Mussels and silkworms ally to thwart internal bleeding and infection

Mussels and silkworms may soon be indirectly responsible for saving people’s lives. Scientists have used proteins from both animals to develop an internal wound dressing that stops bleeding and prevents infections.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, Sci… Continue reading Mussels and silkworms ally to thwart internal bleeding and infection

Augmented-cotton bandage kills bacteria without using antibiotics

While infected wounds definitely aren’t a good thing, neither is the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria which may occur due to overuse of the drugs. That’s where a new type of cotton bandage comes in, as it kills microbes without resorting … Continue reading Augmented-cotton bandage kills bacteria without using antibiotics

Antimicrobial textile coating makes superbug-squashing hospital curtains

Hospitals are meant to heal people, but there’s an increasing risk of patients picking up a superbug or two during their stay. Scientists have now developed long-lasting antimicrobial coatings for textiles that could allow things like hospital curtains… Continue reading Antimicrobial textile coating makes superbug-squashing hospital curtains

Special titanium alloy lets implants fight off bacterial infections

While titanium implants such as artificial hips can greatly improve patients’ lives, they’re also subject to serious bacterial infections. An experimental new antibacterial titanium alloy, however, could make such problems a thing of the past.Continue … Continue reading Special titanium alloy lets implants fight off bacterial infections

Bacteria-filled “living dressing” could help heal chronic wounds

Ordinarily, when treating chronic wounds, caregivers go to great lengths to keep them free of bacteria. An experimental new dressing, however, actually introduces bacteria to help such wounds heal.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, ScienceTags: Empa, M… Continue reading Bacteria-filled “living dressing” could help heal chronic wounds

Novel ‘fast, tenacious’ molecule can KO drug-resistant superbugs

Decades of work has seemingly paid off with scientists developing a potent new synthetic molecule that swiftly knocked out 285 strains of bacteria it was tested on, setting it up as a valuable ally in our fight against a looming superbug infection cris… Continue reading Novel ‘fast, tenacious’ molecule can KO drug-resistant superbugs

Light-activated antibacterial foil claimed to outperform HEPA filters

Although HEPA filters and ultraviolet lighting systems are effective at neutralizing bacteria in hospitals, homes and other settings, they do have their drawbacks. A new light-activated material known as LumaFlo, however, is claimed to have them both b… Continue reading Light-activated antibacterial foil claimed to outperform HEPA filters

Microneedle patch teams up with ultrasound to kill acne bacteria

A novel microneedle patch may bring new hope to people who struggle to keep their acne under control. Instead of utilizing antibiotics, the device releases nanoparticles that kill acne-causing bacteria when triggered by exposure to ultrasound.Continue … Continue reading Microneedle patch teams up with ultrasound to kill acne bacteria

Liquid-metal-coated smart fabric ‘heals’ itself when cut, repels bacteria

Science continues to advance smart fabrics that respond to environmental changes, and provide more ‘services’ to their wearers. Now, a team of international researchers has created a wearable textile that repairs itself, is antibacterial, and could eve… Continue reading Liquid-metal-coated smart fabric ‘heals’ itself when cut, repels bacteria

Multi-functional “superfoam” soaks up oil spills and kills bacteria

Scientists at the University of Georgia have created a “superfoam” with two very valuable potential applications. It could be used not only to clean up oil spills, but also to keep infections from occurring at medical implant sites.Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Multi-functional “superfoam” soaks up oil spills and kills bacteria