Vicks Nasal Spray Recalled After Bacteria Found Nov 20, 2009
The Procter & Gamble Co. has recalled some 120,000 bottles of Vicks Sinex nasal spray after the company found bacteria in samples during routine testing. Spokesman Tom Millikin described the voluntary recall as a precaution after small amounts of the B. cepacia bacteria were found in the over-the-counter product at the German plant where it's made ... He says the bacteria could harm people with chronic lung problems or weakened immune systems. (KIRO TV, WA)
Tips from the Journals of the American Society for Microbiology Nov 20, 2009
Bacterially Produced Antifungal on Skin of Amphibians May Protect Against Lethal Fungus. A new study suggests that naturally occurring bacteria on the skin of salamanders could help protect other amphibians, including some species of endangered frogs, from a lethal skin disease ... Violacien was found on three of seven wild-collected red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) at concentration levels capable of inhibiting B. dendrobatidis, indicating a mutualistic community of... (EurekAlert!)
When East Meets West: Why Consumers Turn to Alternative Medicine Nov 20, 2009
Microbiologists tested 14 hand-hygiene agents -- everything from soap and alcohol rubs to plain old tap water -- against hardy bacteria and viruses. . (Science Daily)
P&G recalls Vicks Sinex lots Nov 20, 2009
The company said it discovered, during a routine quality control check, that some of the product manufactured at its Gross Gerau, Germany, plant contained a small amount of the bacteria B. cepacia. No illnesses have been reported, but the bacteria could cause serious infections in people with compromised immune systems, P&G said in a news release. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Mayor Pro Tem swims against the tide Nov 20, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009 Edition. Where could the proposed sewage treatment plant be located. (Malibu Times, CA)
Vital Signs health tips Nov 19, 2009
Scientists at the British Dental Health Foundation suggested mouth bacteria could play a part in causing obesity ... Probiotics are dietary supplements or foods that contain the good bacteria similar to those found naturally in the body ... These bacteria also support the immune system, and aid the creation of B-vitamins. (CNN -- International)
Get more: Money Source Nov 19, 2009
Two deaths and 26 other illnesses may be linked to fresh ground beef that has been recalled because it might be contaminated with E. coli bacteria, a federal health official said. Tags. (WJRT, MI)
Texas A&M Researchers Examine How Viruses Destroy Bacteria Nov 19, 2009
Texas Aarchers Examine How Viruses Destroy Bacteria ... Texas Aarchers Examine How Viruses Destroy Bacteria ... Viruses are well known for attacking humans and animals, but some viruses instead attack bacteria. (EurekAlert!)
Sars patients can provide therapy Nov 19, 2009
The researchers exposed the cells to cocktail containing the Epstein-Barr virus and a short stretch of synthetic DNA that mimics some of the DNA found in bacteria and viruses. This not only triggered the cells to start dividing indefinitely, but also sped up the process, effectively creating a high-powered antibody factory. (Yahoo News -- SARS)
Top Five Food Sources of Antioxidan... Nov 19, 2009
They're used normally to mark foreign material such as viruses or bacteria in the body for destruction. Too many free radicals can lead to destruction of normal structures like DNA in cells. (Suite101.com)
Chinese diners eat live fish on YOUTUBE... Nov 19, 2009
" Why make a fuss? It is just some fish. It's nothing to do with culture. Neither is it traditional for Chinese to eat raw fish. Look at the bight sid. The fish would have been eaten by some bigger fish while it was happily swimming in the river. And I don't think the bigger fish would cook it first. selluette on November 19, 2009 at 06:13 AM Would this be the same PETA that euthanizes animals it claims it is rescuing? don on November 19, 2009 at 06:13 AM Well you know the fish is fresh that... (The Drudge Report)
Senate panel passes food safety reform bill Nov 19, 2009
Learn about the bacteria, how we contract it and more. msnbc. (MSNBC -- Health)
Now, dissolving dressing for wounds Nov 19, 2009
The new study has shown that after only two days, this dressing can eradicate infection-causing bacteria ... Unlike oral antibiotics, locally applied antibiotics can target and kill harmful bacteria before they enter the body to cause further infection, sepsis, or death ... "People who suffer from large burns dont usually die from the condition itself. The fatal culprits are the secondary bacterial infections that invade the body through these vulnerable burned areas," said Zilberman. (India Times, India)
Residents no longer need to boil their drinking water Nov 19, 2009
The Kaua'i Department of Water yesterday canceled its "boil water" notice for Hanalei residents after certified laboratory results showed an absence of harmful bacteria in samples collected. It is no longer necessary for area residents to boil water for human consumption. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Experts warn antibiotic-proof bacteria threaten global health Nov 19, 2009
Experts at the 2nd annual European antibiotics awareness day held by the Stockholm-based European Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control (ECDC) said new, hyper-resistant bacteria were emerging, threatening the pillars of global health. "Some bacteria are becoming resistant to all treatments, forcing us to use older, toxic antibiotics or combinations of drugs that we are only familiar with on paper," Dominique Monnet, a ECDC specialist on the issue told AFP. ... The ECDC estimated at 25,000... (Yahoo! Asia News)
Boil water advisory issued for town of Orwell Nov 19, 2009
Boiling kills most bacteria and other organisms in the water ... Customers will be informed when tests show that chlorine levels have returned to normal, no harmful bacteria are present, and they no longer need to boil their water. (Oswego Palladium-Times, NY)
Detonating Tumor-Killer Drug in Cancers on Command Nov 19, 2009
It's been known for about 10 years that common bacteria such as Salmonella and Escherichia favor the microenvironment of solid tumors, says Forbes ... By about 48 hours after they are injected, the bacteria have multiplied to about 10 million per tumor ... Mice that received two low-dose radiation treatments in conjunction with the bacterial injections to trigger the RecA promoter showed reduction in tumor volume and survived longer than control groups. (Science Daily)
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines Effective at Preventing Child Deaths, Study Suggests Nov 19, 2009
25, 2007) Alaska Native children are experiencing increased rates of serious infections caused by strains of pneumococcal bacteria that are not covered by the current childhood pneumococcal vaccine, indicating. (June 1, 2005) A vaccine against pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease, a severe form of bacterial infection, can substantially reduce hospital admissions and improve the survival of children in developing ... (May 4, 2007) A vaccine introduced in 2000 has reduced by more than 90... (Science Daily)
Fish Kill: Nanosilver Mutates Fish Embryos Nov 18, 2009
Tiny particles of silver -- potent anti-microbial agents that can kill bacteria on contact -- are becoming increasingly popular in consumer goods ... Tiny particles of silver potent anti-microbial agents that can kill bacteria on contact are becoming increasingly popular in consumer goods, including washing machines, refrigerators, clothing and toys. (Scientific American)
Hygiene threatens kangaroo meat industry Nov 18, 2009
Last year Australia's biggest export market for kangaroo meat, to the Russian Federation, collapsed after a consignment was found to be contaminated with a bacteria the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service had no test in place to detect. The industry is wooing China as a replacement market for the 10,000 tonnes of kangaroo meat previously exported to Russia each year. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Milford residents want to know: Who pays for the water mess? Nov 18, 2009
The boil water order went into effect Aug. 9 after E. coli and other coliform bacteria were found in the supply. The restrictions lasted 13 days for some customers. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
BREAKING NEWS Boil water notice canceled for Hanalei Nov 18, 2009
Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 6:09 PM HST HANALEI The county Department of Water canceled its Boil Water notice for Hanalei residents at 3 this afternoon after certified laboratory results showed the absence of harmful bacteria in samples collected, a county news release says. Residents are asked to let others in the area know about the boil water cancellation. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
How Ticks Transmit Lyme Disease to Humans: Imaging Technique Leads to Better Understanding Nov 18, 2009
These few bacteria then swim to the salivary glands, which they penetrate en route to the mouse. "So rather than being entirely motility-driven, dissemination of spirochetes within ticks actually happens in two phases," says Radolf, "which is something we didn't know before.". (Science Daily)
Slowing Evolution to Stop Drug Resistance Nov 18, 2009
27, 2004) Dutch research has shown that the development of permanent resistance by bacteria and fungi against antibiotics cannot be prevented in the longer-term ... 15, 2008) Birds captured in the hyperboreal tundra were carriers of antibiotics-resistant bacteria ... 24, 2008) It may not be an ideal topic for polite conversation, but human beings are swarming with bacteria: Even the average healthy adult plays host to about 100 trillion microscopic organisms. (Science Daily)
Bill Gates' millions to battle TB Nov 18, 2009
"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)
Health, school officials clear up confusion on Hobomock meat ordeal Nov 18, 2009
In Marshfield last week, A 12-year-old girl and her grandmother became ill after eating hamburger meat tainted with E. coli bacteria at home in September ... He did not eat the meat, but likely came in contact with the virulent bacteria in the family s bathroom. (Pembroke Mariner, MA)
Biologists rally to sequence 'neglected' microbes Nov 18, 2009
Enter the Genomic Encyclopedia of Bacteria and Archaea, a project spearheaded by the US Department of Energy s Joint Genome Institute (JGI) in Walnut Creek, California, which aims to sequence the genomes of another thousand or so microbes ... The Ten Thousand Microbial Genomes Project, launched in August by the Beijing Genomics Institute-Shenzhen, plans to create full genome maps for 10,000 strains but fewer species of bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae and viruses from a broad range of... (Scientific American)
Alcohol rub to help combat hospital bugs Nov 18, 2009
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)
Boil-water advisory lifted for Hanalei, Kapaa Nov 18, 2009
The Kaua'i Department of Water today canceled its "boil water" notice for Hanalei residents after certified laboratory results showed an absence of harmful bacteria in samples collected. The department also canceled its "boil water" notice for residents on Waipouli and Hauiki roads in Kapaa after laboratory results showed the absence of Fecal coliform or E coli bacteria from samples collected. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Dr. John Galgiani (right) is director of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence. Photo by Ellen Sussman / Special to the Green Valley News Nov 18, 2009
Fungal geneticist Marc Ohrbach of UA s School of Plant Sciences told the audience that the disease is caused by a fungus, not a bacteria or a virus. Most people get a mild form but it can have serious consequences. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Depositions Taken In Anthrax Case Nov 17, 2009
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)
Dissolved Arsenic in Bangladesh Drinking Water Is from Human Alteration of Landscape Nov 17, 2009
That national effort to decrease the incidence of bacterial illnesses caused by contaminated drinking water led almost immediately to severe and widespread arsenic poisoning, which manifests as sores on the skin and often leads to cancers of the skin, lung, liver, bladder and pancreas ... They have also discovered new bacteria that can clean up arsenic spills even in previously. (Science Daily)
New Polls, Reports Highlight The Need To Update The US Food Safety System Nov 17, 2009
Food scientists at The Ohio State University wanted to see if cooler water could kill bacteria on dirty dishes like E. coli and salmonella. The. (Science Daily)
Major Schizophrenia Study Finds Striking Similarities Across 37 Countries in 6 Regions Nov 17, 2009
16, 2009) An international study of more than 17,000 people with schizophrenia has found striking similarities in symptoms, medication, employment and sexual problems, despite the fact that it covered a diverse range of patients and healthcare systems in 37 different countries. The research, published in the November issue of IJCP, provides a valuable international profile of the mental health disorder, which is estimated to affect as many as one in every 250 people at some point in their lives. (Science Daily)
Milk Pasteurization: More Not Always Better Nov 17, 2009
Bacterial contamination of waste milk (also called hospital milk) is a real threat to the health of young calves, reminds veterinarian Jim Quigley, vice president of calf operations for the Animal Practitioners Coalition (APC) ... Pasteurizing waste milk to reduce the number of bacteria is an important biosecurity step ... I was surprised to learn that the calf manager had decided that if a certain temperature was good in killing bacteria, then a higher temperature would be even better. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
H1N1 (swine) flu update, Nov. 16 Nov 17, 2009
Please continue to follow these basic rules for good health: 1) wash hands frequently with warm water and soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available; 2) cough into your elbow or into a tissue so that bacteria and viruses do not get on your hands or spread into the air; 3) stay home when you are sick; 4) get plenty of sleep, exercise and good nutrition. You can call the Massachusetts hotline with questions if you would like. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Vaccines on horizon for AIDS, Alzheimer's, herpes Nov 17, 2009
They are made from viruses, bacteria or parts of them that have been killed or weakened so they generally can't cause an infection. Investment in partnerships and other deals to develop and manufacture vaccines has been on a tear and accelerating since the swine flu pandemic began. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
The Burnham buzz Nov 17, 2009
New antibiotics for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other pesky bacteria. Andrei Osterman and collaborators have used comparisons of bacterial genomes to identify new targets for antibiotics and produced first-generation chemical inhibitors of a class of bacterial enzymes, called NadDs (nicotinate mononucleotide adenylyltransferases) ... Described in a recent article in Chemistry gy (Cell Press), the team, led by Dr. Osterman, has provided proof of concept for a novel... (EurekAlert!)
Scientists Guide Immune Cells With Light and Microparticles Nov 17, 2009
16, 2009) A team led by Yale University scientists has developed a new approach to studying how immune cells chase down bacteria in our bodies ... When bacteria enter our bodies they secrete molecules, leaving behind chemical trails as they move through our system ... It has been known for some time that immune cells follow these trails in order to hunt the bacteria. (Science Daily)
EPA to Regulate Nanoproducts Sold As Germ-Killing Nov 17, 2009
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)
Renovation plan for Riley Field in Weymouth jeered Nov 17, 2009
The artificial playing fields expose the children, spectators, and neighbors to airborne toxic fumes, skin contact to chemicals, and bacteria when the fields exceed 140-degree temperatures, Abbott said. When temperatures exceed 140 degrees, the fields need to be wet down and play stopped. (Weymouth News, MA)
Adult Cell Expansion Without Stem Cells? Nov 17, 2009
Furthermore, once reinjected into the animal, these modified cells behave normally: they do not form a tumor, and they perfectly perform the tasks expected of an adult macrophage, such as ingesting bacteria and secreting the chemical agents capable of killing them ... (1) Macrophages are large cells that intervene in immune processes by destroying cell debris and microorganisms by means of a process called phagocytosis, an immune defense mechanism that notably allows macrophages to "eat" foreign... (Science Daily)
MSNBC apologizes for showing fake Palin photos Nov 17, 2009
1:40 pm November 16, 2009, by Jay. Even with an acknowledgement that the photos were false, they shouldn t have been broadcast. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Biosensor to Help Enlist Cancer Resistance Fighters? Nov 17, 2009
(May 1, 2009) Scientists in Indiana are reporting development of a new biosensor for use in a faster, more sensitive test for detecting the deadliest strain of Listeria food poisoning bacteria. That microbe causes. (Science Daily)
Inappropriate Sepsis Therapy Leads to Fivefold Reduction in Survival Nov 17, 2009
(June 18, 2009) A preliminary study suggests that a therapy for severe sepsis or septic shock that included the use of an antibiotic-based "hemoperfusion" device to remove toxic products of bacteria from the blood. (Nov. (Science Daily)
Gut disorder 'blamed on leaks' Nov 16, 2009
The gut contains a huge number of bacteria which play a key role in the digestive process, and in keeping the gut healthy. However, defects in the epithelium can allow these bacteria to leak into the wall of the intestine, where they can trigger an immune reaction, leading to prolonged inflammation. (BBC News -- Health)
Old sewer pipes creating a tough challenge Nov 16, 2009
Sewage in the river raises levels of unsafe bacteria, and can make the water unsafe for swimming, kayaking or other activities. Overflows happen more than 230 times each year, for a total of more than 1,900 hours, or the equivalent of 80 days a year, according to the CDRPC report. (Albany Times Union)
Computer Database Compresses DNA Sequences Used in Medical Research Nov 16, 2009
18, 2008) Bacteria can be used to engineer genetic modifications, thereby providing scientists with a tool to combat many challenges in areas from food production to drug discovery. However, this sophisticated. (Science Daily)
Is Hand Sanitizer Better Than Soap? Nov 16, 2009
"I think what we can do first is see how many bacteria are on your hands right now," said University of Nebraska Medical Center microbiologist Dr. Paul Fey, who helped with the germ test ... He said that most of the bacteria found on the boys' hands before they washed them was normal and harmless ... Fey said he did find bacteria from Ian's gastrointestinal tract on his hands, bacteria that could cause sickness if it's not washed off. (7 KETV Omaha)
Healthy Colon Cleanse Nov 15, 2009
Waste can mix with other bacteria and chemicals, creating newer and more dangerous toxic substances ... Also, focus on fiber, eating plenty of whole grains such as oats, brown rice, and wheat based pastas and breads, and yogurt for the beneficial bacteria, necessary for healthy intestinal flora. (Suite101.com)
AgriLabs First Arrival/Encrypt (2) Nov 15, 2009
And, the dried whey and other ingredients in First Arrival provide additional nutrients that crowd out harmful bacteria in the gut while fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria. Herds feeding First Arrival as recommended say they have been able to decrease antibiotic therapy in calves by as much as 60 percent. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Sars patients can provide therapy Nov 15, 2009
The researchers exposed the cells to cocktail containing the Epstein-Barr virus and a short stretch of synthetic DNA that mimics some of the DNA found in bacteria and viruses. This not only triggered the cells to start dividing indefinitely, but also sped up the process, effectively creating a high-powered antibody factory. (Yahoo News -- SARS)
Honey May be Best Cough Medicine Nov 15, 2009
Some studies have documented that honey may fight bacteria and may have antioxidant effects. This study used buckwheat honey, which tends to be darker and may contain larger amounts of phenolic compounds. (Suite101.com)
Mouth Is Indicator of Overall Health, Says Dental School Professor Nov 15, 2009
11, 2008) Scientists have discovered a new species of bacteria in the mouth. The finding could help scientists to understand tooth decay and gum disease and may lead to better treatments, according to research. (Science Daily)
Quick Fixes to Add Years to Your Life! Nov 15, 2009
Flossing your teeth every night removes the bacteria that cause the inflammation. Have Sex = 3-5 years. (CBS News)
Parents of asthmatic student seek fragrance ban Nov 15, 2009
The purifier decreases allergens, pollutants, irritants and bacteria in the air that he breathes. Danial said he cant go to dances and do other things that children his age enjoy. (The Herald-Mail Online)
How Longest-Living Among Us Do It Nov 15, 2009
Their lifestyle evolved over that time to celebrate older people, favor eating vegetables (especially fava beans and a type of bread with healthy bacteria), and a type of wine - cannonau - with the highest known levels of antioxidant. Also important is that drinking is a social activity, helping to build social networks, and consumed in concert with the Mediterranea 00004000 n Diet which literally combines to make more antioxidants (polyphennols). (CBS News -- Health)
Read the story Nov 15, 2009
Hot dogs made at a New York City factory and distributed around the country were recalled after listeria, a food-borne bacteria, was found at the plant, which makes hot dogs sold nationally under the brands Sabrett's and Western Beef. Food contaminated by the listeria bacteria can cause listerosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease ... Listeria found in an unopened package of Sabrett's hot dogs appeared to be of a similar strain to bacteria from eight patients in Minnesota, Wisconsin,... (CBS News -- Evening News)
Oyster fans force FDA to back off ban on sales from Gulf of Mexico Nov 14, 2009
Learn about the bacteria, how we contract it and more ... Industry officials argue that anti-bacterial processing is too costly. (MSNBC -- Health)
Alcohol rub to help combat hospital bugs Nov 14, 2009
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)
Links and more on ray oysters Nov 14, 2009
The ban would have prohibited sales of raw oysters from the Gulf for much of the year unless the shellfish were treated to destroy bacteria that kills about 15 people per year. Also on ksla. (KSLA.com, LA)
Cleaning service rids germs from large surfaces Nov 14, 2009
"Hopefully it will expand so we can employ more people and get more people aware about the bacteria inanimate objects have," she said. As she assisted workers precleaning medical equipment last week, Kathy Pelletier, the nonprofit's assistive technology and home assessment specialist, said she thinks the service will fill a need for the community. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Depositions Taken In Anthrax Case Nov 14, 2009
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)
Judge: Seals can stay at Children's Pool Nov 14, 2009
Bacteria levels at the site exceeded health limits after the seals congregated there. Taylors decision pleased animal-rights activists, who had filed a handful of lawsuits to protect the seals, and city leaders, who said it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to scare away the creatures. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Milford’s private water company fined $50,000 Nov 14, 2009
Milford residents were forced to boil their tap water or buy bottled water in August after routine tests conducted by the privately run water company found elevated levels of coliform and E. coli bacteria ... Breaches in that tank, along with other deficiencies in the company s distribution lines, were identified by environmental officials as the likely culprits behind last summer s bacterial outbreak ... It also delayed the process of chlorinated flushing that eventually cleared the coliform... (Boston Globe)
