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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.
22 September 2017
A new computer code that can be applied to GP surgery data could be the answer to identifying those most at risk of developing bowel cancer.
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21 September 2017
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning over a growing resistance to antibiotics.
20 September 2017
Thousands of Ryanair flights have been cancelled over the next six weeks, as the airline says it "messed up" allocation of its pilots' annual leave.
19 September 2017
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14 September 2017
A non-invasive alternative to gastric bypass surgery that helps people with Type 2 diabetes lose weight is being recommended for widespread use by NHS experts.
13 September 2017
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12 September 2017
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09 September 2017
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07 September 2017
Whether it's binge-watching box-sets, shopping for clothes, chatting to friends or picking up work emails, staying connected is pretty much essential to everyday life.