Natural clay deposit may hold keys to defeating hospital infections.

Researchers have uncovered potent antimicrobial activity in a natural clay deposit found on the central coast of British Columbia, Canada. The research shows that the clay can kill members of the ESKAPE group of bacterial pathogens, the culprits behind some of the deadliest and most antibiotic-resistant hospital-acquired infections. Researchers have uncovered potent antimicrobial activity in a natural clay deposit found on the central coast of British Columbia, Canada. The research, published this week in mBio, an online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology, shows that the clay can kill members of the ESKAPE group of bacterial pathogens, the culprits behind some of the deadliest and most antibiotic-resistant hospital-acquired infections. Kisameet clay, named for a nearby bay, has been used by the indigenous Heiltsuk First Nation people for several centuries to treat both internal and skin ailments. In the 1940s, doctors in Vancouver used the clay to successfully treat a variety of ailments such as ulcerative colitis, duodenal ulcer, arthritis, and burns. But, after antibiotics became widely available, the natural remedy was largely forgotten. The ESKAPE group of bacteria includes pathogens such as MRSA, as well as those that cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections and septicemia. These bacteria were identified as the leading problems in hospital-acquired infections because they are resistant to most antibiotics and are extremely difficult to treat. Davies and his graduate student Shekooh Behroozian wanted to determine if the clay harbored activity that could fight microbes in the lab. "When we started, we thought it was folk medicine, but it turned out to be much more than that," says Davies. Using a collection of 16 bacterial strains mostly from local hospitals, Behroozian tested a diluted suspension of the clay for antibacterial activity against the strains. Incubating the bacteria with the clay suspension for 24-48 hours, the team showed that the clay had a strong antibacterial activity that killed all 16 strains. Both water-based and solvent-based extracts of the clay also exhibit antibacterial activity. Extracts also killed Candida albicans, a pathogenic yeast, and prevented the formation of biofilms produced by two ESKAPE members, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.The exact mechanisms of how the clay kills bacteria and yeast are unknown, says Davies, largely because clay is a complicated mixture. Kisameet clay is about 24% by weight clay minerals, which are aluminum silicates with metal ions interspersed through their layers. Like soil, the clay also contains a complex microbial community. The clay's physical, chemical, and microbial properties are likely to contribute to its antimicrobial activity and may do so synergistically. Story source;Papers from American society for microbiology.

FOOD SECURITY AND ORGANIC AGRICULTURE.

Researchers have concluded that feeding a growing global population with sustainability goals in mind is possible. Their review of hundreds of published studies provides evidence that organic farming can produce sufficient yields, be profitable for farmers, protect and improve the environment and be safer for farm workers. "Hundreds of scientific studies now show that organic agriculture should play a role in feeding the world" said Reganold, lead author of the study. "Thirty years ago, there were just a couple handfuls of studies comparing organic agriculture with conventional. In the last 15 years, these kinds of studies have skyrocketed." Organic production currently accounts for only one percent of global agricultural land, despite rapid growth in the last two decades."In severe drought conditions, which are expected to increase with climate change, organic farms have the potential to produce high yields because of the higher water-holding capacity of organically farmed soils," Reganold said. However, even when yields may be lower, organic agriculture is more profitable for farmers because consumers are willing to pay more. Higher prices can be justified as a way to compensate farmers for providing ecosystem services and avoiding environmental damage or external costs. Numerous studies in the review also prove the environmental benefits of organic production. Overall, organic farms tend to store more soil carbon, have better soil quality, and reduce soil erosion. Organic agriculture also creates less soil and water pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions. And it's more energy efficient because it doesn't rely on synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. It is also associated with greater biodiversity of plants, animals, insects and microbes as well as genetic diversity. Biodiversity increases the services that nature provides like pollination and improves the ability of farming systems to adapt to changing conditions. Story credit; science daily.

PIG PRODUCTIVITY # WAY FORWARD.

RBI Agri

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Webinar Improve Pig Productivity

How to improve pig productivity? Can it be achieved by applying multi-phase feeding? Or choosing different climate solutions or perhaps looking at pig genetics? Find out more on February 9.

When aiming at the improvement of pig productivity, many solutions are usually focused on enhancing animal nutrition. After all, how could one more directly influence productivity than through feed? What is certain, however, is that there is a host of other options available as well. That is where our search begins on February 9. Pig Progress shall highlight several of these strategies in an exclusive webinar, brought to you live from Amsterdam, the Netherlands (CET 11.00 -12.00 am). The following speakers shall be sharing their views:

	1. Product Manager Pigs Ludo Bosschaerts: International, independent research has proven that multi-phase feeding produces better feed conversion ratio’s (FCR) and has a positive impact on average daily gain (ADG). A better retention of nutrients in the body has been found and a significant reduction in the production of manure, resulting in a lower expulsion of ammonium gasses into the environment. This Roxell concept results in a high return on investment.
	2. Merete Lyngbye, Master of Engineering, PhD, Director for Livestock Segment at Munters will speak about climate solutions to improve pig producers economy and environmental footprint.
	3. Benny van Haandel. Director/consultant at E-barn Solutions will give a presentation titled ‘Are our current pig genetics future proof?’ “How do new developments in various areas and markets affect the required characteristics of future top performing pigs?” ”

Hosted by Vincent ter Beek, editor of Pig Progress, the live webinar offers you the opportunity to exchange ideas with experts in real time.

Tuesday

9

February 2016

starts at 11:00 AM CET

Sign up for this webinar here

RBI Agri webinars

IMPROVING PIG PRODUCTIVITY.

The race to increase production in pig farming has begun,with all stakeholders searching out means to increase production,prevent diseases ,maximize profit and provide wholesome pork for the populace. A webinar is coming up on the 9/2/2016,@ 11 AM CET. Its an international event,where you can rub minds with experts in the field,learn and improve productivity level.The course is free but registration is required, come lets raise the standard of the industry. The event is powered by The topics for discussion are 1)The use of multiple faced feeding to ensure better feed conversion. 2)Climate solutions to improve pig producers economy and environmental footprint. 3)The effects of new developments and market on characteristics of top performing pigs.

WATER,YOU AND YOUR HEALTH.

A study by the University of Birmingham indicates that,If you drink two glasses of water before one or two meals a day, can it help you to lose weight faster?.This saves a lot of money on diet drugs,diet foods and weight loss programmes. The research selected 80 obese adults in their fifties for a three month study. The method used was to give all participants advice on how they might lose weight and how to go about it using diet and exercise. Then, half the group were asked to load up by drinking about a pint or two glasses of water before one or two meals a day. They were also checked to see if they were really doing so by regularly measuring their urine output! The other half group were just told to imagine they were full before they sat down to eat. The results showed that both groups lost weight. But those who were drinking water before all meals had reduced their weight by 4.3kg (9.48 lbs) over the 12 weeks. They also lost 2.7 pounds more than the “full stomach thinkers”, who, interestingly enough were working out and exercising more than their water-drinking colleagues. The water drinkers were eating less which probably helped them a lot. More studies need to be done with larger and more diverse ethnic groups and ages for a broader picture. The conclusion off the research is that drinking a glass or 2 of water before your main meal helps you lose weight. Start the water challenge today.#Water for life project.

WATER AND YOUR METABOLISM.

Studies suggest that consistently drinking water during each day stimulates a more dynamic metabolism, regardless of your diet. Consuming 16 ounces of water just after awaking in the mornings raises your metabolism by 24%, according to the Health Fitness Revolution. An increase in pounds is a concern if your body is retaining water before adjusting to the higher intake consumption. Even so, acting as an appetite suppressant, water comes to the rescue. You’ll soon begin to consume fewer calories, lose weight, and keep it off, because the water flushes out your system, cleansing your body and reducing your hunger. One glass of water an hour before bed is said to prevent a heart attack or stroke. It makes it easier for the heart to send freshly oxygenated blood to the organs. The American Journal of Epidemiology published a six-year study that found that people who drank more than five glasses of water a day were 41% less likely to die from a heart attack than those who drank less than two glasses a day. Water makes your heart healthy as it decreases the threat of a heart attack by preventing your blood from thickening, and by lowering your blood pressure. Sufficient water consumption neutralizes pH levels, strengthens your immunity against kidney stones and other illnesses, and aids pain management especially body aches and headaches. Water acts as a catalyst for the renewal of optimal body functions thus drinking adequate amounts of water supports the performance of your liver and kidneys. These organs eliminate toxic substances, waste, and salt from your blood. Drink up# water for life.

WOMAN RESCUES STRAY DOGS.