All Policies Include Enhanced COVID-19 Cover
Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
29 June 2017 08:56
Could a 'purple' rice (not the one in the photo) developed by scientists help people with cancer?
Scientists have developed a new type of antioxidant-packed rice which could potentially join the fight against cancer.
Chinese researchers came up with the distinctively-coloured 'purple' rice as part of testing for a new advance in genetic engineering.
Purple rice, purple rice
Its purple colour is down to the fact the rice is rich in antioxidant-boosting pigments called anthocyanins - found in blueberries and red cabbage.
Researchers say the rice could reduce the risk of some cancers thanks to its ability to offset the damage of oxidation to cells. By the same measure, it could also lessen people's chances of suffering diabetes and heart disease.
People with conditions like diabetes can arrange specialist medical travel insurance when taking a holiday.
What the experts say
Lead researcher Dr Yao-Guang Liu, from South China Agricultural University, said: "This is the first demonstration of engineering such a complex metabolic pathway in plants.
"Our research provides a high-efficiency vector system for stacking multiple genes for synthetic biology and makes it potentially feasible for engineering complex biosynthesis pathways in the endosperm of rice and other crop plants such as maize, wheat, and barley."
The findings are reported in the journal Molecular Plant.
15 October 2020
Discover more about Portugal's favourite wine.
[more...]
Discover the history of the French croissant.
Where does champagne come from, and why do we love it so?
Get up to speed with everything you need to know if you're planning a trip to the continent.
We find out the history of Bologna's special sauce, and look at why it's so beloved across the globe.
07 October 2020
Develop your taste for an escape to the Indian Ocean
Learn more about Southern Spain's favourite wine
Is there such a thing as eco-friendly air travel?
Learn more about the world's most luxurious linen.
Because safer flights start before you've left the runway.
24 September 2020
Looking to put some action into your next getaway? Here's our short guide to the best holiday activities in the age of coronavirus.
21 September 2020
Take a trip to the world's top tanneries.