A new type of mosquito net which combines two classes of insecticide has been shown to kill resistant mosquitoes that survive exposure to standard pyrethroid-treated nets. The authors of the study describe the findings as a breakthrough in the development of new types of long-lasting insecticide treated nets, which can meet the challenge of malaria [...]
A number of meat products made from British pigs have been shown to be infected with a livestock strain of MRSA, according to recent reports inThe Guardian. The newspaper reports that of 97 UK-produced pork products sold in major UK supermarkets, three were found to be contaminated with the CC398 strain of MRSA. This strain is widespread [...]
Countless microorganisms live in your intestinal tract. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have now shown that intestinal bacteria also play a role in determining the strength of serious allergic reactions to foods. The human microbiota - or the entirety of bacteria which live in and on you - has a complex influence on health. Even how you [...]
Our lead scientist is also writes the 'Hygiene Mythbuster' column for Cleaning Matters magazine. In this article he explains the science linking cat ownership to car crashes... Who needs hygiene myths when the facts are so much more interesting? I guarantee this is the coolest thing you will read today so get the kettle on and [...]
Many deadly diseases that afflict humans were originally acquired through our contact with animals. But pathogens can also jump the species barrier to move from humans to animals: a new study shows that green monkeys in The Gambia acquired Staphylococcus aureus from humans. But there's more. Genetic analysis showed the monkeys have acquired S. aureus strains from [...]
For the first time, scientists have shown that malaria-transmitting mosquitoes actively avoid feeding on certain animal species such as chickens, using their sense of smell. Odours emitted by species such as chickens could provide protection for humans at risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases, according to a study in Malaria Journal.Researchers found that Anopheles arabiensis, one of [...]
Our lead scientist is also writes the 'Hygiene Mythbuster' column for Cleaning Matters magazine. In this article he takes a look at how global warming will bring diseases like dengue fever and malaria to our shores...Infections and how they spread is a gruesomely fascinating subject.For example, the Black Death escaped Asia in the mid-1300s for Europe [...]
Misconceptions about how to freeze food safely are contributing to food waste in the UK, according to new research by the Food Standards Agency.The research – released as part of Food Safety Week – identified a number of freezing 'myths' that are preventing people from using their freezers to make food go further. 43% of [...]
Our lead scientist also writes the 'Hygiene Mythbuster' column for Cleaning Matters magazine. In this article he looks at why washing machine odours are on the increase...Do you ever worry about germs in your gusset? Or bacteria in your budgie smugglers?A recent study in America showed pretty much all new - yes, new - clothes are [...]
‘Food Crime Confidential’ - a reporting facility where food crime can be reported safely and in confidence - has now been launched by the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU). This is the unit set up by the Government in response to the probe into the recent horse meat scandal. This reporting facility allows anyone with suspicions about food crime to report them safely and in [...]
