While hand sanitizers work, handwashing is still the gold standard for hygiene as it kills more germs. According to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center physician Dr. Roland Newman II, while there’s truth in the claims saying that hand sanitizers can kill 99 percent of germs, some pathogens can still sneak through. Handwashing is still the best According … Continue reading Hygiene 101: Hand sanitizers work, but handwashing gets rid of more germs, explain scientists
Shed and spread: Study finds drug-resistant superbug Candida auris can spread through skin shedding
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been warning the public about an emerging and potentially deadly superbug for years. Candida auris, a pathogenic fungus that belongs to the same family that causes candidiasis, has recently been causing severe illness in hospitalized patients in many countries, including the United States. According to the CDC, C. auris is now considered a global health … Continue reading Shed and spread: Study finds drug-resistant superbug Candida auris can spread through skin shedding
3 Essential oils with powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties
Essential oils are loaded with potent bioactive compounds that combat inflammation and infection, according to a recent review published in the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research. Researchers Tanu Bansal and Kaur Harpeet from the Lovely Professional University in India examined the medicinal uses of essential oils for the prevention and treatment of various ailments including chronic pain, diabetes, epilepsy … Continue reading 3 Essential oils with powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties
Steroid use linked to increased risk of bacterial and viral infections
The use of steroids in the treatment of rheumatic conditions may be causing an increase in both viral and bacterial infections, according to researchers. In a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), researchers from the University of Leeds in the U.K. found a strong association between glucocorticoids – man-made versions of steroids that occur naturally in the body – … Continue reading Steroid use linked to increased risk of bacterial and viral infections
Space cooties: Should astronauts be worried about fungi on space stations?
Bacteria and viruses are not the only tiny hitchhikers during outer space that might endanger the health of astronauts. Recently, Belgian researchers brought up concerns about microscopic fungi living aboard space stations and spacecraft, especially the upcoming missions to the moon and Mars. Experts know very little about the potential pathogenic properties of these microorganisms. The … Continue reading Space cooties: Should astronauts be worried about fungi on space stations?
DIY medical tips: What are antiseptics and why do you need them?
Basic hygiene practices such as washing hands with soap and water are taught from childhood. On top of washing, many people also use antiseptics to better get rid of germs. Rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and iodine are some common antiseptics found in most homes. (h/t to BeansBulletsBandagesAndYou.com) Which is which: antiseptics, disinfectants, and antibiotics Preventing infection … Continue reading DIY medical tips: What are antiseptics and why do you need them?
Ambitious study looks at converting food waste back into food
Swedish researchers talk about the potential of using fungi to convert food waste into valuable products. In addition to the usual biofuels, animal feed, and textiles produced from waste food, they want to turn the fungi into a protein-rich source of food for humans. Human civilization continues to churn out increasing amounts of waste products like plastic trash and food … Continue reading Ambitious study looks at converting food waste back into food
Careful what you share! If it goes on or in your body, you may be sharing bacteria, fungi, and viruses
Good hygiene is not just about cleaning and disinfecting yourself regularly. It also involves preventing the spread of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses. That is why people need to avoid sharing towels, toiletries, toothbrushes, and other items. The practice of sharing lip balms, lipsticks, and pots of cream increases the risk of picking up contagious diseases. … Continue reading Careful what you share! If it goes on or in your body, you may be sharing bacteria, fungi, and viruses
Candida Auris: The silent superbug that’s already too late to stop – full documentary
Candida auris is a “silent superbug” that’s already spreading across U.S. hospitals and nursing homes. The CDC has reported hundreds of infections across seven states, and is tracking over 1,000 “colonizations” where the fungal strain has infected human carriers who spread it to others. Notably, the CDC refuses to name which hospitals have been infected by … Continue reading Candida Auris: The silent superbug that’s already too late to stop – full documentary
Researchers study fungi to turn food waste into sustainable bioplastic
In a world in which 9 million people die from hunger each year, it’s absolutely unacceptable that 40 percent of all foods are wasted. The food industry is responsible for creating high amounts of biodegradable waste, and finding ways to put this waste to good use could have a significant positive impact on the planet. … Continue reading Researchers study fungi to turn food waste into sustainable bioplastic
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 