Antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Even thick-skinned bacteria is no match for the copper-coated spiky surface of the etched stainless steel, as illustrated in this exaggerated rendering of the material

Materials

Spiky stainless steel and copper delivers one-two punch to bacteria

To help combat the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, researchers have been experimenting for years with drug-free methods to blast disease-causing bugs. A new type of stainless steel does exactly that, in a convenient and affordable way.

A scanning electron microscope image of the new antimicrobial coating on a fabric sample

Materials

Antimicrobial textile coating makes superbug-squashing hospital curtains

Hospitals are meant to heal people, but patients often pick up superbugs during their stay. Scientists have now developed long-lasting antimicrobial coatings for textiles that could allow hospital curtains to quickly kill viruses and bacteria.

Four different nanotextured surfaces, with bacteria interacting with them in different ways

Materials

Nature-inspired nanotextures pop superbugs, help ships cut through water

Researchers have developed a simple new way to make material surfaces with intricate nanoscale textures, all inspired by nature. Different patterns have a range of applications, like making antimicrobial surfaces or reducing ship hull friction.

Materials

Medieval "stained glass" technique prevents bacterial infections

Bacteria are a huge problem in hospitals, where colonies can build up on instruments and cause potentially fatal infections in vulnerable patients. Now, researchers at Aston University have developed a new type of antimicrobial material that’s made using a centuries-old stained glass technique.