Health care providers and patients have traditionally attributed infections acquired in hospitals to exposure to superbugs. However, new genetic data reveals a different story. Research shows that most health care-associated infections are actually caused by harmless bacteria that patients already carry on their bodies before entering the hospital. These bacteria, which colonize various parts of
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The age-old quest for eternal youth and beauty has led to many extreme measures, even resorting to dark and macabre practices like blood baths. While such methods may not work for humans, recent studies suggest that stars in the Milky Way’s galactic center have found a rejuvenating secret through cosmic cannibalism. According to astrophysicists at
Canned salmon may seem like a mundane pantry staple, but within those tin cans lies a treasure trove of information about Alaskan marine ecology. Parasites, often overlooked, can provide valuable insights into an ecosystem by their interactions with various species. Parasite ecologists, such as Natalie Mastick and Chelsea Wood from the University of Washington, recognized
Recent research conducted at Uppsala University in Sweden has unveiled a groundbreaking approach to combating drug-resistant bacterial infections. The development of a new class of antibiotics presents a promising solution to the ongoing challenges posed by antibiotic resistance. Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, are notorious for their resistance to conventional antibiotics
March 2024 has been declared the hottest on record by Europe’s climate monitor, marking the tenth consecutive month of historic heat. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported that March was 1.68 degrees Celsius hotter globally than the average March between 1850-1900. This alarming trend indicates a significant increase in temperatures, with vast regions of
A recent clinical trial conducted in Belgium has shown promising results in using fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) from healthy donors to improve motoric symptoms in early stage Parkinson’s disease patients. The research team from Ghent University administered these fecal transplants to 46 patients, with 22 receiving the healthy donor stool transplant and 24 receiving a
In the vast expanse of space, there exists a binary star system located 3,000 light years away from Earth. This system, nestled in the constellation Corona Borealis, remains elusive to the naked eye due to its dimness. However, every 80 years or so, a fascinating phenomenon occurs within this system, leading to a spectacular flare-up
The formation and evolution of Earth and the rest of the planets in our Solar System have been long-standing questions for planetary scientists. One of the most effective ways to gain insight into this process is by studying rocks from space. However, obtaining these extraterrestrial rocks is a challenging task. While sending spacecraft to asteroids
The story of the Javan tiger, long believed to be extinct, took an unexpected turn in 2019. After more than a century of being declared non-existent due to relentless hunting and habitat destruction, a glimmer of hope emerged. A local resident and conservationist in West Java claimed to have spotted a tiger outside a village.
The study of more than 9,000 people conducted by the University of Michigan revealed that couples who share similar drinking habits tend to live longer than those who do not. The concept of a ‘drinking partnership’ has been studied since 1998, showing that married couples’ drinking habits can have an impact on their relationship. While