S4E05: Antibiotic Resistance: A Call to Arms

Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar

Bacteria – and their constant ability to rapidly evolve and adapt – represent a scientific challenge that’s equal parts fascinating and disconcerting. The incredible innovations of the past century have not only prevented and treated infections that would otherwise be lethal, but also helped safeguard patients through critical surgeries and other treatments. However, challenges abound for the scientific community when it comes to discovery and development of new antibiotics. Chief among these is antibiotic resistance, with more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections every year leading to over 35,000 deaths. Co-host Danielle Mandikian sits down with Michael Koehler, Principal Scientist, Discovery Chemistry, and Melicent Peck, Project Team Leader and Senior Medical Director, to explore how the field is combating the crisis of resistance through novel antibiotics and antimicrobial stewardship. Read the full text transcript at: www.gene.com/stories/antibiotic-resistance-a-call-to-arms. Note: There is a reference at 10:15 to an infected blister causing the death of Abraham Lincoln's son; it is actually Calvin Coolidge's son.