Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
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.
19 February 2019
Hundreds of passengers have had their travel plans cancelled following the collapse of airline flybmi.
[more...]
16 February 2019
Holidaymakers were left fuming after a "lack of clarity" over Brexit led a Romanian airline to cancel flights from Liverpool's John Lennon Airport.
15 February 2019
British Airways celebrated Valentine's Day with a special flight where all members of the cabin crew were couples who work for the airline.
14 February 2019
The "concerning" level of stigma surrounding the human papilloma virus (HPV) could be putting some women off going for vital check-ups, campaigners are warning.
13 February 2019
Older people living with depression should be given better access to community activities and therapy instead of being prescribed antidepressants, researchers have urged.
12 February 2019
The Government has been criticised for failing to act on warnings about the link between processed meats and cancer, by the scientist who co-authored the original advice.
09 February 2019
A grandfather who has battled three types of cancer is cycling from Twickenham to Tokyo in time for the Rugby World Cup - all in aid of charity.
08 February 2019
Lovers of traditional fish and chips are embracing a more health-conscious version of their favourite food, a new study suggests.
07 February 2019
Two thirds of UK adults don't know they're able to lower their risk of developing dementia, new research has shown.
06 February 2019
More than 600 people a day are quitting their jobs to care for relatives, a charity has warned.
05 February 2019
Millennials in the US face an increasing risk of developing an obesity-related cancer, a new study has revealed.
02 February 2019
More than 100 people sought refuge at a pub high on Bodmin Moor overnight after heavy snowfall hit the A30, leading many stranded motorists to abandon their cars.