By putting two substances known for their antiseptic properties into the molecular equivalent of bath beads, British scientists say they were able to create an anti-bacterial agent more effective than its member compounds.

A study released by the University of Wolverhampton found that the properties of the new creation enabled it to kill bacteria that cause staph infections, while reducing the side effect profile of both silver nitrate and tea tree oil.

The authors write that by reducing the bluish cast given to skin by silver and the irritation caused by the oil, the treatment may be better tolerated by those looking for over-the-counter treatments of skin wounds "without damaging the surrounding skin."

Other alternatives are also being considered in the fight against anti-microbial infections that can devastate high population density areas such as hospitals.

Researchers in Sweden were able to use a probiotic, the good bacteria often found in the human gut, to reduce bacteria in ventilated patients and found that it was as effective as its chemical counterpart in minimizing the effect of airborne pathogens.

A protein found in alligator blood may show similar promise in destroying bacteria, including MRSA, said Louisiana biochemists.