blog listing

august 11, 2016

every year, hundreds of millions of patients across the world are affected by healthcare-associated infections, according to estimates from the world health organization (who). these infections can result from a surgery, or from the use of a medical device like a catheter, for example, and cause significant mortality and economic losses.

june 29, 2015

invisible you. the human microbiome is a new permanent exhibition at the eden project, exploring the trillions of microbes that live on and within us.

october 27, 2014

you might not know it, but right now there are very likely to be microscopic mites living on your face. these mites are tiny, so you won’t see them if you look in the mirror.

november 21, 2012

the term ‘essential oils’ is frequently used and often represents a catch-all for a variety of volatile, water-insoluble compounds extracted from plants. while potentially harmful, undiluted, these oils have been used throughout history in the treatment of illnesses and remain popular, particularly in complementary therapies such as aromatherapy. the efficacy of many of these remedies are questionable or unproven, but many have established benefits: thymol (a component of thyme oil), for example, is a potent antiseptic, while clove oil has been used for centuries – and is still sold in chemists – as an antiseptic and analgesic for the relief of dental pain.