A Path to Malaria Eradication

Available for over a year

Through a country wide programme involving education, drug treatment and the mass distribution of bednets and insecticides, Zambia has reduced malaria infections by 96 percent. However getting down to zero is proving elusive. We look at how mosquitos have adapted to thwart efforts and how visitors to Zambia might now be part of the problem. And we learn how new information from the human genome is challenging widely held views on older mothers. The study shows that genetic mutations are more likely to be passed on from older fathers. The researchers say such mutations are not necessarily harmful, but they do increase with the age of the father. We also look to Mexican salamanders for some genetic clues on regeneration, could understanding how they can grow back limbs and digits help human neuroscience? Globally we all use data from weather forecasting and are used to getting this for free. Could paying for such information become more common, and what kind of problems could that cause for those who can’t pay? Picture: Mosquito, Credit: Getty Images Presenter: Roland Pease Producer: Julian Siddle