Electric Bandage May Spur Healing
At the time of his death, Christopher Reeve was being treated for a systemic infection caused by a pressure ulcer. About 30 percent of people with spinal cord injuries suffer from pressure wounds each year.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Engineering and its industry partner, Biofisica, have developed and are testing a new, self-contained, disposable bandage that delivers an electrical current to the wound site.
Electric fields have been used in many forms to stimulate healing, says Dale Feldman, PhD, UAB biomedical engineer and principal investigator for the study. Early results show a significant increase in healing for patients in the first three weeks. It seems to have the ability to jump-start non-healing pressure ulcers, a significant clinical result.
A new clinical trial starts at UAB in October.
Source: University of Alabama at Birmingham
IDEA in Action: A Strategic Approach to Contamination Control
January 14th 2025Adopting IDEA—identify, define, explain, apply—streamlines contamination control. Infection control professionals can mitigate risks through prevention, intervention, and training, ensuring safer health care environments and reducing frequent contamination challenges.
Balancing Freedom and Safety: When Public Health Mandates Are Necessary
January 9th 2025Public health mandates, such as lockdowns, masking, and vaccination, balance liberty and safety, ensuring critical protections during pandemics like COVID-19 while fostering long-term survival through science.
Long-Term Chronicles: Infection Surveillance Guidance in Long-Term Care Facilities
January 8th 2025Antibiotic stewardship in long-term care facilities relies on McGeer and Loeb criteria to guide infection surveillance and appropriate prescribing, ensuring better outcomes for residents and reducing resistance.
Considering Avian Flu: World Health Organization Expert Warns Against Raw Milk
January 6th 2025Drinking raw milk poses risks of disease transmission, especially with H5N1 outbreaks. Expert Richard J. Webby, PhD, advises against raw cow or goat milk consumption due to its unpredictable and significant risks.
