Hamburg/TU Ilmenau
Environmentally friendly respiratory masks: sustainable and biobased
10.07.2024
In view of the global challenges posed by environmental pollution and the need to make medical protective equipment efficient and sustainable, a team at Ilmenau University of Technology, led by Prof. Florian Puch, has developed an innovative solution: bio-based respiratory masks.
Chalabala
Sterile supplies: AI-based recognition of surgical instruments with Cir.Log
04.04.2024
The Cir.Log project between Charité Facility Management GmbH (CFM) and Fraunhofer IPK aims to increase the efficiency of sterile processing in hospitals and improve patient safety. Essentially, the aim is to create a smooth transition from current workflows to a more efficient, technology-supported system.
HZDR / Anja Schneider
HZDR team introduces novel pathogen detection approach
12.03.2024
Detecting diseases early or predicting their onset is crucial for healthcare. Dr. Larysa Baraban's team at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) develops miniaturized biosensor devices using nanomaterials.
David Baillot/University of California San Diego
Faster and more accurate pathogen detection through DNA melting
05.03.2024
Unlike conventional blood cultures, which can take anywhere from 15 hours to several days to yield results, the new digital DNA melting analysis delivers actionable insights in under six hours. This accelerated turnaround time enables clinicians to initiate targeted treatment strategies promptly, minimizing the risk of disease progression and improving patient outcomes.
kolesnikovsergii
Smart infection diagnostics: UTI detection with AI
27.02.2024
Traditional detection for Urinary tract infections (UTIs), involving manual microscope examination of urine samples, is slow and time consuming. To improve efficiency, urine screening machines analyze various parameters like bacteria and white blood cells. However, interpreting this data is complex.
Mint Images
Disinfection in hospitals: textiles inhibit pathogens
14.02.2024
Antimicrobial textiles can curb the spread of pathogens in hospitals. On the one hand, they reduce the amount of disinfection required by staff and, on the other, they increase the protection of patients against infection. Empa in Switzerland has tested the coating of curtains with antimicrobial substances in a study.
University of Jyväskylä
Antiviral resin destroys COVID-19 from plastic surfaces
06.02.2024
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland are pioneering the development of antiviral surfaces to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases, particularly focusing on coronaviruses.
Microneedle array patches: vaccinations made easy
29.01.2024
Dissolvable microneedle array patches (MAPs) consist of tiny, rapidly dissolving needles that can efficiently deliver vaccines into the skin. Their stability over time and easy application gives them great potential to not only simplify the vaccination process during a pandemic, but also in increase vaccination rates in low- and middle-income countries.
Nasal antibody spray demonstrates potential for COVID-19 prevention
26.01.2024
Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have achieved a significant breakthrough in COVID-19 prevention with the development of a nasal antibody spray. This approach offers new possibilities for enhanced protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its various variants, providing hope for high-risk individuals.
Freepik
Enhancing urinary tract infection diagnosis with AI
23.01.2024
Researchers at Fraunhofer Austria and the AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana Institute in Treviso have leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline the diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Their advanced AI-based method promises to significantly reduce the workload of laboratories and expedite diagnosis times.
UQ
Protecting against zika virus with a microarray patch
22.01.2024
In the global fight against the Zika virus, researchers are developing a vaccine patch that promises an effective and painless solution. This needle-free vaccine patch, utilizing the high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP).
Magnus Johansson/Linköping University
Advanced MRI technology detects changes in the brain after COVID-19
15.12.2023
Researchers at Linköping University have examined the brains of 16 patients previously hospitalised for COVID-19 with persisting symptoms. They have found differences in brain tissue structure between patients with persisting symptoms after COVID-19 and healthy people.
elenabednykh
AI used in new COVID-19 test improves accuracy
06.12.2023
A new AI-assisted molecular diagnostic platform capable of identifying variants of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases has been developed by scientists in the UK. The low cost, portable device could play a crucial role in preventing future pandemics due to its accuracy and versatility.
RUB, Marquard
Sterilization: how bacteria defend themselves against plasmas
04.12.2023
A research team headed by Professor Julia Bandow and Dr. Tim Dirks from the Chair for Applied Microbiology at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, showed that bacteria that overproduce the heat shock protein Hsp33 can withstand plasma treatment more effectively than others.
Empa
Antimicrobial hospital curtains - Bacteria, stay out!
01.12.2023
A coating process can be used to treat fabrics in such a way that bacterial and viral pathogens are killed or inhibited in their growth. In hospitals, the coated textiles could be used in future as antimicrobial curtains between patient beds, for example.
University of the Basque Country
Models that predict poor clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients
24.11.2023
Factors associated with hospital admissions, ICU stays and mortality in patients who have had SARS-CoV-2 are identified, and clinical prediction rules are developed.
HIPS
Strengthening of drug bioinformatics at the Saarbrücken site
21.11.2023
In the context of the tenure negotiations for Drug Bioinformatics Professor Olga Kalinina, the Klaus Faber Foundation is providing €100,000 to the "bioINFpro" project, thereby enabling her long-term stay at the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) and Saarland University.
UConn photo
EPA testing shows the power of D-I-Y air filters to trap viruses
07.11.2023
There is a low-cost way for you to protect yourself and reduce your risk of respiratory diseases such as flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Build yourself a Corsi-Rosenthal box (CR box) in 30 minutes with just $60 worth of common hardware store supplies.
gpointstudio
Coronavirus: Model can predict the evolution of new variants
31.10.2023
An international research team from the University of Cologne and the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai (New York) has developed a model that predicts the likely evolution of variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
iLexx
Why tuberculosis bacteria form long chains
25.10.2023
A researcher team from Ecole Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne led by Dr. Vivek Thacker now group leader at the Department of Infectious Diseases at Heidelberg University Hospital have studied why tuberculosis bacteria form long strands and how this affects their infectivity.
stetphotos
Rapid electronic diagnostic test for infectious diseases
04.10.2023
A new molecular test for bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 has been developed by scientists at the University of Surrey, as they warn that the world needs to be prepared for the next pandemic.
Malmö University
New sensors could replace current infection testing
04.10.2023
New technology could pave the way to a future of rapid testing in hospitals and at home for both covid and urinary tract infection. It could also be used to keep track of blood sugar levels during operations and wireless monitoring of various bacterial infections.
TUD
Diagnostics: pioneering approaches for the detection of viral antigens
22.09.2023
Scientists from the Chair of Materials Science and Nanotechnology at TU Dresden (TUD) have made considerable progress in the development of highly innovative solutions for the detection of viral pathogens in two studies they presented recently.
Ryan Hull
Pathogen detection through electronic detection of DNA nanoballs
19.09.2023
Researchers at Karolinska Institute have developed a novel method using DNA Nanoballs to detect pathogens, aiming to simplify nucleic acid testing and revolutionize pathogen detection.
Joakim Palmqvist
Advanced biosensors to detect tumors, viruses and bacterial diseases
06.09.2023
Linnaeus University is partnering with industry and healthcare to develop advanced biosensors, investing SEK 35 million in a project aimed at faster and cost-effective diagnoses of aggressive lung cancer, viral, and bacterial diseases, potentially enabling self-testing at home.
Karin Kaiser / MHH
How harmless turns dangerous
24.08.2023
MHH researcher Prof. Galardini from the RESIST Cluster of Excellence finds causes for bloodstream infections in the genes of bacteria. This will enable better diagnostics and vaccinations in the future.
Shaiith
AI shows how Aspergillus fumigatus gets comfortable in the lungs
14.08.2023
Aspergillus fumigatus strains that infect humans have a significantly altered metabolism compared to other strains in the environment. At the same time, infection with the fungus leads to an apparent change in the human lung microbiome.
TU Graz
Light as on-off switch for enzymes
10.08.2023
Researchers at TU Graz have gained new insights into the functioning of a protein found in bacteria, whose enzymatic activity is activated by blue light.
felipecaparros
Noninvasive technology tests for malaria without a blood sample
07.08.2023
A novel testing platform under development by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) and CytoAstra, LLC could provide a new noninvasive test for malaria that doesn’t require a blood sample.
Imagery created using BioRender.com.
AI-based tracking and early-warning system for viral pandemics
27.07.2023
Scripps Research scientists have developed a machine-learning system—a type of artificial intelligence (AI) application—that can track the detailed evolution of epidemic viruses and predict the emergence of viral variants with important new properties.
Joseph Puthussery
Biosensing: air monitor can detect COVID-19 variants
13.07.2023
Scientists are looking at ways to surveil indoor environments in real time for viruses. By combining recent advances in aerosol sampling technology and an ultrasensitive biosensing technique, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created a real-time monitor that can detect any of the SARS-CoV-2 virus variants in a room in about 5 minutes.
StreetOncamara_From_Twenty20
NOVA project: next generation of antimicrobial coating technologies
07.07.2023
Researchers develop and test highly efficient, environmentally friendly and stable antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal) coating technologies in the NOVA project.
BarcelonaTech (UPC)
Medical implants: new generation of antibacterial materials
23.06.2023
The UPC’s Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group (BBT) leads the international project Bio-TUNE, which aims to develop multifunctional materials with high antibacterial potential and efficient tissue integration.
Buntan2019
Biofilms: Infection model from the 3D printer
21.06.2023
Researchers at the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) have developed a novel method to place biofilms on lung cells in the laboratory. The model system produced by means of "bioprinting" should help to better understand infection processes and assist in the development of new active substances.
maxxyustas
Corona: The virus needs only a single door opener
15.06.2023
Why is the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus able to spread so efficiently? Various hypotheses are still circulating in the scientific community. A group of researchers from Würzburg has now found groundbreaking answers.
Pixabay
Lung: bacterial colonisation also depends on genes of the host
13.06.2023
We know from previous studies that changes in the lung microbiome are associated with diseases such as cystic fibrosis, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Environmental factors such as smoking, nutrition in infancy or the use of antibiotics are important factors for the composition and stability of the microbial community in the lung.
Swen Reichhold
Infectious diseases: digital 'vaccine library' against pandemics
12.06.2023
The Institute for Drug Discovery led by Humboldt Professor Jens Meiler is to receive 1.9 million dollars (1.77 million euros) for the development of vaccines. The international Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) will fund computer-aided vaccine development at Leipzig University with the aim of building a digital ‘vaccine library’ of components and virtual antigen designs.
Empa
Antibiotics crisis: rapid test for sepsis with nanoparticles
09.06.2023
For Qun Ren, every minute counts. The Empa researcher and her team are currently developing a diagnostic procedure that can detect life-threatening blood poisoning caused by staphylococcus bacteria rapidly. This is because staphylococcal sepsis is fatal in up to 40 percent of the cases.
Karolinska Institutet
New method reveals bacterial reaction to antibiotics in five minutes
26.05.2023
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have developed a molecular method able to detect whether or not bacteria respond to antibiotics within minutes.
Karin Kaiser / MHH
With ultrasound against liver cancer
24.05.2023
The Hannover Medical School (MHH) enters into a clinic partnership with Uzbekistan and supports with a training program for sonography diagnostics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Ruhr-Universitaet-Bochum
Hygiene: monkeypox viruses relatively stable on surfaces
23.05.2023
A study conducted by the Department of Molecular and Medical Virology at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, has shown that temperature is a major factor in this process: at room temperature, a monkeypox virus that is capable of replicating can survive on a stainless steel surface for up to eleven days, and at four degrees Celsius for up to a month.
Anna Schroll/Leibniz-HKI
Model shows intestinal bacteria influence growth of fungi
22.05.2023
The bacteria present in the intestine provide information about the quantities of fungi of the potentially disease-causing Candida genus.
leungchopan
AI helps create better, simpler hepatitis, COVID-19 tests
11.05.2023
University of Florida scientists have used artificial intelligence tools to simplify a test that works for both hepatitis C and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The simplified test happens in one small test tube in just a few minutes.
Petr Chlanda
Luring the virus into a trap
04.05.2023
Heidelberg researchers describe mechanisms that could help prevent infections with the influenza A and Ebola viruses.
Ines Villalba (EPFL)
Antibiotic resistance: fast, cheap, and easy test method
02.05.2023
“We have developed a technique in our laboratories that allows us to obtain an antibiogram within 2-4 hours – instead of the current 24 hours for the most common germs and one month for tuberculosis,” says Dr Sandor Kasas at EPFL.
Shutterstock.com/Marina Demidiuk
App for AI-assisted detection of monkeypox skin lesions
07.04.2023
A paper produced as part of the DAKI-FWS project (data and AI-supported early warning system to stabilize the German economy) will be featured in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine.
Helmholtz Munich/Matthias Balk
Helmholtz Munich: research infrastructure for pandemic management and prevention expanded
05.04.2023
From now on, an improved research infrastructure for pandemic management and prevention will be available in the Greater Munich area: on the 29th of March 2023 a new biosafety level 3 laboratory was introduced at Helmholtz Munich.
HZDR/Sandoval Bojorquez
Nanobiosensor developed for detecting SARS-CoV-2
04.04.2023
Infection and immunity status of the population are considered key parameters for handling pandemics. For this purpose, detecting antigens and antibodies is of great importance. The devices currently used for this purpose - what are known as point-of-care (POC) devices- are one option for rapid screening. Their sensitivity, however, needs further improvement.
Uni Tübingen
Targeted computer modelling to accelerate antiviral drug development
31.03.2023
Andreas Dräger from the University of Tübingen is working on a computer-based method that can help to accelerate the time-consuming identification and development of antiviral agents.
Karin Kaiser/MHH.
Better care for pregnant women with precancerous cervical cancer
23.03.2023
Preliminary stages of cervical cancer occur mainly in women between 25 and 35 years of age. The main risk factor for developing cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV). Surgery is the treatment of choice.
ckstockphoto
Smart microscopy works out where to take the picture
16.03.2023
Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have now developed a software solution for smart, data-driven microscopy, which makes this possible.
Eurice Office
Personalised health blueprint to prevent and predict inflammatory bowel disease
07.03.2023
Project led by PMI member Prof. Andre Franke aims to empower people affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis by developing interdisciplinary solutions for improved disease prevention and health promotion.
Georgia Tech
New ultrafast water disinfection method is more environmentally friendly
27.02.2023
Georgia Institute of Technology researchers have found a way to use small shocks of electricity to disinfect water, reducing energy consumption, cost, and environmental impact.
NTNU
Super quick COVID test uses new technology
13.02.2023
The ability of gold particles to reflect light in different colours is used in applications from stained glass to pregnancy tests. Now researchers are set to exploit the same properties in an ultra-fast sensor for the coronavirus.
wichayada69
Funding to produce biodegradable antiviral and antibacterial materials
08.02.2023
A new junior research group at Freie Universität Berlin, which will investigate the production of biodegradable antiviral and antibacterial materials, with one of the goals of synthesis being new alternatives to conventional antibiotics, will receive a total budget of more than 1.8 million euros from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) over the next five years.
Okrasyuk
Wound care: New spray fights infections and antibiotic resistance
07.02.2023
A group of researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden are presenting a new spray that can kill even antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and that can be used for wound care and directly on implants and other medical devices.
Iakobchuk
AI can help patients interpret home tests for COVID-19
03.02.2023
George Mason University researchers found that computerized symptom screenings can supplement at-home COVID-19 tests to better confirm the diagnosis for patients and clinicians.
iLexx
Bacterial electricity: Membrane potential influences antibiotic tolerance
27.01.2023
The electrical potential across the bacterial cell envelope indicates when bacteria no longer operate as individual cells but as a collective. Researchers at the University of Cologne's Institute for Biological Physics have discovered this connection between the electrical properties and the lifestyle of bacteria.
Universitätsmedizin Halle
Long COVID: blood values indicate reprogramming of immune cells
26.01.2023
The underlying mechanisms of long COVID are not yet fully understood. Molecular clues to different subgroups of long COVID have now been provided by a research group at University Medicine Halle.
Hoverstock
Sequential antibiotic therapy in the laboratory and in patients
23.01.2023
Rapid switching between different antibiotics could prevent the evolution of resistance and lead to successful treatment of patients.
manjurulhaque
Analyzing disease progression and cell processes with TIGER: in vivo and non-invasively
18.01.2023
Researchers at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) and the Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) in Würzburg have developed a technology they call TIGER. It allows complex processes in individual cells to be deciphered in vivo by recording past RNA transcripts.
lorenzocapunata
When antibodies do a pirouette
12.01.2023
Researchers at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg have developed a method for binding specific molecules in samples and serums, such as antibodies in the blood, to the surface of iron oxide particles thus allowing them to be identified using an inexpensive and compact detector.
Tel Aviv University
Monitoring heart measures using smartwatches shows that Corona booster vaccine is safe
11.01.2023
The first study of its kind that used smartwatches to monitor the physiological data of close to 5,000 Israelis for two years found that: Monitoring heart measures using smartwatches shows that the Corona booster vaccine is safe and there is no evidence of unusual adverse events.
Prostock-studio
COMPASS for highly sensitive rapid tests
09.01.2023
A newly developed rapid test needs only a few seconds to reliably detect pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. It is based on specially designed magnetic nanoparticles.
LZH
Detecting bacterial infestation fast, contactless, and free of markers
05.01.2023
With a multimodal microscope, the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) and three partners in the joint project PriMe want to make it possible to detect bacterial infestation using fast, marker-free, and contactless imaging.
Empa
Watching viruses fail
20.12.2022
Using a new analytical method, Empa researchers have tracked viruses as they pass through face masks and compared their failure on the filter layers of different types of masks.
Asociación RUVID
Biomaterial capable of regenerating bones and preventing infections
15.12.2022
Researchers from the Bioengineering and Biomaterials Laboratory of Universidad Católica de Valencia (UCV) have developed a new porous material capable of regenerating bones and preventing infections at the same time.
Freudenberg Performance Materials
ProQuIV optimizes the production of nonwoven masks
12.12.2022
Producing infection control clothing requires a lot of energy and uses lots of material resources. Fraunhofer researchers have now developed a technology which helps to save materials and energy when producing nonwovens.
DC_Studio
Why some people get a more severe COVID-19 progression than others
22.08.2022
A team of scientists from the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH) together with colleagues from the United Kingdom and Canada have found genes and proteins that contribute to a higher risk of severe COVID-19.
Fraunhofer IST/Paul Kurze
Cold plasma: Contactless disinfection of surfaces
02.05.2022
One of the most time-consuming tasks in hospitals is the manual cleaning and disinfection of high touch points and surfaces such as door handles, buttons, and switches. These are areas where microorganisms are spread by direct skin contact. The “MobDi – Mobile Disinfection” research project is developing a robot that automatically cleans and disinfects these areas. It will use cold plasma.
Prostock-studio
Hygiene and sterilization: Hightech for clean surfaces
02.05.2022
Due to the Corona pandemic, a lot of attention is currently focused on the protective effect of medical masks. But especially in medical work areas, the protection against aerosol transmission is not enough, because a lot of pathogens can be transmitted trough direct contact with people or surfaces. Hygienic measures against contact infections like these are very costly, though.
karrastock
Disinfection: Solutions to stop pathogens from spreading
02.05.2022
Disinfection and sterilization are the most reliable and best way to ensure patient safety in healthcare settings. Whether it is at the point of care when the patient is either at the hospital or medical practice, or wherever medical devices are manufactured and packaged in a sterile environment – the transmission of pathogens and microorganisms can have severe health impacts.
Mark Stone/University of Washington
Fast and cheap test can detect COVID-19 virus' genome without need for PCR
25.01.2022
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new test for COVID-19 that combines the speed of over-the-counter antigen tests with the accuracy of PCR tests that are processed in medical labs and hospitals.
LMU University Hospital Munich
Room divider based on UV-C light inactivates SARS-CoV-2 aerosols
22.12.2021
Despite myriad precautionary measures, virus-contaminated aerosols still pose a serious problem indoors. An invisible protective wall of UV-C ligh could provide a solution and reliably curb the spread of viruses and other pathogens in rooms in the future while allowing total freedom of movement.
PantherMedia / Bork
The smart lab: Between manual work and digitization
01.10.2021
In the laboratory, there is some work that is time-consuming and monotonous – making it the perfect place for digital solutions such as artificial intelligence or robotics. But what work can these systems really take on in a meaningful way, in which areas of the lab are they present today, and where do they still need to be improved?
PantherMedia / angellodeco
The smart lab: The shift to more digitization is picking up speed
01.10.2021
They have probably never been in the spotlight as much as during the pandemic: laboratories. In Germany alone, around 73 million COVID-19-tests have been evaluated since the beginning of 2020. And even away from Corona, laboratory physicians have a lot to do – blood, urine and aspirates have to be evaluated every day. That results in an enormous amount of work, just in terms of organization.
Tom Bauer/TU Braunschweig
Patient room of the future comes to Braunschweig
22.06.2021
Architecture can prevent infections in hospitals. The walk-in model of a new type of patient room shows how this can be done. It was developed by a team from the fields of architecture, medicine and molecular biology in the KARMIN research project.
Mobile hygiene robot in the hospital – The cleaning force of the future
25.05.2021
One of the most time-consuming tasks in a hospital is the disinfection of often-used surfaces like light switches or door handles. This is especially important during the corona pandemic. The "DeKonBot" by Fraunhofer IPA could support hospital staff here in the future. Learn in our video interview with Dr. Birgit Graf how the robot works.
V. D'Alessandro, M. Falone, L. Giammichele, R. Ricci
Irradiating COVID-19 cough droplets with UV-C lamps
16.03.2021
Using supercomputer numerical modeling of saliva droplets' diffusion produced by coughs, researchers in Italy explore deactivating COVID-19 virus particles via UV-C light.
Disinfection: antibacterial coating on surfaces in the ICU
01.03.2021
All hospitalized patients are susceptible to contracting a nosocomial infection, with ICU patients being particularly at risk. The effects of these hospital-acquired infections are often more dangerous than the original reason for the in-patient hospitalization. The "PACMAN" project is now testing an antimicrobial coating for frequently used contact surfaces at high risk of pathogen transmission.
PantherMedia/sielemann
Medical devices: hygienic design combats pathogens
03.02.2021
Medical hygiene does not just play a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Preventing the transmission of infectious diseases and especially the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms is paramount even in non-pandemic times. While hygiene practices in hospitals and medical offices are essential, the industry can also make an important contribution with hygienic product design.
Fraunhofer IBP
Covid-19: protective canopy prevents infection
19.01.2021
The risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 is particularly high indoors. This is because, in addition to smear and droplet infection, infection via aerosols that accumulate and spread in the air is also possible there. Sufficient air exchange or air purification help to prevent this. The protective canopy developed by Fraunhofer IBP also follows such an approach.
Disinfection: let mist do the work
02.11.2020
Healthcare settings require sharp weapons to fight both hospital-acquired infections and pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. Besides protective equipment, regular room disinfection is one of them. But they require time and are also prone to error if done manually. Fully automated solutions are needed to relief hospital staff from this exhausting work and perform it reliably. So, why not fog the room?
Laboratory safety: infection prevention in the work area
01.04.2020
What goes in, must not come out - and must also not cause harm to anyone working inside the lab. That's perhaps a nice way of summing up "laboratory safety" in one sentence - at least wherever pathogens are handled in biological and medical settings. The necessary laboratory safety precautions primarily depend on what is waiting "inside".
The safe laboratory – protection through technology
01.04.2020
When biomedical researchers or diagnosticians work with potentially contagious materials like cell cultures, blood or tissue, they need absolute protection from pathogens. Both safety measures in the workspace and the correct tools and materials are key here. Learn in our Topic of the Month what is important for protection in the lab and what a safe laboratory looks like.
BSL-4 laboratories: highest levels of safety and protection
01.04.2020
Laboratories are sectioned into four biosafety levels to dictate the precautions required to isolate dangerous biological agents. The highest level of biological safety, BSL-4, is perhaps the most well-known when we think of containing pathogens and microbes. However, the fewest number of laboratories actually fall into the BSL-4 category.
Laboratory work: the right personal protective equipment is crucial
01.04.2020
When working with infectious materials and organisms in the laboratory, safe handling and appropriate training are of utmost importance. Another central component is personal protective equipment designed to prevent contact with tissue, liquids and aerosols and protect the wearer.
Disinfection methods of hospital drinking water - Fully automatic legionella prevention
31.03.2020
Besides hand hygiene, drinking water hygiene is also on the to-do list of every hospital. A lot of money is invested to clean water pipes and to destroy legionella germs. An alternative solution for mechanical and thermal control is water disinfection using an automatic machine.
by UVentions
Hygiene: Smart protection against pathogens like the coronavirus
23.03.2020
Germs such as bacteria, viruses or pathogenic fungi can spread from one person to another through direct contact when we shake hands or touch objects. People touch door handles and push elevator buttons in public places and constantly move in and out of spaces. Regular manual high-level disinfection is practically impossible. UVentions GmbH has found an intelligent solution for this problem.
Endoprostheses: regaining independence and mobility
01.01.2020
Joints can suddenly or gradually deteriorate and lose their natural strength, whether it’s due to accidents, diseases or simple wear and tear. In some of these cases, implants of artificial joints – endoprostheses - can help. As a joint replacement, they are designed to stay in the body for as long as needed and as such improve the patient’s quality of life and mobility.
Endoprosthetic surgery: modern and traditional approaches
01.01.2020
Surgery is required if you need an artificial joint. Patients and doctors must select the type of surgery that’s best suited and choose between robot-assisted, traditional or minimally invasive surgical approaches. Post-operative risks should be kept to a minimum, while benefits should outweigh any possible complications.
APRICOT-project: implant "help(s) patients heal themselves"
01.01.2020
Today, people tend to live longer, while an increasing number of patients suffer from osteoarthritis. Even younger generations are now at a higher risk of getting osteoarthritis due to the frequent use of mobile devices. The EU research project APRICOT aims to develop a novel type of implant for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hands – helping patients heal themselves.
Endoprostheses: between possibility and reality
01.01.2020
When natural joints lose their ability to function, they can be completely or partially replaced by artificial joints, also called endoprostheses. Endoprostheses must be of a certain quality, as they should remain in the body as long as possible. In addition to some risks, endoprostheses can also contribute to a mobile and carefree life for young and old.
Medicine at the pulse of time: Innovations and trends at MEDICA 2019
04.11.2019
Soon, the world's largest trade fair for medical technology will open its doors again: More than 5.000 exhibitors will present their newest products and ideas at MEDICA from 18 to 21 November. You will not only meet well-known companies here, but also lots of young start-ups. Or, you can visit the MEDICA forums and conferences to experience a rich program of lectures and discussions.
Antibiotic resistance: technical tricks against pathogens
01.08.2019
An untreatable infection is a nightmare for physicians and potentially life-threatening to the patient. Unfortunately, more and more pathogens emerge that are resistant to drugs, especially antibiotics. We need to use our drugs smartly and come up with technical solutions as well to prevent our weapons from blunting in the future.
Photonics: "We want a rapid and easy method to identify pathogens and antibiotic resistance"
01.08.2019
The medical devices value chain has gaps between academic research and industrial practice that slow down innovation processes. This also applies to time-sensitive and urgently needed products such as rapid diagnostic tests to identify resistant pathogens. At the InfectoGnostics Research Campus in Jena, partners from research and medicine team up to close these gaps.
Last-resort antibiotics: "We can identify carbapenemases within half an hour"
01.08.2019
Antibiotic resistance is modern medicine's greatest challenge. Some bacteria only respond to a handful of antibiotics, prompting hospitals to spend a lot of time finding an effective drug. That’s why it is critical for physicians to rapidly identify antibiotic resistance to avoid ineffective treatments.
Combating antibiotic resistance: One step ahead through technology
01.08.2019
Antibiotic resistance is on the rise in all parts of the world, complicating medical treatment of serious bacterial infections in patients. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 33,000 people die each year from antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Europe alone. Bacteria that are resistant to multiple or even all known antibiotics pose an ever-increasing threat.