Contamination News and Research

RSS

Cholera cases in Europe linked to holy water imported from Ethiopia

Consumption of holy water from Ethiopia has recently led to several cases of cholera in Germany and the United Kingdom (UK) with a multidrug-resistant Vibrio cholerae strain, according to a study published in Eurosurveillance.

10 Apr 2025

Common medicines contain hidden gluten and soy, study finds

A Portuguese study found that over half of paracetamol-based painkillers and a quarter of ibuprofen liquids contain gluten or soy-derived excipients, posing risks for allergy-sensitive individuals.

1 Apr 2025

INTEGRA Biosciences details the evolution and future of serological pipetting

INTEGRA Biosciences has played a pivotal role in advancing the field of serological pipetting over the last 40 years, and has just created a fascinating article covering the fast-paced history of serological pipet controller development.

25 Mar 2025

CDC study identifies leading culprits of foodborne illness

Researchers from the CDC and Colorado School of Public Health estimate that seven major pathogens caused 9.9 million foodborne illnesses in the US in 2019. Norovirus led illness and hospitalization counts, while Salmonella caused the most deaths.

25 Mar 2025

Study uncovers bacteria's role in brain implant inflammation

Brain implants hold immense promise for restoring function in patients with paralysis, epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

18 Mar 2025

Polluted soil and water are fueling a global heart disease epidemic

A new study in Atherosclerosis shows that soil and water pollution, including microplastics and toxic chemicals, significantly raise cardiovascular disease risks. The research highlights how emerging contaminants and poor environmental practices drive global health threats.

16 Mar 2025

What’s behind the rise in foodborne illness outbreaks? CDC uncovers key risks and fixes

Bacterial foodborne outbreaks in the U.S. increased while viral outbreaks declined between 2014 and 2022, with environmental contamination rising as a key cause. The study highlights how improved hygiene reduced viral transmission but shows persistent risks from improper food handling and temperatures.

13 Mar 2025

An innovative approach results in a groundbreaking mobile robot for the pharmaceutical industry

Meet Sterimove, the innovative mobile robot designed for Grade A/B/C/D cleanrooms, optimizing pharmaceutical production while minimizing contamination risks.

From Stäubli 12 Mar 2025

Making Complex Cell Culture Easy and Efficient with AI

Molecular Devices' CellXpress AI streamlines cell culture processes, reducing human error and improving efficiency in drug discovery with advanced automation.

From Molecular Devices UK Ltd 12 Mar 2025

These simple diet tweaks could slash microplastics in your body

Researchers identify dietary and lifestyle-based strategies that may reduce human exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics.

9 Mar 2025

Microplastic contamination found in downstream rivers of Latin America

It is well known that microplastics are collecting in the world's oceans at an alarming rate, but research on the cancer-linked pollutant in rivers remains limited.

4 Mar 2025

Scientists identify Blastocystis spp. in nearly 10% of edible plants worldwide, highlighting food safety concerns

A new study finds that 9.4% of edible plants worldwide are contaminated with Blastocystis spp., highlighting food safety concerns and the need for improved agricultural hygiene.

3 Mar 2025

Widespread E. coli contamination found in Egyptian dairy

No one should have to fear food poisoning every time they eat or drink, but the reality, even in the 21st century, is that risks remain. An Osaka Metropolitan University-led Egypt-Japan research team found E. coli prevalent in over 25% of popular milk and dairy products in Egypt.

28 Feb 2025

PFAS exposure via drinking water contamination may play a role in childhood cancer risk

A study led by the Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health at the University of California, Irvine has revealed possible links between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water and an increased risk of certain childhood cancers.

26 Feb 2025

Air sampling detects 70–90% of poultry viruses and reveals 50 more hidden threats

Researchers found that environmental sampling in live-bird markets detects 70–90% of poultry viruses, often outperforming traditional swab methods, and identified 50 additional viruses, some from non-avian sources.

26 Feb 2025

Using quorum sensing inhibitors as a novel approach to address antibiotic resistance

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is notorious for its role in food spoilage and infections, posing a significant threat to both food safety and human health.

25 Feb 2025

AI-generated food images make some people uneasy—here’s why

Researchers found that AI-generated food images, particularly imperfect ones, evoke an uncanny valley effect, making them appear eerie and less pleasant, especially among people with food neophobia.

24 Feb 2025

FDA provides essential tips for safe infant formula handling

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees manufacturers of infant formulas and helps ensure that these products are safe and support healthy growth in infants who consume them.

20 Feb 2025

Aston University collaborates on injectable paste for bone cancer treatment

Aston University is collaborating in research to develop an injectable paste which could treat bone cancer.

18 Feb 2025

Nanoscale plastic particles enhance toxin uptake in plants and human cells

Micro- and nanoscale plastic particles in soil and water can significantly increase how much toxic chemicals plants and human intestinal cells absorb, according to two new studies from Rutgers Health that raise fresh concerns about food safety from plastic pollution.

11 Feb 2025