What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger—a perfect quote from Kelly Clarkson to describe antimicrobial resistance. The current lack of access to better lines of antibiotics in low- and middle-income countries can actually make microbial infections (MIs) stronger. You can thank natural selection: if the MIs are not effectively killed by antibiotics, there is the possibility of diminishing returns in terms of efficacy against MIs. The Center for Global Development has started trying to make the better lines of antibiotics more accessible while restricting their frequency of use. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
