Copper can be an effective weapon in the fight against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), according to new research from the University of Southampton, England.

Laboratory tests by Professor Bill Keevil have established that the natural antimicrobial properties of copper and copper alloys dramatically reduce the presence of MRSA compared with stainless steel, the most commonly used surface-metal in health institutions, according to the university. In Keevil’s experiments, MRSA on stainless steel remained active for days, whereas on pure copper the bacteria were eliminated in 30 minutes.

The university hosted a live demonstration of the process on the website: www.antimicrobialtouchsurface.com