Introduction to Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance has become an increasingly fatal problem that South Florida college students are trying to solve. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in 2019, antimicrobial resistance killed 1.27 million people worldwide and nearly 5 million deaths were associated with infections caused by drug-resistant organisms. Research has shown that this number is projected to increase to 10 million per year by 2050, greatly exceeding deaths from cancer.
Student-Led Research
A Nova Southeastern University professor and her class of 40 students are conducting research and searching for the next new antibiotic. For students, being part of the Tiny Earth network of student researchers is more than just a course: They become scientists working to address a global challenge while cultivating a sense of belonging in the field of science and within their local communities. Students test soil from around the NSU campus or their backyards. “Some students have found bacteria that are producing antibiotic-like compounds,” said Dr. Aarti Raja, the NSU professor teaching the course. “We are working to identify what these bacteria are and the composition of the compounds they are producing.”
The Concept of Crowdsourcing Antibiotic Discovery
The concept of crowdsourcing antibiotic discovery has opened the possibility of finding a solution to this global challenge. Leveraging this model allows entire classes of students — not just one or two students — to engage in research. “Students often speak about how research plays an important role in their career path and express genuine interest in engaging in the work,” Raja said. “For many students, there is a great thrill in owning a project, being involved in a global effort, and the possibility of discovering something novel.”
Global Efforts to Combat Antibiotic Resistance
NSU in Davie is among 540 institutions, 800 faculty, and 16,000 students worldwide working to find a solution to the antibiotic resistance crisis that affects care in hospitals and the narrowing of medical treatment options. Students work through a semester or beyond on their research. Undergraduate students at Nova Southeastern University in Davie work in a microbiology lab classroom on the Tiny Earth project under the guidance of Dr. Aarti Raja. (Madison Kasper/Courtesy)
Student Involvement and Impact
“I was able to create pamphlets and talk about antibiotic resistance with my family, and help people understand the importance of it and why it should be taken seriously,” said Jennifer Vargas, a junior at NSU in Davie. “I hope the pamphlets I created in English and Spanish will help patients.” The students will disseminate their research findings to their peers, the university community, and the network of researchers worldwide. Some students will go on to present their work at an international conference of scientists.
Economic and Health Impacts
In the U.S., the CDC estimates that 2.8 million infections annually are caused by antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, and 35,000 people die from such infections. Compounding this, the World Health Organization notes that the development and approval of antibiotics have dwindled over the years down to 1.2 agents per year globally. Along with health concerns, combating antimicrobial resistance, called AMR, has economic impacts, creating high costs for both health systems and national economies overall. For example, it makes a need for more expensive and intensive care for patients, involves prolonged hospital stays, and harms agricultural productivity.
Conclusion
The student-led discovery of future antibiotics is a crucial step in combating the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. By engaging students in research and crowdsourcing antibiotic discovery, we can tap into the creativity and innovation of the next generation of scientists. As Raja says, students often speak about how research plays a vital role in their career path and express a genuine interest in engaging in the work. Many of the students will continue to medical school and face the real-life concerns with antibiotic resistance as physicians treating patients. “This was my first experience with hands-on research,” said Jaelyn Freeston, an NSU junior. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to something meaningful and important in the real world.”
FAQs
Q: What is antibiotic resistance?
A: Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to resist the effects of antibiotics, making them less effective in treating infections.
Q: Why is antibiotic resistance a problem?
A: Antibiotic resistance is a problem because it makes it harder to treat infections, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.
Q: How can students contribute to the discovery of new antibiotics?
A: Students can contribute to the discovery of new antibiotics by participating in research projects, such as the Tiny Earth network, and testing soil samples for bacteria that produce antibiotic-like compounds.
Q: What is the Tiny Earth network?
A: The Tiny Earth network is a global network of students, faculty, and researchers working together to discover new antibiotics and combat antibiotic resistance.
Q: How can I get involved in the Tiny Earth network?
A: You can get involved in the Tiny Earth network by contacting your local university or research institution to see if they have a Tiny Earth program. You can also visit the Tiny Earth website to learn more about the network and how to get involved.
