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25 June 2012 11:05
Scientists have released the findings of a study of the H5N1 bird flu virus.
A controversial study into the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus has finally discovered the route it takes to reach pandemic stage.
Scientists studied the virus in a lab and found that it only needed five mutations before it became airborne.
The release in Science magazine follows eight months of discussions with biosecurity experts on how much information should be released to the public. Those travelling would be wise to ensure their medical travel insurance provides cover in the event of contracting an infectious virus.
The H5N1 virus cannot currently spread between people, but scientists, who infected ferrets to mimic the virus in humans, set out to discover the kind of changes that would make it catchable through coughs and sneezes releasing it into the air.
The team, led by Ron Fouchier, professor of molecular virology in the department of virology at the Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands, altered the genetics of the virus and found that it spread among the ferrets through physical contact and underwent five mutations before it became transmissable via the tiny droplets that are the result of sneezes and coughs.
23 June 2017
The fall in the value of the pound could pose a shock to British holidaymakers this summer, a currency expert has warned.
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22 June 2017
Britons have been warned that they could be banned from all-inclusive holidays unless they stop making bogus food poisoning claims.
21 June 2017
Holidaymakers could save themselves money by opting for self-catering breaks this summer, a report has shown.
20 June 2017
From trips abroad to days out closer to home, the school holidays can be a costly time for families.
17 June 2017
Debit and credit card charges are causing holidaymakers to "waste" more than £100 million each year, a new report has warned.
16 June 2017
Aggressive and potentially lethal prostate cancer could be detected more quickly thanks to a simple blood test, scientists have revealed.
15 June 2017
Many holidaymakers are over-estimating the benefits offered by European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs), a new study warns.
14 June 2017
British holidaymakers will benefit from the end of mobile roaming charges this week.
13 June 2017
UK holidaymakers could face higher costs in the months ahead following the collapse in the pound, the owner of a major travel firm has warned.
10 June 2017
Holidaymakers planning trips abroad in the coming days will be monitoring the progress of the pound closely following the surprise general election result.
09 June 2017
Family holidays to traditional hotspots like Menorca and Ibiza could end up costing more than far-flung destinations such as Orlando, Thailand and Bali, surprising new research suggests.
08 June 2017
Two of Europe's major budget airlines enjoyed strong passenger growth last month, as the summer holiday season got under way.