Science Media Centre

A new Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) survey has examined the antimicrobial resistance of bacteria isloated from New Zealand food, and found little evidence of drug resistant ‘superbugs’. The survey was undertaken to establish the current extent of resistance to antimicrobial drugs in bacteria found in food-producing animals and fresh produce. Further details of […]

During a superbug symposium being held today in Auckland, experts will be coming together to discuss to what extent superbugs are a threat in New Zealand, and what approaches should be taken towards them. Superbugs, which are resistant to antibiotics, include the well-known hospital infection MRSA. An excerpt: (read in full here) “Dr Rod Dunbar, […]

Suicide coverage – does it hurt? Suicide reporting laws were under scrutiny again this week as Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean called for more debate about suicide reporting after releasing new suicide statistics. Numerous media editorials have echoed his call for debate with several commentators arguing the restrictions on reporting on suicides is leading to […]

A bacterial enzyme known for being resistant to all antibiotics is spreading through bacteria in India and Pakistan, according to a paper in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. An excerpt: (read in full here) “The BBC reports the battle for supremacy between bacterial infection and antibiotics is intensifying and new treatments are in short supply. “Until […]

A gene that confers resistance to nearly all existing antibiotics has been found in bacteria in India, Pakistan and the UK, and appears to be spreading internationally as patients travel abroad to seek elective surgery, according to a study† published today in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases. The authors of the study say that the […]