https://phys.org/ en-us Phys.org internet news portal provides the latest news on science including: Physics, Nanotechnology, Life Sciences, Space Science, Earth Science, Environment, Health and Medicine. An iron-based compound encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles completely eliminated tuberculosis in the lungs of mice after 30 days of treatment, according to a study by the Tuberculosis Research Laboratory at the Araraquara School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of São Paulo State University (FCFAr-UNESP) in Brazil. The study was published in the journal ACS Omega. The results suggest a possible new path for shorter, less toxic, and more effective therapies against resistant bacteria, one of the greatest challenges currently facing the fight against the disease. https://phys.org/news/2026-02-iron-nanoparticle-tuberculosis-mice-pave.html Bio & Medicine Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:00:05 EST news691242721 Researchers at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo have developed a new inhalable form of tuberculosis (TB) treatment that could significantly reduce the burden of current therapy. Jessica L. Reynolds, Ph.D., associate professor of medicine in the Jacobs School, is senior author on the paper, titled "Repeated Pulmonary Dosing of β-Glucan-Chitosan-PLGA Nanoparticles Controls Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Mice," published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. https://phys.org/news/2026-02-inhalable-treatment-tuberculosis-weekly-nanoparticles.html Bio & Medicine Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:07:38 EST news689951221 Food quality and safety are crucial. However, conventional food-monitoring methods, including ribotyping and polymerase chain reaction, tend to be destructive and lengthy. These shortcomings limit their potential for broad applications. In this regard, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing, with real-time, non-destructive, and high sensitivity capabilities, is a highly promising alternative. https://phys.org/news/2025-11-sensor-food-wrapper-real-destructive.html Nanomaterials Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:28:26 EST news683389681 Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and collaborators have reported early success with a novel mRNA-based therapy designed to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. https://phys.org/news/2025-11-mrna-therapy-curbs-antibiotic-resistant.html Bio & Medicine Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:00:01 EST news683297942 Polymers are essential in modern food packaging thanks to their low cost, light weight, flexibility, and chemical stability. They provide a crucial barrier to protect food from moisture, oxygen, sunlight, and microorganisms that cause spoilage and health risks. Among them, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is especially valued for its transparency, stability, and strong mechanical properties. https://phys.org/news/2025-08-pet-plastic-antimicrobial-boost-plasma.html Nanomaterials Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:18:03 EDT news675004681 Research from the Nanoscience Center of the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, has revealed that lignin, a polyphenol important for plant structure, has antimicrobial activity against viruses and bacteria. The results highlight that lignin, which is also an important byproduct of the wood industry, has potential as a promising green alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents for coating agents, packaging material, or surface disinfectants. https://phys.org/news/2025-08-wood-industry-byproduct-lignin-effective.html Cell & Microbiology Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:39:03 EDT news674213941 Researchers at Virginia Tech have found a way to make biodegradable packaging stronger while using less energy in the process. https://phys.org/news/2025-04-plastics-biodegradable-cellulose-based-packaging.html Biochemistry Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:14:04 EDT news664114441 The oral cavity is home to a rich ecosystem of microorganisms that are found in both healthy and diseased states. In the area of dental restoration, highly specialized materials are used to fulfill specific functions so that the patient recovers their dental structures, masticatory and phonetic functions and even enjoys improved aesthetics. https://phys.org/news/2024-10-scientists-silver-nanoparticlebased-hygienic-resin.html Bio & Medicine Thu, 03 Oct 2024 09:43:15 EDT news647167391 Water contamination by the chemicals used in today's technology is a rapidly growing problem globally. A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control found that 98% of people tested had detectable levels of PFAS, a family of particularly long-lasting compounds, also known as forever chemicals, in their bloodstream. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-nature-based-filtration-material-chemicals.html Bio & Medicine Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:34:48 EDT news644769285 There's a lot of science news in seven days, so just because a new study isn't cited here on Saturday morning doesn't mean it didn't happen. A lot more has happened. But also, check out these four stories: https://phys.org/news/2024-06-saturday-citations-bacterial-warfare-language.html Other Sat, 15 Jun 2024 09:00:01 EDT news637600172 Like every industry, modern farming relies heavily on plastics. Think plastic mulch lining vegetable beds, PVC pipes draining water from fields, polyethylene covering high tunnels, and plastic seed, fertilizer, and herbicide packaging, to name a few. In a new review article, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers say these plastics are now widely dispersed in agricultural soils in the form of microplastics and nanoplastics. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-microplastics-soil-drug-resistant-superbugs-food.html Environment Thu, 24 Aug 2023 05:05:45 EDT news612072282 Soon, you'll be able to get a box of freshly picked, sweet strawberries from the grocery store or local farm stand. But it's disappointing when you get them home and find that the ones at the bottom have started to rot. To increase the berries' shelf life, researchers reporting in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces have incorporated cannabidiol—a non-hallucinogenic compound from cannabis known as CBD—and sodium alginate into an edible antimicrobial coating. https://phys.org/news/2023-05-edible-cbd-coating-shelf-life.html Biochemistry Wed, 17 May 2023 11:50:02 EDT news603543001 Research has shown that a thin cellulose film can inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus within minutes, inhibit the growth of bacteria including E. coli, and mitigate contact transfer of pathogens. https://phys.org/news/2023-05-invisible-cellulose-coatings-mitigate-surface.html Biochemistry Wed, 17 May 2023 03:30:01 EDT news603464005 Researchers at McMaster University have created a powerful new weapon against bacterial contamination and infection. https://phys.org/news/2022-12-harness-bacteria-eating-viruses-powerful-food.html Biochemistry Mon, 05 Dec 2022 05:00:01 EST news589435978 The high antioxidants and polyphenols content in passion fruit peels show significant potential to preserve fresh fruits and fresh cuts in an edible food coating, shows research from the University of Johannesburg. Such a coating can reduce spoilage and plastic packaging in supply chains. https://phys.org/news/2022-11-passion-fruit-yields-high-antioxidant.html Biochemistry Mon, 14 Nov 2022 08:57:03 EST news587638621 Aiming to produce environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic food wrap and containers, a Rutgers scientist has developed a biodegradable, plant-based coating that can be sprayed on foods, guarding against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms and transportation damage. https://phys.org/news/2022-06-scientists-antimicrobial-plant-based-food-plastic.html Materials Science Mon, 20 Jun 2022 11:00:08 EDT news574926088 A method for printing 3-D objects that can control living organisms in predictable ways has been developed by an interdisciplinary team of researchers at MIT and elsewhere. The technique may lead to 3-D printing of biomedical tools, such as customized braces, that incorporate living cells to produce therapeutic compounds such as painkillers or topical treatments, the researchers say. https://phys.org/news/2020-01-incorporate.html Materials Science Thu, 23 Jan 2020 07:25:20 EST news498986716 A novel composite film—created by the bonding of an antimicrobial layer to conventional, clear polyethylene plastic typically used to vacuum-package foods such as meat and fish—could help to decrease foodborne illness outbreaks, according to researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. https://phys.org/news/2020-01-composite-antimicrobial-foodborne-illnesses.html Cell & Microbiology Tue, 21 Jan 2020 08:10:38 EST news498816635 Laser-induced graphene (LIG), a flaky foam of the atom-thick carbon, has many interesting properties on its own but gains new powers as part of a composite. https://phys.org/news/2019-02-laser-induced-graphene-tough.html Nanomaterials Tue, 12 Feb 2019 16:06:34 EST news469209982 A University of Georgia researcher has invented a new technology that can inexpensively render medical linens and clothing, face masks, paper towels -- and yes, even diapers, intimate apparel and athletic wear, including smelly socks -- permanently germ-free. https://phys.org/news/2011-07-technology-textiles-permanently-germ-free-health.html Materials Science Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:33:11 EDT news229084362 (PhysOrg.com) -- A Purdue University research team developed a nanoparticle that can hold and release an antimicrobial agent as needed for extending the shelf life of foods susceptible to Listeria monocytogenes. https://phys.org/news/2010-12-nanoparticle-antimicrobial-ability-listeria-longer.html Bio & Medicine Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:38:52 EST news210951505 Yale researchers describe a breakthrough in safe and effective administration of potential antiviral drugs — small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules that silence genes — the first step in development of a new kind of treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The work is reported May 4 as an advance online publication of Nature Materials. https://phys.org/news/2009-05-nanotechnology-std-drug-delivery.html Nanomaterials Sun, 03 May 2009 17:30:45 EDT news160590617 Byron Brehm-Stecher, assistant professor in food science and human nutrition, has some big ideas for his work with tiny particles. His latest research project will allow him to study the potential of using silver nanoparticles to improve the safety of the world’s food supply. https://phys.org/news/2008-04-nanoparticles-food-safety.html Bio & Medicine Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:34:27 EDT news127046067