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.
Veterans Health Administration Outlines Recommendations to Combat MDRO Crisis
February 8th 2018The Veterans Health Administration, the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, is leading efforts to prevent the spread of dangerous multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), as detailed in a series of articles published in the February issue of Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
Study Identifies How to Improve WHO Eradication Strategy for Skin Disease
February 8th 2018Despite efforts the elimination of yaws in a high-endemic community in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is yet to be achieved. The research identifies relapsing, untreated infections and the emergence of antibiotic resistance as contributing to ongoing yaws infection in the community. Researchers from Spain, PNG, the U.S., Australia, and international colleagues led the study.
Blood Test Cuts Time to Diagnosis for Deadly Yeast Infection, National Trial Shows
February 8th 2018A new blood test seems to perform as well as, if not better than, traditional blood cultures at detecting a type of fungal yeast infection that commonly strikes hospital patients, according to an analysis led by University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPMC).
Infectious Diseases Experts Concerned by Cuts to Prevention and Public Health Fund
February 8th 2018The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) says it is alarmed by the continuing resolution passed by the House of Representatives’ that would initiate a series of cuts to the Prevention and Public Health Fund in FY2021.
Study Sheds New Light on Antibiotics Produced by Ants
February 7th 2018Ants, like humans, deal with disease. To deal with the bacteria that cause some of these diseases, some ants produce their own antibiotics. A new comparative study identified some ant species that make use of powerful antimicrobial agents - but found that 40 percent of ant species tested didn't appear to produce antibiotics. The study has applications regarding the search for new antibiotics that can be used in humans.
Vanderbilt Signs Agreement to Develop Methods for Preventing Global Spread of Deadly Viruses
February 7th 2018The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has signed a five-year cooperative agreement worth up to $28 million with Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) to develop methods for preventing the global spread of viruses like chikungunya and Zika.