Medicine Tomorrow

"In the constant battle against the spread of infectious diseases, scientists are continually on the hunt for new weapons that specifically target pathogenic microbes. Now, investigators from the Center for Radiological Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) believe they may have found a new, low-cost solution to eradicating airborne viruses in indoor public spaces. The research team found that continuous low doses of far ultraviolet C (far-UVC) light can kill airborne flu viruses without harming human tissues. The findings from the new study—published today in Scientific Reports in an article entitled “Far-UVC Light: A New Tool to Control the Spread of Airborne-Mediated Microbial Diseases”—suggests that use of overhead far-UVC light in hospitals, doctors' offices, schools, airports, airplanes, and other public spaces could provide a powerful check on seasonal influenza epidemics, as well as influenza pandemics." We need to ...

According to new developments from Asian Review, there has been a breakthrough in ultraviolet LEDs. Now instead of large bulbs, UV LEDs can be used to sterilize an infinite variety of applications in medical and consumer fields. As indicated in the article UV LED breakthrough by Nikkiso will allow home applications better than current germicide applications. As I indicated before this application will be very useful for sterilization of money at ATM machines from the previous article. Companies such as LED Engine have created UV LED Gen 2 in the 365nm range This modules uses the light from deep UV LEDs to disinfect running water. I can see thousands of new products that Japan is probably developing and third world countries for applications for clean drinking water for citizens, home use, and for use in camping. This technology could be used in a refrigerator when the door is closed to kill bacteria on foot, and for use in the restaurant industry as well. Food placed in f...

It is difficult to believe our understand the incredible incompetance in the handling of the world's most dangerous disease, EBOLA. We have seen too many movies such as "Resident Evil" , "Outbreak" and many others that warn us about the dangers of allowing any virus not due caution with high levels of quarantine for any potential victims. I am encouraged by the ideas of using silver nanoparticles for compating Ebola, but the use of various HIV (AIDS) drugs I believe have a great promiste. More to come....

     1.0 Automated Teller Machines 1.1   ATM Health Issues Microbes are the oldest forms of life on earth. Many types have existed for billions of years. Bacteria are a type of microorganism that is capable of growing on any surface including liquids and moist surfaces. A few pathogenic strains of bacteria are known to cause infectious diseases. The wide spread use of electronic technology is another source of contamination. 60% of all people us an ATM at least once a week. Public health concerns regarding the spread of bacteria and diseases via automated teller machines have become an issue to reduce the spread to the public. ATM centers are usually in air conditioned, cold and damp environments that favor the growth of microorganisms. The study involves the collection of samples by using cotton swabs from various ATM centers in Chennai. Sixty five samples were analyzed for the presence of predominant pathogenic bacteria. Among the 65 samples 27 (...