Time to get your science fiction hats on, but leave the fiction visor off this time. The
BBC has gotten all hot and bothered today about a newly published research report indicating a significant advancement in the field of plasma-based disinfection of both healthy and wounded human skin. Yes, the same stuff that drives your
big-ass television is also capable -- in a gaseous form -- of interacting with the oxygen, nitrogen, and water vapor in the air to create a concoction lethal to bacteria and fungi, but innocuous to humanoids. The big breakthrough here is that mass production of such devices is finally possible at rates affordable enough to makes them commonplace in hospitals, tattoo shops and the like. Additionally, an argon-based "plasma torch" has been shown to
accelerate wound healing, though it's not certain whether this happens through the particular effects of the plasma, or through the reduction of bacteria infesting the wound. The fact the researchers themselves don't know is both unnerving and strangely fun at the same time. We've got a shot of the prototype after the break and the
entire paper is available at the read link, if you feel like a geek binge.
posted Nov 26th 2009 7:15AM
I'd love to see a time-lapse video of this in action...
So the article says it can even kill bacteria that causes b/o... so does that mean this could technically eliminate showers? or at least significantly reduce the need for one every day.
@(Unverified) Eww...
@(Unverified) now if it only could remove grime....
we'd still have to wash our hair and face, but the rest of the body really doesn't get that bad so maybe ;)
Sonic shower anyone?
@(Unverified) Showering also involves exfoliating. If you aren't cleaning off constantly dying skin you're going to wind up scratching all the time.
@(Unverified)
I enjoy showering so screw that.
Bacteria has always been around humanity since the beginning of time and probably always will be. It's probably essential for humans to constantly deal with immunity. Humans will come down with diseases no matter what new technology is invented. Even if they rid bacteria from the skin, humans will still be affected by airborne bacteria. This product might be good for lab workers, but would likely be useless for the average person.
@Average White Boy
But it could be useful in trips to other planets...keep planets pristine from Earth-based germs and/or keep foreign germs away from Earth.
@Average White Boy
Humans need some good bacteria to survive, e.g. the kinds we have in our intestine, they also help break down garbage so if we like it or not we have to live with them.
But this plasma still looks like an useful invention, maybe it could also be used to keep food fresh for longer, it could be even included in fridges.
@Average White Boy couldnt they combat the airborn bacteria by having giant versions of this on the all entrances and exits of hospitals and wards and also build it into the air filtration systems. that way hospitals would stay a lot more sterial as portable versions could maybe be used as well during the cleaning of rooms
No one understood penicillin at the time of its discovery either.
@gerrrg
I don't think that's true
@Wwhat
Actually, it is.
@gerrrg there is a big difference between fighting an infection and germophobia.
Heroine hero?
@(Unverified) Would you kindly take the time to find the game they made that Photoshop from? (I'll give you a hint... I already know.)
@(Unverified) CATCH ME! YOU ALMOST GOT ME!
I didnt read the article, just came to say "Excellent picture! This made my day!"
@y3knik
agreed,
anyone knows where does it come from?
@chhh I believe its a screen shot from BioShock photo-shopped. Great Game.
@y3knik Good for you. For me it reminded me of Bioshock....which reminded me of the ending (good)......not very memorable! x_x
The obsession with complete eradication of bacteria and germs from our society is exactly what's causing so much sickness these days. The people that I constantly see using hand sanitizers and other such nonsense are the exact same people who are always coming down with something. I can understand the mentality if you work in such an environment where such a thing would be a necessity -- such as a hospital, or somewhere that requires handling of raw foods or bodily fluids -- but for most people in public, you shouldn't be so over-zealous when it comes to killing every bit of bacteria you think will bring about your end.
Me?
I just utilize proper handwashing techniques, and don't worry too much about coming across germs unless I am eating or preparing food. The body needs to experience germs and bacteria from a foreign environment to strengthen its own immune system. I am by no means "old", but I do recall when I was growing up, that dirt and germs were something that kids commonly came into contact with, and such gave us the ability to fight off the *real* nasty stuff when we got older. I haven't had a flu shot in 10 years, and in that time I have only had a serious illness (one that put me out of commission for more than a day) maybe 3 or 4 times.
It seems that parents and schools are so worried about sickness as of late, that they're not giving children the proper chance to build their immune systems. It's almost as if we won't let ourselves out in public any more without jacking our bodies up on antibiotics and soaking ourselves in Ethyl Alcohol.
@r34p3r
I agree with you on every point you make. People need to stop worrying so much about getting sick and just let their immune system step up. But then again a lot of people do not eat healthy. All I have to say is good luck to them.
@r34p3r
You're right and wrong at the same time. For the general population, they are over-concerned about germs which (as studies have shown) has led to a decreased immune system.
However, there are specific situations - which presumably are much less common - where you do need something like this. Surgery would be the obvious example, followed by tattooing as they pointed out, etc. This is an industrial device that won't make it into homes anytime soon, so it's meant for these types of uses.
@r34p3r
"I haven't had a flu shot in 10 years"
I agreed with most of it until I read that. All you're doing by not taking the shot is relying on herd immunity, which is only getting worse what with the reported increase in outbreaks of what used to be often vaccinated-for illnesses like measles. If enough people don't get the shot...
All I'm saying is: getting vaccinated and getting the shot is quite different from nuking your hands with sanitizer.
@r34p3r and that's exactly why i feed my daughter random dirt from different places several times a week! lol
@(Unverified)
r34p3r did state he understands the need in environments where it's a necessity and cited hospitals and food handling as two instances of such a need for bacterial eradication. It sounds like you agreed with everything he said.
@r34p3r
A flu shot doesn't really work in this context. In fact, getting a flu shot would help further prove your point as the flu shot actually gives you the flu (in a very weak form) so your body is able to build the antibodies needed to stave off a more serious infection.
@r34p3r
I agree with everything you have stated, except the flu shot bit. The person above me has shown why the converse is true for vaccines.
For anyone who warned house a week or two ago, there is a theory that the reason developed countries have so many autoimmune diseases is because of our underexposure to bacteria and germs, so our body never learns which things are good and which are bad.
This invention will revolutionize clean room environments and any place that requires sterility! I hopethat it is either too expensive or just plain not available to the general public, so that people don't overuse it.
A good way to reduce illness is asking the CIA/pentagon to stop developing new diseases and spreading them experimentally.
(And I'm only half joking, look it up.)
Mr.Scott set handwashers to stun
That image remembers Bioshock.
When did 'obselete' become a verb?
@beefiron
D'oh, obsolete. No point being a pedant if you can't get your spelling right.
@beefiron In fact, he didn't get anything right. I can't tell you when obsolete became a verb, but I can tell you it's been that way for a while.
@beefiron Obviate would be a good substitute.
I do feel like crawling under a rock at this point. So obsolete is a verb - who knew? (Everyone but me, apparently)
@beefiron
I had the exact same first reaction. "Obsolete" only exists as an adjective or a transitive verb, and I don't think transitive verbs can be used this way. I stand by our gut feeling that this is bad grammar. As the guy above noted, obviate would be the proper word choice here. Not that anyone actually cares. Is this really how I'm spending my Thanksgiving?
@Vlad Savov What?! Obsolete is not a verb! Beefiron is right, this is poor grammar.
Also, according to Merriam-Webster, "obsolesce" is a valid transitive verb, so I guess that could've been used, but "obsolete" is definitely an adjective.
Kudos to whichever Big Daddy photoshopped this....
@SolidSnake
+1 I lold.
@SolidSnake You are a good man :)
Wow, a screenshot of Bioshock with a purell logo over it. Engadget, will you ever fail to please?
Epic photoshop.
Cool... Stimpak V1.0
Would love to get an ability through this much like BioShock. :D
That photo is amazing, thanks :)
plasma... Are they talking about the stuff blood is made of, or the phase or matter? Plasma TV's = plasma phase... I don't think this is made of that...