Dr. Jonathan Stokes, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Jim Collins’ lab at MIT, delves into the fascinating world of antibiotics and the role of machine learning in discovering new compounds. He highlights the incredible history of antibiotics, from penicillin's serendipitous discovery to the present-day challenges of antibiotic resistance. The discussion covers the innovative techniques being used to combat bacterial infections and the promising potential of machine learning to revolutionize future antibiotic development, making us feel like we’re truly living in the future!
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Fleming's Penicillin Discovery Story
Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin after observing mold killing bacteria on Petri dishes.
He creatively cultivated the mold to isolate "mold juice" and named it penicillin.
insights INSIGHT
Fleming's Discovery May Be Engineered
Fleming likely engineered or planned his penicillin discovery story for simplicity and impact.
The biological feasibility of mold naturally killing staph on an established culture was unlikely.
insights INSIGHT
Why Fleming's Work Stood Out
Others observed mold's antibacterial power, but Fleming uniquely pursued it as a potential treatment.
His key realization was penicillin was not harmful to human cells, making it a "magic bullet."
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Martin Blazer's "Missing Microbes" explores the connection between the rise of chronic diseases and the widespread use of antibiotics. The book argues that the overuse of antibiotics, both in medicine and animal agriculture, has disrupted the human microbiome, leading to various health problems. Blazer presents evidence suggesting that a balanced microbiome is crucial for overall health and well-being. He discusses the role of gut bacteria in various bodily functions and how their disruption can contribute to chronic illnesses. The book advocates for a more cautious and targeted approach to antibiotic use to preserve the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Antibacterial Agents, Chemistry, Mode of Action, Mechanisms of Resistance, and Clinical Applications
Antibacterial Agents, Chemistry, Mode of Action, Mechanisms of Resistance, and Clinical Applications
Rosaline Anderson
Antibiotics Challenges Mechanisms Opportunities
Antibiotics Challenges Mechanisms Opportunities
Christopher Walsh
Miracle Cure
Miracle Cure
William Rosen
Big Chicken
The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed the Way the World Eats
Maryn McKenna
In 'Big Chicken,' Maryn McKenna delves into the history and implications of the modern poultry industry, particularly the role of antibiotics in transforming chicken from a local delicacy to a global commodity. The book reveals how the use of antibiotics in farming has led to a global health crisis of antibiotic resistance, posing significant threats to human health. McKenna explores the historical, scientific, and cultural aspects of chicken production, highlighting the environmental and ethical concerns associated with industrial farming practices. The book also discusses potential alternatives and innovations towards a more sustainable and ethical poultry industry[1][2][4].
Fifty episodes. That’s fifty (sometimes) deadly viruses, bacteria, protozoa, parasites, and poisons. And don’t forget the fifty quarantinis to accompany each! What better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than talking about something that may actually save you: antibiotics. In this, our golden anniversary episode, our ambition tempts us to tackle the massive world of these bacteria-fighting drugs. We explore the various ways that antibiotics duel with their bacterial enemies to deliver us from infection, and we trace their history, from the early years of Fleming and Florey to the drama-laden labs of some soil microbiologists. Finally, we end, as we always do, with discussing where we stand with antibiotics today. Dr. Jonathan Stokes (@ItsJonStokes), postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Jim Collins’ lab at MIT, joins us to talk about some of his lab’s amazing research on using machine learning to discover new antibiotics, which prompts us to repeat “that is SO COOL” and “we are truly living in the future.” We think you’ll agree.
To read more about using machine learning to uncover antibiotic compounds, head to the Collins’ lab website, the Audacious Project site, or check out Dr. Stokes’ paper:
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