Plastic waste is a big problem. It's everywhere and hard to get rid of. But what if we could turn it into something useful, like medicine? Scientists have found a way to do just that. They used a common bacteria called E. coli to change plastic into a key ingredient for paracetamol, a common painkiller. Here's how it works. First, they took plastic bottles and turne...
A well-known children's cough syrup has been pulled from the market. The US Food and Drug Administration made this announcement. Medtech Products, the maker of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup, has taken five batches off the shelves. This syrup is meant for kids aged 1 and up. The problem? It contains Bacillus cereus, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. ...
When a baby is cold, it can be a sign of more serious problems. In particular, hypothermia in young infants can hint at the presence of serious bacterial infections. These infections can be quite dangerous and include issues like urinary tract infections, bacteria in the blood, or even meningitis. Recognizing these risks is crucial for medical professionals, especial...
Peony flowers have been cherished in Chinese traditions for centuries. They are not just pretty to look at. They have been used in various dishes and traditional remedies. These flowers are packed with beneficial compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. But here is where things get fascinating. Scientists are exploring how these compounds, particu...
The world has been grappling with a growing problem: superbugs. These are bacteria that have become resistant to many types of antibiotics. This issue is especially tough in hospitals, where children are often fighting other health problems. Gram-negative bacteria are a big part of this problem. They are tricky to treat, and doctors have few options, especially when ...
The struggle against fire blight, a severe bacterial infection, has been a long and challenging one for apple and pear farmers. This disease, caused by Erwinia amylovora, has been a major headache for over 100 years. But there might be a new hero in this ongoing battle. A unique bacterium, named NSD29, has been discovered in the soil of a forest in Xinjiang, China. T...
Plastic waste is a big problem. It's everywhere, and it's not going away anytime soon. But here's a bit of good news. Scientists have found a bacteria that can break down certain types of plastic. This bacteria, named JJY06, was found in rice field soil in Korea. It's part of the Aeromicrobium family. This is exciting because these bacteria can handle different types...
A popular sparkling water has been pulled from shelves in two states. Topo Chico, a favorite among Costco shoppers, is facing a recall due to potential bacterial contamination. The issue involves Pseudomonas, a type of bacteria commonly found in soil and water. This recall is not a surprise, as bacteria can easily find their way into products during manufacturing. T...
A Korean strain of the algae Nannochloropsis oceanica was put to the test under various light sources. The goal was to find the best way to grow it quickly and boost its eicosapentaenoic acid content. EPA is a valuable fatty acid. It is good for health. It is found in fish oil and some plants. The algae thrived under blue, red, and white light. It grew slowly under ...
The world is facing a protein shortage. As the population grows, traditional sources like soybeans aren't cutting it anymore. Single-cell proteins are an alternative, but they come with their own set of problems. Heterotrophic bacteria, for instance, release CO2 during production. Algal protein, on the other hand, is limited by the amount of light available. Enter s...