What if you could actually do something to solve the problem of antibiotic resistance. Instead of just reading about it, and keeping your fingers crossed? It’s possible that a project at the UK’s University of Southampton will give you the chance. [1]
The Phage Collection Project aims to make a vast collection of bacteriophages, those handy bacteria-killing viruses whose praises we have sung many a time and oft on these pages. But, and here’s the killer app-they’re trying to involve ordinary citizens like you, gentle reader, to go out and collect them! You can read much much more about how to help on their website, which we have so handily posted. But for a really good take on what it’s like to participate, James Gallagher of the BBC takes part and makes his contribution. It’s a great little read [2]
So why not at least think of taking part? We spent the early years of this project tramping round pharmacies and pubs handing out leaflets. Or spoiling by election hustings by changing the subject to antibiotic resistance. (If Zac Goldsmith is reading this-sorry, but thanks for listening) We did our bit. Go on- read the website at least!
Thanks to M Foster-Boltz
[1]https://www.phage-collection.org/
[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czryvm3nlvdo
#bacteriophage #antibiotic resistance #citizen science #zac goldsmith #medicine #health
Learning, Science and Society 