Copper-Coated Uniforms Could Help Reduce Infection Transmission
February 15th 2018Material scientists at the University of Manchester, working in collaboration with universities in China, have created a 'durable and washable, concrete-like' composite material made from antibacterial copper nanoparticles.
Investigators Provide Update on Influenza Activity from October Through Early February
February 15th 2018Budd, et al. (2018) report in MMWR that influenza activity in the United States began to increase in early November 2017 and rose sharply from December through Feb. 3, 2018; elevated influenza activity is expected to continue for several more weeks.
Infectious Diseases Experts Concerned with President’s Budget Request
February 14th 2018The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) says it is alarmed by the proposed funding for critical programs needed to prevent, treat, and contain infectious diseases included in the President’s Budget Request.
Patients With Chagas Disease are Often Infected With an Intestinal Parasite
February 14th 2018In this retrospective study, the authors evaluated the association between Trypanosoma cruzi infection and strongyloidiasis in a cohort of Latin American migrants screened for both infections in the Hospital Clinic at Barcelona between January 2013 and April 2015.
Measles Vaccine Increases Child Survival Beyond Protecting Against Measles
February 12th 2018In the largest study to date on children in a low/middle income country, new research in Ghana finds that the timing of a measles vaccine in an overall vaccination schedule can have a profound impact on child survival rates beyond protecting against measles infection.
WHO Issues List of Top Epidemic-Prone Diseases Without Sufficient Countermeasures
February 12th 2018For the purposes of the R&D Blueprint, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a special tool for determining which diseases and pathogens to prioritize for research and development in public health emergency contexts.
FDA Issues Safety Alert on Pentax Medical Duodenoscope
February 12th 2018The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reporting that Pentax has issued an Urgent Medical Device Correction and Removal notification informing customers of its voluntary recall of all ED-3490TK duodenoscopes in order to replace the forceps elevator mechanism, O-ring seal and distal end cap, and to update the Operation Manual to recommend annual maintenance.
Far-UVC Light Safely Kills Airborne Flu Virus, Study Finds
February 9th 2018Continuous low doses of far ultraviolet C (far-UVC) light can kill airborne flu viruses without harming human tissues, according to a new study at the Center for Radiological Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC).
Gut Bacteria Can Be Good and Bad for Health
February 8th 2018The human microbiome -- the trillions of tiny bacteria that live in and on our bodies -- is emerging as an increasingly important player in health and wellness. But, our co-existence with these organisms is complex, and scientists are learning that even minor changes in this relationship can lead to big problems with our health.
Smart Thermometer Improves Flu Forecasting
February 8th 2018A new approach tested by researchers at the University of Iowa shows that de-identified data from a "smart thermometer" connected to a mobile phone app can track flu activity in real time at both population and individual levels and the data can be used to significantly improve flu forecasting.