Live-in domestics: Mites as maids in tropical rainforest sweat bee nests
Mites not only inhabit the dust bunnies under the bed, they also occupy the nests of tropical sweat bees where they keep fungi in check. view more (2009-04-21)
Messy Bedroom Could Spell End For Creepy Crawlies
While children across the country are still trying to stick to their New Year's resolutions to tidy their bedrooms every morning, building scientists are investigating whether a clutter could actually be the key to healthier living. Dr Stephen Pretlove, from Kingston University's School of Architecture, is one of a group of specialists advising... view more... (2005-01-17)
Dust mite research to provide relief for asthma sufferers
Easy household solutions to the problems of asthma could result from new research due to be announced at a conference this week. Asthma, a condition which affects 8 million people in the UK (18,000 new cases every year), is one of the allergies which is exacerbated and often caused by dust mites in homes. Scientists at University College London... view more... (2002-07-16)
Hotter is better for removing allergens in laundry
A new study finds that the heat setting you choose when doing laundry makes all the difference when it comes to killing dust mites. view more (2007-05-21)
House dust mite project aims to reduce asthma
A promising new way of controlling the mites that can cause asthma and other allergies is now under development. It could lead to dramatic progress in preventing these conditions and reduce the estimated £700 million a year spent in the UK on treating them. The technique uses a computer model to assess how modifying a domestic environment... view more... (2004-02-05)
Mites on hissing coackroach may benefit humans with allergies
Tiny mites living on the surface of Madagascar hissing cockroaches help decrease the presence of a variety of molds on the cockroaches' bodies, potentially reducing allergic responses among humans who handle the popular insects, according to new research. view more (2009-04-30)
The high cost of living with ants
A new sexually transmitted disease has been found in British ladybirds, ecologists have discovered, and it is their close association with wood ants that is to blame. Speaking at the British Ecological Society's Winter Meeting, being held at the University of York on 18-20 December 2002, Dr John Sloggett of the University of Bayreuth in Germany... view more... (2002-12-09)
'High efficiency' vacuum cleaners no better at protecting against dust mites
Researchers at the North West Lung Centre, run by The University of Manchester and based at Wythenshawe Hospital, have discovered that vacuum cleaners with 'high-efficiency particulate air' or HEPA filters are no more effective than standard models at reducing exposure to dust-mites. view more (2006-02-14)
Bugs expose underground carbon traffic system 10 times more important than fossil fuel burning
The flow of carbon through soil is ten times greater than the amount of carbon moved around by the burning of fossil fuel but until now how this happens was at best poorly understood. view more (2005-10-10)
Asthma Research Breakthrough Holds Promise Of Cure
New research has made a vital breakthrough in the understanding of how asthma is caused, bringing the possibility of treatments for its prevention and cure. view more (1999-07-06)
Asthma Control Research Cuts Doctors Visits By More Than Two Thirds
Asthma sufferers made two-thirds fewer visits to their doctor's for help with their condition and significantly reduced their prescription drug use, after taking part in a four-year research programme designed by the University of Strathclyde to make their homes healthier. view more (2001-11-12)
Study finds higher pathogen loads in collapsed honeybee colonies
Honeybees in colonies affected by colony collapse disorder (CCD) have higher levels of pathogens and are co-infected with a greater number of pathogens than their non-CCD counterparts, but no individual pathogen can be singled out as the cause of CCD. view more (2009-08-14)
Plants Can Protect Themselves From Aphids And Locusts
Moscow biologists have proved that people can use the capability of some plants to protect themselves from vermin insects with the help of biologically active substances. It has been found that plants can protect themselves from vermin insects. One way is to use substances which the plants synthesise to suppress insects' hormones activity and to... view more... (2003-12-15)
Fungus Foot Baths Could Save Bees
One of the biggest world wide threats to honey bees, the varroa mite, could soon be about to meet its nemesis. Researchers at the University of Warwick are examining naturally occurring fungi that kill the varroa mite. They are also exploring a range of ways to deliver the killer fungus throughout the hives from bee fungal foot baths to powder... view more... (2008-07-29)
Long-term bouts with hay fever worsen ability to breathe through your nose
New evidence for the first time suggests that people suffering from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) will over time experience a progressive worsening of their nasal passage functioning, depending on how long they have the disorder, according to a new study published in the June 2008 edition of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. view more (2008-06-02)
Pollution, everyday allergens, may be sources of laryngitis
Everyday exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, allergens, and air pollution may be the root of chronic cases of laryngitis, says new research presented at the 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Chicago, IL. view more (2008-09-22)
The effect of transgenic nematode resistance on non-target organisms in the potato rhizosphere
A paper published today in the December Issue of Journal of Applied Ecology by Cowgill et al describes the results of small-scale field trials that were used to assess the effect of PI-expressing potatoes on non-target soil organisms. The impact of a currently used PCN management option, the nematicide, aldicarb, on soil organisms was also studied. view more (2002-11-26)
Gut worms may protect against house-dust mite allergy
A study conducted in Vietnam has added further weight to the view that parasitic gut worms, such as hookworm, could help in the prevention and treatment of asthma and other allergies. view more (2009-09-29)
Pesticide build-up could lead to poor honey bee health
Honey bees industriously bring pollen and nectar to the hive, but along with the bounty comes a wide variety of pesticides, according to Penn State researchers. view more (2008-08-19)
Hissing cockroaches are popular, but they also host potent mold allergens
Their gentle nature, large size, odd sounds and low-maintenance care have made Madagascar hissing cockroaches popular educational tools and pets for years. But the giant insects also have one unfortunate characteristic: Their hard bodies and feces are home to many mold species that could be triggering allergies in the kids and adults who handle... view more... (2008-03-18)
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