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Hydrogen peroxide marshals immune system

Researchers have discovered that hydrogen peroxide is released from wounds and triggers the recruitment of white blood cells to combat infection. The finding suggests that high levels of hydrogen peroxide may be involved in conditions like asthma and inflammatory gut diseases, warranting further investigation.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJun 3, 2009

Separating the brain's 'bad' from 'good' iron

Researchers have created 'pro-chelators' that can selectively bind to potentially destructive forms of iron in the brain, reducing oxidative stress and cell damage associated with these diseases. The iron-binding agents are designed to target only harmful iron species, allowing benign forms to carry out vital functions.

Hydrogen peroxide could cause absorbable sutures to come apart, UT Southwestern researchers report

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that hydrogen peroxide decreases the tensile strength of absorbable sutures. In contrast, cleaning with distilled water did not harm their strength. The study suggests that patients using hydrogen peroxide on such sutures may be at risk for weakened healing and hypertrophic scars.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateJul 31, 2007

OTC treatment for acne as good as antibiotics

A randomized trial involving over 650 participants found that OTC acne treatments were as effective as oral antibiotic tablets. Benzoyl peroxide was identified as the cheapest and most cost-effective treatment, with a significant difference in cost-effectiveness between regimens.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 16, 2004