FROM MY SURGERY

ANTIBIOTIC NEWS

We hear a lot about resistance to antibiotics and there’s no question that we all need to use antibiotics wisely. But there may be hope on the horizon. A group of scientists from the University of Liverpool are making progress at developing synthetic versions of a molecule used by bacteria to kill off their competition – other bacteria around them. They might even work against MRSA.

PHONE-BRAIN

For years there have been concerns flying around that using mobile phones might increase the risk of brain tumours. A huge new study, looking at ¾ million women, has provided definitive reassurance.

The study, which followed people for 14 years, showed no evidence of any link between mobile phone use and brain tumours. This included people using them every day for more than a decade.

NEEDLE-SAFE

Almost 19 in 20 surgeons have been affected by a needlestick injury, where a potentially contaminated needle injures them. So it’s good to see a UK-based smart med-tech innovator, NeedleSmart, aim to cut the 100,000 annual injuries. They’ve designed the first end-to-end vaccination and safe needle destruction system. Safe doctors means safer patients.