contamination

Mineral Oil Contamination in Humans: A Health Problem?

aboey — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:04:15 -0600

From a quantitative standpoint, mineral oil is probably the largest contaminant of our body. That this contaminant can be tolerated without health concerns in humans has not been proven convincingly. The current Editorial of the European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology reflects on this and concludes that this proof either has to be provided or we have to take measures to reduce our exposure – from all sources, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and the environmental contamination.

Mussels to determine how much contamination is in ports

harminka — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:41:19 -0500

The research Project led by Dr. Nestor Etxebarria of the University of the Basque Country is aimed at monitoring contamination of ports. Mussels are used to measure the levels of contaminants as they feed by filtering water and so accumulate any contaminant substances in their organs.

Rensselaer heparin expert helps uncover source of lethal contamination

harminka — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:48:14 -0500

The mysterious death of patients around the world following a routine dosage of the common blood thinner, heparin, sent researchers on a frantic search to uncover what could make the standard drug so toxic. A researcher at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was among a small group of scientists with the expertise and the high-tech equipment necessary to determine the source of the contamination.

MIT-led teams unravel heparin death mystery

harminka — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:15:49 -0500

An international team of researchers led by MIT has explained how contaminated batches of the blood-thinner heparin were able to slip past traditional safety screens and kill dozens of patients recently in the United States and Germany.

How nanocluster contaminants increase risk of spreading

harminka — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:10:24 -0500

For almost half a century, scientists have struggled with plutonium contamination spreading further in groundwater than expected, increasing the risk of sickness in humans and animals.

Sydney harbors deadly diet for sea creatures

harminka — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:06:39 -0500

Contaminated seaweeds in Sydney Harbour could be threatening the small animals that feed on them, according to a new study revealing that the harbour's seaweeds have the world's highest levels of copper and lead contamination.

New technique puts DNA profiling of E. coli on fast track

harminka — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 02:10:46 -0500

Using new genetic techniques, scientists are unlocking the secrets of how E coli bacteria contaminate food and make people sick.

New bacteria contaminate hairspray

harminka — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 14:30:31 -0600

Scientists in Japan have discovered a new species of bacteria that can live in hairspray, according to the results of a study published in the March issue of the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.

Arsenic contamination lacks one-size-fits-all remedy

harminka — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:15:07 -0600

Though a worldwide problem, arsenic contamination of drinking water does not have a universal solution.

Microbial biofilms evoke Jekyll & Hyde effects

harminka — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 15:23:25 -0500

Microbes such as bacteria tend to live in complex colonies called biofilms, where there can resist antibiotics and cause more problems for the immune system.

Firing clay in unvented kilns may be source of exposure to dioxins

harminka — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:17:16 -0500

Firing clay in unvented kilns could be a significant source of dioxins in people exposed regularly and over long periods, a new study suggests.

Bacterial pathogen be key to understanding cancer development

harminka — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 08:14:33 -0500

A research team including University of Central Florida Microbiology Professor Keith Ireton is using the bacterial pathogen Listeria Monocytogenes to understand the mechanisms of cell growth and cancer development.