Collaborate Disseminate
Researchers have developed a silicon surface covered in nanosized spikes that is 96% effective in impaling and destroying a common virus responsible for causing respiratory illnesses, particularly in infants and young children. The technology could be … Continue reading Nanoscale spikes 96% effective at impaling and destroying common virus
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
A new study has found that an extract made from willow bark, the precursor to aspirin, possesses effective broad-spectrum antiviral properties. The discovery may mean we will soon have a new way of fighting viral infections, from stomach bugs to season… Continue reading Beyond aspirin: Willow bark also found to be a broad-spectrum antiviral
In the neverending human-vs-virus battle, scientists often focus on disrupting the protein coating on the bugs. New research shows a different way forward: using certain compounds to act as molecular “pins” that pop the membranes holding viruses togeth… Continue reading Peptoids pop some viruses like the disease-causing balloons they are
Before plant material can be turned into biofuel to power things like giant jets and speedy motorcycles, a significant amount of moisture must be removed from it, which often requires both mechanical pressing and thermal drying. Researchers from Japan … Continue reading New heat-free plant press yields biofuel and antivirals
While most of us wouldn’t dream of not washing our spoons or forks after each use, we have no problem repeatedly using – or even sharing – a never-washed tube of lipstick or lip balm. That’s why scientists have recently developed a cranberry-fortified … Continue reading Cranberry-boosted lipstick inactivates viruses and bacteria on contact
Although there are coatings that kill harmful microbes on frequently touched surfaces, most of those substances either have to be frequently reapplied, or they take a long time to work. A durable new coating, however, is claimed to address both shortco… Continue reading Tough, clear coating uses natural oils to kill viruses and bacteria
Copper has long been known for its ability to kill viruses and bacteria on contact, which is why it’s often professionally coated onto commonly touched items such as doorknobs. A new copper nanowire spray may allow everyday folks to give existing surfa… Continue reading Copper nanowire spray makes existing surfaces antimicrobial
Copper has long been known for its ability to kill viruses and bacteria on contact, which is why it’s often professionally coated onto commonly touched items such as doorknobs. A new copper nanowire spray may allow everyday folks to give existing surfa… Continue reading Copper nanowire spray makes existing surfaces antimicrobial
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued emergency use authorization to a second oral COVID-19 treatment. Called molnupiravir the new drug is not as effective as Pfizer’s recently approved COVID antiviral pill, and many experts suggest the … Continue reading FDA authorization of Merck COVID pill called “worst decision in its history”