All posts by Nigel Mellors

Poliovirus: What is it and why is it being found in the London Sewers?

According to several recent news articles, Poliovirus has been found in a higher-than-average number of London sewage samples, but what is it, why is it there and what can we do to be safe? What is Poliovirus? Poliovirus is a positive-strand non-enveloped virus that exists as three distinct serotypes (1, 2, and 3). Poliovirus is the causative agent of poliomyelitis, which can cause nerve injury leading to partial or...

How can climate change negatively impact the skin microbiome and cause skin conditions?

The many variables of climate change including temperature, humidity, UV radiation, and air pollution, all influence our skin, our outermost protective barrier against such environmental factors. As well as our skin cells, the cutaneous barrier of the human body also includes a network of organisms called the cutaneous microbiome (also known as the skin microbiome) which can also be influenced by the many factors of climate change and affect...

Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC): What is it and should you be testing for it?

Burkholderia cepacia has been in the news recently as it was thought to have contaminated up to 180 bottles of hair product, causing the production company to voluntarily recall the product. What is Burkholderia cepacia? Burkholderia cepacia is the name given to a group of bacteria that can be found in water and soil. These bacteria pose little risk to people that are healthy, however, they can cause infections...

Monkeypox – What is it and how can the spread be minimised?

Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can occur in certain animals, including humans. The monkeypox virus is an enveloped virus from the orthopoxvirus genus in the family poxviridae. The orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar, but milder than, the symptoms of smallpox. It...

Sustainability

Melbec is committed to helping improve the environment and supporting our local communities over 2019 and 2020. All our Energy used at Melbec is from 100% renewable sources to help reduce our carbon footprint. We are sponsors of the Woodland Trust helping to plant new trees and support our natural environments. We have purchased three acres of rainforest on behalf of our customers through the world land trust to...

A History of Microbiology – An Infographic

Microbiology has a long and rich history, initially focused on the causes of infectious diseases but now including many practical applications of the science. Many people have contributed to microbiology over the years, but a man called Antonie Phillips van Leewenhoek is generally considered to be the ‘father of microbiology’. Other famous names include Robert Hooke, an English scientist made famous by his key observation with a microscope in...

Antimicrobial Textile Finishes Explained

Antimicrobial finished on textiles have generated a lot of interest in recent years in both the medical and textiles clothing industry. Here at Melbec, we have seen the industry and demand for the appropriate micro textiles testing increase at the same time. The interest in antimicrobial finishes for two reasons; in healthcare, the potential to reduce infection transmission, and for the ability to prolong the lifespan and performance of...

Cosmetic Testing Explained

This week we are looking at cosmetic testing. Why are cosmetic products tested? What type of tests are available? And finally, what Melbec Microbiology can assist with. Testing cosmetic products is essential for anyone wanting to produce and sell cosmetics in the EU, it is required by law and applies to all; big manufacturers and small or independent brands. Products must be registered on the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal...

Welcome to UKAS Accredited (8615) Lab Melbec Microbiology

Hello and welcome to the very first blog post from UKAS accredited (8615) lab, Melbec Microbiology. Over the coming months, we will be posting a series of blogs discussing an interesting range of topics, such as cosmetic product testing, what antimicrobial finishes are, and anything else micro related! For our first blog post, we thought we would tell you a little bit more about Melbec, who we are, what...