This Plastic Dot Sniffs Out Infections Doctors Can’t See
Keeping wounds covered can help them stay clean. But if bacteria grow beneath the bandages, things can get dangerous......»»
Halloween toy among plastics swallowed by sea turtles
A Halloween toy was among hundreds of plastic items found in the guts of dead sea turtles in the Mediterranean, a new study reveals......»»
Why recycling plastic is not a quick fix
Considering the climate crisis and worldwide plastic pollution, many people believe that recycling materials, in particular plastic, is the solution to our problems. Recycling can reduce resource use, prevent waste and reduce CO2 emissions. It is an.....»»
Five hotspots where floating plastic litter poses the greatest risk to North Atlantic marine life
Plastic has been found in every single part of the ocean, from the surface to the seafloor and from the tropics to the poles. Land-based sources of plastic account for the majority of this pollution, with plastic bags, bottles, wrappers, food contain.....»»
Rogue enzymes cause numerous diseases, but a new method could help design drugs to treat them
Helicases are enzymes that unwind DNA and RNA. They're central to cellular life, implicated in a number of cancers and infections—and, alas, extraordinarily difficult to target with drugs......»»
Possible "Trojan Horse" found for treating stubborn bacterial infections
Bacteria can be tricked into sending death signals to stop the growth of their slimy, protective homes that lead to deadly infections, a new study demonstrates......»»
Novel material degrades a widely used antibiotic that contaminates water
Levofloxacin is a widely used antibiotic prescribed to treat pneumonia, bacterial rhinosinusitis, bacterial prostatitis, pyelonephritis, urinary tract infections, skin disorders, and skin structure infections, among other conditions. The drug is prev.....»»
Doctors prescribing app, with walking steps targets for patients
A pilot scheme is effectively seeing doctors prescribe an app – specifically one which measures the number of steps patients walk, with each person being prescribed a personal target. At the end of the ‘prescription’ period, the results are.....»»
Novel RNA- or DNA-based substances can protect plants from viruses, scientists show
Individually tailored RNA or DNA-based molecules are able to reliably fight off viral infections in plants, according to a new study by the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences......»»
Plant biologists identify promising new fungicides
A promising new fungicide to fight devastating crop diseases has been identified by researchers at the University of California, Davis. The chemical, ebselen, prevented fungal infections in apples, grapes, strawberries, tomatoes and roses and improve.....»»
Plastic pellets blight Belgian town as EU weighs action
Buried in the soil, dotting riverbanks and bobbing along streams: a small Belgian town has waged a years-long fight against creeping pollution from plastic pellets—which the EU now has in its sights......»»
Temperature, humidity may drive future transmission of parasitic worm infections
As climate changes, temperature isn't the only factor to influence the spread of infectious diseases. Humidity plays a role, too, according to new research published this week (Feb. 25) in Ecology Letters......»»
Scientists develop technology to reduce pathogens in intact eggs
The CDC estimates Salmonella bacteria causes about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year. Despite their appearance in everyday meals and snacks, the truth is that raw eggs and egg products ca.....»»
Research into marine plastic pollution reveals bacterial enzymes actively degrading plastic
A new study led by researchers at the University of Stirling has uncovered the crucial roles of bacteria living on plastic debris. The research also identifies rare and understudied bacteria that could assist in plastic biodegradation, offering new i.....»»
New species of fungi potentially harmful to humans identified in freshwater ecosystems
A study by the Mycology and Environmental Microbiology Unit of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili has identified new species of fungi that may cause infections or diseases in people and animals. Carried out in river ecosystems, the research is part of.....»»
California faces an uphill battle against plastic
Given its green bona fides, it's no surprise that California was the first state in the nation to ban single-use plastic bags 10 years ago. Many were hopeful that would make a dent in the plastic pollution crisis, one canvas tote bag at a time. But i.....»»
Stem cells "migrate" to repair damaged lung cells, study shows
A new Yale-led study has found that stem cells migrate to help repair damaged lung cells caused by injuries such as viral or bacterial infections......»»
Polymer science team develops additive that can "upcycle" a wide range of plastics
One doesn't need to be reminded that plastic production, and plastic pollution, have steadily increased over the years—the evidence is all around us. What if we were able to recycle plastic in a way that is truly sustainable?.....»»
Study: Replacing plastics with biodegradable alternatives would lead to significant carbon emissions reduction
Plastic pollution and its impact on the environment have become critical global issues in recent years. In response, the research teams have conducted a study to evaluate the carbon emissions associated with both traditional plastic products and biod.....»»
Pharmacists propose ways to increase the activity of levofloxacin and overcome bacterial resistance
The antibacterial drug levofloxacin is used to treat pneumonia, sinusitis, genitourinary infections, and other diseases. It is included in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. In terms of its chemical structure, it is a third-generation fluoroq.....»»
Advanced artificial photosynthesis catalyst uses CO₂ more efficiently to create biodegradable plastics
Amid growing global concern over climate change and plastic pollution, researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University are making great strides in the sustainable production of fumaric acid—a component of biodegradable plastics such as polybutylene su.....»»