Gastroenterology

Fecal microbiota transplants: Past, present and future

The premise of fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) is, admittedly, not the most pleasant. The process involves transferring donor stool (or derivatives thereof) to a recipient for a therapeutic purpose—namely, to restore ...

Medical research

We need a staph vaccine: Here's why we don't have one

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is an extremely common bacterial infection; about 30% of people have colonies of SA living in their nose. SA is often harmless, but it is also a leading cause of hospital-acquired and community-associated ...

Health

Hospital coffee machines get a clean bill of health

Health care workers will be relieved to know that hospital coffee machines are not responsible for spreading disease and a general ban doesn't seem necessary, finds a study published in the Christmas issue of The BMJ.

Medical research

New clues into the head-scratching mystery of itch

Scientists at Harvard Medical School have shown for the first time that a common skin bacterium—Staphylococcus aureus—can cause itch by acting directly on nerve cells.

Medical research

Atopic dermatitis: Viruses discovered as new therapy option

Up to 15% of children and 5% of adults are affected by the chronic inflammatory skin disease atopic dermatitis. Despite advanced therapy measures, the severe itching and eczema, especially on the elbows or knees, cause great ...

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