Drug-free nasal spray prevents infection by trapping viruses in the nose

Nobody wants to get a respiratory infection such as COVID-19 or the flu, but vaccines aren’t 100% effective, and constantly taking preventative drugs can be problematic. That’s where a special nasal spray may come in, as it’s been shown to prevent such… Continue reading Drug-free nasal spray prevents infection by trapping viruses in the nose

‘Air curtain’ hard hat works like an invisible face mask

A new device has been shown to protect wearers from airborne viruses while leaving their face mask-free. It blocks microbes via a curtain of air which has itself been pretreated to kill any viruses present within it.Continue ReadingCategory: Wearables,… Continue reading ‘Air curtain’ hard hat works like an invisible face mask

Spiky stainless steel and copper delivers one-two punch to bacteria

To help combat the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, researchers have been experimenting for years with drug-free methods to blast disease-causing bugs. A new type of stainless steel does exactly that, in a convenient and affordable way.Continue R… Continue reading Spiky stainless steel and copper delivers one-two punch to bacteria

Toilet flush tests reveal just how nasty it is to leave the lid up

When it comes to toilet etiquette, do you put the lid down before you flush or leave it up? If you said leave it up, the results of a new study by researchers at the Asan Medical Center in South Korea might have you questioning your practices.Continue … Continue reading Toilet flush tests reveal just how nasty it is to leave the lid up

Bacteria’s natural self-destruct mechanism used to fight infections

A new study has demonstrated that a natural bacterial defense mechanism against invading viruses can be used as a weapon to combat bacterial infection. The finding opens the door to new anti-bacterial therapeutics, particularly important in the face of… Continue reading Bacteria’s natural self-destruct mechanism used to fight infections

Completely new type of “biological entity” discovered in our bodies

Our bodies are home to trillions of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and a whole host of others. Now, Stanford scientists have discovered an entirely new class of biological entities inside us, which they’ve ominously named “Obelisks.”Cont… Continue reading Completely new type of “biological entity” discovered in our bodies

Newly discovered virus kills “sleeping” bacteria in superbug breakthrough

Bacteria often go dormant to avoid being wiped out by antibiotics or other threats, which makes treatment difficult. Now scientists have discovered a virus that can attack these sleeping bugs, clearing out infections effectively when paired with drugs…. Continue reading Newly discovered virus kills “sleeping” bacteria in superbug breakthrough

Another climate change surprise for us: More diarrhea

Current evidence suggests many organisms will struggle to keep pace with a changing climate on Earth. However, unlucky for humans, some pathogens will not just adapt but thrive, including, as this new study suggests, the bugs that cause the common diar… Continue reading Another climate change surprise for us: More diarrhea

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

Scientists spot viruses attaching to other viruses for first time

Scientists have discovered that viruses can latch onto other viruses to insert their genes into host cells. Lab results with apparent contamination led the team to directly see the strange interaction for the first time.Continue ReadingCategory: Biolog… Continue reading Scientists spot viruses attaching to other viruses for first time