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10 December 2012 10:10
Genetically modified mosquitoes could be used to stop dengue fever in Florida
An army of genetically modified mosquitoes could be released in the Florida Keys in a bid to cut the risk of dengue fever.
The controversial strategy would see the release of non-biting male mosquitoes, genetically modified to pass on a birth defect that will kill their young before they can reproduce. It is hoped that after a few generations Key West's Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which spread dengue fever, would be killed off. Planned by British firm Oxitec and mosquito control officials, the low-cost project aims to cut the risk of dengue fever in the tourist town without having to use pesticides. The plan needs Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval but some residents fear not enough research has been done to assess the risks of releasing thousands of genetically modified mosquitoes.
In 2009 and 2010 the Keys experienced 93 cases of dengue fever, highlighting the importance of travellers taking out medical travel insurance. Health officials had previously believed the viral disease, which causes severe flu-like symptoms and has no vaccine, had been eradicated in the US.
15 January 2019
NHS commissioners could be slapped with a £2,500 fine for every patient left waiting more than a year for vital care, new proposals suggest.
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12 January 2019
All UK airports should buy anti-drone technology and not rely on the Royal Air Force to help out, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has said.
10 January 2019
The military was brought in on Tuesday night after police officers saw a drone operating at Heathrow Airport, forcing departures to be suspended for an hour.
11 January 2019
A so-called "drug sponge" that mops up leftover drugs from cancer treatment could improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy, new research has claimed.
09 January 2019
A hormone released during exercise could help protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests.
08 January 2019
Ryanair has been labelled the worst airline operating in the UK for the sixth year running in a leading consumer group survey.
05 January 2019
Anti-drone technology will be deployed at the UK's two busiest airports in response to the disruption caused before Christmas.
04 January 2019
A new cancer-detecting breathalyser test is being trialled in the UK - in a move that could revolutionise the way the disease is diagnosed.
03 January 2019
The average 10-year-old child will have already eaten more sugar in their life than the maximum amount recommended for 18-year-olds, a new study reveals.
01 January 2019
The number of travellers satisfied with flying has fallen over the last two years over frustration with how airlines handle complaints, new research reveals.
25 December 2018
People are being encouraged to connect with friends, neighbours and others in their community this Christmas to help tackle loneliness.
29 December 2018
Nearly 300 travellers have been arrested over the past two years for being drunk at an airport or on a plane.