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Antimicrobial agent in personal care products boosts colonization of bacteria inside human noses

An antimicrobial agent found in common household soaps, shampoos and toothpastes may be finding its way inside human noses where it promotes the colonization of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and could predispose some people to infection.

8 Apr 2014

Seward increases production capacity for Stomacher blender bags in the UK

Seward Ltd., manufacturer of the world leading range of original Stomacher paddle blenders and accessories used in sample preparation for microbiological analysis, has increased production capacity for Stomacher blender bags with additional manufacturing in the UK.

4 Apr 2014

Crescendo raises additional £2M ($3.3M) in final close of Series A financing from EMBL Ventures

Crescendo Biologics Limited today announces it has raised a further £2m ($3.3m), from EMBL Ventures, in a final close of its Series A financing. Originally announced in December 2013, the Series A now totals £19.5m. It was led by Imperial Innovations and included new investor Astellas Venture Management. Founding seed investor Sofinnova Partners also contributed significantly to the round.

3 Apr 2014

JPIAMR outlines steps to minimise antimicrobial resistance

Antibiotics have saved millions of lives from once deadly infectious diseases. But, misuse of antibiotics and other antimicrobials in humans and animals has led to bacteria evolving resistance.

3 Apr 2014

Uppsala researchers develop nano paper filter that can remove virus particles

Nanotechnology and Functional Materials, Uppsala University have developed a paper filter, which can remove virus particles with the efficiency matching that of the best industrial virus filters. The paper filter consists of 100 percent high purity cellulose nanofibers, directly derived from nature.

1 Apr 2014

Researchers find concise information on how best to prevent soil contamination

Consuming foods grown in urban gardens may offer a variety of health benefits, but a lack of knowledge about the soil used for planting, could pose a health threat for both consumers and gardeners.

1 Apr 2014

Cellulose nanofiber paper filter removes virus particles with high efficiency

Researchers at the Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials, Uppsala University have developed a paper filter, which can remove virus particles with the efficiency matching that of the best industrial virus filters. The paper filter consists of 100 percent high purity cellulose nanofibers, directly derived from nature.

31 Mar 2014

New high-speed test to identify contamination of drinking water

Every year 300.000 Europeans are falling ill because of contaminated drinking water. A new high-speed test is being developed to identify the contamination of drinking water much faster than today and thus reduce the number of victims considerably.

20 Mar 2014

Study: Chemical processes that break down waste increase mercury levels in ground, water

As towns across Cape Cod struggle with problems stemming from septic systems, a recent study by a Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) scientist focuses on one specific toxic by-product: mercury.

11 Mar 2014

Metallic toys, low-cost jewelry can affect children's health

We know that babies and young children often put non-food items in their mouths, a behaviour that occasionally leads to swallowing of foreign objects. Metallic toys and low-cost jewelry often contain toxic substances such as lead and cadmium.

6 Mar 2014

Medical diagnoses, DNA sequencing can be made faster through gel electrophoresis

Medical diagnoses and DNA sequencing can be made cheaper, faster and more reliable using a new miniaturized technique for gel electrophoresis based on conducting polymer materials, according to researchers at Link-ping University in Sweden.

5 Mar 2014

Study shows SuperMum campaign improves handwashing behaviour

An analysis of a unique “SuperMum” handwashing campaign shows for the first time that using emotional motivators, such as feelings of disgust and nurture, rather than health messages, can result in significant, long-lasting improvements in people’s handwashing behaviour, and could in turn help to reduce the risk of infectious diseases.

4 Mar 2014

Studies indicate that harvested rainwater frequently harbors pathogens

South Africa has been financing domestic rainwater harvesting tanks in informal low-income settlements and rural areas in five of that nation's nine provinces. But pathogens inhabit such harvested rainwater, potentially posing a public health hazard, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals, according to a team from the University of Stellenbosch.

27 Feb 2014

Implants made of nickel-titanium alloy are not dangerous to health, shows study

Jena (Germany) A trousers button, a coin or a watch can be dangerous for people with a nickel allergy. Approximately 1 in 10 Germans is allergic to the metal.

20 Feb 2014

BioFire Diagnostics submits FilmArray GI Panel to FDA for 510(k) clearance

BioFire Diagnostics, LLC today announced that it has submitted the FilmArray Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for 510(k) clearance. The comprehensive FilmArray GI Panel tests for over 20 common bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause infectious diarrhea.

18 Feb 2014

Experts sound alarm about the dangers of industrial chemicals on children’s health

In a Review published in The Lancet Neurology, two of the world’s leading experts on the link between environment and children’s health are sounding the alarm on the dangers of industrial chemicals. They are calling on countries to transform their chemical risk-assessment procedures in order to protect children from everyday toxins that may be causing a global “silent epidemic” of brain development disorders.

18 Feb 2014

Water samples from the Upper Ganges River shed light on the spread of superbugs

The spread of antibiotic-resistance to one of the most pristine locations in Asia is linked to the annual human pilgrimages to the region, new research has shown.

17 Feb 2014

Teleflex announces launch of Rusch DispoLED Single-Use Fiber Optic Laryngoscope Handle

Teleflex Incorporated, a leading global provider of medical devices for critical care and surgery, has announced the launch of the Rusch® DispoLED™ Single-Use Fiber Optic Laryngoscope Handle — a cost-neutral way to combat cross-contamination infection risk during intubation.

14 Feb 2014

Indoor exposure to radon gas may cause of lung cancer

Pointing to startling statistics on lung cancer risks, child health and other experts in Canada are ramping up calls for families nationwide to test their homes for radon gas contamination.