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.
19 March 2013 08:15
It is hoped that studying mosquito breeding behaviour will help to cut down the spread of malaria
Scientists are planning to study the buzzing sounds made by mosquitoes as part of attempts to combat the spread of malaria. The University of Brighton has been awarded a £194,000 grant by the Leverhulme Trust to explore how the sounds are used to control breeding behaviour. Professor Ian Russell, an auditory neuroscientist, will lead the research along with mosquito sensory behaviour expert Dr Gabriella Gibson.
It is known the male mosquito's hearing organ is the most sensitive of all known invertebrate 'ears'. Prof Russell explained the dulcet flight tones we often associate with the insects are used to guide males by sound alone towards a potential mate.
The study will aim to use this information to help to reduce the number of malaria cases, which reached 219 million in 2010, according to the World Health Organization. Researchers will look at the acoustic distortions when tones of two mosquitoes are heard by a female and how it helps her to recognise that the male is of the same species. The effects of this research could take a while to make a real difference to travellers, but those heading to countries that have a high malaria risk can have an extra safety net with medical travel insurance.
09 March 2020
Move over hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, there's a whole world of Easter treats out there. Here are some alternative Easter foods from around the world.
[more...]
Forget egg hunts and bunnies, Easter's done a little bit differently in these corners of the world. Here five alternative Easter celebrations.
28 February 2020
Keep your carbon footprint in check and travel green with our eco-friendly travel tips.
25 February 2020
For true carefree travel, decide on a destination that's kinder to the planet...
20 February 2020
Travel into the future and not just through time-zones, with destinations shaping urban living.
National Anthem Day falls on the 3rd March, so what better excuse is there to delve into into the world of music and motherland?
Discover five alternative places to get down on one knee this leap year.
Two-wheels are better than none. Check out our favourite cities best explored from a saddle.
04 February 2020
Make your phone the perfect travel companion for the new year...
Bohemian boulevards and ornate opera houses await away from the Six Nations action.
Kite Flying Day falls on 8th February. What better time is there to plan your next trip through the skies?
10 February 2020
With Ferris Wheel Day on 14th February, there's never been a better excuse to enjoy a foreign skyline.