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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.
17 November 2018
London Stansted could soon welcome 43 million passengers a year, after a bid to raise its capacity was approved by the local council.
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16 November 2018
Switching to a diet low in carbohydrates could see people lose up to 10kg over a three-year period, according to new research.
15 November 2018
Smokers who regularly use vapers are more likely to try and quit smoking for good, new research has suggested.
14 November 2018
Leukaemia patients are now a step closer to personalised treatments after a British study looked at the role gene mutations play in blood cancers.
13 November 2018
A quick scan of the blood vessels in a patient's neck could soon be a critical part of future dementia screening, new research has suggested.
10 November 2018
The NHS spends more than £1 billion a year on prescriptions for people with diabetes, new figures show.
09 November 2018
Woman who smoke, have diabetes, or high blood pressure are more likely to suffer a heart attack than men with the same risk factors, a new study claims.
08 November 2018
Millions of UK pensioners feel they don't have anyone they can turn to for help, a leading charity has warned.
07 November 2018
Over a quarter of medical workers are still reluctant to recommend e-cigarettes to smokers despite being told to do so by health authorities, a new survey has revealed.
06 November 2018
A new direct flight between Manchester and Mumbai could boost the economy of northern England to the tune of £400 million, a new report suggests.
02 November 2018
Air travellers could soon face restrictions on the amount of alcohol they can drink before flying, under plans currently being considered by the government.
01 November 2018
A vegan diet could help people living with diabetes to better manage their condition, a new review suggests.