The Show About Science

Bacteriophages with Ben Chan

Mar 24, 2024

Researcher from Yale University, Ben Chan, discusses the potential of bacteriophages in treating human infections and combating antibiotic resistance. The podcast explores phage collection processes, their unique appearance, and their role as a possible alternative to broad-spectrum antibiotics in fighting harmful bacteria.

14:36

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Episode guests

Ben Chan

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Bacteriophages are effective in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, offering potential solutions in treating infections.

Phages play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by eliminating a significant portion of the planet's bacteria daily.

Deep dives

Understanding the Battle Between Bacteria and Bacteriophages

Bacteria, omnipresent single-celled organisms, face constant threat from bacteriophages, viruses targeting bacteria exclusively. Bacteriophages play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by eliminating nearly half of the planet's bacteria daily. Human reliance on antibiotics to combat harmful bacteria has led to antibiotic resistance, prompting exploration of bacteriophages as potential allies in the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections.

Introduction

2min

Exploring the Appearance and Diversity of Bacteria Phages

2min

Bacteriophage Collection and Identification Process

1min

Combatting Antibiotic Resistance with Bacteriophages

6min

Exploring the Potential of Bacteriophages as Antibiotic Alternatives

3min

Bacteriophages, also known as ‘phages,’ are the most common lifeform on the planet. They are constantly hunting for bacteria to infect and kill. What if we could harness these tiny microbes to help us in our fight against harmful, disease-causing bacteria? On this episode of The Show About Science, Ben Chan, from Yale University, joins Nate to explore the potential of phages in treating human infections amid the declining effectiveness of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

If you’re interested in collecting phage samples, you can email Ben at b.chan@yale.edu for further instructions on how to safely prepare and send your samples.

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