Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | 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.
02 December 2019
Marvel at the world's most magnificent creatures in untouched corners of the globe.
[more...]
28 November 2019
Forget stopovers, sleeping pills and binging on in-flight entertainment. A slice of winter sun is just a short flight away.
Will you see in 2020 from a totally new destination? See how they celebrate around the world.
18 November 2019
Keen to get under the skin of the samba city? Take a look at some of the must-sees and must-dos in Rio de Janeiro.
While the Amazon amazes, there's much more to Brazil than the world's largest rainforest. Join us for an expedition into the country's lesser known natural attractions.
12 November 2019
The nation on the Nile offers intrigue beyond your wildest imagination. Check out our top 5 things to see and do.
Immerse yourself in the food, parades and spirit of America's favourite holiday, across five unique locations.
04 November 2019
Head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun, sea and spectacles of the wild kind.
As the nights draw in, we're turning our thoughts to the warmer climes of the Southern Hemisphere and treks in Patagonia that will put a spring in your step...
Escape the UK's shorter autumn days and head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun and sporting fun.
21 October 2019
Struggling for holiday inspiration? Let us inspire you with our list of book-themed breaks.
Check out our top recommendations to make the most of your time in Frankfurt, on the River Maine.