Obviously, Ebola has been in the news quite a bit. Although, as the article notes, the virus is only spread through contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces, current hospital procedures of quarantining, hand washing, and disinfecting may not be entirely effective. Researchers in the University of Southampton have found that copper, an antimicrobial metal, may be useful in combatting the virus.
Copper and similar copper alloys can continuously kill up to 80% of microbial contamination. Many scientists believe that replacing commonly-touched surfaces in hospitals (door handles, light switches, etc.) with copper may prevent some spread of the virus and would require little effort other than normal cleanings. This could be an extra step in preventing infections.
Most people in the United States do not need to be worrying about Ebola right now, but the innovative solutions that scientists come up with for containing illness are always interesting.
Submitted by Allison Murphy
This breakthrough is fascinating. Hand washing and sanitizers have been inadequate in slowing the spread of the deadly Ebola virus. If this antimicrobial copper truly a 'no touch' solution’ and no special measures are necessary to kill pathogens, besides routine cleans it would, literally, be a lifesaver. I wonder if this copper helps to kill other pathogens as well such as the common cold or influenza. I contend this antimicrobial copper should be manufactured into commonly touched surfaces such as door handles and light switches. The implications of this breakthrough are remarkable, and I am excited to know the results of further experiments.
ReplyDeleteBy Katie Marie Nichols