New MRSA superbug strain found in UK milk supply - Health News -Health & Families - The Independent

New MRSA superbug strain found in UK milk supply - Health News - Health & Families - The Independent.

A new strain of MRSA has been found in British milk, indicating that the superbug is spreading through the livestock population and poses a growing threat to human health.

The new strain, MRSA ST398, has been identified in seven samples of bulk milk from five different farms in England.

The discovery, from tests on 1,500 samples, indicates that antibiotic-resistant organisms are gaining an increasing hold in the dairy industry.

This is extremely worrisome as MRSA or Methicillin-Resistent Staphylococcus aureus is a huge infection control concern and the increased use of important antibiotics with livestock is further creating these problems. Unfortunately, we are going to need new research to find new antibiotics at the rate resistance is occurring so we can battle these infections.

-K

Nerdy Christmas Gifts!

I know this is a little late since it is Christmas today but I thought this list was too adorable not to share.  It comes from BioTechniques and has a something for any biology or microbiology nerd! Perhaps you might even find something to use for a future gift.

I hope you enjoy the list and everyone is having a great holiday season. More posts coming soon!

-K



On the twelfth day of Christmas, my labmate gave to me...

Twelve Stem Cell Researchers Modelling,

In the final installment of our holiday gift list, we present twelve stem cell researchers posing for a calendar (proceeds go to fund stem cell research) as well as other items to decorate your home or office.



Eleven Neckties A'Biology-ing,

Actually, there's a good number of biology-inspired neckties for your dad. So we narrowed it down to eleven of our favorites.



Ten Ornaments Infecting,

Forget the glass bulbs on your Christmas tree. This year opt for Petri dishes full of parasites.



Nine Microscopes A'Talking,

The road to the Nobel Prize starts young, so here’s a talking microscope and other unique gifts for the little scientists-in-training in your life. These gifts are not only fun but give your little ones a glimpse into your work. And who know? Maybe they’ll return the favor one day by solving one of the roadblocks in your research!



Eight Arms Tattooed,

You’ve dedicated your mind to science; now it’s time to dedicate your body as well.



Seven Boils A-Bursting,

The lab can sometimes be a painfully dull place. So, here are a few gifts to help spruce up your colleagues’ work area.



Six Blood Cells A’Cleaning,

While bathing in blood and bacteria seems counterproductive, these gift ideas are intended to help you get cleaned up. Plus they smell great too!



Five DNA Earrings,

It’s time to accessorize! Here’s our picks to complete your outfit, including DNA earrings, a proteomics messenger bag, sex-cell cufflinks, and a mitochondria laptop bag.



Four Stuffed Nucleotides,

Most people think molecular biology is hard, but these plush toys bring out the softer side of nucleotides and microbiology.



Three Books on Science ,

This holiday season, take a break from your PubMed literature searches and get a broader perspective of how science is being done in the twenty-first century with these three books on crowdsourcing, biohackers, and kingdoms ruled by microbes.



Two Frozen Cerebral Hemispheres,

Kitchenware has been conspicuously absent from the realm of geeky holiday gifts. This year, we found three kitchen-related gift ideas that change that, including a brain-shaped ice cube tray.



And a Partridge in a Petri

With a clever twist on the lyrics of a traditional Christmas carol, this greeting card will bring a smile to colleague and family alike.