Contamination News and Research

RSS

Gut bacteria and urinary infections linked, offering new angles for treatment

A study in eClinicalMedicine explores the relationship between gut microbiota, urinary tract colonization, and recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI), suggesting the cross-habitation of uropathogenic E. coli as a significant mechanism in rUTI recurrence.

30 Apr 2024

Toxic gas adds to a long history of pollution in Southwest Memphis

For many years, Rose Sims had no idea what was going on inside a nondescript brick building on Florida Street a couple of miles from her modest one-story home on the southwestern side of town.

30 Apr 2024

Hospital toilets harbor multi-drug resistant "superbugs", study finds

Pathogenic bacteria and fungi, including multi-drug resistant "superbugs" have been found on the floors, ceilings, door handles and other surfaces of hospital toilets in the UK, with patient toilets the worst affected, the ESCMID Global Congress (formerly ECCMID) in Barcelona, Spain (27-30 April) will hear.

29 Apr 2024

Exposed to agent orange at US bases, veterans face cancer without VA compensation

As a young GI at Fort Ord in Monterey County, California, Dean Osborn spent much of his time in the oceanside woodlands, training on soil and guzzling water from streams and aquifers now known to be contaminated with cancer-causing pollutants.

29 Apr 2024

Study suggests lingering coronavirus in tissues may contribute to long COVID symptoms

Study investigated whether SARS-CoV-2 lingers in tissues after COVID-19 recovery and if it's linked to long COVID symptoms. They found viral RNA in various organs, and its presence correlated with long COVID symptoms.

25 Apr 2024

Study finds high microplastic levels in Mediterranean fish despite low chemical contaminants

Researchers in a recent study published in the journal Foods discovered high levels of microplastics in popular Mediterranean fish species, despite low levels of cadmium and antibiotics, highlighting ongoing environmental concerns.

19 Apr 2024

AI rivals humans in ophthalmology exams: GPT-4's impressive diagnostic skills showcased

Researchers compared the clinical knowledge of large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 to human experts in ophthalmology, revealing that GPT-4 can match or surpass trainee doctors in diagnostic reasoning on standardized tests.

18 Apr 2024

Study reveals human gut plasmid with biomarker potential

A component of the human intestinal flora that has been little studied to date is the focus of a new study.

16 Apr 2024

Hospital sinks fuel antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread

A new study published today in the American Journal of Infection Control reports the infection prevention steps taken to control a months-long multispecies outbreak of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales that occurred in a pediatric ward at the Toho University Omori Medical Center in Tokyo in 2017.

12 Apr 2024

As bans spread, fluoride in drinking water divides communities across the US

Regina Barrett, a 69-year-old retiree who lives in this small North Carolina city southeast of Charlotte, has not been happy with her tap water for a while.

12 Apr 2024

Tumor microbiomes offer new insights for enhancing cancer therapies

Comprehensive review reveals the significant impact of tumor-resident bacteria on metastatic cancer, showing how microbiome genomes influence tumor biology, immune system response, and treatment effectiveness. It lays the groundwork for utilizing bacteria-focused therapies to complement traditional cancer treatments.

11 Apr 2024

Researchers develop handheld device for rapid bacterial detection

Hear the words E. coli or salmonella and food poisoning comes to mind. Rapid detection of such bacteria is crucial in preventing outbreaks of foodborne illness.

5 Apr 2024

Food allergies' broad impact on quality of life demands greater awareness

Review article in Frontiers in Nutrition examines the multifaceted impacts of food allergies on individuals' economic, psychological, and social quality of life, highlighting the need for increased awareness and support for affected people.

28 Mar 2024

Chicago's children face widespread lead exposure in drinking water

Study in JAMA Pediatrics reveals widespread lead exposure through drinking water among Chicago's children under six, with disparities in exposure and testing rates highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.

21 Mar 2024

Nano-sized toxic metals found in cannabis vaping liquids even before the first use

Vapes have often been heralded as a "safer" way to consume either nicotine or cannabis, where legal to do so.

19 Mar 2024

Lab-synthesized heparin to transform drug manufacturing

Heparin, the world's most widely used blood thinner, is used during procedures ranging from kidney dialysis to open heart surgery.

18 Mar 2024

T1-spanin breakthrough offers new hope against antibiotic resistance

Given the worldwide prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria, the research fraternity is on the lookout for alternative bactericidal treatment approaches.

12 Mar 2024

Microplastics and nanoplastics could be harming your heart health

Whether micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) are detectable in atherosclerotic plaques.

11 Mar 2024

Innovative coating solution enhances hygiene and reduces corrosion in food storage

In a collaborative effort to improve the food industry, Dr. Mustafa Akbulut, professor of chemical engineering, and Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos, professor of horticultural science, have developed a two-step coating solution for galvanized steel that is more hygienic and reduces the risk of corrosion.

1 Mar 2024