Witness the Power of Antimicrobial Copper
Approximately 7 million people worldwide acquire a
healthcare-associated infection (HAI) each year and, of the 4
million in Europe, around 37,000 die. In addition to the
immeasurable personal toll, this costs over $80 billion globally,
according to the World Health Organisation.
8th March 2011
Microbes that thrive on objects we touch every day cause these
infections. Despite aggressive hand washing campaigns and
routine cleaning, infection rates remain unacceptably high and more
needs to be done. Antibiotic-resistant organisms have spread
from the healthcare environment to schools, homes and public
transportation. In addition, antimicrobial resistance - the
theme of World Health Day 2011 - and its global spread, threatens
the continued effectiveness of many medicines used today to treat
infectious diseases.
Researchers are now looking at new ways to prevent the
transmission of significant pathogens such as MRSA.
Laboratory and clinical tests have shown that copper can destroy
such pathogens.
This is why we invite you to see a live
experiment, led by Professor William Keevil, microbiological
researcher and Director of the Environmental Healthcare Unit at the
University of Southampton, that will show the efficacy of
antimicrobial copper, scientifically proven to be the most
effective touch surface material.
To witness, live from the lab, the power of antimicrobial
copper, join us on the 4th April at 14:00 on www.antimicrobialtouchsurface.com.
You will not only be able to see microbes dying on copper with your
own eyes, but you can interact via web chat with copper
experts.
To find out more about the webcast, view the event trailer at www.antimicrobialtouchsurface.com.
Afraid you'll
forget about it on the day? We can email you a reminder to view the
experiment if you register online.
About the University:
The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and
research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge
research and scholarship across a wide range of subjects in
engineering, science, social sciences, health and humanities.
With over 22,000 students, around 5,000 staff, and an annual
turnover well in excess of £400 million, the University of
Southampton is acknowledged as one of the country's top
institutions for engineering, computer science and medicine. We
combine academic excellence with an innovative and entrepreneurial
approach to research, supporting a culture that engages and
challenges students and staff in their pursuit of learning.
The University is also home to a number of world-leading
research centres including the Institute of Sound and Vibration
Research, the Optoelectronics Research Centre, the Web Science
Research Initiative, the Centre for the Developmental Origins of
Health and Disease, the Southampton Statistical Sciences Research
Institute and is a partner of the National Oceanography Centre at
the Southampton waterfront campus.
Download press release (with images) - [152
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Contacts:
Glenn Harris
Public Relations and Media Officer Communications
University of Southampton
Tel: 023 8059 3212
Email: G.Harris@soton.ac.uk
Website: www.soton.ac.uk/mediacentre/
Follow us on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/southamptonnews
Follow us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/unisouthampton
or
Bryony Samuel
Communications Officer
Copper Development Association
5 Grovelands Business Centre
Boundary Way
Hemel Hempstead
Herts HP2 7TE
Tel: 01442 275705, Fax: 01442 275716
Email: bryony.samuel@copperdev.org.uk
Websites:
www.antimicrobialcopper.com
www.copperinfo.co.uk