New Anthrax-Killing Antibiotic Also Eliminates MRSA

What is the link between antibiotics and staph infections? A recent study showed that a reduction in use of antibiotics actually reduced hospital-acquired MRSA infections, so they're linked tighter than you might think. Staph bacteria image courtesy of the US CDC.

A new MRSA antibiotic kills Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, as well as Anthrax bacteria – could this be the new universal antibiotic?

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Deepwater Horizon: Microbial Life Acts as an Emergency Cleanup Crew

Oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill - microbes helped in the cleanup! Image by Green Fire Productions / CC by 2.0

The earth’s oceans are rich in microbial life, some of which helped clean up the oil spill after the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

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Bean Leaves Snare Bed Bugs: Can They Help Us Build a Better Trap?

(a) Piercing under a pretarsal claw leads to entrapment of a bug by a leaf. (b) Piercing occasionally occurs at a tarsal intersegmental membrane, also causing entrapment of a bug. (c) Higher magnification of piercing from (a). (d) In contrast, hooking causes momentary snagging of a bug leg. 
Image courtesy of Szyndler M W et al. J. R. Soc. Interface 2013;10:20130174

Researchers have uncovered the mechanism by which bean leaves trap bed bugs, and are working to simulate the process mechanically.

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Foraging and Parasites: Are You In Danger When You Eat Wild Food?

Many people enjoy picking wild blackberries. Image by Brombaer CC BY-SA 2.0

When you are foraging for wild food, keep parasites in mind – your snack could be contaminated by larvae that will infest you or your pets.

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Acanthamoeba – The Parasite That Eats Eyes

Cysts of Acanthamoeba are resistant to poor conditions. Image courtesy of CDC

Acanthamoeba is a parasite to avoid. Are your contact lenses clean? If you’re rinsing them with tap water, or wearing them the swimming pool, probably not.

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