hidden gems.
At the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe lies a country with a story to tell. Check out these must-see sites in Croatia to learn more.
07 October 2019
With Halloween on the horizon we look for destinations across the globe with a decidedly mysterious appeal...
What should you eat in Croatia? Good question. Unrumble that tummy with our rundown of our favourite Croat cuisine.
Where's the best beach in Croatia? We answer that question and more as we look at the Adriatic beaches you won't want to miss out on...