PTC124 shows activity in cystic fibrosis; Phase 2 proof-of-concept data published in Lancet Aug 21, 2008
This Phase 2 Israeli study enrolled 23 adult patients (median age 25 years) with nonsense-mutation CF. More than 90 percent of patients had severe CF with compromised lung function, pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas or other pathogenic bacteria, and pancreatic insufficiency. Patients were assessed in two 14-day treatment courses of oral PTC124 therapy, the first given at a lower dose and the second given at a higher dose. (EurekAlert!)
Bacteria's role cited in pandemic Aug 20, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. Bacterial pneumonia might have killed most people during the 1918 flu pandemic, and antibiotics could be as crucial as flu drugs to fight a new pandemic, US researchers reported yesterday in the Journal of Infectious Diseases ... "The virus landed the first blow while bacteria delivered the knockout punch," Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which conducted the study, said in a statement. (Boston Globe)
Dying Frogs Sign Of A Biodiversity Crisis Aug 20, 2008
(July 17, 2008) As frog populations die off around the world, researchers have identified certain genes that can help the amphibians develop resistance to harmful bacteria and disease. The discovery may provide new. (Yahoo News -- Environment & Nature)
Antibacterial battle Aug 20, 2008
Triclosan, the bacteria-zapping chemical found in a variety of products, is effective ... You can buy "antibacterial" versions of plenty of products, all imbued with triclosan, the chemical that provides the bacteria-killing muscle ... Classified as a pesticide, triclosan kills good and bad bacteria indiscriminately. (OregonLive, OR -- Living)
EPA to Regulate Nanoproducts Sold As Germ-Killing Aug 20, 2008
The decision -- which will affect the marketing of high-tech odor-destroying shoe liners, food-storage containers, air fresheners, washing machines and a wide range of other products that contain tiny bacteria-killing particles of silver -- marks a significant reversal in federal policy ... That has concerned environmentalists and others who think that the growing amount of nanosilver washed down drains may be killing beneficial bacteria and aquatic organisms and may also pose risks to human... (Yahoo News -- Nanotechnology)
John McCain and the moment of conception Aug 20, 2008
For that matter, bacteria are alive, and insects and fish and plats and mushrooms, they are all forms of life. The scientific answers is that eggs and sperm are alive, and at the moment of conception the blastula is alive. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Bacteria a big killer in 1918 flu pandemic: study Aug 20, 2008
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Bacterial pneumonia may have killed most people during the 1918 flu pandemic, and antibiotics may be as crucial as flu drugs to fight any new pandemic, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday. Samples of lung tissue taken from soldiers who died in the pandemic, the worst of the 20th century, showed evidence of damage both by the flu virus and by pneumonia-causing bacteria ... "In essence, the virus landed the first blow while bacteria delivered the knockout punch," Dr.... (Reuters)
Infected babies born one day apart Aug 20, 2008
Health officials revealed Monday two Alberta babies who contracted a severe -- and in one case fatal -- bacterial infection were born only a day apart at the same Lethbridge hospital, leading critics to call for an independent probe ... The two infants were transferred from Lethbridge to Calgary last week after developing an unidentified bacterial infection ... Calls for a probe into whether the babies were exposed to the bacteria in hospital follow a controversy last year surrounding infection... (Canada.com)
Chewing Gum Associated With Enhanced Bowel Recovery After Colon Surgery Aug 20, 2008
19, 2004) The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (a type of bacteria associated with gastrointestinal disorders) is high among patients about to undergo weight loss surgery, and treatment to eradicate the. . (Science Daily)
Chemical Liberated By Leaky Gut May Allow HIV To Infect The Brain, Scientists Find Aug 20, 2008
Now, scientists at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have found strong evidence that a component of the cell walls of intestinal bacteria a chemical present in high levels in the blood of HIV-infected people helps HIV to penetrate the usually-impregnable blood brain barrier (BBB) ... In 2006, scientists at the National Institutes of Health had reported that HIV infection breaks down barriers in the intestine that normally prevent intestinal bacteria from entering the... (Science Daily)
Caution Urged In Mixing Juices, Certain Drugs Aug 20, 2008
Biomedicine scientists identified and sequenced the genes of a bacteria called Salinispora tropica. It produces anti-cancer compounds and can be. (Science Daily)
Chronic Lead Poisoning From Urban Soils Aug 20, 2008
The technology, which uses infrared beams to spot harmful bacteria, has the. . (Science Daily)
City hall mulls bottled water ban Aug 20, 2008
Spring or mineral water may have carbon dioxide and ozone added to preserve freshness and must not contain harmful bacteria. If the label does not identify it as spring or mineral water, you can assume it's tap water, and the bottling process can employ carbonation, ozonation, ultraviolet irradiation, and filtration if necessary to remove harmful bacteria. (Canada.com)
Depositions Taken In Anthrax Case Aug 20, 2008
Hatfill's lawsuit, filed in 2003 in U.S. District Court in Washington, accuses the Justice Department of violating the Privacy Act and his civil rights by labeling him a "person of interest" in the mailings of envelopes containing anthrax bacteria. He has denied any part in the mailings, which killed five people. (Yahoo News -- Biological and Chemical Weapons)
Bill Gates' millions to battle TB Aug 20, 2008
"We are in the midst of a new TB epidemic. The world desperately needs an effect vaccine to prevent TB, particularly in adolescents and adults. Dr Jerald Sadoff: New approaches are promising "Through accelerated research and development, a new vaccine could permanently change the trajectory of the epidemic and save millions of lives every year," he added. Two billion people - one out of every three people on Earth - are infected with the TB pathogen, a bacterium called Mycobacterium... (Yahoo News -- Tuberculosis)
Strengthen your immune system with good nutrition Aug 20, 2008
The human immune system has many processes with one of three particular jobs to do: stopping disease from entering the body; killing bacteria or viruses once they enter the body before they make you sick; and destroying viruses and/or bacteria after they have created disease. The immune system can only accomplish these goals if it is healthy enough. (Russellville News Democrat Leader, KY)
The skinny on manure Aug 20, 2008
That acid helps prevent bacteria like salmonella from entering the small intestine ... Many commercial herds are given these drugs, and the cattle may be carrying antibiotic-resistant bacteria that could be harmful to humans, as well as the drugs themselves. (Daily Triplicate)
Micro sewage plants to curb pollution Aug 20, 2008
With septic tanks channeling wastewater into the ground, the groundwater becomes contaminated with bacteria which can cause waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea, typhoid, leptospirosis and polio. So far this year (to mid August), some 7,400 cases of diarrhea among Jakarta residents have been recorded by the Health Agency. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
Tips for Safer Eating and Drinking while Traveling Aug 20, 2008
In fact, more than 10 million overseas travelers fall ill with diarrhea and other sicknesses each year that are caused by bacteria, viruses and parasitic bugs found in drinking water and food, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates ... Water supplies in rural areas and developing countries may not be adequately disinfected and could contain potentially harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites ... If fresh water is scarce, use antibacterial hand... (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Make It 160 Degrees for a Safe and Savory Burger Aug 20, 2008
Always cook ground beef to 160 F. This guarantees harmful bacteria are destroyed and ensures ground beef isn't under- or over-cooked, keeping burgers safe and savory. Stop eyeballing the doneness of your burgers. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Pesticide Buildup Could Lead to Poor Honey Bee Health Aug 20, 2008
"We already had in place ways to test for viruses, bacteria and fungi, but it was difficult to find an analytical laboratory that could analyze for unknown pesticides," says Christopher A. Mullin, professor of entomology. "We needed them to take a comprehensive look at all pesticides, not just those associated with beekeeping.". (Agri-View, WI)
Recalled senior lunches were contaminated Aug 20, 2008
Turkey lunches recalled late last month from the Marshfield Senior Center and from senior centers all around the South Shore were contaminated with clostridium perfringens, a strain of bacteria that can grow if food is cooked at the wrong temperature, said Donna Rheaume of the state Department of Public Health Monday. After ingestion, clostridium perfringens releases a toxin that causes diarrhea. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Australians have the right to know if they are eating GM food say ... Aug 19, 2008
It allows genes from bacteria, viruses, plants and animals to be inserted into soybeans, canola, corn and cotton and grown as experimental crops; these 'genetically modified organisms' or crops are processed into foods and sold all over the world. Greenpeace believes that GE organisms should not be released into the environment because there is not adequate scientific understanding of their impact on the environment and human health. (News-Medical.net)
Your Health: Too much calcium, vitamin D can cause calcification (25) Aug 19, 2008
Eliminating the bacteria or fungus might solve the problem. Readers have shared dozens of remedies for smelly feet. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
About 33% of coral species threatened with extinction, study says Aug 19, 2008
Corals also face excessive and destructive fishing and polluted runoff that buries them under sediment or bathes them in nutrients that fuel out-of-control growth of algae and bacteria ... William F. Precht, manager of damage assessment and restoration for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, said that 95% to 98% of the elkhorn and staghorn corals in the Keys and elsewhere in the region had been lost to disease, toppled by hurricanes or crowded out by thick mats of algae and bacteria. (Yahoo News -- Climate Change)
Alcohol rub to help combat hospital bugs Aug 19, 2008
Professor Pittet said alcohol worked faster and more efficiently than soap, and was "extremely good in killing bacteria". A version of the hand rub known as DeBug, which is 70 per cent alcohol, was introduced at Melbourne's Austin Health hospital three years ago. (Yahoo News -- Antibiotics)
Uganda: Looming Problems With Kampala's Water Aug 19, 2008
David Ssemwanga, the divisional health inspector, says all the samples taken from taps in the Kawempe division parishes of Bwaise II, Mulago II and Kyebando revealed the presence of faecal coliform bacteria ... "Our water is safe. We have a state of the art water treatment plant and we are upgrading our distribution network. There is no need for alarm because the water does not have bacterial contamination.". (allAfrica.com)
New strategy for flu pandemic Aug 19, 2008
Bacterial infections killed most victims of 1918 flu, scientists say ... Most deaths in the 1918 influenza pandemic were caused not by the virus alone, but by common bacterial infections that overwhelmed victims' weakened immune systems, according to two new studies that could change the strategy against the next pandemic ... Instead, they found that most of the deaths occurred a week to two weeks later -- indicating opportunistic bacterial infections. (Albany Times Union)
Country Pond unsafe for swimming Aug 19, 2008
State officials are urging the public to stay out of the water, after cyanobacteria blooms were discovered by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. The agency routinely looks for cyanobacteria blooms, or bacteria, in all public bodies of water during the summer, but this is the first time the harmful bacteria blooms were discovered in Kingston ... Cyanobacteria blooms form when bright sunshine and excess phosphorus combine. (Eagle Tribune)
2 babies born in Alta. hospital infected by same unidentified bacteria Aug 19, 2008
hospital infected by same unidentified bacteria ... hospital infected by same unidentified bacteria ... CALGARY - Health officials revealed Monday two Alberta babies who contracted a severe - and in one case fatal - bacterial infection were born only a day apart at the same Lethbridge hospital, leading critics to call for an independent probe. (Canada.com)
Leishmaniasis Parasites Evade Death By Exploiting Immune Response To Sand Fly Bites Aug 19, 2008
D., found that the neutrophils white blood cells that ingest and destroy bacteria play a surprising role in the development of the disease. Neutrophils were rapidly recruited out of the circulating blood and into the skin of infected mice, where they swarmed around the sand fly bite sites and efficiently engulfed the parasites. (Science Daily)
IRI Separation Technologies Inc.-Changes to the Board of Directors Aug 19, 2008
IRI Separation Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE: - ) is a biotechnology company that specializes in the extraction, development and commercialization of polyclonal immunoglobulin antibodies for virus and bacteria related health issues. Intended for use as a nutraceutical for human consumption, the antibodies are derived from chicken eggs. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Con Comm approves regulations for stormwater bylaw Aug 19, 2008
Stormwater is rainwater and snowmelt that runs off lawns and streets and picks up bacteria, fertilizers, pesticides, oil and grease and other pollutants on the way to our brooks, rivers ponds, meadows, harbors and beaches. In Cohasset Cove and harbor there is bacteria, nutrients and other contaminants ... In James Brook there are nutrients, bacteria, total suspended solids and low dissolved oxygen. (Cohasset Mariner, MA)
Dust off the Picnic Basket for Good Clean Fun Aug 19, 2008
To avoid cross-contamination, says Dr. Vaclavik, "have one cooler specifically for raw meat, fish, and poultry, and use a separate cooler for ready-to-eat foods and drinks." If only one cooler is available, "seal any raw meat, fish, and poultry in plastic containers or plastic bags, since the raw juices are loaded with bacteria and can easily contaminate other foods." ... If there is no running water nearby, use an antibacterial cleanser or wipe ... Properly store any leftovers in plastic... (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Looking Squarely at Death, and Finding Clarity Aug 19, 2008
One day, out of the blue, a human body part is invaded by large, snub-nosed bacteria from the gut. Once planted in foreign flesh, the organisms Clostridium perfringens ferment gas, spew toxins and mutilate muscle. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Spices and herbs beneficial in foods Aug 19, 2008
Used heavily in Mediterranean cuisines, oregano has antimicrobial powers that can help fight bacterial growth and may help inhibit the bacteria associated with ulcers. Red peppers get their heat from a powerful antioxidant compound called capsaicin. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Gnawing on the election Aug 19, 2008
I recently finished reading a book about cattle and this paragraph really stuck in my craw: "After the cow digests its grass for a time, it sucks the pulp - called the cud - back into its gullet ... Extra chewing has the effect of increasing surface area onto which bacteria may latch. Chewing also has the side effect of stimulating the saliva glands." ... It was all there - the endless regurgitation of lurid headlines, the gnawing insinuation of the anchors, the bacterial latch of the pundits,... (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Global survey: Wastewater extensively used in agriculture Aug 19, 2008
This practice also permits worm eggs to settle out, possibly reducing bacteria in the water. . (Xinhuanet, China)
New Method To Overcome Multiple Drug Resistant Diseases Aug 19, 2008
That could include medications for diseases caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria, such as multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, or by drug resistant parasites such as malaria, as well as other types of cancer. The arginine transporter manages to avoid ejection by slipping through the membrane of the cell in between the pumps. (Science Daily (press release))
Bacteria played role in 1918 flu pandemic deaths Aug 19, 2008
Instead, they found that most of the deaths occurred a week to two weeks later -- indicating opportunistic bacterial infections. Most of the samples collected from patients, dead or alive, were bacteria common to the noses and throats of healthy people, according to co-authors Dr. John F. Brundage, a medical epidemiologist at the U.S. Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center in Silver Spring, Md ... It long has been recognized that most flu deaths are the result of pneumonia caused by secondary... (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Dr. James Rota Aug 19, 2008
There is a chronic undermining of our immune system that makes us more susceptible to the exposure of opportunistic bacteria, viruses, or toxins, resulting in a variety of symptoms. I thought this to be both depressing and empowering news. (Malibu Times, CA)
NEWS UPDATE: Water boil order remains in effect Aug 19, 2008
According to past statements made by town officials, this is a step in the right direction for Pembroke and if tests continue to come up negative for both forms of bacteria the Department of Environmental Protection may soon lift the order. However, the boil order remains in effect until further notice and volunteers are still distributing water at the high school to valid and verified residents from the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. (Pembroke Mariner, MA)
For Cubist, a tough sell Aug 18, 2008
The drug is mainly used to fight skin infections caused by certain bacteria ... Cubicin is mainly used to fight skin and infections caused by certain bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly referred to as MRSA. Unlike many more common antibiotics, Cubicin is administered intravenously instead of with a pill or capsule. (Boston Globe)
The Anthrax Files Aug 18, 2008
The attacks were perpetrated by someone with high-level access to U.S. government supplies of the deadly bacteria ... They swabbed his residence, locker, several cars, the tools in his laboratory, and his office space, but found no trace of anthrax that genetically matched the bacteria in the letters. (The American Conservative)
Rare ducks found dead on Midway Atoll Aug 18, 2008
Avian botulism is caused by a bacteria that produces a toxin when certain conditions, such as stagnant water, warm temperatures and decaying vegetation, are present. Birds are infected with the disease when they eat toxin-laden invertebrates. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Kokua Line: Leptospirosis Aug 18, 2008
She explained that leptospirosis is caused by bacteria excreted in the urine of certain animals, particularly rats and pigs. If the animals live near freshwater streams or ponds, the bacteria can make their way into the water ... Humans can contract leptospirosis by swimming in or jumping/diving into bodies of water that contain the bacteria, which then can enter the body through the mouth, nose, eyes or an open wound. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Source of Legionnaires' Outbreak Identified Aug 18, 2008
The Chemung County Health Department says lab tests show a bacteria that causes legionnaires' was found in the hot water system ... A super heated system was being used to flush water tanks, and kill the bacteria ... Legionnaires' is a type of pneumonia caused by a bacteria commonly found in warm water environments. (WBNG-TV)
No link found in baby skin infection Aug 18, 2008
CALGARY -- As a newborn baby fights for life in hospital, her family waits by her bedside while officials try to figure out how she contracted a mysterious bacterial infection ... The baby has undergone three operations on her skin and is slated for another today to make sure no remaining bacteria and toxins are in her system, said the relative, who asked to remain anonymous. (Edmonton Sun)
Scientists Overcome Nanotechnology Hurdle Aug 18, 2008
However, nature has become adept at engineering nanoscale building blocks, e.g. proteins and RNA. These are able to form dynamic and efficient nanomachines such as the cell's protein assembly machine (the ribosome) and minute motors used for swimming by bacteria. The BBSRC-funded team, led by Dr Rapha l L;vy, has borrowed from nature, developing a way of constructing complex nanoscale building blocks through initiating self-assembly of peptides on the surface of a metal nanoparticle. (Science Daily)
Depositions Taken In Anthrax Case Aug 18, 2008
Hatfill's lawsuit, filed in 2003 in U.S. District Court in Washington, accuses the Justice Department of violating the Privacy Act and his civil rights by labeling him a "person of interest" in the mailings of envelopes containing anthrax bacteria. He has denied any part in the mailings, which killed five people. (Yahoo News -- Biological and Chemical Weapons)
Biotech firms seek support Aug 18, 2008
Staph is short for staphylococcus, a type of bacteria. It can cause an increasingly common infection of the skin that needs treatment to prevent it from worsening. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Ideology, childbirth and child rearing Aug 18, 2008
Lung development, advantageous bacteria from vaginal deliveries, which help the baby's digestive system -- you name it. It seems similar to the stance for breast milk over formula. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
• Bacteria played a role in 1918 pandemic flu deaths, scientists say Aug 18, 2008
Bacteria played a role in 1918 pandemic flu deaths, scientists say - Los Angeles Times ... Even healthy adults were felled by bacterial infections after their immune system had been weakened ... Bacteria played a role in 1918 pandemic flu deaths, scientists say. (Q13.com, WA)
U.S. Awards Anthrax Vaccine Deal Aug 18, 2008
As currently formulated, the anthrax immunization requires three separate injections and, according to VaxGen officials, is effective both before and after exposure to the deadly bacteria. Initial work on the vaccine was done by the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Fort Detrick, Md. (Yahoo News -- Anthrax)
New 52-city report examines use of wastewater in urban agriculture Aug 18, 2008
Inadvertently, this practice also permits worm eggs to settle out, possibly reducing bacteria in the water. In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, farmers using water from a brewery build storage basins for wastewater and fill them only when they judge the quality of the wastewater to be acceptable (that is, not acidic), based on its appearance, odor and even taste. (EurekAlert!)
Must see TV - an hour a week on the real issues Aug 17, 2008
I RECENTLY finished reading a book about cattle and this paragraph really stuck in my craw: "After the cow digests its grass for a time, it sucks the pulp - called the cud - back into its gullet . . . Extra chewing has the effect of increasing surface area onto which bacteria may latch. Chewing also has the side effect of stimulating the saliva glands." ... It was all there - the endless regurgitation of lurid headlines, the gnawing insinuation of the anchors, the bacterial latch of the pundits,... (Boston Globe)
Alcohol rub to help combat hospital bugs Aug 17, 2008
Professor Pittet said alcohol worked faster and more efficiently than soap, and was "extremely good in killing bacteria". A version of the hand rub known as DeBug, which is 70 per cent alcohol, was introduced at Melbourne's Austin Health hospital three years ago. (Yahoo News -- Antibiotics)
Donkey Creek, Stonepile contamination is a priority for most council Aug 17, 2008
Maybe the Public Works Department, or if they dont, maybe they could hire an outside contractor on a one-time basis, and after that, the city could maybe maintain it so it doesnt get to this where its so bad maybe test it more and keep on top of that, make sure it doesnt get to that point so it doesnt have a lot of bacteria in it. Its a public hazard, so that makes it in my mind a top priority, especially because its a health hazard. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
EPA to Regulate Nanoproducts Sold As Germ-Killing Aug 17, 2008
The decision -- which will affect the marketing of high-tech odor-destroying shoe liners, food-storage containers, air fresheners, washing machines and a wide range of other products that contain tiny bacteria-killing particles of silver -- marks a significant reversal in federal policy ... That has concerned environmentalists and others who think that the growing amount of nanosilver washed down drains may be killing beneficial bacteria and aquatic organisms and may also pose risks to human... (Yahoo News -- Nanotechnology)
One woman's battle with the effects of salmonella Aug 17, 2008
The outbreak made news for weeks, particularly after a Waltham woman died after being exposed to the bacteria, and though most people eventually improved, Havel's health problems were just beginning. Within days, she felt a nausea that never seemed to go away. (Framingham TAB, MA)
E. coli found in town water Aug 17, 2008
DUDLEY Until further notice, the town is under an order to boil water because of E. coli bacteria. The town was notified yesterday by the state Department of Environmental Protection that E. coli bacteria was confirmed in a sample collected from the main station well field Monday and an additional sample collected Wednesday showed the presence of total coliform bacteria at the Dresser Hill water storage tank ... Total coliform is a collection of different kinds of bacteria. (Worcester Telegram)
LETTERS: NCT, August 16, 2008 Aug 17, 2008
The bacteria become antibiotic-resistant, and then we have another potential disaster when the resistant bacteria enter the human food supply. Prop. (North County Times)
Baby fighting for her life from bacteria that has doctors stumped Aug 17, 2008
CALGARY -- As a newborn baby fights for her life in hospital, her family waits by her bedside while officials try to figure out how she contracted a mysterious bacterial infection. The girl was one of two babies, the other a boy, transferred last week from Lethbridge Regional Hospital -- where both were born -- to Alberta Children's Hospital amid initial fears both infants had flesh-eating disease. (Canoe.ca)
Synthetic Biology Is Bearing Fruit: Blockers Against Blockers Aug 17, 2008
Every antibiotic has become ineffective relatively quickly after being put on the market, whereas the combination therapy makes it more difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against it ... 20, 2005) In the new open access journal PLoS Pathogens, researchers report that M. tuberculosis and related strains recently emerged from a much more ancient bacterial. (Science Daily)
Tiny technology Aug 17, 2008
Some nanobots have taken their design from nature by mimicking the spinning motion real bacteria use to move through fluids. Both nanobots and nano-scale components for computers are a few years away from finding their way onto shop shelves - but when they do, they could signal a new hi-tech revolution. (BBC News -- Technology)
