Articles tagged with Soaps
The Pitt research team is developing a new approach using machine learning and quantum chemistry calculations to predict effective and degradable chelating agent candidates. This project aims to improve the sustainability of industries such as detergent manufacturing, heavy metal treatment, and waste remediation.
A study by Binghamton University researchers discovered that anionic surfactants in soaps can control the wettability of human skin. This finding has potential applications in improving transdermal drug delivery and adhesion of biointegrated electronics.
A new study reveals that most families in low-income countries lack access to soap at home, with significant disparities across regions. The research underscores the importance of improving handwashing behavior and access to soap in impoverished areas, particularly for children vulnerable to preventable diseases.
Over 200 scientists and medical professionals issue a warning on the dangers of antimicrobial products, citing no health benefits and environmental harm. Experts urge caution in using these chemicals in everyday products, calling for alternatives to prevent unneeded exposures.
A new study at the University of Nevada, Reno has found a potential way to reduce triclosan's presence in the environment, which is linked to antibiotic resistance. The research discovered that a combination of metal-reducing bacteria and natural organic matter can degrade triclosan faster.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University solved the Kirchhoff-Plateau problem, a centuries-old mathematical problem. The solution provides beautiful mathematical results that closely mimic the behavior of soap films in real-world situations, shedding light on energy-minimizing shapes and potential applications in biology.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers are more likely to buy practical products, such as cooking ingredients and household cleaners, when they feel a loss of control. This purchase behavior is driven by a desire to exert control over their lives through functional items.
Researchers from MIPT and their international collaborators have developed a novel method to crystallize membrane proteins using synthetic patches called nanodiscs. This approach enables the transfer of membrane proteins into lipidic cubic phase for crystal growth, preserving their functional state and enabling high-resolution X-ray di...
A team of researchers invented a new soap molecule made from natural products like soybeans, coconut, and corn that works better than conventional soaps in challenging conditions. The technology has the potential to simplify ingredient lists and reduce environmental harm in cleaning products.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a patent-pending technology to create a coating that allows soap products to flow freely from plastic bottles. The coating involves microscopic y-shaped structures that cradle droplets of soap aloft above tiny air pockets, preventing the soap from touching the inside of the bottle.
A study found triclosan in nearly 58% of freshwater streams, contaminating crops and potentially harming humans. Triclosan degrades quickly but breaks down into more harmful compounds, affecting soil microbial communities and plant growth.
Researchers found that exposure to triclosan through household products did not significantly affect the gut or oral microbiome. The study, published in mSphere, suggests that people can safely use triclosan-containing toothpaste without worrying about its impact on their microbiome.
A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology suggests that incorporating rough textures, such as sandpaper, into fundraising materials can increase donations. Participants who touched sandpaper were more willing to donate to lesser-known charities due to increased empathy.
Researchers at McMaster University found that using saline water instead of soap and water can lead to lower rates of infection and complications. The study involved 2,400 patients with open fractures and showed that low-pressure saline irrigation was an acceptable alternative to traditional cleaning methods.
Scientists have discovered that antibacterial soap is ineffective in reducing bacterial contamination when used under 'real life' conditions. The study found that triclosan, the active ingredient in antibacterial soap, has significant effects only after more than nine hours of exposure.
A cluster randomized controlled trial in Ethiopian children found that promoting handwashing with soap significantly reduces intestinal parasite re-infection rates, with a 14% re-infection rate compared to 29% in non-handwashing groups. Additionally, weekly nail clipping interventions also showed efficacy, particularly when combined wi...
A study finds that consumers perceive handmade products as imbued with love and creator's essence. Handmade items preferred when purchasing for loved ones, with a 17% premium paid.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that triclosan causes liver fibrosis and cancer in laboratory mice through molecular mechanisms relevant in humans. Long-term exposure to the chemical may lead to liver toxicity, particularly when combined with other compounds.
A study by UCSF researchers found that hospital workers exposed to antibacterial soap had significantly higher triclosan levels in their urine compared to those using plain soap and water. Washing with antibacterial soap accounted for even higher triclosan levels than brushing with toothpaste containing triclosan.
A new analysis finds that oil palm plantations in Africa overlap with great ape habitats, posing a significant threat to apes. The study suggests urgent need for guidelines to minimize negative effects on wildlife and promote sustainable land use.
The article investigates the effects of triclosan, a common antimicrobial ingredient, on human health and the environment. Studies have found that triclosan can disrupt hormones and cause problems for vulnerable populations, such as fetuses and breastfeeding babies.
A team of researchers using a quantum simulator discovered that ultracold atoms can switch from non-interacting to strongly interacting in just one millisecond. The study found that this rapid change is due to diffusion, which affects the magnetism of the atoms.
The SensaBubble system generates scented bubbles with projected images that release a scent upon bursting, creating a chrono-sensory experience. Researchers believe this technology could be applied in areas like education, alerts, and engaging user experiences.
Researchers found that triclosan, an antimicrobial agent in soaps and toothpastes, promotes the colonization of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in human noses. This could predispose some people to infection, particularly those undergoing surgery.
Decades of using antimicrobial household products have left consumers with no measurable benefits, but lax regulation has caused widespread contamination. The FDA is revisiting the safety of triclocarban and triclosan, which are linked to environmental and human health risks.
The SuperMum campaign successfully increased handwashing with soap rates by 31% in rural India villages, sustaining improvements for 12 months. This approach leverages emotional motivators like disgust and nurture to drive behavior change.
A new study finds that figurative language in advertising can be effective, but its impact on attitudes depends on the product type. For hedonic products like truffles and ice cream, consumer reviews use more emotional language than utilitarian products like laundry detergent.
A Cochrane review found that interventions improving water quality and hygiene practices resulted in an average 0.5cm increased height growth in children under five. Access to clean water and soap was associated with reduced microbiological and parasitic infestations, positively impacting child development.
A recent study from the University of Tennessee found that triclocarban in antibacterial soaps may reduce the survival rates of baby rats. Prolonged exposure to the compound during pregnancy and nursing has been linked to early development issues.
A study found that exposure to triclocarban during lactation in rats can affect the early development of their offspring. The researchers found that pups exposed to triclocarban were significantly lighter and had a lower survival rate compared to those not exposed.
Researchers found that using germ-killing soap and ointment on all ICU patients was more effective than other strategies, reducing bloodstream infections and MRSA presence by up to 44%. The study also showed the approach could prevent infections caused by germs other than MRSA.
Researchers from KU Leuven discovered how a bacterium produces substances that counteract the coffee ring effect at the microscopic level. The findings reveal that adding surfactants to materials can create a more uniform distribution of particles during evaporation.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new procedure that thickens and thins fluid at the micron level, potentially saving consumers and manufacturers money. The process creates a permanent scaffold-like network that could be useful for biological applications, such as detecting certain diseases.
A new study found that consumers from less individualistic cultures are more likely to use price as a signal for product quality, whereas individualists focus on separate attributes. This insight can help companies target higher-priced brands towards collectivistic markets.
Research found that UK children are exposed to millions of tobacco images and messages every week on prime time television. This exposure can spark an interest in starting to smoke. Doctors suggest that more stringent controls on tobacco imagery in TV programmes could help curb young people's uptake.
Researchers found triclosan and its derivatives in lake sediments, with higher concentrations in small lakes with wastewater input. The study's results raise concerns about the environmental impact of triclosan, a common antibacterial agent used in soaps and other products.
Scientists have created a way to convert naturally occurring fatty acids found in soap and ice cream into ready-to-use fuel and household chemicals. This breakthrough in synthetic biology has the potential to create renewable energy from sustainable sources.
A new study reveals that consumers presented with options one at a time tend to be less satisfied and committed to their choices. The authors found that this is due to the uncertainty of future alternatives, leading to a feeling of hope that undermines satisfaction levels.
A major three-year trial found that giving one-to-one feedback to healthcare workers makes them twice as likely to clean their hands or use soap. The study, published in PLOS ONE, showed improvements of up to 18% on Intensive Therapy Units and 13% on Acute Care of the Elderly wards.
A study of nearly 75,000 ICU patients in 43 hospitals shows that daily antimicrobial soap and ointment use significantly decreases bloodstream infection rates. The approach, known as universal decolonization, resulted in a 44% reduction in MRSA-related infections.
A new study reveals that expanding palm oil production is driving massive carbon dioxide emissions and rainforest destruction in Indonesian Borneo. The sector's growth has cleared about 16,000 square kilometers of forestland since 1990, accounting for 60% of Kalimantan's total forest cover loss.
A study found that triclosan impairs muscle contractions at a cellular level, slowing swimming in fish and reducing muscular strength in mice. The researchers also observed significant reductions in heart function measures and grip strength in mice exposed to the chemical.
Researchers at the University of Bristol developed a magnetic soap composed of iron-rich salts, which levitates through an organic solvent when exposed to a magnetic field. The soap's properties were confirmed using neutron scattering, and its potential applications include environmental clean-ups and industrial cleaning products.
A UK-wide study found one in six mobile phones are contaminated with faecal matter, highlighting poor handwashing habits. The study also revealed a strong North-South divide in bacterial levels, with Glasgow having the highest levels on phones and hands.
A literature review found that people's judgments of others' moral wrongdoing are influenced by their physical state, with exposure to cleanliness improving moral perceptions. Additionally, using soap can alleviate post-decision doubt and reduce feelings of guilt associated with negative experiences.
Research found that washing with contaminated liquid soap increases Gram-negative bacteria on hands 26-fold, and bacteria from contaminated hands can be transferred to secondary surfaces. This study highlights the importance of using sealed-soap dispensers in community settings.
A new study reveals that triclocarban (TCC) accumulates rapidly in fish, with levels reaching 1,000 times higher than those in the water. This is the first report of TCC uptake and metabolism in fish species, highlighting concerns about its potential endocrine-disrupting effects.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that widespread implementation of seven prevention interventions and three treatment interventions could reduce child diarrhea deaths by up to 92% by 2015. This would save nearly 5 million lives at a cost of $3.24 per capita.
A new study from Rhode Island Hospital found a 64 percent decrease in the risk of acquiring an infection from MRSA or VRE when using two percent chlorhexidine gluconate cloths for daily bathing. The study suggests that CHG bathing may be a beneficial infection control intervention for patients outside of ICU settings.
A meta-analysis of 13 studies found that using cloth or paper to clean the vagina and intravaginal cleaning with soap increase the risk of HIV infection. The study also linked these practices to bacterial vaginosis and disrupted vaginal flora, which can lead to increased susceptibility to HIV.
Researchers used soap films to solve variational mathematical problems, which are crucial in physics, by finding the shape that minimises elastic energy. This innovative procedure was applied to classic problems like the brachistochrone curve and catenary, offering a fun and educative approach.
University of Illinois researchers developed a simple method to create intricate lattice structures using triblock Janus spheres. The innovative material exhibits self-assembly capabilities, enabling the creation of porous sheets with tailored properties for specialized filtering applications.
Research by Arizona State University's Rolf Halden found that triclosan and triclocarban persist in wastewater sludge, soils, and natural water environments, posing risks of bioaccumulation and biomagnification. These chemicals are also linked to endocrine disruption and selective pressure on microorganisms, increasing the likelihood o...
A study by the University of Washington found that 25 commonly used scented products release an average of 17 chemicals each, with nearly a quarter classified as toxic or hazardous. The majority of these chemicals were not listed on product labels or disclosed to consumers.
A University of Minnesota study reveals a significant increase in dioxin levels derived from triclosan in the Mississippi River sediment over the past 30 years, while other dioxins have decreased. The study also found that triclosan-derived dioxins account for about 30% of total dioxin mass in Lake Pepin sediments.
A study found that men tend to react better to messages invoking disgust, while women respond to reminders. Handwashing rates were higher among women, with 64% washing their hands compared to 32% of men.
A Rutgers College of Nursing faculty member is testing the effectiveness of soap opera-style cell phone videos to reduce HIV sexual risk behavior in young women. The videos, based on focus group discussions with urban women, aim to promote health awareness and change.
Frank Morgan has received a three-year NSF grant to research manifolds with density, a generalization of Riemannian manifolds. This work builds on previous summer research and aims to solve isoperimetric problems in probability theory and geometry.
A study in rural Nepal found that birth attendants' hand-washing before delivery reduced neonatal deaths by 25%. Mothers' hand-washing also significantly lowered neonatal mortality risk. Improved hand hygiene practices could reduce newborn deaths in developing countries.
A new study has found that antimicrobial ingredients in personal care products, such as triclosan and triclocarban, persist in estuarine sediments and can harm aquatic life. The study also discovered a potential pathway for the breakdown of these chemicals, but notes that their continued use poses significant environmental risks.