contamination

Investigation of microbiological non-compliance of endoscopic final rinse water associated with opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens contamination in connecting tube

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Day, L. W. et al. Multisociety guideline on reprocessing flexible GI endoscopes and accessories. Gastrointest. Endosc. 93, 11–33e6 (2021). Google Scholar  Dirlam Langlay, A. M. et al. Reported gastrointestinal endoscope reprocessing lapses: the tip of the iceberg. Am. J. Infect. Control. 41, 1188–1194 (2013). Google Scholar  Casini, B. et al. Microbiological surveillance post-reprocessing of flexible … Read more

US drinking water kiosks sometimes contain elevated lead levels

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After high-profile water crises like the one in Flint, Michigan, some Americans distrust the safety of tap water, choosing to purchase drinking water from freestanding water vending machines or kiosks. Yet this more expensive water may contain different pollutants than local tap water, according to a study in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology. Researchers report … Read more

Leading cardiovascular societies call for urgent action to address environmental stressors

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The world’s leading cardiovascular societies, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the American Heart Association and the World Heart Federation (WHF) have today issued the first ever joint statement calling for urgent action to address environmental stressors as major, yet preventable, causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Environmental stressors, such … Read more

Climate models predict spread of deadly Aspergillus pathogens

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As global temperatures rise, new research reveals that Aspergillus species are on the move, reshaping the landscape of infectious disease and threatening the world’s food supply in unexpected ways. Research: Climate change-driven geographical shifts in Aspergillus species habitat and the implications for plant and human health. Image Credit: CI Photos / Shutterstock *Important notice: Research Square publishes … Read more

Blood filtration may offer new hope for removing microplastics from the body

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For the first time, scientists have shown that an established blood-cleansing procedure could help rid the human body of tiny plastic particles, offering hope for new detox solutions amid rising global contamination. ​​​​​​​Study: Therapeutic apheresis: A promising method to remove microplastics? ​​​​​​​Image Credit: SIVStockStudio / Shutterstock Rising plastics use is associated with massive and widespread environmental contamination … Read more

Researchers find 8,500 tonnes of antibiotics enter rivers every year

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A landmark study reveals that nearly a third of global antibiotic use ends up in rivers, threatening aquatic ecosystems and accelerating the rise of drug-resistant bacteria. This highlights the urgent need for global monitoring and mitigation strategies. Contaminant pathways of antibiotics in the global aquatic environment. Modeled contaminant pathways and mass balances of antibiotics by … Read more

Comparing single cell RNA methods to improve gastrointestinal cancer research

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How would you summarize your study for a lay audience? Research on gastrointestinal diseases, especially cancer, has mainly looked at the epithelial cells, which line the surfaces of organs, are important for various functions, and are believed to be the cells that go awry to cause these diseases. However, studying these cells using single-cell RNA … Read more

Cholera cases in Europe linked to holy water imported from Ethiopia

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Consumption of holy water from Ethiopia has recently led to several cases of cholera in Germany and the United Kingdom (UK) with a multidrug-resistant Vibrio cholerae strain, according to a study published in Eurosurveillance. Four patients were infected through imported water, while three patients had travelled in Ethiopia. Researchers detected multidrug-resistant Vibrio cholerae O1 linked … Read more

Polluted soil and water are fueling a global heart disease epidemic

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Toxic chemicals and microplastics in soil and water are fueling a global heart disease crisis — but researchers say solutions are within reach. ​​​​​​​Review: The links between soil and water pollution and cardiovascular disease. ​​​​​​​Image Credit: daniilphotos / Shutterstock A recent study published in the journal Atherosclerosis reviewed the links between water and soil pollution and human … Read more

What’s behind the rise in foodborne illness outbreaks? CDC uncovers key risks and fixes

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Why are bacterial outbreaks climbing despite pandemic precautions—and could your dinner plate be at risk? New CDC data uncovers rising animal/environmental contamination and a hidden ‘glove-handoff’ in food safety failures. Report: Contributing Factors of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks — National Outbreak Reporting System, United States, 2014–2022. Image Credit: Pol Sole / Shutterstock In a recent report published in … Read more