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Category: microbes

Published on Leave a comment on Stop Cold Sores In Their Tracks With Ice Cubes

Stop cold sores by icing them? Yes!

Years ago I read that applying ice cubes to an emerging cold sore can stop it dead in its tracks. Nowadays that method of dealing with cold sores (caused by herpes simplex virus) is not mentioned on medical sites. Yet my experience has been that applying ice and holding it on the emerging cold sore absolutely works.

The sore stops developing at the point when the ice is applied. When applied early in development the cold sore never fully emerges, and so the fluid filled blister and weeping stages never occur.

Instead, it will go directly to the scab stage, or even regress to nothing if you get it early enough. The key is to get ice directly on the spot before the sore fully erupts, and to press or hold the ice directly on it for lengthy periods of time - perhaps a total of 30 to 40 minutes (if it's very early in development) up to one hour. For best results, can do a second time in one day. Repeat on day 2 if needed or desired.

Method: Apply an ice cube directly on the area where the cold sore is emerging (but wrap part of it in a paper towel so you can hold it comfortably). Hold it on the spot till the ice cube melts. Then apply a second ice cube to the area until the ice melts. Perhaps even a third (or 4th?) ice cube. Yes, the skin will be a little red afterwards, but that soon goes away.

Big question: Would this method work for everyone? Don't know of any studies looking at this. But some people on Reddit mention successfully stopping cold sores by using ice cubes ("ice the cold sore"). Here and here and here. Some other comments from Redditt:

"I know this sounds crazy but ice will stop a cold sore in its tracks without fail for me! You have to get the ice on there as soon as you feel the tingle though because once it starts to break skin it's much harder to stop. Let an ice cube melt entirely on it, and then another. And maybe a third lol."

"100% works. Anyone not doing this is suffering for no reason. Ice ice ice it!"

"Ice it. Right when you feel it. It stops it from replicating. Stops it right in it's tracks. Won't even get any blisters. It's amazing!"

"Honestly I put ice in a ziploc bag and hold it up to the spot anytime I feel a cold sore coming, usually gets rid of it but only when you do it right when you feel it coming.

Published on Leave a comment on Healthy Soil Contains More Organisms Than All the Humans on Earth

This past week I read an amazing fact, so amazing that I had to verify it by looking at other sources. The fact: One teaspoon of soil from a healthy forest floor contains more living organisms (bacteria, fungi, protists, and nematodes) than there are humans on Earth. And most of the species in that teaspoonful have never been named or described.

I first read this at the Times of India this week. But the actual research quoted in the article is from 2022.  Christine Sprunger, an Assistant Professor of Soil Health at Michigan State University has been studying soil health for years, and has famously argued that "a teaspoon of soil contains more life than there are humans on Earth".

Unfortunately, the important words are "healthy soil". Christine Sprunger, as well as many other scientists, point out that we humans are degrading soil quality throughout the world. Main things degrading soil quality are: land conversion, climate change, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, farming practices that disturb the soil in a negative way (tillage, reduced organic matter inputs, pesticides, pollution, nitrates).

One example of serious soil degradation with terrible consequences was the Dust Bowl in the US. Yes, we need healthy soil!

Excerpts from an Oct. 2022 interview with Christine Sprunger. From Open Access Government: Deteriorating soil health: ‘A teaspoon of soil contains more life than there are humans on earth’

...I think it is first effective to define soil health. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, a branch of the United States Department of Agriculture, defines soil health as “the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans”. Thus, on a global scale there are numerous factors that could potentially threaten these living components, depending on where the ecosystem is. ...continue reading "Healthy Soil Contains More Organisms Than All the Humans on Earth"

Published on Leave a comment on Measles Can Be Deadly
Child with measles rash Credit: CDC

In the year 2000 the United States had a "measles elimination status" meaning measles had been eliminated in the US, but that's now over. So far in 2026 there have been 1671 measles infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In this past week alone there were almost 100 new cases, almost all in Utah.

Measles infections (which are bad enough) can have very serious complications, including death. According to the CDC these include severe ear infections (leading to hearing loss), severe diarrhea, pneumonia (can cause death), encephalitis (brain swelling) resulting in permanent brain damage, complications during pregnancy, and even the rare fatal condition subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) that can occur years later (typically 4 to 8 years later).

Scary facts about measles (from the CDC): about 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the US who get measles is hospitalized, about 1 child out of every 1000 who get measles will develop encephalitis (brain swelling), and nearly 1 to 3 of every 1000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.

Yeah, the measles vaccine works, but only if you get vaccinated. By the way, a measles infection is especially deadly to babies because they are still too young to get vaccinated - which normally occurs at 12 to 15 months of age,

Excerpts from rom CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy): US nears 1,700 measles cases, with 73 new infections in Utah

US measles cases climbed by almost 100 in the past week, reaching 1,671 infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today in its weekly update. The vast majority of the 96 new cases are in Utah. ...continue reading "Measles Can Be Deadly"

Published on Leave a comment on Every Tree Has A Microbiome

Not only humans and many foods (e.g., fruits) have microbiomes - the community of bacteria, viruses, archaea, and fungi living on and in the organism. Researchers found that trees also have microbiomes, and when a tree is diseased, the microbiome changes.

A single tree can be home to a trillion microbial cells! The microbes interact and depend on each other.

Additionally, different tree species have different microbiomes, and different parts of the tree have different microbiomes - the tree bark (sapwood) vs tree interior(heartwood). Makes sense!

Excerpts from NY Times: In Every Tree, a Trillion Tiny Lives

Scientists have found that a single tree can be home to a trillion microbial cells — an invisible ecosystem that is only beginning to be understood.

A forest is a complex, dynamic ecosystem in which a rich array of living things, from old-growth trees to microscopic fungi, interact and depend on one another for survival. ...continue reading "Every Tree Has A Microbiome"

Published on Leave a comment on Garlic Extract Mouthwash Appears Promising

There has been discussion over the years regarding mouthwash - what are the harms and benefits? Does using mouthwash regularly disrupt the oral (mouth) microbiome? Chlorhexidine mouthwash is generally considered the best for treating gingivitis and killing bacteria.

Researchers at the College of Dental Medicine, Univ. of Sharjah in the UAE, recently published a review of studies comparing garlic extract mouthwash vs chlorhexidine mouthwash. They found that garlic mouthwash can be as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Garlic (Allium sativum) has natural antimicrobial properties. The researchers found that among the studies there were some differences in effectiveness for both types of mouthwash depending on the concentration used and duration of application.

However, one negative they found is that garlic mouthwash can be more uncomfortable to use - it can cause a burning sensation and unpleasant taste.

Excerpts from Science Daily: Garlic mouthwash shows shockingly strong germ-fighting power

Garlic extract has been found to offer antimicrobial effects that are on par with commonly used antiseptics and disinfectants such as chlorhexidine, according to medical researchers at the University of Sharjah.

The study, published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine, reports that garlic-based mouthwash may produce more discomfort than chlorhexidine but appears to provide longer-lasting residual activity.

...continue reading "Garlic Extract Mouthwash Appears Promising"

Published on Leave a comment on Loss of Smell from A COVID Infection Can Linger For At Least Two Years

Millions of us have had a least one COVID infection. Many suffered a loss of smell during the infection. A recent study by NYU Langone researchers found that the loss of smell can linger for at least 2 years after the infection. And even if you thought that your smell was never impacted or that it has recovered, it actually may not have fully recovered, but only partially recovered.

Among the 3525 participants in the study that reported a loss of smell during a COVID infection - 80% still  had not fully recovered their sense of smell 2 years later, and for 23% it was severely diminished or lost. Interestingly, 66% of persons who originally had a COVID infection, but did not notice any smelling issues, also scored abnormally low on the evaluation done 2 years after the infection.

It can be said that their sense of smell has dulled (olfactory dysfunction). This reduced ability to smell is called hyposmia. Researchers administer a 40-odor test to persons to determine their smelling ability. To help recover the sense of smell, vitamin A supplementation and olfactory training are being tried.

From Science Daily: Millions could be living with hidden smell loss after COVID without knowing

People who suspect that their sense of smell has been dulled after a bout of COVID-19 are likely correct, a new study using an objective, 40-odor test shows. Even those who do not notice any olfactory issues may be impaired. ...continue reading "Loss of Smell from A COVID Infection Can Linger For At Least Two Years"

Published on Leave a comment on Altered Gut Microbiomes In Persons With Pain Conditions
Wrist pain Credit: Wikipedia

We know that there are microbiomes  (communities of bacteria, viruses, fungi) throughout the body, and that there are microbial patterns or "microbial signatures" found in different diseases. But now it appears that there are microbial signatures for a whole list of pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), arthritis, and migraine.

In other words, the gut microbiome is different between those with a pain condition compared to healthy individuals without the condition. One question is: does chronic pain cause the microbiome to change or do microbial changes or shifts cause chronic pain? Or does the presence of certain bacteria protect against different pain conditions?

It is still unknown whether probiotic supplementation would help these conditions because the studies are not yet done. But researchers do suggest eating an anti-inflammatory diet - which means a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (includes beans), fish, seeds, nuts, and olive oil. This kind of diet has lots of fiber to feed and support beneficial bacteria.

Also, avoid ultra-processed food as much as possible, including processed meats and soda, because these are associated with harmful bacteria in the gut. Read the ingredient list, and try to avoid foods with ingredients not found in your kitchen (e.g., emulsifiers, colors, natural flavors, artificial flavors, carrageenan, soy lecithin, guar gum)

From Medscape: Gut Microbiome Changes in Chronic Pain — Test and Treat?

A new study adds to what has been emerging in the literature — namely that there appear to be gut microbiome “signatures” for various pain conditions — suggesting that microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics may one day be routine for a broad range of pain conditions. ...continue reading "Altered Gut Microbiomes In Persons With Pain Conditions"

Published on Leave a comment on The Pesticides We’re Exposed to Disrupt the Gut Microbiome

Millions of pounds of pesticides are used each year in the US: on farms, in buildings and homes, on lawns, in pet flea and tick products - basically everywhere. And so the pesticides eventually wind up in us - from the foods we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe (when pesticides drift during applications or when used indoors), and the treated lawns and ground we walk on.

We are continuously exposed to low levels of multiple pesticides, but it is unknown what this does to us. Recently, a study examined the effect of multiple pesticide exposures on gut health and found that they killed off many beneficial (good) bacteria and had harmful alterations on gut bacteria metabolism. Uh-oh.

Bottom line: Many studies show that we can quickly (within 2 weeks) reduce the amount of pesticides (pesticide residues) in our bodies by eating as many organic foods as possible. Also, use nontoxic IPM (Integrated Pest Management) in the home, and reduce pesticide use in and out of the home (on lawns and gardens).

From Beyond Pesticides: Study Maps the Gut Microbiome and Adverse Impacts of Pesticide Residues

Researchers developed a novel tool* in a recent study published in Nature Communications this year that successfully creates a map of the “pesticide-gut microbiota-metabolite network,” identifying “significant alterations in gut bacteria metabolism.”

...continue reading "The Pesticides We’re Exposed to Disrupt the Gut Microbiome"

Published on Leave a comment on Exercise Is Beneficial In Cancer

Exercise helps fight cancer. Wow! What a headline. But is it true?

Researchers studied exercise, and its effect on gut microbes and the molecules they produce in response to the exercise. They found that certain gut microbes produce a metabolite (formate) that is increased with exercise and which boosts the potency of CD8 T cells in the immune system – which are key to fighting cancer. The initial tests were done in mice, but then the researchers took their results and applied them to humans with melanoma.

They found that in humans with melanoma, high levels of formate had longer progression-free survival (they live with the cancer, but it doesn't get worse). This is big news! Of course, further studies are ongoing.

Bottom line: Exercise is beneficial for all sorts of reasons, but one may be its effects on cancer. Studies find that exercise is known to help prevent cancer and suppress the growth of existing tumors.

From New Scientist: Exercise helps fight cancer – and we may finally know why

Exercise seems to help prevent cancer and reduce the growth of tumours, and that protective effect may be due to the way working out changes the gut microbiome. ...continue reading "Exercise Is Beneficial In Cancer"

Published on Leave a comment on Woman Dies After Using Contaminated Water For Nasal Rinses
Naegleria fowleri Credit: CDC

Saline nasal rinses have become very popular, usually to ease symptoms of nasal congestion during colds, allergies, or sinus infections. It is very important to only use boiled (and cooled), commercially bottled, sterile, or distilled water for nasal rinses to make sure any harmful microbes and organisms in the water are killed. One person in Texas ignored this advice and paid with her life.

The woman used nonboiled water from the RV faucet (in her RV vehicle), which was unfortunately contaminated with the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. This amoeba traveled to her brain and caused primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), also known as Naegleriasis. Which is almost always fatal. In her case, she died within 8 days from the first symptoms.

Authorities were unable to determine if the amoeba was in the RV campsite drinking system or if it was picked up in another site when filling up her RV's water. But, they did point out that drinking water contaminated with Naegleria fowleri does not cause problems. It is only a problem when rinsing contaminated water into the nasal passages and sinuses - the amoeba can then travel to the brain.

As the CDC points out on its web-site (also see page on safe nasal rinsing):

"Germs such as the amebas Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba can grow in public and private water tanks and pipes. They can also grow in the pipes and water heaters in some homes and buildings.

Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba can pose a serious risk to your health if they are in the water you use to rinse your sinuses or nasal passages. If the amebas go up the nose and to the brain, they can cause nearly always fatal brain infections. Although rare, people have died from rinsing their sinuses with tap water containing Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba."

From CIDRAP (The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the Univ. of Minnesota): Woman dies from brain ameba after flushing nose with RV water

A previously healthy 71-year-old woman in Texas died within 2 weeks of using tap water from a recreational vehicle (RV) for nasal irrigation. She was diagnosed as having primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) a rare, often fatal brain infection caused by the ameba Naegleria fowleri, according to a report yesterday in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. ...continue reading "Woman Dies After Using Contaminated Water For Nasal Rinses"