Recent News

By Category: Public Health

Global Warming and the Effect on Seasonal Influenza

(Global Biodefense) Researchers from Arizona State University have found that above average warm winters tend to be followed by more severe epidemics of influenza with earlier onset. The findings suggest that expedited manufacture and distribution of influenza vaccines after warm winters has the potential to mitigate the severity of future influenza epidemics. The team of Read More »

February 1, 2013
| Filed under North America and Public Health
Share

UNC study may lead to treatments that are effective against all MRSA strains

(EurkaAlert) In the last decade, a new strain of MRSA has emerged that can spread beyond hospital walls, putting everyone at risk of contracting the dangerous bacterial infection. This particular strain of MRSA – known as USA300 – contains a chunk of genes not shared by any other strains, though it is unclear how this Read More »

February 1, 2013
| Filed under North America, Agents & Toxins, Public Health, and Research
Share

Without Fanfare, CDC Reports Sharp Decline in Foodborne Illnesses

(Food Safety News) Wouldn’t you think that a one-third decline in reported foodborne illnesses would be a cause of celebration at the agency responsible for educating us about unsafe food? Well, if not a celebration, at least a slight smile, a teeny bit of self congratulation, maybe a soft exhale? The U.S. Centers for Disease Read More »

January 31, 2013
| Filed under North America, Public Health, and Research
Share

Bacteria may be used to cure cancer

(DNA) Bacterial Robotics, a developer in the synthetic biology industry, is planning to start Phase 1 trial of a project in Bangalore that aims to use bacteria to treat tumors and cancers. The company, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio (the US), specialises in identifying markets for developing and deploying BactoBots and ViruBots—microscopic organism-based robots that can Read More »

January 31, 2013
| Filed under North America, Public Health, and Research
Share

Whole Foods Expands 18-State Smoked Salmon Listeria Recall

(Food Safety News) Whole Foods Market is recalling an additional lot code (for a total of two lot codes) of Whole Catch Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon which were sold in stores in 18 states, because it may contain Listeria Monocytogenes, an organism which can cause a sometimes fatal infection in young children, frail or elderly Read More »