Novel Zeaxanthin-Producing Bacteria Isolated from a Radioactive Hot Spring Water
Zeaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that is widely found in vegetables and fruits. Epidemiological evidences suggest that increasing the consumption of zeaxanthin in the diet is associated with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration, helps prevent glaucoma and cataracts, and supports normal eye health. Zeaxanthin is a promising nutraceutical with many applications in the feed, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Currently, the commercial production of zeaxanthin is still dependant on synthetic routes with limitation for the biological one. Nevertheless, the biotechnological production of zeaxanthin is emerging due to its safety, potential large-scale production, and consumersrsquo; demand and preference for natural additives. Using a rapid screening method based on 16S rRNA ge...
'Negligible risk' from UK rabies case
The Health Protection Agency has confirmed a case of rabies in London. The patient became infected after being bitten by a dog in South Asia, but is now being treated in the UK. The HPA says the risk to others is “negligible”, but as a precautionary measure health staff and those who have had close contact with the patient are being examined and vaccinated when necessary.
The case has featured widely in today’s newspaper reports, often accompanied by images of vicious-looking dogs preparing to attack. However, it’s important to note that rabies does not circulate in either wild or domestic animals in the UK, so the risk of catching it through a pet bite is virtually non-existent here. Equally, rabies is only passed on through injuries such as bites and scratches (and not through ai...
